I checked my phone to see who it could be. It was an unknown number. Probably Makiavelo. He was even more obsessed than Kraf with running tests on me to evaluate my new condition after the genetic modification in the incubator.
Herlin was still asleep. She looked exhausted. I tried to slip out of bed without waking her. Once I got up, I tucked her in. Her exhaustion wasn't just physical—it was mental. And that weighs more over time.
I got ready and went to the simulator.
When I arrived, Makiavelo was already waiting with a group of scientists. He smiled as soon as he saw me.
—"Traytros… hehehe, good thing you're here. Today we'll test how strong you've become… and how much you can endure."
In my opinion, Makiavelo was the typical mad scientist. Black hair with streaks of gray, oversized glasses, a long nose. Always clasped his hands together when scheming something. He looked like the backstabbing type.
I agreed to the tests. As I entered, they spoke to me through the radio, informing me of what was to come.
—"Low-pressure test begins in 3... 2... 1..."
The oxygen began to drop. I felt pressure in my body, like I was about to burst.
On the other side of the glass, Makiavelo watched closely, monitoring how my body reacted.
I didn't know what my limits were. Judging by how things were going, I was probably going to pass out.
I was already on my knees, about to collapse, when Makiavelo spoke through the radio:
—"Traytros… your vitals initially showed you were going to die, but over time they adapted. It's… astonishing. Your body is showing signs that it can adjust to the situation. Hehehe… impressive. This will take time, so brace yourself… we're testing everything on you today. Heh… heh..."
I expected as much. What worried me was how much longer I could last… and whether I'd survive.
Each test was worse than the last. I lost count.
—"Water test begins in 3... 2... 1..."
—"Fire test begins in..."
—"Radiation test begins..."
After nearly the entire day, I had even passed the radiation test. But I was completely drained. I passed out.
While unconscious, I had dreams… or something else. Strange beings appeared. They spoke, but I couldn't understand them. They showed me visions: cities burning, crying, death, war…
When I woke up, I was in the infirmary. They had probably brought me there after the tests. I felt tired, but okay.
Makiavelo entered.
—"Traytros, hello."
—"Makiavelo… what happened?"
—"Well, I wanted to see how far you could go. I have two pieces of news. One: unfortunately, I couldn't finish all the tests I had in mind. But… two: hehe… you're a remarkable specimen. You exceeded expectations. We'll probably see each other again soon, hehe."
—"So you're not going to tell me what my abilities are?"
—"You won't be easy to kill. But that doesn't mean you can't suffer. The interesting thing was what we saw while you were unconscious: your brain activity showed abnormalities… like dreams, but more intense. Do you remember anything?"
I didn't know what to say. I remembered little. And I didn't know if he'd think I was crazy if I told him what I saw. So I decided to lie.
—"No… just some blurry things. Nothing more, Makiavelo."
He looked at me, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
—"We'll keep researching. But for now… that's all. You're free to go."
After squeezing every fiber of my body… he discarded me like nothing.
I left the infirmary and decided to spend some time at the plaza. But then Captain Frederick called me.
—"Frederick? What now?"
—"Traytros, I need you to come to my office immediately. It's urgent."
His tone was firm, direct, and sounded worried. I hung up without replying and headed there as fast as I could.
When I arrived, I saw Frederick meeting with several soldiers. Leonidas, Thomas, and Aruka were there. This was serious.
I entered. Frederick spoke with determination:
—"Alright, everyone's here. Gentlemen, this is important. Aroa is under attack, and the army can't go. So we're sending the best of the Rangers and the Phoenix Squad. We leave at dawn. As soon as we have the gear, we move."
Aroa? By who? Why? All roads led to Rome… and sooner or later, it was my turn to face Aroa.
Frederick continued:
—"Thomas, Leonidas, and Aruka will go first to assess the area. Once they report it's clear, Phoenix Squad will enter and secure the zone. Conor, Traytros, and I will head to the control tower. Our goal is to retake it and reestablish communication. The government didn't approve this mission, so we're going on our own."
I couldn't understand why the government would refuse to help a region of its own country. Didn't they want to prevent bloodshed? Or did they simply not care?
If they fall, it won't take long before we do. Frederick trusts me. I have to deliver.
After leaving, Thomas approached me.
—"You understand what's happening?"
—"I think so… but… what are we facing?"
—"The Marauders. No flag. Just looters. They have no mercy. They kill, rape, burn. We don't know what they're capable of."
—"So they attacked just to loot?"
—"Probably. We haven't confirmed yet. All I'll say is this: kill them all. Show no mercy. If you spare them, they'll slit your throat. See you at the airfield."
In other words… lawless butchers. And even though I don't like killing for killing's sake, Thomas was clear: you can't trust them.
But… was that really all?
When I got to my room, everything was clean. Bed made. Floor spotless. A plate of food on the table.
I sat down. I had several unread messages. They were from Herlin.
"I don't know where you went, but it must've been something important. Sorry, I fell asleep without realizing it."
"Are you okay? You haven't answered. I cleaned your room as a thank-you. Made you some food. Hope you like it."
"Traytros… I think I know where you are… or where you're going. Aroa was attacked. I can't believe they're attacking the largest region of the country like it's nothing… and the government does nothing. I think you're heading there. Please… be safe."
She was clearly worried.
I was about to reply… but received a call from Frederick.
—"Traytros, get to the airfield immediately! Sector 2 has fallen, and they're about to take sector 3! The defenses have collapsed. Hurry! Only one helicopter is available. You, Conor, and I will go first."
Everything was falling apart. I didn't get to reply to Herlin.
I'm sorry.
I went to the airfield and boarded the helicopter. We took off immediately.
During the flight, Frederick explained the plan.
—"They advanced quickly. Surprisingly, Aroa's forces are being crushed. No communication: they took the towers and blocked the signals. Once we land, we must secure the airfield so our forces can arrive. Then… we head straight to the tower."
Everything sounded like a suicide mission. Aroa was a battlefield in flames.
From the air… we saw it: explosions, destroyed buildings, smoke. Hell itself.
As we neared the airfield…
A missile struck the tail of the helicopter.
—"We're hit! Brace yourselves!" —Frederick shouted.
The helicopter alarm blared.
"DANGER. IMMINENT DESCENT. DANGER."
The helicopter spun out of control. I grabbed onto a bar as tightly as I could.
Frederick shouted at me:
—"Hold on, Traytros! Aaaah!"
The pilots repeated:
"We're hit! We're going down!"
I managed to crawl back toward the center… but we were too close to the ground.
One of the pilots screamed:
—"PREPARE FOR IMPACT!"
Frederick yelled:
—"HOLD ON!!"
The helicopter nosedived…
Until…
It crashed.