Three and a half years ago.
In a certain place, a boy with dark blue hair walked through a desolate gray hallway, where a cold breeze slid between the walls as footsteps echoed against the metal floor.
"Haah… how boring. Honestly, I couldn't care less about these meetings… but I have to fulfill my role as commander."
I advanced without hesitation. In front of me stood a metal door, but I didn't stop; I kept walking until it opened automatically. I stepped into the next room: it was dimly lit, and I could feel many eyes turning toward me, faces full of irritation at my late arrival.
—You're late, Famtom.
I fixed my gaze straight ahead; the voice came from a young man with blond hair sitting at the far end of the table, his face illuminated by the glow of the tabletop screen.
—Forgive me for my tardiness, Chief. Some unforeseen matters came up… With your permission, I'll take my seat.
I bowed in apology and sat in the only empty chair, right beside the Chief. He sighed, noticing my unchanged attitude, then swept his gaze across the room.
—Now that all the commanders are here, let us begin the meeting. As you all know, I've gathered you today to discuss how to end the apocalypse. If you review the records of the last three and a half years since the catastrophe began… Thud!
A loud strike on the table drew everyone's attention.
—Hey! Why are we having this meeting now, huh? We should've had it a long time ago! Three years have passed and we've done nothing about it!
A red-haired girl shot up from her seat, slamming both hands onto the table as she glared at the Chief with irritation. I glanced at her.
"Ever since the apocalypse began… I don't know what I feel: hatred… sadness… joy… I don't know, I don't care. The only thing I've learned is that such feelings are irrational, they make us weak… acting like that is childish and stupid," I thought.
—The main reason this meeting hasn't been held is quite simple, but since you're thick-headed, you haven't figured it out.
—What did you just say, idiot?!
The blond young man answered with a faintly unsettling smile, and at his words, the girl flinched, her pride clearly wounded. She frowned deeply at the Chief.
—Oops, forgive me, I may have let my tongue slip a little. Anyway, moving on: the main mission of the bunker is to protect as many people as possible—regardless of kingdom, city, or social status. But now that we have the situation under control, we can calmly discuss this matter without worry, don't you think?
The Chief brushed his hair back with elegance as he looked at her.
—Hmph!
The redhead turned her face away, clearly frustrated at being rebuked like that.
—Well, if anyone has doubts, now is the time to speak.
—I, for one, disagree with what I've heard. —A boy wearing a rather strange hat spoke, puffing on a cigarette.
—Chief, I think we're straying from the point. Where do you plan to investigate first? The monsters haven't appeared in any specific zone.
A young man with dark green hair spoke, his eyes resting on me with a faint, doubtful smile.
—Haha, that answer is simple: we'll go to the ruins of Nonkrei! That's where the clan of knights was, right before the apocalypse. We might find valuable information there.
—That place is crawling with monsters! Wouldn't it be better to ask for help from Sumaria Academy?
The redhead interrupted again, propping her boots on the table and crossing her legs. The blond young man's expression tensed slightly at her words. He despised those from the Academy—for one simple reason: they used "magic." For the Chief, that was something irritating, something to be despised, and everyone in the room knew it.
—Haah… that again. How many times must I tell you we can't trust those people? Forest beasts have existed for over a hundred years and they still haven't figured out how to use magic! Hahaha. Meanwhile, I, in just four years, have created all this technology to help people. Who would humanity trust more? Those charlatans with no logical basis? Or me?
After saying this, he calmed himself a little and continued.
—Besides, it's better to keep this research secret for now. That way, we avoid ideological problems and other issues.
The air grew tense. The commanders' faces stiffened at his words. Some exchanged glances, while others averted their eyes.
"As expected… if we made this research public, other nations would exploit it to obtain knowledge and advance their weaponry as quickly as possible. We're talking about a very ancient clan with highly advanced knowledge. One wrong move, and it could spark a war over it."
The boy with the cap smirked, then glanced sideways at the Chief, as if about to speak.
—I would offer myself for the mission, but I think it would be better for a more capable commander, one of higher rank, to go. That's why I propose Famtom. But from what I see, he has no intention of going.
Up until then, I had remained silent. But upon hearing his mock politeness, I fixed my gaze on him. His fake smile only confirmed what I suspected: he wanted to provoke me. The other commanders all turned to me with intrigue; as the number one commander, my words carried weight.
—I won't deny it, but I'm not interested in taking part in this mission.
—Oh, really? But you're the first-rank commander, Famtom. Why would you turn down this mission?
The young man's question sounded innocent, but it was dripping with sarcasm. Clearly, he was trying to provoke me with his impulsive behavior, but I wouldn't give in.
—It's true that I'm the number one commander and should be the one to go, but my abilities aren't the most suited for this mission. What's required here is strategy, not strength. And your analytical ability surpasses mine, doesn't it, Luga?
Luga stroked his chin, pondering my words.
—I see… you make a good point. In that case, if you don't go, then I will.
After saying that, he smiled broadly, but I paid him no mind.
—I didn't expect such a quick decision. So, Luga, I'll give you the detai—
—One moment, I didn't say I had fully accepted. I only have one condition: I want to choose the scientists and knights who will accompany me on the mission. Any problem with that?
The Chief leaned back in his chair, thoughtful.
—I had a few people in mind, but since it's your request, I'll gladly accept it.
—Thank you very much, my dear Chief!
Luga bowed his head respectfully.
—The rest of you, report if you find anything useful at the international outposts. With that, the meeting is concluded.
—Yes, sir!
Everyone stood up, except me—I remained seated, but no one minded; they already knew how I was. Before we left, the Chief asked the top three commanders to stay, and unfortunately, I was one of them, to handle internal matters.
After a while, I left, wondering why I had even attended the meeting in the first place, since I wasn't busy beforehand… Perhaps I was looking for something to spark my interest. But, as always, I only found a deep emptiness…