Chapter One: A Fading Flame
"The flame within a person drives them forward on the track of life."
That's what I was always told. The phrase echoed in my mind countless times over the years — I remembered it whenever I felt despair or overwhelming fear. And now, with the end approaching… well, if we're talking about the future, it's the end of the world — and I'm not joking.
Yes, I'm afraid of my own end. I don't care what kind of ending others will have. I won't deny it — I'm a nobody who fears constant failure, who fears losing something, who fears missing opportunities. In short, I'm a coward — selfish, pessimistic, always imagining the worst possible outcomes.
All that's left for me now is to wait. I sit here on this iron chair, glancing around again and again, trying to escape from my reality — or from what's about to happen in a few hours. I lower my head and raise my trembling hands; they're shaking so hard I can barely control them.
Despite the beauty of the place — its magnificent design, the artistic engravings on the walls, the countless statues arranged in a circle with the iron chair I sat on placed right in the center — I have to admit I was captivated by its design at first glance. The bright lamps reflected strongly off the metal floor, giving a strangely soothing feeling.
Yes, "strangely" — because that's how it always feels in Facility 0. I still remember the day I came here five years ago, at twenty years old — childish, cheerful, careless. But time changes everything.
The very existence of this facility, I personally describe as the beginning of the end. The world changed drastically. Disasters and bizarre phenomena spread across the globe, wiping out a massive portion of humanity.
For me — and for many others — our situation was different. I can't say we were lucky; I'd call it a deadly curse.
Amid the catastrophes, a strange disease appeared out of nowhere — no cure, no vaccine, no known origin. And yes, I was one of those infected.
A small percentage of those who contracted the disease survived — and gained extraordinary powers. It sounds incredible, right? I felt that way too, at first… until I was forced to come to this giant cage, where its leaders and people lived as refugees, hiding from disasters and diseases. We, the gifted ones, live in the lowest layer — underground.
That's what I call false beauty. No one truly likes living here. Ever since I sat on this chair, I could hear the constant screams of others around me — to the point where I almost went insane. Or maybe I already am.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice one of the officers entering the hall until he suddenly grabbed a crying girl by her hair and shouted:
"Trash like you belongs in the gutter or the grave! But we're merciful enough to keep you here to help us find a solution for the outside world. Yet all you ever do out there is die — and in here, cry. Are you mocking us?!"
He never stopped yanking her hair, hurling insults at everyone, his ugly face twisted in rage. Honestly, just seeing it makes me want to vomit.
I hate to admit it, but I realized his words were partially true. From time to time, groups of members are chosen — led by one of the supervisors — and sent outside the facility. Since it's located in the middle of Antarctica, storms rage all year round. In short, it's a one-way trip. And who are we to object?
This time, it's my turn — along with the others in the hall. But as I thought about it, I couldn't understand why I was chosen. I mean, all I can do is change my appearance into anyone I want. How would that help outside? I really hate my luck.
…
An hour passed since the officer's shouting. The atmosphere was quiet — too quiet — yet the tension grew heavier with every second.
Moments later, a group of masked figures entered the room, their breathing devices hissing softly as they moved steadily toward each of us.
When the one in front of me stopped, he said my name in a firm tone:
"Liomord Raylus. We wish you good luck — you'll need it."
After receiving the bag gently, curiosity immediately got the better of me. Like any sane person, I opened it right away. Inside were basic supplies, a knife, a firearm, and — most importantly — a special exploration suit designed to partially resist the freezing temperatures and other harsh elements outside, while enhancing physical endurance.
Honestly, the only thing on my mind was finding food in that bag. But as usual, I got the worst meal of everyone. I'm pretty sure it's not a coincidence — though I stopped caring long ago.
…
When the green light above the door flickered on, everyone dropped what they were doing and stood up quickly. There were about ten of us in total.
Seconds later, the doors opened, revealing a long corridor stretching endlessly ahead. Without a word, we began walking. No one tried to talk or start a conversation. I understood — I didn't want to either. Each of us was too caught up in our own fears, unwilling to form bonds that would only end in death within hours.
…
At the end of the corridor was a scanner — it recorded our fingerprints and took our identification photos. Once done, the final door opened.
Unintentionally, I widened my eyes at the sight before me. The place was enormous beyond description, filled with armored vehicles and machines I had never seen in my life. In the center stood a man — his elegant uniform and the insignia over his heart made it obvious he was the commander of this operation. And my guess was confirmed moments later when he spoke:
"Today is your day. I hope you're all prepared. Do not fear the unknown. Give everything you have for survival — and for saving even a fragment of this world. The world will remember you as heroes."
"I am Alfred Edward. It's an honor to accompany you on this mission — and I'll make sure we all return safely."
I won't lie to myself — his words shocked me. It was the first time someone spoke to me with respect. His speech was overly polished, sure, and it didn't move anyone — not even me, since we all knew our fate — but at least he tried. And I'm certain he knew that too, yet he still smiled.
Time passed — from sitting in that hall to entering the vehicle that was lifted up to the surface by a platform. I could only wish to return in one piece. But before I could even imagine coming back alive… the sight before me stunned me completely.