On the planet of Citarada, nestled within one of the sturdy human shelters, a bustling congregation of Anti-Meta Human travelers, seasoned soldiers in their own right, meticulously arranged their provisions in preparation for their imminent return to Earth. These intrepid voyagers bore a weighty responsibility, tasked by the government to embark upon daring expeditions to uncharted realms, their missions fraught with unknown dangers lurking amidst the alien planets. The sheer unpredictability of these endeavors rendered their roles even more perilous than those of the average Anti-Meta Human officers. Nevertheless, their bravery and dedication were aptly rewarded, as the government compensated these valiant explorers handsomely for their ventures into the enigmatic cosmic abyss.
In stark contrast to their counterparts, the Anti-Meta Human travelers enjoyed intermittent respite in the form of cherished holidays. However, such reprieves did not imply negligence or dereliction of duty within the human shelters scattered across various planets. The travelers were organized into groups, each assigned the responsibility of safeguarding and managing a designated shelter for approximately six months. Upon completion of their tenure, another group would seamlessly assume the mantle, continuing the research and daily tasks with unwavering resolve.
Within each shelter, two commanders held the authority to venture beyond its confines whenever they deemed necessary. Thus, Selena and Tyler, the current commanders of their shelter, exercised the privilege to depart the premises when circumstances warranted. Today, however, held a special significance, as it marked the departure of Ethan's entourage from the Planet Citarada, their ultimate destination being their cherished home, Earth.
As Ethan traversed the shelter with an unmistakable grin adorning his countenance, he approached the headquarters building, his footsteps carrying him towards Miller's quarters. Despite the previous altercation between Ethan and Miller, an altercation that could deceive an unacquainted observer into perceiving them as long-standing adversaries, Ethan regarded Miller as a friend, despite the lack of familiarity between them. Ethan's knowledge of Miller was limited to his name alone, unaware of his city of origin back on Earth.
Standing before Miller's door, Ethan took a deep breath, memories of their recent clash resurfacing in his mind. From an outsider's perspective, the intensity of their conflict might suggest a deep-seated animosity, yet such was not the case. The silence was abruptly shattered by Ethan's resolute knock, prompting Miller to open the door and meet his gaze.
Miller, burdened by a twinge of guilt stemming from their altercation, felt remorse for clashing with Ethan. Of all the Anti-Meta Human travelers he had encountered since arriving at the shelter, Ethan had been the sole individual who extended genuine kindness towards him. Engaging in combat with Ethan felt like a betrayal of their budding camaraderie. However, the system imposed a quest upon Miller, accompanied by dire consequences for noncompliance. Consequently, he found himself grappling with a profound dilemma—should he unwaveringly obey the system's instructions, even if they clashed with his moral compass?
"Hello, Ethan. You may come in," Miller spoke, his voice breaking the silence in an attempt to dispel the lingering awkwardness between them. The two males stared at each other, the weight of their recent discord hanging palpably in the air.
Ethan, breaking the silence, began speaking, "I won't say much. Selena has given me orders to inform you that you and James will be joining us on our journey back to Earth. We depart early tomorrow morning."
"Thank you for the information," Miller replied, a smile spreading across his face.
Ethan proceeded to position himself at the front of the room, the awkwardness still lingering between them due to their recent clash. Despite the disparity in their ages, Ethan recognized the value of friendship and cherished the connection he had forged with Miller. Although he did not boast an extensive circle of friends, he considered Miller one of his cherished companions, unaware of Miller's perspective on their bond.
"Since today marks your final day on this planet, why don't we savor our last serving of Komik'Nata together?" Ethan suggested.
A wide grin illuminated Miller's face, his fondness for the delectable Amargan dish known as Komik'Nata evident. He knew he would dearly miss the flavorsome meal and saw no harm in indulging in one last feast with his newfound friend.
****************
The group of Anti-Meta Human travelers, now assembled within a portal room, had been instructed by the shelter's commanding officers to accompany the other extraterrestrial prisoners—Zabat, Getrax, and the remaining aliens who had escaped the Mevorotrians' prison—on their journey back to their respective planets through the teleporter. As they bid farewell, Getrax and Zabat shared heartfelt embraces with their fellow travelers, promising to remain friends until the twilight hours. Getrax, though more reserved in his affections, maintained a neutral stance.
Before their departure, Getrax beckoned James to a secluded corner, haunted by a persistent query that had plagued him throughout their time together. He vividly recalled the moment James had summoned him to accompany him to the ruins of Mala Ses and had inquired about his motivations. James had offered a cryptic response, stating their mission aimed to aid the universe.
"What did you mean by that statement?" Getrax inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Aware of the secrecy imposed by the system, James carefully weighed his words before responding, "It was merely a notion that occurred to me."
With the prisoners safely transported to their respective destinations, the ethereal lady and the young boy, who had silently observed the proceedings within the shelter, decided to accompany their newfound friends on their journey back to Earth. These enigmatic figures had remained within the confines of the shelter, opting not to meddle in the affairs of others.
As for the young boy, his delight at reuniting with James was palpable.
(Note: The reason mutants were not apprehended here was due to the absence of authority granted to Anti-Meta Human traveler soldiers. Such powers were solely vested in Anti-Meta Human officers like the late Derek.)
Within this particular shelter, housing approximately 50,000 Anti-Meta Human travelers, 700 portals stood poised, awaiting their turn for activation.
Miller, positioned in the queue alongside his fellow travelers, found himself standing behind the ethereal lady, with James following closely behind him. Directly in front of Miller stood the young boy, whose tail unabashedly swayed from side to side, serving as a conspicuous reminder of his unique attributes.
Awaiting their turn to traverse the portal, Miller suddenly caught sight of flickering green words materializing in his vision, emanating from the system:
[INSIGHT SKILL LEVEL 2 ACHIEVED]
[ENHANCED PERCEPTION]
[THE USER GAINS AN INCREASED ABILITY TO PERCEIVE SUBTLE MOVEMENTS AND CHANGES IN THEIR SURROUNDINGS, MAKING IT EASIER TO DETECT HIDDEN OBJECTS OR ENEMIES]
A broad smile illuminated Miller's face, despite his limited understanding of the system's inner workings. The system, an entity beyond human creation due to its incomprehensible sophistication, held the power to grant its users abilities upon the completion of quests. How it possessed the capability to bestow such powers upon individuals remained an enigma. Nonetheless, one thing remained clear—frequent utilization of his skills would increase the likelihood of their advancement.
Finally, their turn arrived to embark upon the portal, transporting them to their beloved Earth. Stepping through, they found themselves bathed in a brilliant white light. As Miller opened his eyes, the first sight to greet him was a cascade of green words, once again manifesting from the system:
[EXP POINTS GRANTED TO THE USER UPON INITIAL ARRIVAL ON PLANET EARTH (PRIME) SINCE POSSESSING THE SYSTEM]
[EXP: 50]
[EXP GRANTED]
[EXP: 1800/3200]
[EXP POINTS GRANTED TO THE USER UPON INITIAL ARRIVAL ON ANOTHER PLANET SINCE POSSESSING THE SYSTEM]
[EXP: 50]
[EXP GRANTED]
[EXP: 1850/3200]
[USER GRANTED A NEW SUB-SKILL OF INSIGHT UPON ARRIVAL ON PLANET EARTH]
[SUB-SKILL: X-RAY]
[X-RAY LEVEL 1]
[HYPERAWARENESS]
Miller's smile widened, bolstered by the realization that the system continued to augment his abilities. Though the intricacies of the system eluded him, he recognized its capacity to empower its users. The journey had just begun, and with each step, Miller's connection to this enigmatic system deepened, propelling him toward an unknown destiny.
*******
PLANET CITARADA
(1 WEEK LATER)
Agonized cries echoed through the smoke-filled air as Amargans and humans alike writhed in pain, their bodies scarred by the merciless onslaught of fire.
The relentless clash between Amargans, humans, and the towering green aliens raged on with an intensity that shook the very foundations of the planet. It was a battle of survival, where the physically imposing and technologically superior race they faced posed a formidable challenge. The lifeless forms of fallen Amargan beasts and warriors and many Anti-Meta Human travellers soldiers painted a grim tableau of the casualties inflicted upon the defenders.
Amidst the mayhem, a figure sprinted with a desperation fueled by familial love. Kisa'Kei, her heart pounding in her chest, raced towards her family's dwelling in the city of Lela'Naru. Her singular focus was to ensure the safety of her younger brother, Taj'Kei, and offer solace in the face of overwhelming turmoil.
As Kisa drew nearer to their home, a piercing sound cut through the cacophony—a heart-wrenching symphony of her mother's pleas for mercy and her desperate cries for help. Ana'Mira'Kei, Kisa's mother, beseeched a colossal green alien towering before her, clutching Taj'Kei tightly in her arms, the epitome of a mother's unwavering love and sacrifice.
"Please, spare us! We know not who the chosen one is," Ana'Mira'Kei sobbed, her voice laced with fear and desperation, as she implored the imposing figure standing before her.
Kisa was finally at the door, her heart pounding in her chest. Fear and anguish gripped her as she witnessed the horrifying scene before her. Her eyes welled up with tears as she locked eyes with the alien, its face obscured by shadows. Trembling, she called out to her mother, desperation lacing her voice.
"Mother...."
But before she could utter another word, a sickening sound filled the air, drowning out her cry. The room seemed to freeze in time as Kisa's horrified gaze fixated on the alien's axe, stained crimson with blood. With a swift and merciless swing, the blade sliced through the air, severing the heads of both her beloved mother and her innocent younger brother.
The world shattered around her as the lifeless bodies crumpled to the ground, their warm presence stolen forever. Kisa stood frozen, trapped in a nightmare she couldn't wake up from, as the alien's chilling laughter echoed in the room.
Little did she know, this ruthless act of violence was only the beginning, and her path would be forever altered by the horrors she had just witnessed.
The Question is:
What dark purpose had led this malevolent force to commit such unspeakable acts of violence? And what path of vengeance or redemption would Kisa'Kei embark upon in the wake of this devastating loss?
The story had only just begun, and the harrowing events on Planet Citarada were merely a prelude to the treacherous journey awaiting those who dared to uncover the truth.
*******
AUTHOR'S NOTE: PLEASE VOTE FOR ME WITH POWER STONES SO THAT I CAN KEEP WRITING MORE CHAPTERS.