Seated amidst the ruins, Dmitry's gaze lingered on the desolation that surrounded him. The cold breeze sent shivers down his spine as he carefully manipulated the radio, hoping for a signal that would break the oppressive silence. Beside him, Vera, affected by the harsh conditions, couldn't help but express her concerns. "How long are we gonna be out here, Dmitry? It's getting cold, and we're running low on filters," she sighed, pinching her nose.
"Come on, let's head back to the below; Igor says he has something for you," Vera urged. They began a slow descent down the ramp crafted from ruined buildings. Vera continued her attempt to persuade Dmitry of their reality. "I know it's hard to accept, but there's nothing out there for us. Our life is below, and you have to accept that," she implored. "Don't you think that if there was someone out there, we would have found them by now?"
Walking down the ramp, Dmitry unexpectedly unearthed a collection of his old radio records, their faded ink detailing a history of fruitless searches. Despite the discouragement that had led him to cease these recordings, He had to stay determined. Pocketing the records, he carried with him not just the weight of paper but the weight of unyielding hope.
Upon reaching the base, Ivan awaited their return. "Dmitry, go see Igor; he made an adjustment to your mitt." Following Ivan's instruction, Dmitry made his way to Igor's workplace, where he was met with an enthusiastic welcome. "Dmitry, come, come, I have something for you," Igor exclaimed. "It's a makeshift compass, should help you find your way since you're so fond of going to the surface."
Dmitry donned the adjusted mitt and examined the weathered compass. Its aged appearance, rusted metal, and fogged glass told a tale of enduring the harsh environment. Despite its worn condition, it was better than nothing. He securely fastened the mitt onto his left wrist.
"Igor mentioned to me that the reactors down. We're losing power, would you please go check that out for me?".
Descending into the underground depths of the metro, Dmitry made his way towards the heart of their survival—the reconstructed breeder reactor. Unlike its nuclear counterpart designed for controlled fission, this breeder reactor operated on a unique principle, producing more fissionable material than it consumed for energy generation. However, this peculiarity necessitated a constant supply of materials to sustain its functionality.
Upon reaching the reactor, Dmitry observed a concerning shortage of essential material. Undeterred, he took initiative, utilizing the limited excess material available to replenish the reactor's dwindling reserves. The intricacies of maintaining this vital energy source weighed on him as he worked to ensure its continued operation in their post-apocalyptic refuge.
As Dmitry ventured back from the metro, the desolate aftermath of the war revealed another peril—a mutated monstrosity. The creature, once a dog now grotesquely altered by radiation-induced genetic mutations, lunged at him with ferocious intent. Devoid of fur and bearing a ghastly appearance, it embodied the harsh consequences of the nuclear fallout.
In the face of this mutated threat, Dmitry's instincts kicked in. Swiftly drawing his hunting knife, he engaged in a harrowing struggle against the feral creature. With practiced movements, Dmitry skillfully wielded the knife, eventually overcoming the mutant dog by slicing open its skull, causing it to collapse inert on the ground.
Dmitry pressed on, climbing his way back to the safety of the underground refuge, steadily ascending from the depths below.
Once back safely at the below, Dmitry meandered through the desolate surroundings, tirelessly scouring the area for essential supplies. After a thorough search, he stumbled upon a cache of med-packs, promptly securing them in his pockets.
Retrieving his trusty hunting knife and a makeshift semi-automatic firearm from Igor, he meticulously prepared himself for the impending journey into the unforgiving wasteland that stretched out before him. With his provisions in tow and weapons at the ready, he headed out.