For seven long, agonizing years, Asa has endured a life overshadowed by an unrelenting nightmare.
It all began with a catastrophe that ripped through the peaceful land of Antara. Crystal Doom, they called it—a merciless virus that transformed the infected into grotesque, haunting creatures.
Crystal Doom was caused by the increasing rate of Crystal Flowers' pollen that got into a human's respiratory system, causing an infection that decreased oxygen intake.
This lack of oxygen combined with respiratory infection along with toxin that the pollen itself contained, made the infected that was once a normal human turned into a frenzied state, a descent into madness that shattered reason and humanity alike—a prelude to the horror that haunted Antara seven long years.
At first, the infected would succumb to an uncontrollable frenzy, inflicting harm upon themselves right in public view. It was a terrifying sight.
People, horrified by these gruesome displays, shielded their children from the ghastly scenes that unfolded in the open. The streets, once bustling with life, now bore witness to a nightmarish spectacle, leaving the community in a state of shock and terror.
The Infected, they drive blades into their own chest, slicing open their necks, battering themselves against random objects, or leaping from incredible heights.
It was a public suicidal event for the nation.
Daniel was a mere ten years old, Asa did her best to shield him from the terrifying events outside. She kept him home most of the time, ensuring he didn't witness the horrors unfold.
The families of the infected were left to no choice but to take drastic measures.
They would restrain their struggling loved ones within the confines of their homes, binding their hands and feet tightly with ropes. These are all done in desperate attempt to protect the infected from self-harm or, even worse, suicide.
Over time, the virus evolved, becoming more cunning.
Those who were infected could no longer be controlled. It was as if they were rebelling against the very precautions meant to keep them safe.
What started as self-harm escalated to harming others nearby, a disturbing shift that left everyone on edge.
Massacres ravaged the town, spreading fear and heightening anxiety.
In that dreadful year, Asa discovered one vital skill: running with incredible speed.
Luckily, she got a petite frame, allowing her to dart like the wind. Asa became a master of escape, her nimble feet carrying her away from danger.
The upper-north region, located near the Enchanted Mead Woods, the origin of the Crystal Flowers, transformed into a nightmarish territory for the entire nation.
In just a few months, the population of the Upper-North region plummeted rapidly.
The wealthy fled to the central region, where protection was comparatively stronger. As for the poor, they disappeared, either succumbing to the infection or falling victim to those afflicted.
The infected earned a nickname: Crys, a haunting word that sent shivers down the spines of all who heard it.
Dan, tragically, became one of the Crys' victims.
Asa remember back then she taught Daniel how to use the sword to fight, not just to hunt. They would practice day and night, every time they got time.
After Asa started to see a rapid increase in Dan's combat skills using the weird sword he was hugging as a toddled strayed near the woods, she grow reassured that she can finally take a longer time to look for food outside and let him guard their house all alone.
Things were alright until one day Asa come back to an empty house. Things were scattered around, as if there had previously been a fierce combat in the house.
Asa's heart were beating so fast it felt like it was about to jump out of her chest.
Tears were brimming on her eyes, blurring down the sight of a sword that has been pulled off it's scabbard laying down helplessly on the ground, just like Asa who quickly fell on her knees making a loud 'Thud' sound in a silent house that was once filled with cheeky laughter of her younger brother.
"No," she whispered, denial choking her, "he must be outside." She clung to the hope, repeating it like a mantra.
"He must be outside," she affirmed, trying to convince herself.
With trembling hands, she grasped the sword, her eyes transforming in an instant.
The flicker of vulnerability was replaced by a blaze of determination, and rage.
Bursting from her house, Asa raced through what was now known as the Abandoned Region—a place deserted by many due to dwindling population and the absence of protection from authority.
"DAN!" her voice echoed through the desolation, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Yet, her eyes betrayed no sorrow; they glowed with a wild, vengeful fire, searching for her prey with primal rage.
"DANIEL!" she screamed, louder and louder, desperation lacing every syllable. But the winds carried her cries away, unanswered.
Along the way of looking for Dan, Asa encountered Crys and killed it in one swift move.
No mercy was shown in her eyes, even when she stabbed the Crys right on their chest and have their blood splattered all over her face.
Unblinking, she twist the sword that is planted on one Crys' chest.
Eyes gazing emotionlessly meeting the other's dying gaze.
A smirk slowly find it's way to lurk on her pretty face.
Witnessing the scene, anyone might have mistaken Asa Amerta for one of the Crys.
In the face of death, she harbored no mercy for anyone who dared harm her beloved younger brother.
"Where's Dan?" Asa's voice cracked, desperation and madness lacing her words as she questioned the dying Crys.
Receiving no response, Asa kicked the limp body away, distancing it from her brother's sword, now stained a dark, ominous red.
"WHERE IS HE?" She screamed one last time before obliterating the Crys into a form that is unrecognizable as a human.
In that moment, her ferocity knew no bounds; she was a force of nature, panic has now completely turned into desperate madness and rage.