Friday, 23rd January, 2066_
6:00pm
Zone 9 is populated by many Japanese citizens, ranging from infants to adults. Most of the residents of Zone 9 were once important figures, nobility or royalty during the war, seeking refuge in the area until the conflict ended. As a result, Zone 9 is seen as a neglected and disrespected part of Japan unlike the rest of the country which boasts modern technology.
The area, more infamously known as The Zone, is forgotten corner of Kyoto, tucked away behind towering skyscrapers and bustling shopping districts. The streets are narrow and winding, lined with dilapidated buildings and graffiti-covered walls. The air is thick with the smell of garbage and decay while the sound of sirens and shouting can be heard in the distance.
The residents of the Zone are a mix of outcasts and misfits, living on the fringes of society. They were once considered Japan's most significant rulers, with some coming from the traditional Japanese government and others from royal lineage. However, since the Empire took over Japan, they have been stripped of their importance and are now treated as outcasts, the least respected in society.
The buildings are overcrowded and run-down with makeshift shelters and shanties cobbled together from scraps of metal and wood. Crime is rampant in Zone 9, with gangs ruling the streets and violence a common occurrence.
Despite the bleak surroundings, there is a sense of community among the residents of Zone 9. They look out for each other, sharing what little they have and banding together to survive in the harsh environment. Children play in the streets, their laughter echoing off the crumbling walls, while the older residents gather in makeshift cafes and bars to commiserate over their shared struggles.
Zone 9 is a place of contrasts, where poverty and despair mingle with resilience and hope. It is a world apart from the glittering lights and bustling crowds of the rest of Kyoto.
Today, the Frecitannian Military announced that Zone 9 will be destroyed under orders from the Japan Sect leader. The individuals currently in the area are facing a grim fate with little hope of escape. Orders were given to clear out all buildings and search for terrorist suspects. Approximately one hundred men in exosuits armed with weapons were quickly mobilized to carry out the mission with remarkable speed, resembling a speeding sports cars.
Highly advanced exosuits equipped with powerful weapons were demolishing buildings, making traditional bullets seem weak in comparison. Military personnel systematically cleared each building in search of terrorists, causing the deaths of numerous families. "Squad one has cleared the southern zone, move to the next building!" The soldiers shouted as they moved from building to building, leaving only destruction in their wake.
Fires raged uncontrollably, causing terror and destruction everywhere. Babies cried in fear as buildings burned to the ground, leaving some people burnt to a crisp while others were shot. The bullets from the exosuits were made of a powerful addimatium material that tore through flesh easily, leaving large bullet holes as proof.
As everything unfolded, Lucius remained frozen in front of the house. He had entered Zone 9 using his newfound ability and hurried to his Aunt Sherly's house. However, what he discovered was a destroyed shack engulfed in flames and the scent of ashes.
Lucius stood frozen in shock, his eyes wide with horror as he stared at the burning house in front of him. The flames lick hungrily at the wooden structure, sending plumes of thick, black smoke billowing into the sky. The heat radiating from the inferno is intense, causing his skin to prickle and sweat to bead on his forehead. Embers dance and swirl in the air, carried by the hot breeze, creating a surreal and chaotic scene. He could hear the crackling of the flames and the occasional popping of timbers as they give way to the fire's relentless advance.
The once community he had called home is now engulfed in chaos and destruction and he can't tear her eyes away from the devastation unfolding before her. The sense of helplessness washes over him. "Is Aunt Sherly... no longer alive?" He spoke quietly, his voice breaking as if on the verge of tears.
"Kid, raise your hands!" A heavily armored military soldier yelled from behind Lucius, holding a gun. Lucius' eyes widened in fear at first, but then his fear was replaced by something even more intense - anger. "Turn around slowly, kid," the soldier commanded, and Lucius obeyed, turning around gradually. However, before he could fully turn around, the hands of his clock eye ticked and time around him began to slow down.
Now able to communicate with P1 whenever he wants, Lucius has discovered some important information. He has realized that P1's function do not actually slow down time itself, but instead slow down his own perception of time. It operated in a more scientific and rational manner rather than relying solely on supernatural phenomena. Lucius had also discovered that P1 is connected to three specific parts of his body: his heart, his brain, and his left eye.
By utilizing it's unique function, the nanomachines are directly integrated into and connected to the brain, allowing for direct control over it. By interacting with specific areas of the brain such as the suprachiasmatic nucleus and the prefrontal cortex, the Prototype is able to increase the amount of information that Lucius can absorb at once. Speeding up the intake of information effectively slows down his perception of time. However, this heightened intake of information is not suited for a normal human body, as it can lead to the brain shutting down. This is where the left eye comes into play. The nanomachines guide pieces of information manually to Lucius' eye, which has also been enhanced to efficiently process all incoming information at incredibly fast speeds.
This process requires a significant amount of energy, which is why the nanomachine utilizes his heart to generate countless tiny nanometals that possess enough energy to support the amount of energy being expended.
Additionally, despite all of these factors coming into play, Lucius can only delay his perception of time for about ten seconds on average before experiencing nausea and nosebleeds. It is uncertain what could occur after that but he thinks it would most likely be death.
Finally, his eyes transformed into the shape of a clock because Prototype 1 needed a means to interact with the physical world. After delving into Lucius' memories, it discovered that his pocket watch was the most cherished item he had. Taking on that form was P1's way of indicating a mutual understanding that to get comfortable with it being around