Buildings and skyscrapers turned into rubbles, bridges fell in the rivers and seas. The great architectures of ancient and modern civilizations that lasted centuries were nowhere to be found. On the streets laid corpses of people, zombies, and animal-like creatures that stood 100s of feet tall. Animals we humans used to domesticate and keep as pets looked more ferocious than any creature that had ever walked this land. This was the reality after the day that changed the world forever.
-------
[24th May 2068.]
[Few days before the apocalypse],
A boy who seemed to be about 18 years old was walking through a silent hallway. He had eyes like rubies that carried nothing but indifference in them. With his natural white hair, ruby eyes and a scar on his right eyebrow, which made him look intimidating at times, his looks were way above average. He was about 6 feet in height, of medium build, not skinny nor fat with slight muscular tone.
Markus Miller was an orphan who had lost his parents in an airplane crash when he was just 12 years old. Both his parents were wll to do. His Father, Matthew Miller was the chairman and sole owner of Miller Corporation, a a multi-million dollar biotech company. His mother, Charissa, owned fashion brands. But unfortunately, they both died a mysterious death. Or they said.
Their death was labeled a mystery because their plane had disappeared out of the radar and was found burning by a villager in the mountains. What's more surprising was even after months of intense search their bodies couldn't be located. The pilot's dead body was found inside the crashed plane but the remains of the couple were missing.
After the death of his parents, his mother's cousin, his uncle, Vinson Kurtis stepped forward to take care of him and at the same time temporarily controlled his parents' fortune as Mark was too young. His uncle and parents never had a good relationship. There were times where his uncle tried to sabotage his father's business by bribing high-level employees and selling classified information to competitors. Because of this, his parents and uncle had a fallout and were not on good terms ever since.
So one could guess the reason for him to suddenly step up to "take care" of his nephew.
Markus knew of his uncle's intentions but had no choice since he had no other direct relatives from what he knew. As the law stated that in the absence or demise of a child
Since then his life was nothing more than dreadful.
Although Vinson was successful in his own right, It didn't come close to Miller's fortune. Even after their death, the jealousy and bitterness remained. And, he would often vent his frustration on their only child. Although he didn't directly physically harm mark, he tried his best to make Mark's life a living hell.
While Mark stayed with his uncle, the latter made sure to remind him that he was an orphan and how miserable his life was. He often made stories like how his parents survived the crash but were brutally killed and eaten by wild animals.
Adding to the fact that the bastard was infertile and couldn't have children of his own even after countless medical procedures and even a gene modification that nearly killed him. His bitterness only grew.
After near 3 years of Mental torture from his uncle, Mark finally got the opportunity to leave that hell-hole as starting highschool, he had the choice to move into school dorms.
Although his uncle hated him, Mark went to one of the top high schools in the country. Maybe his uncle was cautious that people would find it strange if a child coming from a wealthy family attended a run-of-the-mill school. Whatever the case may be, it was a good thing for mark since his uncle had no influence there. So, there were no more petty attempts to trouble his daily life.
He was quite good at his studies. Although he didn't ace the class every year, he could be counted among the good. He wasn't one of those popular guys, nor was he a complete loner. He had a small circle of friends that he mostly hung around with who shared similar interest as him.
As the year was about to end, summer break was on the horizon. Everyone was packing their bags, suitcases, and were making plans for the break.
'Should I return to the countryside villa for the summer break or stay here. I'm sure uncle Rius won't mind me staying here. But I'll have to suffer through his tutoring if I stay here. I also have to visit the company for the handover. I'll have to ask uncle Rius later." he was in deep thoughts when he was disturbed by his ringing watch.
*Ring Ring Ring*
Mark opened his smartwatch and saw the caller's ID.
'Think of the devil and he appears.' Mark thought as he squinted his eyes in annoyance. Although he didn't want to pick up the call, he couldn't just decilne it either.
"Markus! Why don't you ever call me? It's like you forget all about me unless you want a raise in your weekly allowance" came a deep voice from the figure in the watch.
The man was smiling gently but it didn't look gentle to mark. Rius Backwater was a tall man of slim build with a charming face. If one had to compare he looked like one of those noble vampires in novels and movies. Because of his looks, he was quite popular among the ladies' circle and a hot topic in their gossips. But that was all, he was just a topic in their gossips as they didn't dare make any bold moves.
He was well known among socialites for two reasons, one being his looks and another being his personality and temper. Although he looked gentle, he was quite the opposite in person. Calling him strict and unreasonable would be quite an understatement.
Although he would take good care of his staff, providing them with high salaries and benefits, the work he demanded from them was not easy to fulfill. Everyone had to give their 110%, no exceptions. In simple words, he was a perfectionist and a workaholic. He would make sure that the people around him did their job perfectly by their capabilities. But in an unreasonably extreme way, near the point of violating labor rights.
"You're sick and you want a day off? You can have painkillers and come. No? No worries, there are plenty of people who would. I'm sure someone will agree to have painkillers and come to work when they're sick."
"What? You have a social life so you can't work 14 hours a day like Mr. Dwayne? But you dare to ask for the same salary? You're Fired!. Have a wonderful social life-"
And this unreasonable guy was not only the dean of the school but also a close family friend of Mark. His father had a very good relationship with Rius. He often donated a lot of money to his school and foundations.
This was one of the reasons why mark could attend a prestigious school. It was not because his uncle cared about what other people said but because Rius wanted to help take care of his friend's only son.
Although they weren't related by blood, Rius treated him like his own son. And made sure he didn't lack anything while under his care. Rius had even tried to adopt Mark when his parents had gone "missing". But since Vinson was adamant about "taking care" of his nephew's fort-... his nephew, he had no choice but to back down as he couldn't do anything legally.
Even though he cared a lot for Mark, the latter wasn't really fond of his "care". As he was forced to study at least 7 hours a day even during holidays under him. Although it did help him maintain good results.
"We just talked last week," said Markus softly. "Anyway, why did you call me? Are you planning on giving me allowance in advance? Cause I've already spent this week's allowance and I need to buy some things"
" *sigh* Okay, I'll send you some in a moment. I called you to ask you about your plans for this summer. Are you planning on returning to your maternal uncle's place or your countryside villa?" Rius asked a bit hurriedly.
After thinking for a while, Mark answered "I haven't decided yet. Although I do want to spend the summer peacefully at my villa, I'm about to turn 18, so I should be eligible to take what's rightfully mine from that bastard."