Chereads / INHUMAN'S LAND / Chapter 6 - CHAPTER VI – DRAINED BENEATH THE ABYSS

Chapter 6 - CHAPTER VI – DRAINED BENEATH THE ABYSS

The island where Adonis and the entire settlement lived was peculiar for multiple reasons.

The most fundamental among them was that clouds, referred to as the "veil of the sky," entirely enveloped the island. Sunlight could not pierce through their density. From the outside, this created an unusual spectacle, resembling an impenetrable cocoon when observed from afar.

At night, the clouds could thin and stretch, occasionally revealing celestial bodies such as the moon and even the Celestial Canopy. Yet, as the first light of dawn approached, the cocoon regained its density.

For the newer generations of the settlement, very few—if any—could explain the origin of daylight. Their understanding was limited to the will of the clouds. They could naturally witness the dawn, but for them, it was merely a mystical dance of multicolored clouds stretching infinitely across the sky.

The state of the outside world was unknown to them, and the unknown often bred fear. Nevertheless, they were curious and eager to learn about the world beyond. They were not fools. They had archives, tales of ancient times, stories of predecessors, and accounts from those beyond—the so-called "outsiders."

They were aware of the existence of other forms of life beyond the waters. In the distant past, life had thrived. With this knowledge came a spirit of discovery regarding the current state of the lands beyond.

Thus, they endeavored to send capable and skilled youths to explore across the vast waters.

These explorations had been attempted numerous times, often ending in failure. Yet, this did not deter further attempts.

The archives were accessible to all. How many felt the call of adventure after reading stories of refined eras? Was it possible to channel all these individuals?

The reality was that maintaining a semblance of stability and cohesion within the settlement made this nearly impossible.

Those eager to venture out were guided toward the best paths and methods. And since no one had ever returned—most not even leaving behind their bodies—it was impossible to confirm the death of all these adventurers.

Still, one thing was an absolute rule, common across the various archived tales: sunlight was to be feared.

This fact was explicit and recurrent in all the parchments. For reasons unknown, solar rays had proven harmful to humans, some of whom could no longer endure their presence.

This had driven humanity to seek new methods of survival in the face of a now-hostile nature.

All this was contained in archives and stories recounting history. By definition, they were accounts of past eras.

Thus, these facts held little weight in an age where no one had ever seen any sunlight—not even the sailors who occasionally ventured far into the waters for their activities.

Whatever had been true in the past, in the present era, the golden star no longer existed. Only the veils of the sky remained. Daytime was defined by their radiance.

And yet, at that moment, Adonis was bathed in golden rays descending from above.

They were warm but did not burn his skin. They were brilliant but caused no pain. It was like a divine descent—if he had known its significance. It was magnificent, revitalizing even.

However, he had no time to savor or question it, as he was abruptly pulled from his reverie by the screams ahead.

His father was locked in fierce combat.

As Jason regained consciousness after fainting several times, he found his parents preparing to leave for an unknown destination.

Struggling to rise from the vines he had been lying on, he realized they were no longer in the house. It was the attic where he and his elder brother had skinned the old boar earlier that evening.

"Mother, what's happening?" Jason asked, hastily grabbing some weapons for defense.

Peeking outside briefly, he saw the house was already entirely ablaze, with no room left even to set foot.

This was clearly no dream, as the searing pain he felt and the smell of burning flesh made abundantly clear.

"Packs are raging nearby," his mother affirmed, casting a deep glance at her son for a moment before resuming her tasks. "It won't be long before we encounter them, too. Your father is scouting ahead. You should focus on gathering medicinal plants, quickberries, white wool, and treatment tools. The situation is unprecedented, and keeping our wounds in good condition will ensure our survival. Also, the meteors are unpredictable, so keep an eye on the sky constantly."

A slight shiver ran down Jason's spine at her words. The next moment, he set about the tasks assigned to him, a persistent fear gleaming in his eyes.

The night was deep, shadows seeming to take form as they danced across the grass. The sky appeared aflame, with the rain of stones showing no signs of abating.

Adonis might not have known what meteors were, but Jason had a vivid image of them—a vision brought to life that day.

As they gathered various survival tools, the earth began to quake violently. From the depths of the night sky, a massive meteor emerged and hurtled toward the Fire Mountain. With a deafening crash, it struck.

This instantly alarmed the trio, with the father having already returned to join them.

Despite everything, beyond the first meteorite that had struck their home, there were no further incidents of the sort in the vicinity.

Unfortunately, after the massive earthquake, wolves, jackals, and other animals began appearing around their house. With their home now a blazing inferno, it became exceedingly difficult to remain unnoticed.

The father faced sporadic and less intense attacks. The animals' goal clearly wasn't hunting, as the earlier quake seemed to have heightened their instinct to flee. Some circumvented the house, heading toward the rear, while others continued fighting amongst themselves. The boldest among them, true to their animal nature, pounced on providential prey in their path.

Greed grips the hearts of all living beings, and these creatures were no exception.

Thus, the chaotic situation significantly favored the small family, who nevertheless contended with a fierce assault, albeit reduced by the general disorder.

Not much changed as time went on. Jason supported the group with arrows. He had exceptional visual acuity, even in an environment where light was so unreliable. The father alternated tools depending on the demands of the moment, switching between a long knife, bow, spear, axe, and any other weapon Solatricia handed him.

This moment fully showcased his warrior prowess. Each of his strikes carried death for its intended target.

Solatricia served as the trio's scout. While Jason's vision was superior, he struggled to keep up with the pace of the battle, so he focused on specific directions, following her guidance.

The tide of beasts was mixed and utterly uncoordinated. Animals appeared from nowhere, and Solatricia ensured they were driven back into the darkness before they came too close. If she couldn't manage this directly, she signaled their positions to her companions.

Her role had been of utmost importance since the onset of this wave. Without it, they would have been overwhelmed shortly after emerging. In truth, they each played a crucial role, covering one another's blind spots in a seamless display of harmony.

Yet, a moment came when Jason began coughing up blood. This instantly disrupted the overall momentum.

He was not in excellent condition. Barely awakened, he had plunged into an exhausting battle, and in his current state, his body seemed unable to keep up. He had reached his limits, blood streaming from all three facial orifices.

He collapsed without warning.

His mother swiftly dropped her crossbow to catch him as he fell. Though in a poor state, he could survive.

The father became the last line of defense against the diminishing but still ferocious wave of beasts.

In this moment, his years of accumulated experience were on full display, magnified in his relentless efforts. He stood firm, an unyielding shield against the onslaught.

When Adonis emerged from the woods, he was confronted by the sight of a father who had expended all his strength and energy to keep an injured child and a concerned mother beyond the reach of the tide.

By now, it could no longer be called a tide—only a few predators prowled, striking opportunistically.

He saw one of these predators seize his father's arm. The man gritted his teeth so hard they seemed to crack, but not a sound escaped his throat.

Without a second thought, Adonis hurled the knife he was holding toward the jackal gripping his father's forearm. The horse began neighing as it galloped hastily away.

Before the knife could hit its intended target—which seemed inevitable—another jackal crossed its path. It collapsed moments later, its throat pierced. The original animal, satisfied with its conquest, didn't linger and disappeared into the surrounding brush.

Adonis quickly joined his crouching father, who was in terrible condition. Blood gushed from his arm, and his back was similarly covered. Sweat, blood, and dust mingled on his skin—it was an unpleasant sight.

His eyes were bloodshot, and while his face was expressionless, the pain was palpable.

He helped his father reach the attic where his mother and brother were, entrusting him to her care. She immediately began tending to the remaining part of the amputated limb.

Compared to the other three, she was in better physical condition, though far from ideal. Beads of sweat poured down her face, blood trickled from her nose, and her voice, though gentle, was firm as she urged her barely-conscious husband to keep his eyes open and grit his teeth as she secured a splint to his arm.

Adonis stood a few steps away from them, taking the position his father had previously held.

He became the new shield.

By then, the attack had greatly diminished.

 

Norm kept his head lowered, a grim expression on his face. He was drenched in sweat. Rising, he surveyed the scene, assessing the damage.

Since parting ways with Adonis, life hadn't been easy for his group. They had encountered several isolated packs and had been forced to change routes, though this wasn't always possible, leading to occasional pursuits.

At times, they intentionally confronted predator packs when they suspected the animals were attacking someone familiar.

Norm was the leader of the group, which included his niece. He couldn't afford to abandon any still-living residents crying out for help.

Adonis' case was somewhat unique because, apart from Hera, he wasn't particularly liked by the group members. Thus, Norm used the group's opinion to convince Hera of the necessity of leaving Adonis behind.

They had faced numerous adversaries, losing several members while gaining a few along the way.

Even so, Norm wore a fierce expression.

Until now, he had not been able to find his daughter. No matter how much he walked around the village, dawn was already breaking, but he had made no progress in this regard.

He would have loved to abandon all these people to their fate and focus solely on his daughter, but he couldn't.

Despite his experience, he was not a great warrior. The men accompanying him were, in a way, his defense force. He needed them to navigate the village.

But this strength was also his constraint—it protected him while preventing him from reaching his goal directly.

Soon, they came upon another burning house, from which someone seemed to be crying out in pain. Without waiting for Norm's instructions, one of the lookouts rushed forward, heading for the burning house. By the time he reached it, its occupant had emerged.

A smell they all recognized filled the air.

She was in full combustion. Her flesh was cooking before their eyes. She was burning alive, her voice unable to fully express the pain coursing through her body.

The lookout began to cry as well, but he did not approach her. It seemed he knew her well enough to want to save her from the flames but dared not touch her with the fire consuming her.

When she met his gaze, the despair in her eyes seemed to vanish for a brief moment as she pleaded, "Elric... help me..."

She had barely finished speaking when an arrow lodged itself in her chest.

She died instantly, even as the flames continued to devour her.

Norm put away his bow after firing the shot. Several gazes turned toward him, but no one said a word. After all, this wasn't the first time they had witnessed such a scene.

The only person who didn't mask her shock and horror was Hera, especially since she recognized the lifeless, burning figure.

"Madame Iris," she said, sobbing. She cast a disapproving look at her uncle, tears streaming down her face.

She had known this teacher since her early childhood and had, in a way, grown up at her side. This woman had inspired her desire for adventure, lent her books, told her stories, and nourished her hopes for the lands beyond. Hera had been one of her most devoted students. In fact, it was during one of her classes, where Adonis was already trying to slip away when they were younger, that the young couple first met and started playing together.

Now, this woman was unrecognizable, lifeless as the fire devoured every part of what made her a person. She resembled a log of wood left too long in a fire.

The sight was unbearable.

Hera watched it all as the tears dried in her eyes. Her voice was weak, but her emotions were all the more intense.

On this fateful night, she had just lost someone truly meaningful to her. The feeling she experienced at that moment was incomparable to what she felt upon seeing vaguely familiar corpses along the way.

This time, it was personal.

The house across from them burned like a bonfire in the night.

Made of wood and earth, like all the other homes that had caught fire, no part of it was spared.

The fire consumed everything, except for a box at the back that seemed to be made of metal.

The veils of the sky swayed once again in a unique celestial waltz. The spectacle retained its singularity. One could observe the sky every day for years and never witness the same dance twice.

Only the sky knew what it had to tell.

Despite everything, Adonis, his gaze fixed on it, realized that this time, the spectacle had an even more particular aspect.

The clouds had certainly grown denser, but it was still possible to see the shadowy glow filtering through them.

Each meteor fragment traveling across the sky gave the clouds a new shape, a new glow, a new face.

This fresco was of terrifying beauty.

The world seemed to be unraveling. The meteors no longer reached Adonis's land but appeared far from having completed their mission.

The earth, for its part, continued to tremble—less violently, but still alarmingly.

Adonis had managed to hold his position. He was in bad shape, but the beasts that had attacked him were in far worse condition. The attack had ended at some point.

Solatricia had managed to stabilize the condition of the other two while Adonis was still fighting. At this moment, only Adonis looked pathetically worse for wear. Even his father, with his arm torn off, seemed to be in better condition.

"What do we do now? Is it over?" he shouted toward his mother. Even though the attack had ceased, he had stayed at a certain distance, ready to fend off any potential new assaults.

Solatricia glanced at him but said nothing at first.

In her eyes, no matter how seasoned she was, this was an unprecedented situation.

She naturally knew a few secrets of their history, particularly about their origins, the nature of this place, and even deeper mysteries. But what was happening now was entirely beyond her comprehension.

She had been pondering it for a while, and amid the vast array of possibilities, only two concrete solutions came to mind.

The land they lived on—or rather, the island—had a mysterious history. Time had obscured many of its secrets, but a few fortunate, curious, or influential individuals had glimpsed several of these said mysteries.

The island had what was noted in secret archives as bunkers — underground bases constructed from an alloy unknown to the current population of the island.

These underground fortresses were extremely well hidden. Inside, they housed curious materials, objects of unknown purpose, and provisions of unique composition.

To Solatricia, it seemed logical to seek refuge in one of these fortresses. There, she and her family could wait for the island's unusual circumstances to stabilize to some degree.

In fact, her father secretly possessed one of these underground fortresses.

In his youth, Nanfaros had stumbled upon one of these locations by chance, and it had immediately occurred to him to build his house directly above it. Naturally, his daughter knew about this.

The problem was that this particular base was very narrow, only able to support the presence of three people at most under optimal conditions.

Solatricia kept this in mind. Moreover, she had also discovered a few other bases during her hunting expeditions. However, since she had not made these discoveries alone, it would be difficult for her to secure exclusive access to one of these locations.

She was aware of this as well.

Every civilization and culture respects and honors strength, attributing various roles to it. However, the human heart despises and envies what surpasses it.

Thus, while the strongest couple was certainly respected and honored, in this critical situation and given their individual states, who could guarantee that such respect would endure?

No one.

They were the strongest — their eldest son could also bear that title — yet he was often marginalized and scorned even during the best of times. What would happen now?

The elders had dispatched various groups to search for potential survivors, yet thus far, no one had come to see them. Her son had even been abandoned by one of these groups.

All these details did not escape Solatricia's notice.

The first solution was viable, but the risks were a factor to be considered in any plan. Here, the risks were exceedingly high.

She did not know the condition of her parents. Her partner was in critical condition, as was her younger son. Her eldest son did not seem to be in great shape either, despite claiming to be fine. She wasn't fooled.

The second solution wasn't much better.

If the land was unsuitable for ensuring their survival, what about the waters?

The island's people did not rely solely on hunting. Their diet was as diversified as possible, encompassing hunting, gathering, vegetation, fishing, and some other practices developed during forgotten periods of history.

Each of these methods had evolved over time, including fishing and methods for traversing vast waters.

Through years of development and guided by manuscripts inherited from their predecessors, they had managed to design manually operated vessels capable of high speeds on the water.

Although handcrafted, these boats were suitable for long-distance travel.

These vessels were entrusted to those who had reached maturity and chosen to explore beyond the vast expanses of water.

Why no one ever returned remained a mystery — yet another to add to the already enormous pile.

Moreover, these boats had been built in sufficient numbers to meet the needs of the settlement. They were small in size but numerous.

Solatricia held in her hands an extremely fine thread made from a flexible tree found in the forest. At the end of the thread was a small, highly refined stone. She used this combination to stitch up the open wounds of the two men lying on the ground.

She demonstrated exquisite skill, even given the current critical situation.

Her mind was in overdrive.

She considered either venturing into the forest to claim one of the underground fortresses — but to do so, she would face fierce human resistance. Success was far from guaranteed.

On the other hand, she imagined escaping across the deep waters aboard one of the conquest boats.

This solution seemed more viable to her.

But a moment later, she realized a particular fact brought on by the current situation.

The beasts that had attacked them earlier had all headed to the shoreline — she was certain of it. Thus, there was a clear risk of encountering fierce animal resistance if they attempted to reach one of these boats.

More importantly, the sky continued to light up. Although the meteor shower no longer struck the island, it would be a completely different story on the waters.

Their map of these waters was extremely limited, and visibility there was far from optimal.

If they were hit by a meteor, the consequences would be definitive and fatal.

Neither of these two ideas was conclusive. The success rates of each were almost evenly matched.

The other possibilities that came to her mind were too risky or absurd to be considered.

A choice had to be made.

She was quick and decisive when it came to action, and even now, after thorough reflection, she had made her decision.

She stood and supported her partner's back as he regained consciousness and tried to get back on his feet.

"Adonis, arm yourself. We're heading to the forest…" she announced to him, and he immediately ran to comply.

"Wake your brother too. We still have one more effort to make," she continued, hooking her partner's functioning hand over her shoulder.

Adonis obeyed.

He then entered the attic and armed himself with an arsenal. However, some of his weapons were replaced by his mother when he brought them back.

Thus, they all set off.

...

"Mother, are we heading to Grandpa's place?" Adonis asked while walking at the front, accompanied by Jason. They had recently set out toward the forest, and he was curious. But her only response was to shake her head.

He fell silent again and kept moving forward. At times, she corrected his trajectory.

"Jason, do you know where we're going like this? Besides, walking in the forest right now is really dangerous with all the raging animals roaming around," he said, addressing his brother.

"Not the slightest idea," Jason replied, "but I don't think we'll face those kinds of attacks for now." He continued, walking alongside his older brother, "Most of the animals we usually encounter in the forest have rushed toward the shore. Given the current situation, those still around are probably the weakest ones. Nothing you can't handle, big brother," he concluded with a wide smile.

Adonis shot him a glance without saying a word. He knew his brother was in immense pain at that moment, especially since Jason was not particularly tolerant of pain. This realization had come to him over the course of their lives together. He understood just how heavy that smile must be.

The small group continued advancing a fair distance. They encountered no problems. At one point, without the meteor shower above the clouds and their respective injuries, anyone who saw them might have thought they were just a family on a walk.

The earth, which had intermittently trembled until then, had grown still. There wasn't a soul around. Apart from them, the forest was silent. The sound of their footsteps was the only echo in the wilderness.

Yet, they spoke as little as possible, each of them maintaining a high degree of vigilance.

They were not safe from danger.

But as they carefully observed every step and direction, a distant, thunderous sound suddenly split the air, alarming the entire island.

Adonis, the quickest to react, could only watch in dismay as the clouds that had allowed him to glimpse the light earlier began to change color once more.

And this time, it was even more unsettling, for with this sudden shift came a suffocating odor that engulfed the entire forest within moments.

The clouds—once cottony and peaceful veils of the sky—stretched and twisted in a spectacle of slow agony. They turned a dark hue, a mix of gray, red, and black.

They thickened, oppressive and stifling, ultimately gaining in opacity. But this new shade was unlike any before.

This change further dimmed the already faint rays of light from above, plunging the forest below into an even more sinister darkness.

Violent winds arose, carrying muffled whispers and faint moans that seemed to emanate from the fiery mountain.

The forest, already gripped by an unusual silence, trembled beneath this ominous sky. The trees, standing tall like helpless guardians, appeared to bend in the distance under an unformed pressure. The air, once filled with vitality and freshness, had become heavy with rising ash.

A fine layer of metallic dust began to cover the foliage, turning the branches into arms coated with soot.

From his position, Adonis could feel the mountain's breath. It coursed through the entire forest.

He felt the ground vibrate again, first softly, then with increasing intensity. The distant roar of the first lava flows, though hidden from view by the dense vegetation, echoed all around. He could have sworn it was the deep growl of a beast of unparalleled ferocity.

Adonis immediately turned back. Following his father's gaze, he carried Jason and began running in the opposite direction from where they had initially been heading.

It was now a race against time, space, and nature itself.

The fiery mountain had begun to roar. Adonis didn't know what it meant, but his parents didn't seem unfamiliar with it. Thus, a frantic dash began.

The plan to seek refuge in an underground fortress was no longer viable given the evolving situation. Now, it was about reaching the shore as quickly as possible.

They ran with all their might—Adonis carrying Jason, and Solatricia holding tightly to her partner. When the tremors grew more intense, they either clung to nearby trees or pushed forward at the risk of stumbling. They tripped many times. The newly darkened sky offered no assistance.

Then came the first discharges in the sky. The celestial veil split under the strain, revealing meteors traveling high above. Even though it was daytime, no sunlight managed to penetrate this shrouded realm. It was completely obscured.

The first bolts of lightning struck. They were violent, crashing down with great force. Some hit the ground and the forest, igniting fresh fires.

The lightning was the only light traveling through this world at that moment. It was majestic and sublime. Adonis had only seen such sights rarely, always considering them displays of great beauty. But now, he didn't dare look up at the sky.

Each clap of thunder shook the entire forest. The few small animals still in the vicinity were equally frantic, each seeking refuge in trees, underground, or elsewhere.

The rain soon followed.

But it came with horror.

This was no longer the life-giving rain that occasionally blanketed these lands. It was heavy, viscous, laden with ash and residues of unknown composition. It fell to the ground in dark, heavy droplets.

It smothered the trees, turned the soil into sticky mud, and enveloped every form of life under a funeral shroud.

The entire forest was undergoing a terrifying transformation. Under the influence of these unleashed forces, it was becoming a shadow of what it had been the day before—a dying silhouette trapped in an unmeasurable inferno in the making.

Facing a rampaging nature, four small beings struggled to carve out a path to survival.

The mud slowed them down, the smoke proved toxic, attacking both their eyes and lungs. The rain, once revered, seemed oblivious to their existence. Every drop of rain pushed them further from their goal.

Nevertheless, they managed to exit the dense forest. The clearing could be seen in the distance—it was achievable. They could make it. Adonis was convinced.

The elements were raging, but they were elements of nature—impartial and merciless. They targeted no one in particular but attacked everyone indiscriminately.

Soon, Adonis's group joined another group on the way, and then another, and yet another.

It was initially a small community; they all knew each other. But at that moment, no one paid attention to others—only to their own.

Adonis had passed by people pleading for help, elders unable to breathe in the toxic haze, injured individuals crying for assistance.

But their screams and pleas were swallowed by the rain, thunder, and lightning.

Adonis could see it—they were nearing the port. The boats were fewer in number now; it seemed the first arrivals had already taken their share. But it wasn't too late—they could still reach them. To claim a boat was to claim survival. No one spoke in this situation, but everyone understood it.

Rrraooouh!

This roar immediately snapped Adonis out of his frenzied state. He realized he had overlooked a crucial detail.

Earlier, after the assault on the village, the horde of beasts had rushed toward the shore. And now, they were all there.

Humans and beasts found themselves in the same predicament, trying to escape a perilous situation.

However, while humans could cooperate in times of crisis, this was not the case for other species.

Once again, a new massacre began.

The animals attacked any species unlike their own—though even that rule was sometimes broken.

Adonis shot arrow after arrow. He struck every beast that came too close and stabbed those that leaped at them. He was once again revealing the full extent of his strength.

Krrrghh… Pfft!

He spat blood—a large mouthful. His resilience was commendable, but his wounds only worsened with every effort he made.

Yet he thought of nothing else and charged into the fray. More and more boats were being claimed, their numbers visibly dwindling.

Some boats didn't even need to be filled before the navigator set sail.

No one thought of others.

Screams could be heard—cries, moans, pleas. But every one of them fell into silence.

Adonis kept his eyes fixed ahead. He was the only one capable of ensuring his group's safety and passage under the current circumstances.

His father and brother supported him, but their abilities were limited.

Adonis shot again, striking a stag that had leapt in front of them.

That's when his vision blurred. For a moment, his body trembled.

In the distance, his gaze met that of a beast—a creature he fully recognized from the day before. The impression it had left on him was still etched in his mind.

He was encountering this fierce predator for the second time.

But this time, the situation was drastically more chaotic.

Even the massive and ferocious jaguar was struggling to find its way to the waters. Its advantage lay in having no one trying to block its path. But the same couldn't be said for its cubs. These rebellious little ones attacked every being within their reach—and the latter retaliated in kind.

Thus, the predator kept retracing its steps whenever one of its cubs got trapped by another group.

Adonis had deliberately adjusted his group's course, giving the predator a wide berth.

Even in this bloody chaos, humans and beasts followed their own paths.

Rrraooouh! Rrraooouh! Rrraooouh!

Adonis heard those terrible roars. He had barely looked away from the predator when, turning back, he saw two of its cubs fatally wounded.

From what could be understood, these two had attacked a human group along their way and were targeted in return. They received a volley of arrows, leaving them no chance of survival.

Adonis's pupils shrank to the size of pinheads. He watched as the beast bit each of its cubs, one after the other, without any response from them. For some reason, he remembered his grandfather's words.

The next moment, it was as if a new meteorite had struck the land.

Cries of pain echoed in the air.

Having lost two cubs, the beast began massacring every being within its field of vision. Other animals weren't spared, but judging by the number of human casualties, it was clear it was targeting a specific group.

These groups were not idle either and defended themselves as best they could. But every blow the beast received, every wound seemed to fuel it further, increasing its ferocity towards them. Blood rained down amidst the toxic mist.

And no matter the human resistance, without any coordination or support among the various groups, it turned into a one-sided massacre.

Blood splattered into the sky.

Limbs were severed.

The air, already choked with mist, took on a macabre hue. Blood mingled with the gas, making the atmosphere even more unbreathable.

Adonis observed it all with a horrified expression.

He and his kin had managed to board a medium-sized boat. There was still enough space to accommodate at least three more groups of similar size. Unlike some families before them, they had decided to wait for the luckier ones to join them.

As for the battle raging on the mainland, those who had taken refuge on the boats were in relative safety.

But it was relative; the fiery mountain continued to spew lava. Though still at some distance, it would inevitably reach them sooner or later. Moreover, the air was growing increasingly hot, the ambient temperature slowly becoming corrosive to breathe.

This dire combination urged the island's evacuation.

Nevertheless, Adonis's parents refused to leave immediately. While they weren't inclined to descend and help others, they were willing to support those who managed to carve their way through the chaos.

Adonis, on the other hand, no longer knew what to think. Events were unfolding far too quickly for his mind to process. His condition was slowly deteriorating—he was wracked by coughing fits, each one bringing up blood. His green eyes were developing a grayish tint, as though he had lost all sense of direction.

To ensure their refuge, he had pushed himself far beyond his limits. Now that their situation had stabilized, however briefly, he was paying the price for his bravery.

He was in a severely weakened state.

Another group of three people managed to join them.

Below, the pleas for help continued unabated. Cries and sobbing were drowned out by the roar of thunder. Animals capable of swimming threw themselves into the water without hesitation. Those unable to swim ran along the shoreline, chasing an unknown goal.

In the sky, the rain raged on, and the ash grew denser. Thunder crashed violently, accompanied by lightning dancing through the clouds. Occasionally, a bolt would strike the ground, claiming the lives of some unlucky souls.

The situation did not improve; it worsened as the victims continued to pile up.

The newcomers pressed for departure. They were unwilling to wait any longer, and the worsening situation justified their urgency. Solatricia could no longer delay and prepared to hoist the sails.

But at the last moment, another group approached and boarded before the boat left the already ruined port.

Among this group was Hera.

...

The boat ventured onto the tumultuous waters.

It carried about a dozen passengers, yet a deathly silence prevailed onboard. Most of the passengers knew each other in some way, yet the different groups kept to themselves.

They all came from the same place. Yet in the span of a single night, they had lived through vastly different experiences, likely altering their perceptions of life.

Some wore grim expressions; others trembled at every thunderclap. Still, others sobbed silently.

The general atmosphere was somber.

Adonis observed Hera, who had settled alone in a dark corner. She hadn't spoken a word since boarding. She was covered in blood, though it didn't seem to be her own.

At a glance, one could see she was still silently trembling.

Adonis tried to speak to her but was stopped by Jason.

"Leave her alone, big brother. Look, neither her father nor her mother is with her. I don't know what might have happened, but I think she needs to be alone for a while," Jason explained. He added, "Besides, mother is calling you in the cabin."

"The what?" Adonis asked, perplexed.

"Sorry, the room at the front, I meant," Jason corrected with a faint smile at his older brother.

Adonis turned away painfully and left.

Hera watched him out of the corner of her eye before lowering her head again.

Once inside the cabin, Adonis found his mother sitting deep in thought. His father was at the helm, appearing in much better condition despite his missing limb.

"How are you, Father?"

In Adonis's tribe, strength was valued above all else. Adonis adhered to this belief, holding his father in the highest respect and esteem.

"Your father is doing very well, my boy. You were incredibly capable earlier and protected this family. Forgive your father for not having done enough."

Hearing these words, Adonis was almost brought to tears.

His heart was almost stirred. He smiled, and the two men said no more to each other.

Adonis then went to sit beside his mother.

"I love you, my son."

These were the words that reached Adonis's ears as he sat down.

Adonis was not well.

Not only was his physical condition deplorable, but his mental state was far worse.

In the span of a single night, he had lost nearly everything in his life. The everyday routine he cherished had evaporated in the most brutal of ways, leaving him utterly unprepared. It all felt like a horrific dream.

Or rather, a dreadful nightmare. He couldn't find the cause, nor could he come up with any solution. Everything was too brutal, too abrupt. His strength and bravery, as great as they were, could only preserve a semblance of life for those around him.

He was utterly lost.

"I love you, my son!!! I love you more than anything, my boys."

He listened to his mother's voice in timid silence.

"You and your brother have been as brave as I imagined you would be in such an extraordinary situation. You played a role that wasn't yours and protected us all. I am so proud of you, my dear."

Adonis opened his mouth, then closed it again.

"You don't need to wonder why this is all happening. There are no reasons. Don't try to understand everything that's happening; I can see how much it troubles you. Things are as they are. Protect your brother. Please, if we're unable to watch over you two, you take care of him.

"You two are my greatest pride, and I know that together, you will always manage.

"Things aren't resolved yet, and as you've seen, nature isn't our only adversary right now."

They were nothing more than a few comforting words, but Adonis felt his heart lighten. From beginning to end, he didn't say a word.

The boat continued rocking on the waters. Some time had passed, and they were already a good distance from the shore, though it could still be seen in the distance.

The problem now was that this voyage had no destination.

The purpose of embarking had primarily been to escape the island until the crisis subsided. But the crisis showed no signs of doing so.

Half a day passed like this.

The sky remained dark. Thunder occasionally rumbled, and lightning streaked across the heavens, accompanied by meteors that continued to appear.

Violent gusts of wind had carried the various boats far from the island.

Adonis lay on the boat's floor, his mind wandering. Earlier, he had finally managed to speak with Héra, who, with tears in her eyes, explained the absence of her parents. It was an unoriginal story, but it still deeply saddened him.

Héra then handed him a special bracelet she had received from her mother before they were separated.

After crying some more in his arms, she fell asleep.

Adonis, however, couldn't close his eyes.

His mind was in better shape than it had been during the boarding, but his injuries were severe, and unfortunately, any herbs or palliative treatments were back on land.

Beside him lay Jason, breathing heavily but sound asleep.

Adonis looked at him and remembered what his mother had said.

He was recalling various things when he suddenly heard his mother's voice shouting.

"Jason… Adonis…"

Hearing his name, he jolted up and grabbed his brother.

The next moment, they were engulfed.

...

Solatricia lay behind her partner, who was doing his best to navigate these turbulent waters.

In normal circumstances, a crew of sailors would be needed to maneuver the ship with ease. But the peculiar conditions of the moment had an advantage: the water was constantly in motion, undulating endlessly. The winds came and went, striking the sails and propelling the boats wherever they pleased.

Solatricia watched her partner struggle against the raging winds with a gentle expression. She got up and joined him.

Resting her head against his broad back, she softly caressed the visible wounds.

"This situation doesn't seem close to a resolution."

Her expression was tender, pensive, a vulnerability that would have surprised others if they'd seen her.

"Josephia, my love, what must we do to protect them? Does the earth still have anything left to shelter us? I saw how Adonis's gaze has lost its light; Jason doesn't yet seem to grasp the full extent of the situation.

"Do you think Father managed to find shelter with Mother before things escalated like this?

"Our world is on the verge of change, and I am afraid. What are we supposed to do to preserve them now that they've endured so much?"

She spoke whatever came to her mind, expressing her fears and desires to the only person she believed in. He turned around and embraced her.

Their embrace was gentle and tender. Whether he had one hand or two, Solatricia could feel his warmth. She gradually calmed down as she heard him say,

"We raised them to be the strongest, the wisest, and the bravest of warriors. We can trust in their ability to face this chaos. And until they are fully ready, we will watch over them, just as I will watch over what lies ahead."

In response, Solatricia sank deeper into his embrace.

"Thank you, my dear Josephia!!!"

He regained control of the helm. She stood by his side, watching the waters and skies raging in their respective domains.

 

As the boat shifted direction once more, a massive wave rose and headed toward them.

It had already engulfed several nearby boats.

Without a moment's hesitation, while her partner focused on stabilizing the ship, Solatricia ran toward the cabins where her sons were resting.

"Jason… Jason… Adonis…"

She called out in the corridors until she reached the cabin, just before the wave submerged them.

Ploump… Swouch…!!!

As she reached the entrance of their cabin, she saw Adonis embracing his younger brother.

She smiled even as terror was written across her face.

The next instant, they were all swept away as the boat overturned.

The wave engulfed everything, tearing boats apart in every possible direction.

The winds showed no sign of weakening as they battered the coast, threatening to shatter it, already under immense strain.

Some boats couldn't withstand the impact and shattered on the raging waters. Not even a single beam remained intact to cling to.

It was a true disaster.

Bodies were flung about, torn apart by the blades of wind.

A storm had formed amidst this chaos.

It spared nothing and no one, sweeping everything into the air before letting it crash violently against the robust belly of the water's surface. And if that wasn't enough, the spectacle repeated itself endlessly.

On one boat that had split in two, Adonis held another being in his arms as if nature itself forbade such an act.

Solatricia, who was being swept away by torrents of water, was seized by her partner, who had long abandoned the helm.

He grabbed her with his only good hand, and with both feet, secured himself to a beam still resisting the torrent.

Héra, secluded in an isolated compartment, wasn't heavily affected by this display of nature's force. Her compartment held firm. In the swirling chaos, she lost consciousness.

The two people who had previously survived with her were swept away and drowned.

Jason didn't hold his breath long enough to endure the storm's passage. Even as his brother held him tightly, he lost consciousness.

Adonis, realizing his brother was no longer moving, buried the latter's face deeply in his chest. Then, he resolved to swim against the current as fast as he could. His heart could barely handle such exertion.

His limbs began to numb. Blood flowed from his facial orifices. The pressure was immense.

After a moment of perseverance, he finally reached a fragment of a boat's hull that seemed to rise to the surface. He clung to it with his brother as his vision became increasingly blurry.

But just as they clung to it, he felt them sinking again. The water currents were still overwhelmingly strong, even though they had passed through the worst of the storm.

Realizing this, he secured Jason to the hull, tying him with the few vines still wrapped around his body.

He pulled away, watching through constant blurriness as the hull ascended. He tried to follow it to the surface but dared not cling to it.

He swam as much as he could until numbness spread through his entire body.

He released the last fragments of air still lingering in his lungs.

His vision darkened until complete blackness consumed him, and his body was carried away by the currents.

The waters calmed as if nature was satisfied with its outcome.

A deathly silence and a profound night filled the landscape.

In the starry sky, meteors continued to rain down, illuminating their paths with crimson streaks. Embers ignited the clouds as they tore through the atmosphere.

A meteor larger and more imposing than the fire mountain flew across the sky, leaving behind a trail of light before crashing in a sonic boom that altered the very structure of the Earth.

The ground shook, oceans and seas collided. The Earth cracked open. Abysses formed. Eruptions followed—hurricanes, tornadoes, floods… nature unleashed its fury in an avalanche of calamities.

Earth faced the second cataclysm of its recent history.

The end of the world never comes as one imagines it, but always like a thief in the night.

This marked the beginning of a new era.

 

 

ACT I – Reminiscence of a Forgotten Land

The End!