Minutes passed, but the creature's breathing remained unsteady. His heartbeat raced, and though the tremors of the earth grew fainter, his nerves refused to settle. Closing his eyes, he let out a low, angry whisper:
"Damn it... damn it!!"
He clenched his fists in frustration.
"I should've known something was wrong the moment the Union offered to pay me handsomely and promised me a rank in their hierarchy!" he muttered bitterly, glaring at the massive figure disappearing into the distance.
After a few minutes, he calmed himself, sliding his helmet back on and slowly standing. He turned his gaze toward the dark forest ahead, knowing the giant was now behind him, along with his ship—his only way off the planet.
He was caught between two terrible options, each worse than the other.
The first was to run back to his ship, leave the planet, and abandon his mission. Yet that would make him a fugitive from the Union. They would hunt him down, not only for deserting his mission but also for the secrets he had uncovered about this world. Escape would not come easily.
The second was to complete his mission—somehow—and return to the Union. He would claim his reward, his rank, and live a life of luxury until his death.
Or... perhaps he could carve out a new life here, on this planet. The possibilities were endless in this universe, and nothing was guaranteed.
"Ahhhh…"
Exhaling deeply, he collected his thoughts and made his decision. He would choose the second option. Adjusting his weapon, he moved cautiously toward the dark forest, his mind racing with concerns about the creatures that might call this forest home.
The shadows of the forest loomed over him, shrouding the ground in darkness. Only faint beams of sunlight broke through the canopy, creating delicate ribbons of light on the forest floor.
He moved carefully between the towering trees, heading toward the castle that lay hidden beyond them. As he walked, the sound of snapping twigs and crunching leaves underfoot echoed in the stillness, amplifying his unease.
He was on edge, his senses heightened. He barely blinked, only closing his eyes when absolutely necessary. His breathing was uneven, his nerves taut.
Suddenly, he froze. The faint sound of soft footsteps approached him, growing closer with each passing second.
Reacting quickly, he darted behind the trunk of a massive tree, holding his breath as he waited for the source of the sound to pass.
A small creature appeared, walking on two legs. Its short arms and colorful feathers covered its lithe body. It moved slowly, sniffing the air as if it could sense his presence nearby.
Tension gripped him as he watched. Moving carefully, he changed his path and crept away from the feathered creature, each step deliberate and silent.
But without warning, he lost his footing and tumbled down a small incline, landing on a dirt path that cut the forest in two.
"A road?"
He stood slowly, brushing himself off, his gaze scanning the unexpected sight before him.
"This... this can't be. How is this possible?"
The road was clear and unmistakable, with visible tire tracks etched into its surface. He stared in disbelief, looking around in every direction with growing unease.
"How can there be life on this irradiated planet?"
Pacing back and forth, he tried to make sense of the situation. Finally, he chose a direction and started down the road, weapon in hand, his mind clouded with questions and uncertainty.