Prologe
The horses that faithfully guided us trembled with exhaustion, but their determination led us at last to the railway station. Joyful neighs greeted us as we beheld the impressive sight of the locomotive—Continental, as one of these metal giants was named. It stood as one of the few luxurious means of transportation headed towards the capital. Perhaps not the pinnacle of technological marvels in the Central Republic, but it was meant to deliver us to our destination.
We dismounted from the horses slowly, approaching the end of the railway. We stood amidst a crowd of people stretching across the entire platform, winding around the edge of the forest, clinging desperately to the belief that we would find seats on the train. In this dense mass, attempting to navigate through more than one person—there were nine of us—could cause unnecessary commotion. Our mission hung by a thread. Yet, to my surprise, people looked at my company with admiration, especially at me, recognizing "something" inspiring in my weary demeanor and worn-out uniform. I wasn't sure what elicited admiration in their eyes, but promptly, following military protocol, I straightened up and directed a respectful smile to those parting ways for us in the line. I knew it, saw it in their eyes—this glimmer of hope directed towards me. I couldn't fathom why these district people saw salvation in me. It seemed that in challenging moments like this, a person sought some symbolic light at the end of the tunnel. But in this case, that light certainly wasn't me.
Before I could fully comprehend it, the train was slowly emerging in the distance, casting a colossal glow onto the surrounding forest. Heavy brakes began to grip the wheels, screeching as they brought the locomotive to a halt. The train conductor glanced at me, bringing the train to a stop. His hand extended in a welcoming gesture, while concerned passengers opened windows, ready to defend against potential threats. Any sudden halt of the train in an emergency situation could only mean one thing—misfortune. Soldiers, poised for defense, climbed onto the train roof. Fortunately, my presence in the crowd was quickly recognized, and in response to my nod, a respectful salute was returned.
- Do you have any available seats?- I inquired, my gaze fixed on the conductor. The red rays of the setting sun reflected on his face, and my crew, weary from a day-long trek, yearned for the quickest route to the base, escaping the impending horde. Our primary goal was the desperate securing of the Lurji fragment from those damn monsters.
- There's always a place for the Colonel,- the conductor replied, firmly shaking my hand. - Please stow the horses in the compartment on the left,- he gestured towards the metal doors leading to the stalls. - I believe they'll find safe refuge there.
- Thank you...- I whispered, and words of gratitude hung on my lips. Although doubts simmered within me, I glanced over my shoulder at the crew. Ludwik was smiling at me, undoubtedly relishing this small moment of "tribute." Understanding the stakes, I withdrew my hand from the hearty handshake and directed my icy gaze at my companion.
- Stop making such a childish expression, Sergeant, or someone might take a dump in your teeth,- I retorted in his direction. I won't let anyone ruin my mood, especially Ludwik. Let the guy, not even think about it.
- Your Excellency, Colonel, - he began with a defiant grin, - maybe the Colonel should loosen up a bit, it seems the Colonel's having a tough time, - he added with a mocking glance, causing the crew behind me to barely suppress their laughter. He overstepped, damn it, he overstepped, I thought, clenching my fist with the eagerness to smack him in that stupid face. However, after a moment, I breathed out—there was no time for anger. We had to continue the journey before the bugs caught up with us, and that bastard knew it perfectly well, trying to throw me off balance. The old yet efficient train stood no chance against the horde of mutated beasts. I thanked the conductor, gesturing for Soni to attend to the horses, and with Ludwik and the rest of the crew, we headed towards the passenger car. "May we avoid surprises,"- I thought, pushing open the heavy metal doors.
The Continental had witnessed numerous clashes. Built over thirty years ago, it stood as the pride of the Central Republic, faithfully serving travelers. Its metal cladding and titanium walls gave it a predatory appearance, and the automatic guns and barbed wire spoke of its history. It had been attacked by bugs multiple times, yet it always returned to service. The sound of the steam engine interrupted my contemplation, resonant like the tolling of a bell. As a half-kilometer colossus, it had to be powered by a mighty engine, which was evident.
I took great pleasure in observing this massive machine, as if lifted straight from a museum. It functioned flawlessly in the face of these challenging times.
However, where did these terrifying creatures come from? - This question always haunted me. My parents told me stories of the melting ice cover in the north, releasing this monstrosity... but it doesn't change the fact that humanity initially ignored these creatures, thinking it was nonsense. However, after painful experiences and experiments described by Dr. Heron in his journal, everything changed. It was discovered that these bugs constantly multiplied, and with each generation, they became stronger.
Furthermore, advanced technology proved powerless against the surrounding fields they involuntarily emitted. These extraordinary magnetic waves, as described by Heron in his journal, were a real threat. When they came into contact with electricity, they absorbed it entirely, creating a reverse reaction, causing an immediate explosion. Not only destroying everything around, but also bringing death to hundreds, maybe thousands of beings. Their ruthless abilities made them an inevitable destruction that sealed the end of our previous civilization.
So, humanity stood at the crossroads, forced to adapt to a new reality without technology. Leaving behind flying cars and energy-consuming weapons in favor of horses and simple pistols. Only a fragment of what once was remained in the capital. Guarded by four massive walls, it became our last bastion, protecting us from imminent doom and the only hope for creating a weapon capable of ending the bloody war.
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