Arc Raiders - Echoes Above Earth

DISCLAIMER

This is an unofficial fan-made story inspired by the universe and themes of ARC Raiders.I am not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Embark Studios or Nexon.

All rights to ARC Raiders, its world, trademarks, and related properties belong to their respective owners.

This project is a non-commercial creative fan work made for entertainment purposes only.

As Zeus walked through the lively underground city of Speranza, he approached the doors of an almost completely full bar. Sitting down near the entrance, he sighed and looked at the calluses on his palms.

He had spent the whole day working—digging holes to help plant the seeds that Celeste, a well-known trader in Speranza, had acquired from a few raiders. He had hoped to make enough coins to buy food for the entire week. That idea was quickly crushed as he passed the bar, realizing how unrealistic that goal was while freelancing.

This was common in Speranza. There was almost never enough food for everyone to eat well all week. Some days, Zeus skipped breakfast just so he could afford to drink his sorrow away.

After sitting there and staring at his hands, he made a decision. He wouldn’t starve today—or tomorrow. Instead, he would find a new way to make enough money to actually care about his pitiful life.

“Nothing to lose, and everything to gain,” he thought to himself—a quote often repeated by a well-known raider nicknamed Loose Canon.

Still staring at his hands, he wondered how he could gain anything with little to no knowledge in any useful trade. He had dropped out of school early after losing his parents and being forced to work to support himself and his sister. Now, it was just him. His sister had been shot down on her eleventh raid topside—something not uncommon among raiders. Many of the bullets they took weren’t even from ARC.

Fear had always kept him from becoming a raider. The brutal ARC were one thing—but the untrustworthy raiders were another. Many stories told to grieving families involved “Rat Raiders”—teammates or fake allies who would shoot you in the back while you were distracted looting or fighting off the machines that plagued the surface.

“If I’m going to die, let it be with a full stomach,” he thought.

Anxiety tightened in his throat at the idea of signing up. To calm his nerves, he ordered a shot of tequila. In his mind, the decision was finally made.

No more sleeping through hunger. No more dozing off on walkways. No more calluses from tools he hated using just to survive.

As he waited for the drink, another thought crept in—what about the betrayals most raiders faced? He was confident he could handle one person, but raids were usually done in groups of three—the maximum allowed for a single party.

Slowly, an idea formed.

He would go alone.

Solo raids. Avoid confrontation entirely.

For a moment, confidence filled him—until it was immediately shattered by the sound of the raider elevator alarm echoing through the city.

The alarm signaled a returning raid party.

Zeus leapt from his seat, leaving the empty chair behind and confusing the unsuspecting bartender.

A crowd gathered around the bulletproof glass chamber surrounding the elevator doors—a newer security measure designed to prevent ARC from entering the underground city.

Suddenly, the alarm fell silent.

Two guards inside the chamber readied their weapons.

But instead of ARC, the doors opened to reveal three raiders.

Two of them staggered out, holding up the third.

They carried their partner in a panic, struggling to keep him upright. His stomach was riddled with bullet holes, soaked in blood. When he tried to speak, he coughed up a mouthful of it. Blood poured from his wounds, trailing down to his boots and leaving a dark, eerie path behind him.

His teammates tried to cover as many wounds as they could, but their efforts only stained their clothes in deep crimson.

As they cried out for help, Zeus’s side of the glass remained silent.

The crowd pressed against the soundproof barrier, watching. Despite how often it happened, the chaos, panic, and unpredictability of each return was always different—twistedly captivating. Even through his guilt, Zeus couldn’t look away.

Could he really survive up there? Was a gruesome death worth a short, rich, almost fantasy-like life?

A knot formed in his throat.

No. He had already decided. Thinking too much about it would only bring panic when the time came to sign up.

As the guards rushed forward to administer first aid, four medics from the nearby clinic hurried into the chamber. Incidents like this were so common that small hospitals had been built beside each elevator to give raiders the best possible chance of survival.

Zeus stood there, nearly breathless, staring at the dying raider. The man’s neck could no longer support the weight of his head, and it slowly dropped—turning in Zeus’s direction.

For a moment, it felt like he was staring directly at him.

As the crowd gathered around the medics carrying the once lively raider, Zeus no longer focused on him. While others began to disperse, his attention shifted to the two still inside the chamber. One was on his knees; the other leaned against the elevator wall. Despite their differences in appearance, they shared the same expression—trauma etched into their faces.

Zeus didn’t return for the shot he had already paid for. Instead, he made his way back to Celeste’s shop—not to work or trade, but to talk to her about his decision. He pushed through the thinning crowd, weaving along the walkways until he reached the trading district—a small but lively plaza where traders set up their stands, and the wealthier ones owned rooms in the surrounding buildings.

Standing before the apartment complex where Celeste lived, Zeus looked up at the worn yet elegant structure, styled like something from the 1800s. Light spilled faintly from a window above her balcony. He had come here many times—often just to talk to her.

What she didn’t know was that he thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Every time he approached, his nerves stopped him from saying it. He could listen to her talk all day and still want more. Her short brown hair and unique sense of style drew him in more than he cared to admit.

Lost in thought, he barely noticed the people brushing past him until one bumped into him hard enough to snap him back to reality. Taking one last look at the window, he stepped inside. The dim lighting nearly blinded him after the brightness outside.

He climbed the stairs, missing a few steps before his eyes adjusted, then turned down the familiar hallway toward her door.

Just as he reached it, the door swung open—smacking him in the forehead.

A tall man stepped out. Pale skin. Bright silver hair, despite his youth. Scars stretched across both sides of his mouth, and his dead, empty eyes made his presence even more unsettling.

Zeus immediately noticed the man’s intricately designed backpack. Attached to it was a small metal bracket holding a shield surge—a device that could project a temporary forcefield. That alone told him everything he needed to know.

A raider.

“Watch the door, dumbass,” Zeus snapped before he could think.

The man turned slowly. “And if I don’t?” he replied coldly.

Zeus froze, instantly regretting speaking. It wasn’t just the words—it was the way the man looked at him. Though his gaze was directed at Zeus, it felt like he was staring through him... past him.

Just like the dying raider.

Eyes that saw—but didn’t react.

Zeus looked away, opening the door again. “Forget it,” he muttered, stepping inside.

His heart pounded as adrenaline rushed through him. Part of him imagined fighting the man—but the thought alone made his stomach tighten. Before the door closed, he glanced back.

The man was still staring at him.

Even as the door shut.

A chill ran down Zeus’s spine.

From the back room of the shop, he could hear Celeste talking to herself as she organized pots filled with soil and plants.

She stood there, focused, her slim figure partially hidden beneath layered clothing. Still, Zeus couldn’t help but imagine her in simpler clothes—something softer, more personal. He leaned against the doorway, quietly admiring her as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

She noticed him.

“Oh... hey. Are you going to keep admiring me, or did you come to talk?” she said with a warm smile.

“Yeah—sorry. Got lost in thought,” he replied, shaking his head.

“I wanted your opinion on something. I figured you’d give me the best answer.”

He took a seat a few feet away.

“I’m thinking about registering... becoming a raider. This Sunday, when sign-ups open.”

Celeste paused.

Though now a trader, she had once been a raider during the first wave of ARC. Many said it was the most brutal era—not because the machines were stronger, but because no one was prepared. Even now, raiders still found broken remnants of those early machines scattered across the surface.

“Mmm... I don’t want to discourage you,” she said slowly, “but back then, we worked together—and we still struggled. And every new wave... they evolve. I can’t imagine how bad it’s gotten.”

Zeus looked down at his hands, fidgeting with his fingers.

She could tell he didn’t want to hear that.

Sighing softly, she removed her gloves and jacket, setting them aside before sitting next to him—close enough for him to feel her warmth.

She gently tapped his hand.

“Stop messing with your calluses. It’s not going to make them any prettier. I told you—you should’ve kept the gloves I gave you.”

“I’m fine... it’s not like it hurts,” he muttered, though his voice faltered.

“Hey,” she said softly, “it’s not that you can’t become a raider... I just don’t want to lose you. You’re the closest thing to a friend I’ve ever had.”

“I’m tired of being down here,” Zeus said, exhaling. “I want to actually live. Not work myself to death just to survive.”

“But you’re not even twenty yet,” she replied, poking his cheek. “You’re just starting life. I don’t want to see it end so soon.”

“I’m going to be one of the best,” he said firmly. “And if you’re worried about me dying... then train me.”

She stood, shaking her head slightly as she walked toward a closet.

“You’ve heard all the stories,” she said. “Hesitating once might not kill you—but make it a habit, and people don’t come back.”

She pulled out a heavy container, previously hidden behind stacked boxes.

Zeus quickly stepped forward to help.

“You shouldn’t be lifting stuff like this,” he said.

“Then open it,” she replied. “I bought this a long time ago... before I quit raiding.”

Zeus opened the container—and his eyes lit up.

A full black-and-orange outfit.

“Are you serious?” he asked, excitement flooding his voice.

She laughed. “Yes, I’m serious.”

As he pulled it out, she placed a hand on his back.

“Here, I’ll help you. Take off your pants.”

“W-What?!” Zeus stuttered, his face turning red.

“You’re not going to wear pants over pants, are you?” she said, locking the door casually.

Moments later, Zeus stood there in his boxers, holding a pair of futuristic glasses in awe. His heart pounded as she moved closer, helping him into the outfit.

“You going to put it on, or just stare at it?” she teased.

“These first,” he said, slipping on the glasses with a grin.

She laughed.

As she helped him finish dressing, he felt warm—comfortable. Like he mattered.

When he put on the helmet, he immediately took it off.

“Too small,” she said, noticing. “We’ll fix that later.”

Zeus didn’t mind. He liked the look with just the glasses.

He clipped the gas mask to his backpack and grabbed a compact pickaxe tool, matching the outfit.

“How do I look?” he asked, turning toward her.

She stared for a moment.

“...You look amazing,” she said softly.

She adjusted his gear, tightening straps and smoothing details.

“I’m not giving you my gun,” she added. “But the raider association provides loadouts. Not great—but enough.”

“...You’re not planning to kill anyone, right?” she asked.

Zeus met her eyes.

“I just want to come back,” he said with a faint smile.

“So... where have you been sleeping?” Celeste asked.

Zeus hesitated.

“I mean... you know me. I manage.”

“That’s not an answer.”

She sighed.

“Stay here. At least for tonight if you wont stay any longer.”

She walked into her room and pulled out a folded blanket, placing it on the bed.

“This is big enough for two.”

Zeus froze.

“We’re... sleeping together?” he stammered.

“Would you rather sleep on my work table?” she shot back.

“...No. Yeah. This is fine,” he said quickly, embarrassed.

He placed his glasses down on the counter, trying to act normal—though his heart was anything but.

Later that night, as all the lights in Speranza began to shut off, Zeus looked for random things to do, trying to distract himself from the fear and awkwardness of lying in bed with his crush—also the only friend he had since the death of his sister.

“C’mon, Zeus. It’s not like you’re going to have sex with her. She’s just being kind and giving you somewhere to sleep... Ugh, why am I like this? She’s probably already asleep. But how am I supposed to just walk in there and lie down? Don’t think too much about it... she’s probably not even seeing it like this.”

Still nervous, he built up the courage to walk into her dark room. Dim light spilled in through the window; the plaza outside still seemed lively. As he stepped closer, still wearing his raider outfit, he noticed the soft silhouette beneath the gray blanket. Celeste lay on her side, facing the window, her form faintly visible.

“Only one blanket?! C’mon... did she do that on purpose? No... she’s used to sleeping alone. She probably just has one clean blanket right now.”

His thoughts spiraled as he slipped off his black boots and sat on the opposite side of the bed, now only wearing his raider pants and suit jacket. He placed his compass watch beside the glasses on the countertop, then carefully lay down, creating as much distance as possible without falling off.

He tugged the blanket from beneath himself and pushed it toward the center of the bed, closer to Celeste.

“Thank God... she’s already asleep. This had trouble written all over it.”

He sighed and moved the pillow out from under his head, lying flat on his back. Just as he began to relax, Celeste turned, now facing him.

“Wrap yourself up, Zeus. You’re going to catch a cold,” she murmured, her voice heavy with sleep.

As he lifted the covers, the dim light revealed she was only in her underwear. He couldn’t help but glance. His heart pounded violently in his chest—he was terrified.

She shifted closer, placing her hand on his chest. Feeling the leather, she immediately realized he was still wearing his raider outfit.

“Take off the battle outfit. You don’t want to ruin it on your first day, do you?” she said softly.

Unbeknownst to Zeus, her own heart was racing. Her flushed face was conveniently hidden by the darkness.

“D-don’t you remember? My other clothes are in the washer,” he stammered, his throat tightening with anxiety.

“Your point being?” she replied instantly.

He sat up, swung his legs off the bed, and stood to undress. A thousand thoughts raced through his mind too fast to catch. After neatly folding his clothes, he laid them beside his belongings on the countertop. While he did, Celeste quietly scooted closer to his side of the bed.

“She just doesn’t see what’s wrong with this... I’ve known her my whole life. C’mon, lock in!”

He stalled as long as he could, folding and unfolding his clothes, but he knew he had to lie back down eventually. It wasn’t that he didn’t like her—if anything, that was the only thing he was certain of. He was just afraid of revealing too much, lying there in what felt like dangerous territory.

When he finally got back under the covers, he tried to calm himself, begging his body to fall asleep. But how could he, with his blood racing through him?

After staring at the ceiling for several minutes, he assumed Celeste had already fallen asleep. Feeling slightly safer, he turned onto his side to face her. Once he managed to push away the more intrusive thoughts, he pulled the covers up to his head.

Then—before he could close his eyes—he met hers.

She had been staring at him the entire time.

For a few seconds, neither of them moved. Their faces burned red in the dim light. Zeus felt like his heart might give out entirely under the weight of her shy, beautiful expression.

She slowly slid her hand across the blanket toward him. Though it reached him quickly, it felt like an eternity. She wrapped her arms around his, pulling him closer.

“You know... I haven’t had a man in my bed for years,” she whispered.

Zeus swallowed hard, trying once again to suppress his thoughts—but he couldn’t deny it anymore. It was becoming clear that she liked him too.

Still... he couldn’t let things unfold like this. He wanted to tell her properly—face to face, as himself. Not like this.

“I... I really like this, Celeste. I do...” he began softly.

Before he could finish, she pressed closer, tightening her hold on his arm. He could feel her warmth against him, her legs lightly wrapped around his hand. It was becoming harder and harder to ignore.

“Mmm...” she whispered against his ear. Her breath sent chills down his spine.

They lay there in silence. To Zeus, minutes felt like hours. The entire day felt surreal—but he refused to let impulse take over.

After a while, he spoke again.

“Hey, Celeste... I really do like you. I like you the way my dad liked my mom. But I can’t tell you like this... not right now.”

She didn’t respond. She only clung to him tighter.

“Hey... I don’t mean I don’t want this. If I could, I’d stay here with you forever,” he added quietly.

Still nothing.

“Celeste?”

He lifted the blanket slightly to check on her—and realized she had fallen asleep some time ago.

He sighed... then laughed softly, a mix of relief and quiet joy. In the darkness, lying beside her, he couldn’t help but admire her. Even as his arm began to tire from holding the blanket, that feeling alone gave him strength.

Eventually, he drifted off. It was the first of many nights where sleep wasn’t an escape—but something he looked forward to. If anything, he wanted to stay awake longer, just to savor the moment.

Zeus walked down a long, crowded hall, eventually reaching a massive room. The ceiling stretched so high it almost felt unreal, as if he were outside Speranza itself.

There were multiple stands, each with long lines. He made his way to the shortest one. Above it hung a metallic sign:

“Raider Entries — Here Please.”

Despite the tired faces and restless crowd, Zeus felt a flicker of excitement. He wore his full raider outfit, unlike most in line, who were dressed casually.

There were other lines filled with raiders, but those were for renewals, reports, and other matters—not entry.

As he slowly approached the front, he could barely make out the questions being asked over the noise.

Finally, he reached the stand. The man seated there seemed unusually cheerful compared to everyone else.

After providing his name, birth number, birthdate, and work history, Zeus was handed a thin metal sheet with a small screen.

“In a few days, it’ll glow either green or red,” the man explained. “If it’s green, head to any major district’s exit pod station. They’ll confirm and send you off. If it’s red, just dispose of it in a recycling bin.”

He paused, then added casually, “But don’t worry—only people born with disabilities get red. Now, please move along.”

This is it, Zeus thought as he stepped out of the facility, examining the strange tablet.

As soon as this thing activates, I’ll be raiding... and I’ll be rich.

What he didn’t realize was that it wouldn’t be nearly that simple.