BUZZ! Buzz!
The lights flickered.
Affected by the raging storm outside.
Chairs circled a stone table.
People sat.
Their expressions grim.
The Commander's fingers crossed.
Vivian sat beside him.
Marin, the governor, Lucian, everyone were present.
"You are aware of the changes that happened."
The Commander started the meeting.
"I called this meeting to announce two things,"
No one interrupted him.
"The researchers came to a new discovery. The energy seeping out of the dimensional rift is responsible for our awakenings. This new energy, they are calling it mana."
"Don't we awaken when under extreme pressure? Under the threat of life and death?"
Marcus voiced his question.
"The virus also plays a significant part in our awakening."
The governor spoke.
"Those facts stand." The Commander confirmed. "The virus is a crisis of life and death. And under the pressure, we awaken. This new discovery only adds up to it."
The board members looked at each other. Confused.
"The pressure of death awakens our dormant abilities, but it is because of the mana that they can come to light. The abilities need fuel. And mana is that fuel.
This is why, previously, without mana, we couldn't awaken abilities even if we died. And this is also why we feel exhausted after overusing our abilities. We have exhausted the mana in our bodies."
Clarity descended into the room.
The board members nodded in understanding.
"But this is as far as their research comes,"
The Commander's face darkened.
The atmosphere grew heavy.
"Which brings us to the second point."
The board members tensed.
The researchers are confident they can find a way for us to improve ourselves. To strengthen our abilities."
Joy flashed.
Smiles crept up the faces of the board members.
The atmosphere lightened.
If they could get stronger, more opportunities would arise.
It will be easier to survive in this rotting world.
"But they require instruments. We need to venture into the city."
A blade fell. The joyful atmosphere sliced.
"Deep into the city."
"How deep?"
The elderly man asked grimly.
"Near the heart. Just a few kilometers from the tower."
The hearts sank.
Silence.
Gulps echoed in the room. Hard gulps.
"I-Is there no other way?"
The elderly man's trembling voice broke the silence.
But the Commander shook his head.
"Unfortunately, no."
"How about we find a hospital?"
An idea flashed in Marcus' mind.
"The hospitals have laboratories. We can take the equipment from there. Or how about we find some other laboratory? Why go that deep into the city?"
"I'm afraid we can't."
The governor spoke.
Marcus frowned.
Anger flashed in his eyes.
The laboratories were important. Thus, they were built deeper into the city. I don't think they have survived." The governor looked at the Commander. "You want ot go there. That laboratory is your goal?"
As the governor, he knew every secret of the city.
"Yes,"
The Commander nodded.
"A secret laboratory near the heart of the city. A laboratory with the most sophisticated technology.
Shock and confusion spread among the board members.
A troubled expression flashed on the governor's face.
"C-can't you go later? When our people familiarize themselves with their abilities?"
The elderly man's trembling voice sounded.
"Isn't it too early?"
He was worried.
"No. We can't delay it any longer."
Determination flashed in the Commander's eyes.
"The longer we delay it. The more dangerous it will become. Stronger monsters will emerge from the towers. The number of zombies will grow."
Silence.
No one had anything to say.
They couldn't rebuke his words.
"It will still take some time for the entire battle team to be assembled."
Vivian pushed back her glasses.
"But the group for this expedition is assembled. A total of 300 elite awakened with top-notch abilities."
The air grew heavier.
They knew it.
The road will be riddled with zombies. Monsters. Uncertainties.
Out of those 300, not many will survive.
"That is all,"
The Commander waved his hand dismissively.
"The meeting is dismissed. Leave."
The board members stood one by one.
Their expressions darkened. Hearts heavy.
They left the room without a word.
But the governor didn't leave.
He remained seated.
Marcus glanced at him as he left.
He hesitated. But decided to leave.
Only Vivian, the Commander, the governor, and his son Lucian remained.
"Governor, is there something you need?"
The Commander feigned a respectful tone.
"Since you know of its existence, one of the researchers must be within that laboratory. I don't know how he survived. And I won't care."
The governor didn't beat around the bush.
His fat body leaned forward.
Eyes sharp. Brows knotted.
"Then you must know what that laboratory contains."
The Commander frowned.
"The research within that laboratory is not for the eyes of the public. You must not reveal it. EVER!"
He raised his tone.
Vivian got defensive.
But the Commander stopped her.
"No matter what, you must not allow anyone not trustworthy to see it. You must enter with your people. Stop anyone else from entering. And then destroy all traces."
The Commander nodded.
"I know,"
"I'll give you the passcode to the door."
The Commander tilted his head.
"The researcher already gave it to me."
The governor's eyes widened. Realization.
"Gave it to you? Then you don't know the entire truth. The truth behind the door inside the laboratory."
The Commander's frown deepened.
"Door inside the laboratory? Entire truth?"
"The technology within it will help us. I'll give you the password. But you must remember. You must enter alone. The experiments within it..."
No words left the governor's lips.
No word existed to describe it.
Thus, he didn't say it.
"You'll see it. But you must mentally prepare yourself."
...
RUMMBLE!
Thunder tore the sky.
Splash! Splash!
Rain poured.
Livia stood alone.
In a dark room.
Her eyes shining green.
She watched outside the window.
The wind blew.
A storm raged.
"Vincent..."
She murmured.
Her expression grew darker.
"Are you alive?"
Creeak!
The door screamed.
"Sister Livia,"
A gentle, feminine voice called.
A young adult woman with silky black hair called.
A beautiful girl.
"Everyone is waiting for you. Dinner is ready."
Livia turned.
A bright smile showed on her face.
"I'm coming, dear."
"Are you alright?"
The girl asked.
"Y-Yes..."
Livia's voice cracked.
She pretended.
Wiping nonexistent tears from her face.
"Just...the burden caught up to me."
But in the darkness, the girl couldn't see if she actually cried.
She could only judge by her voice.
"Don't worry, sister. I'm sure you'll find your missing companion."
"Thank you, dear."
Livia nodded.
"I'll come down in a minute."
"Alright,"
The door closed.
The smile washed off Livia's face.
A malicious light flashed in her eyes.
Rummble!
The sky split open!
Lightning lit the night.
It lit her face.
Cold, emotionless.
But she remained oblivious.
Oblivious to the raging monster outside.
The Progenitor.