The largest subterranean metropolis was Neo-Terra Prime.
High Commander Darius Kane addressed the population through rusted intercom systems.
"We advance to Surface Sector 19 tomorrow."
Beside him stood Chief Engineer Liora Sen — architect of the exo-suits that allowed brief surface exposure.
Among the Diver scouts was a young man with sharp features and eyes that shimmered faintly gold.
Raizen Kogane.
"Surface air density is lethal," Liora warned him quietly. "Even for you."
Raizen did not respond.
He felt the heat beneath his skin again.
Above ground, the world belonged to evolved Beasts.
The Shadow-Stalkers ruled the ruins of Europe.
The Stormfang Sovereigns dominated the Pacific coasts.
In Africa, the Verdant Colossi — plant-infused titans — walked like forests given will.
As human battalions emerged in reinforced suits, railguns primed, they were met by silence.
Then the pack descended.
Shadow-Stalkers tore through steel like parchment.
Chaos erupted.
Raizen was separated, thrown toward a broken ventilation shaft leading upward.
For the first time in a millennium—
He stepped into sunlight.
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