The skies above Vardra bled a deep crimson as dawn broke over the ravaged continent. Ash fell like dark snow, drifting over the battlefield where the Zombie Dragon lay defeated — its massive body shattered and steaming under the morning sun.
Kairis Ash stood atop a ridge overlooking the carnage. His cloak snapped in the wind, dust and blood streaking his form. Every inch of his black combat gear was scuffed and torn, yet his expression remained unwavering, as if the horrors of this apocalypse could never touch him.
From afar, the chaos of Vardra's ruined cities stretched endlessly — buildings reduced to skeletons, fires burning in the streets, and the low moans of the undead drifting through the air. Humanity had survived, yes, but only barely.
A pilot from the Awakeners Association airship broke the tense silence.
> "Sir… your battle feed… it's gone viral. The world's seen it. Everyone knows what you did."
Kairis didn't reply immediately. His amber-brown eyes, calm and calculating, scanned the horizon.
> "Let them talk," he said finally. "I didn't do it for recognition."
> "Still," the pilot replied nervously, "hope is contagious. Right now, you're humanity's shadow light."
Kairis's lips twitched faintly. "Hope is overrated."
Two Days Later – Vardra Capital
The Aether Spire, headquarters of the Awakeners Association, stood like a monolith amidst the city ruins. Its metallic spires reflected the faint violet glow of mana lines pulsing beneath the ground, the lifeblood of a continent struggling to survive.
Inside, waiting for him, was the man who commanded every awakened across the land: Rhogar Varn, the Head of the Association.
Tall and broad-shouldered, clad entirely in black, Rhogar exuded authority without even speaking. Every movement carried weight, every glance demanded respect. His eyes burned faint amber — a window into decades of unbroken battle experience.
> "You've caused quite a storm, Kairis," Rhogar said, voice low and deliberate. "Half the continent is talking about you. Even the United Dome Council sent commendations."
Kairis crossed his arms. "I didn't ask for recognition."
> "No, you didn't," Rhogar replied, eyes scanning the young Apostle carefully. "But recognition finds those who shake the world. And you've reminded humanity that some still fight — not out of duty, but survival."
Behind Rhogar, a massive screen displayed a live map of Earth-10's human strongholds:
Vardra: Militarized fortress-continent, heavy defenses, most Awakeners stationed here.
Eryndal: Floating sky-nation, technological wonders, magi-tech hub.
Solvane: Agricultural heart, keeps humanity fed.
Nirvalis: Experimental bio-domes, combining science and mana.
Draxion: Underground city-nation, training ground for emerging Awakeners.
Dark, uninhabitable areas on the map were labeled Deadlands, zones overrun with zombies and monstrous mutations — evidence of the apocalypse's relentless spread.
> "Apocalypse Black wasn't just an end," Rhogar said softly. "It was a reset. And fighters like you… are shaping what comes next."
Kairis's gaze didn't waver. "Then I'll shape it my way."
A faint smile crept across Rhogar's face.
> "I expected nothing less. That's why your alliance proposal is accepted. You won't serve under us — but beside us."
He pressed a sigil into Kairis's hand, a glowing violet emblem that pulsed faintly.
> "As long as it shines, every Association stronghold will recognize your authority as equal to mine."
Kairis inclined his head once. "Then it's settled."
Before Kairis could leave, Rhogar added, his tone heavy:
> "Remember this — when you stare into the void, it stares back. Don't let it make you forget you're still human."
Kairis paused, voice calm but sharp:
> "Humanity died the day the monsters came. I'm just what survives after."
And with that, he turned and walked out.
The Association had provided a house on the outskirts of Vardra's capital. It was reinforced with advanced shields, automated drones patrolling the perimeter, and stocked with essentials. Elyra and Aeren, his sister and brother, were already playing near the training hall, laughter faint but alive.
Kaiyara, daughter of Rhogar Varn, leaned against the balcony, observing.
> "They're growing fast. Especially Elyra. Her aura is flickering."
Kairis sat at the table, sipping a dark brew.
> "They'll awaken when the time comes. Both of them have potential."
Kaiyara smirked faintly. "You're calm for someone who just became the most infamous awakener alive."
> "Fame doesn't stop monsters," Kairis said flatly.
A notification blinked in his wrist interface:
> [Mission Report – Zombie Dragon Neutralized]
[Reward Granted: 1x Gacha Token]
He smirked faintly. Activating the system, a dark roulette spun in his vision, runes flickering wildly.
> [Reward: Gravity Surge Core – Passive Skill Upgrade]
Enhances gravitational control by 30%. Enables micro-flight and kinetic acceleration.
The house trembled slightly — even Kaiyara raised an eyebrow.
> "You're still growing faster than anyone I've seen."
> "Then I'll use it," Kairis replied simply.
Nightfall-
Kairis stood alone, gazing at the fractured moon, the hum of patrol drones filling the air. He remembered Rhogar's warning.
The void inside him whispered. It was no longer silent.
> "You can save this world… or erase it. Which will you choose?"
He exhaled, violet light flickering faintly in his eyes.
> "I'll decide… when the world earns the right to exist again."
Below, the fragile lights of humanity glimmered against the dark. Somewhere in the unseen expanse, new horrors stirred — and the next challenge awaited.