Force Knight...
Many of them probably still don't know what a Force Knight truly is. The people in the city only see them as great protectors — strong, unyielding, and never giving up.
However, the reality on the battlefield is far harsher than the stories they all hear. In truth, many of them die in vain without putting up any resistance — whether during self-reconstruction operations, while carrying out missions, or even by committing suicide because they could no longer endure the endless suffering.
Of course, all of this is done to prevent the public from panicking and doing things that could cause harm. The worst possible outcome would be chaos leading to another mass death, just like what happened 12 years ago. Back then, nearly all of the remaining humanity was slaughtered by the Entropy Virus because one of them tried to break out of the shield dome after hearing rumors that it was safe outside. In reality, it was only a special signal received by the Force Knight troops when they were cornered — meaning "Time to Die."
After that… only a quarter of those who remained managed to survive, slowly recovering thanks to the help of the medical teams from the central headquarters.
The most common disorder suffered by patients at that time was mental trauma. In a world already on the brink of annihilation, mental strength is the final bastion of humanity — far more important than the physical body. When someone's mind is broken, especially severely, they can be considered dead in spirit. From that point, there are only two absolute choices: suffer forever, or die instantly.
These two options may seem different, but in the end they are the same. Both are tormenting, only with different durations. Both are painful — one more painful but only for a moment, then death. Neither offers a way back. Never.
That was what happened in the city 12 years ago. Now, everything has returned to normal. People have begun to recover from their fear and are going about their usual activities. Although some still carry trauma, it remains an important reminder for the surviving humans: never act rashly outside of official announcements from the main headquarters.
Back to the story.
A commander was monitoring every movement of the enemy from areas that ordinary Force Knights could not reach or know about. Using the universal surveillance system, which could be activated through the commander's special helmet and integrated directly with the Universal Research (UR), he gained a kind of vision that knew almost every location in real time and could operate beyond normal range. This required a Force Knight to first reach the area, allowing UR to enter OuterR mode. In this mode, it would connect directly to the Inner of Memory through the special antennas located in both ears of every Force Knight, functioning as a second set of eyes.
Fortunately, today there were no signs of an attack from the Entropy Virus. Three full days had passed without any surprising assaults from the enemy. The city felt calmer and more relaxed, though the commander remained worried about something they could never imagine.
Not long after, a message appeared on the large monitor screen — an incoming video call from someone the commander knew.
*Video call connected*
Overshall Ishmail (the commander's secretary):
"Reporting to the commander. The supply kits for the senior troops have been delivered to the branch base on Mars."
Aprhon (the commander):
"Good work, Ishmail."
Aprhon:
"Now, what about the damage report from Sector C?"
Overshall Ishmail:
"It's being handled. Everyone has been evacuated to Sectors B and A."
Overshall Ishmail:
"Report: approximately 12,000 survivors, over 8,000 injured — including both minor and severe wounds — and the death toll is higher than the number of survivors, around nearly 35,000 lives."
Aprhon:
"... It's become normal for everyone to hear that the death count is higher than the survivors. May they all rest in peace."
Aprhon:
"Thank you for the report, Ishmail. Finish your mission quickly and return to headquarters as soon as possible. We don't know how much stronger the Entropy Virus has evolved by now."
Overshall Ishmail:
"Thank you for your concern. But I'm fine. The Orium stones have all been collected too, so I should be back in the city by 9 AM."
Aprhon:
"You're welcome. Be careful out there."
*The monitor turned off*
Aprhon:
"..."
*He walked toward the large window*
Aprhon (looking out the window):
"..."
A massive city stood tall with magnificent futuristic facilities. Tall buildings rose high, with numerous spotlights illuminating every corner of the city. It was truly a beautiful sight from the top of the headquarters tower.
People walked back and forth, carrying out their daily activities as usual. Seeing all of this made Aprhon feel a little more at ease. It had already been three days without any attack from the Entropy Virus. Even though it was only three days, that time was incredibly precious for everyone — a chance to feel peace without disturbance from that deadly virus.
Aprhon:
"I won't hope too much that this peace will last much longer."
Aprhon:
"The Entropy Virus hasn't attacked again for three days now, and that only adds to my worry about a sudden assault."
*He glanced at his watch*
[Kikuk! Commander, it is time for your routine check-up. Please contact the doctor in the medical wing. Kikuk!]
Aprhon:
"The 81st check-up, huh..."
Aprhon:
"I'm 49 years old now… twenty-six years since all of this began."
Aprhon:
"Since I became commander, tens of thousands of Force Knight troops have been recorded as fallen in their missions."
Aprhon:
"This is actually very cruel. But if it weren't this way… we would all have been wiped out without any resistance."
Aprhon:
"If only… if only there was an effective way to stop all of this…"
Aprhon:
"..."
He fell silent, pondering his own words while trying not to let the stress weigh too heavily on him.
Aprhon:
"... I should head to the doctor now."
*He left the Commander Room and headed toward the medical wing*
To be continued.....