Chapter 1

*Drip* *drip* *drip*

Despite being surrounded by absolute darkness devoid of any sensation, a faint trickling reminds me of how it felt to be alive.

Arguably, I didn't know what to expect from the other side.

I always wondered whether Heaven and Hell were real, and if so, where would I belong?

*Drip* *drip* *drip*

As I delve deeper into my philosophical thoughts, the dribbling continues, wetting what would've been my face.

Why am I feeling this? Aren't I supposed to be gone along with the Shifting Isle?

This must be a metaphysical joke of some sort.

*Drip* *drip* *drip*

Yet, the dripping doesn't stop, the freezing water eventually managing to spark my senses.

I'm not dead... I'm unconscious!

Which surely means...

Realizing I was in a complex laden with criminals of all sorts before the explosion, I hurry to open my eyes and reach out for my side weapon, stumbling upon an empty holster.

Then, a splitting headache welcomes me as lucid images from what I was convinced were my last moments as an agent for the GSC flash in front of me.

I was there, with Deathstrider, tampering with the Cosmic Engine to save Tokyo from utter annihilation.

The machine couldn't handle the overcharge and detonated, erasing the island in the process.

However, if that's what actually happened... why am I here, still alive and kicking? Did the engine simply break down and cause no actual damage?

That theory begins to gain credibility until I notice the artifact isn't in this room anymore.

In fact, the whole chamber has changed. The black walls are similar but covered in glowing creeping vines.

Also, there are no traces of the Shihai Clan. It's as if they never entered this place! This could be the case since I don't think I'm in the same location.

To make sure of that, I'll have to turn on the night vision and study my whereabouts closely.

Hayato: SARA, activate night vision.

Hayato: Didn't you hear me?

Hayato: SARA? SARA!

My AI companion doesn't reply, perhaps proof that the explosion did occur.

Hayato: No matter. I can still activate the night vision manually.

I interact with my tactical display, discovering that the batteries are out.

Great... Things are improving by the instant.

I huff as I pick myself up from the humid ground, realizing I'm still wearing my body armor.

That's some good news. Finding myself suddenly naked would've worsened the situation more than I can put forth with words.

Dazed, I take a step forward, stumbling as I'm still not at my prime.

Okay, easy does it... I must recover before I can get my bearings straight.

Abiding by that statement, I breathe in and out slowly, stretching my limbs to take care of my surge of dizziness.

In a few moments, balance returns to me, allowing me to inspect what lies in front of me.

Encroaching darkness, broken only by the vivid colors of the exotic flora.

Thanks to that, I can spot some of my equipment scattered across the mossy tiles that make up the floor.

I pick it up and check every item to see if it sustained any kind of damage.

Light Lance appears to be fine except for the fact its batteries are very low.

I must recharge them, but I require sunlight to do so.

Raven is also here with the same problem. Its batteries are nearly dead. I'll be able to fly it for a few minutes before it shuts down.

Hmm, apparently, the gear that required electricity to function is drained...

That'd explain why my night vision is unavailable. SARA must have met the same fate as well.

However, in the case of the machine, it has an extra source of energy. It must be booting up in emergency mode, a lengthy process that'll take a while to complete.

Exiting this place and obtaining access to the surface is my top priority.

I set my objective as I continue to gather my gear, happy to have items that don't rely on electricity, like my pistol.

Finally, I fetch the flashlight from the lifeline kit, using its manual charger to spring it to life.

The bulb flickers, but after some continuous cranking from my side, it becomes a reliable source of light.

To free up my hands, I mount the flashlight on my armor, the beam it casts allowing me to determine that this place is rather identical to the room that held the Cosmic Engine.

Same size, same materials... The only differences are the overgrowth and the lack of the artifact.

In its place, there is an intricate mural, depicting what appear to be orbs connected by lines.

I graze the carvings with my hand, expecting some kind of response.

However, nothing happens, my hand tingling due to the composition of the unknown structure.

Hayato: I have a hundred questions in my head, but at the very least, I can confirm the following...

Hayato: I'm no longer on the Shifting Isle.

Hayato: But if that's the case, where am I? What is this place?

Hayato: Hmmm, I suppose that makes it a hundred and two questions.

I chuckle at my witty comment as I resume my field investigation, the walls of this place engraved following the theme of the mural.

Orbs connected by lines, hopping from one another to reach a massive orb located in the center.

Are these just decorations, or are they supposed to mean something?

I twist my lips as I continue sweeping the room with the flashlight, eventually finding an opening.

It led to the ruins back then, but where will it lead now?

I must be ready for anything. I'm once again exploring uncharted territory.

Listening to my instincts, I ready my weapon with a quick motion, bearing in mind my laser capacity is very limited.

If trouble comes my way, I'll have to make every shot count.