Element of life

A world that had been evolving for millions of years, through inventions, technological growth, and changes in human nature, had finally found peace. The planet accepted that peace, and it was recognized as a Tier 1 Civilization. Humanity has overcome global warming, natural disasters, ozone depletion, and melting ice caps. A new harmony had settled in, and all living beings stepped into a new chapter of existence in this simulation.

By December 31st, 2199, everything humanity could achieve on Earth had been achieved. Industries were silent. No manufacturing, no mining, no exports, no classes, no sports. Every nation called its military home. People everywhere were with their loved ones. Global banquets turned the day into a new kind of festival—a tribute to unity. As the world counted down to the new century, everyone paused, took a breath, and reflected on the long, brutal road of suffering and triumph behind them. This was to be the proudest moment in human history.

Everyone, except one group, was ready.

On a dangerous, uninhabited island near the South Atlantic Ocean, a team of exceptional scientists and engineers had gathered for one final meeting.

Antonio Solvain, a Gentleman—appeared, he had a formal coat with silver trim edges. His hair was neatly styled, and his sharp, well-groomed appearance reflected a man who valued order and precision.

"Good evening, everyone," he spoke, commanding the attention of the group. "We’re here because of the concerns raised by most of our departments about Domresent—the largest tsunami, origin still unknown. Factoring in our defenses, the tsunami is still a serious threat. Per safety protocols, we are officially shutting the project down. Ladies and gentlemen," he gave a respectful nod, "thank you all for your work this past month. It won’t be forgotten. You may now proceed to evacuate."

Some members exhaled in relief, exchanging looks of satisfaction.

"What a turn of events," a guy muttered with a chuckle, walking off. "I can finally head to town."

"Hmm... perhaps," said a woman wrapped in medical dressings, glancing at the clock and ignoring his comment. Laila Grace had already been discharged just after hours from that incident, and was back to working just fine, if not more energetic.

"Hey, come on, it's alright. You got another research paper out of this, didn’t you? Heck! it's crazy you're already out and working from that accident too."

She shot back, her voice sharp, "You don’t get it. I could have published better results if we hadn’t been interrupted. The director promised this base could handle any force of nature. You all panicked over a 'maybe' and got the project shut down to run back home."

She snatched his drink in a blink.

"Wh—it’s premium black current flav—" he sighed as she took a sip. "Ugh, who let this girl out so early?", he blamed the hospital.

They had spent the past month researching the use of volcanic steam energy from the world’s largest active volcano. Some were glad to be going home in one piece. Others felt their efforts were being washed away with nothing to show.

In a quiet chamber, the director stood, his eyes fixed on the volcano. A woman entered, flipping through the evacuation report as she sat.

"My dear~" she smiled. "Is the view really that mesmerizing, or are you just not leaving?"

He turned slowly and chuckled. "Good evening, Miss Ayamei."

Ayamei Kagetsu—a talent born to move like water. The world’s finest diver, who had led the team in every underwater expedition during the research.

She stood out in a flowing, jewel-toned dress layered in shiny fabric that caught the light. Her short hair was styled with elegant ornaments. All details of her look sparkled with royal flair and playful charm.

"Very good evening, Director," she replied, closing the report and walking over. "Too bad. You came here chasing answers, and now time's betrayed us."

She gently took his hand and met his eyes.

Unfazed by her actions, he blinked. "Yes. It was my goal. Maybe I should’ve considered a stronger base. Prepared for something worse than Domresent."

He gripped her hand slightly and started toward the exit.

But Ayamei wasn’t done.

"Awww, poor director~ don’t blame yourself. This wasn’t even your area of expertise."

He looked toward a vending machine. "Green tea, Miss Ayamei? Consider it my thanks."

She laughed. "How sweet~ but not quite enough," her tone dropped, serious.

He paused. "Ah, that's the sweetest drink, you should actually try—"

"There’s no need for that now, is there?" she interrupted with a light grin on her face.

He froze, realizing why she had returned.

"How did you know?"

She giggled, shoving the report against him. "Even I can read a basic report. If you think I can’t, I’ll be offended."

"I didn’t think this stuff would interest you."

"Normally? No. But you made it obvious."

"Was it that bad? My face, my behavior, or—"

She laughed. "You’re hopeless, Director."

Then, switching her tone, she said, "The defense systems were fine. Even a tsunami beyond Domresent wouldn’t have breached the base. So why cancel? Was it leadership? Trusting your team’s concerns? Or~" she leaned in, "did you have something more exciting planned?", with no response, he suddenly parted ways.

Few minutes later, an airship finished loading. Everyone evacuated on time, watching a tsunami beyond scale rise from the ocean. Eyes stayed locked on the massive wave—except one.

Antonio Solvain, didn’t watch the tsunami. He approached an emergency pod chamber—when a voice echoed.

"Oh my~ it seems the director also has some lost sense of direction," Ayamei laughed softly, stepping into view.

"Lady Ayamei... I'd like to continue with my private business, so please take your assigned seat."

She giggled in response. "Yet again, so caring. Allow me to return the favor. Step away from the pod. Your private business is far too unrealistic to be resolved alone. What exactly do you think you can do?"

Antonio gave her a firm look. "I’ve decided to stop hiding. The world deserves to see it."

"Oh?", she said with a quiet chuckle. "So you’ve finally made up your mind. The others won't be too pleased about this, you know?"

He sighed, stepping toward her, his face serious. "We’ll go to the show that you mentioned-"

She grabbed his hand quickly. "Nooo! That afternoon you’re also escorting me to a planetarium. And then—"

He openly tried to bribe her, but the prey asked for a chunk instead of a bait.

He pried her fingers off one by one, "Fine, as you please," he exhaled, fixing his suit. "But only up to the lunch, I won’t entertain any further, I'm not your guardian anymore."

She let go, grinning like a child. "Yayy~ I’m so grateful for such a chill director.", she twirled around with joy.

"Now, if you’ll excuse me..."

"Why, indeed. You’re excused. Take care, Director."

"Thank you. I will."

He entered the pod chamber.

As the airship soared over the volcano, Antonio crossed his arms and launched himself, aiming at the volcano’s mouth.

A broadcast from the airship showed a pale white light zooming down, vanishing into the smoke.

The world was about to enter a new century. The tsunami leapt toward the volcano.

Inside the crater, where magma should’ve destroyed all life, stood a man. His hands were poised like a god shaping boundless energy.

Antonio Solvain.

He was raised by a humble family. His mother, a philosopher. The father a firefighter who died battling flames in an industrial accident. That loss scarred Antonio, but he held onto a line left by his dad.

"Fire doesn't burn anything... it only reflects the soul of an abuser harnessing it."

Antonio was moved, he devoted himself to uncovering the deeper meaning behind those words. Through science and relentless study, he chased, and he found something beyond facts. A truth that hit like an explosion inside his heart. Genshi's foundational law of the simulation.

He had awakened. To understand and control fire.

He now opens his eyes.

"One day, we’ll uncover the universe’s ultimate truth. For that... I will light the first path."

Antonio cleared his mind.

Summoning plasma, fourth state of matter. The glowing force of fire.

He clapped.

The volcano roared. Waves drew back. Air rushed into the smoking portal. Then, it lit up.

A red orb blasted skyward, tearing clouds and brightened the midnight.

From the airship, the false dawn collapsed into a singularity.

Antonio whispered. "Meteorite Quasar."

A shockwave of supersonic plasma shot across the island, vaporizing the tsunami for a mile in every direction. Not a single drop touched the volcano.

At HQ:

"Cut the live broadcast!...Investigate the island! Get the best firefighters on Earth to that island NOW!" ordered the emergency commander.

The world was in shock. Firefighters deployed to extinguish flames... from a tsunami-struck island?

Several minutes later, jets scrambled. Pilots saw the scene.

"Landing now. The island looks stable."

"Be ready, this is the biggest firestorm you’ll ever face!" the sergeant shouted in a chamber filled with armed forces.

As the jets settled, men came rushing out. With smoke filled in satellite images, only a team sent directly to the island could give a field report. But they were indeed shocked to find nothing. The island wasn’t on fire nor flooded. It was calm. Trees swayed as smoke blew over the sand.

Then—a light appeared.

A glowing shape rose from the volcano. The elite firefighters immediately aimed their weapons to guard the jets on the shore. The spark advanced like a missile towards them, intimidating everyone.

Their lives and resources might have ended if it was an actual missile. But this wasn’t two centuries ago.

Humanity has evolved.

They fired their hydro guns, slicing air like diamonds. The blast intercepted midair. The glowing object lost momentum and crashed near the trees—but still burning.

Weapons charged again.

Dust cleared.

A figure walked forward. A man wrapped in flames.

*Forgive me, father... for my actions that weren't meant to harm... have now disrupted nature.*

He answered himself.

Antonio Solvain had returned. From the volcano. From the heart of fire. Unscathed.

He had tamed a key element of the universe—Fire.

**