The platform shone with a blinding intensity, enveloping Kairo in a bluish light. For a moment, his body seemed to disintegrate into particles of energy. He felt no pain, no dizziness, no weight. Only a slight pressure in his chest and a deep buzzing in his ears. And then, everything changed.
When he opened his eyes again, the world was completely different.
The air was thick, heavy with humidity and unfamiliar scents. Around him stretched a vast jungle of lush vegetation and vivid colors. The trees were tall and knotted, with broad leaves in shades of purple and emerald that caught the light of an orange sun hanging in a violet sky. Strange winged creatures fluttered between the branches, emitting high-pitched screeches like metallic laughter.
Kairo looked down. His Chronocore glowed faintly, projecting an interface before his eyes:
[CHRONOCORE ACTIVE]
Name: Kairo
Rank: F
Level: 1
Experience (EXP): 0/100
Health (HP): 100/100
Energy (EP): 50/50
Strength: 8
Agility: 9
Vitality: 8
Intelligence: 10
Defense: 7
Speed: 9
Active Skill: None
Current Mission: Support to Robert – Reconnaissance on Virelia
Nothing had changed… yet.
Kairo swallowed hard. His boots sank slightly into the damp earth, dotted with thick roots and small flowers that reacted to movement with faint flashes of light. Virelia was beautiful, yes… but it also had something unsettling. As if death could leap out from any corner of that jungle.
A figure approached through the trees.
He wore a uniform similar to Kairo's, though more reinforced and worn from use. On his arm, a Chronocore with an energy bar much longer than Kairo's. He walked confidently, a larger weapon slung across his back, and a stern expression beneath his open helmet.
"Kairo, right?" he asked in a deep voice.
"Yes. You must be Robert."
Robert nodded without wasting time on formalities.
"You've arrived just in time. I already did a quick recon of the area. This jungle is much more hostile than the reports made it seem. Virelia is on the brink of collapse, and the local inhabitants are completely terrified."
Kairo looked around more carefully. Among the trees, in the distance, rose white stone structures covered in moss and vines. They were the remains of what was once a settlement. Not a human voice could be heard… only the eerie calls of alien wildlife.
"Where are the virelians?" he asked.
"They've taken refuge in underground caves further north. They don't dare come out. The creature has killed several in recent weeks, and every attempt to fight back has ended badly."
Robert turned and began walking through the underbrush, motioning for Kairo to follow. As they advanced, the vegetation seemed to close behind them, as if the jungle were slowly swallowing them.
"Listen carefully," Robert said without looking back. "This isn't a high-risk mission for me, but for you and the inhabitants of this planet, it could mean death. You're here to learn, observe, and survive. If you follow my instructions, you shouldn't have any problems. But if you decide to improvise… there won't be a second chance out there."
Kairo clenched his teeth. He didn't know if it was fear or excitement he felt. Maybe both.
Robert stopped next to a huge twisted root and extended a small holographic visor. A map projected into the air, showing points marked with warning signs.
"The creature's tracks lead east. We'll move carefully until we reach a high area. From there, we'll keep watch and try to locate its movement patterns. Don't shoot unless I order you to."
"Understood," Kairo replied, trying to sound firm.
Robert gave him a quick glance, assessing his reaction. He nodded slightly and moved forward again.
Kairo took a deep breath and followed him, entering the jungle of Virelia, among roots that cracked beneath their steps and shadows that seemed to move on their own.
His heart pounded.
It was his first mission.
And whatever that creature was… he would have to face it like a hero.
After almost an hour of silent walking, avoiding natural traps, fist-sized insects, and plants that seemed to watch them, they arrived at a ravine. From above, Robert crouched and raised his fist, signaling Kairo to stop.
"Down there," he whispered.
Kairo carefully peered over. The slope descended to a semicircular clearing surrounded by twisted trees. In the center, partially hidden by rocks covered in glowing lichens, was a crack in the earth: the entrance to a cave.
A whitish vapor escaped from its interior, and on the nearby rocks were deep marks, like scratches or sharp claws. The atmosphere was heavy with an invisible tension. Even the sound of wildlife had disappeared.
"Is that where it hides?" Kairo asked in a low voice.
Robert nodded.
"Yes. I followed the tracks and there's no doubt. That thing sleeps or hides there during the day. It comes out at night to hunt."
Kairo swallowed hard. Something stirred in his stomach. It wasn't just fear… it was anticipation.
"Are we going in now?"
"No. First, we observe. We'll set up a watchpoint right here. If it moves during the day, maybe we can see how it behaves. But if not… we'll prepare to enter at dawn tomorrow."
Robert handed him a small reconnaissance drone.
"You'll control it. It's part of your training."
Kairo took it, nervous but determined.
From that high point, as the orange sun slowly began to set in Virelia's violet sky, the two prepared for a long wait. Before them, the cave exhaled a warm, dense breath. And inside it, lurked an aberration: a creature born of mutation, wild, unpredictable, and lethal.