Crimson Crest

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by Edgar García González

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It started as just another job. It was supposed to be simple, an opportunity to earn money to fund the next big project the team had in mind.

Previously, it had been the abandoned house on the outskirts of the city or that urban legend of the girl from Lake Cacuerameo.

All of those had been big projects, but they aimed for more; they sought to make their name stand out above the average researchers. In a city where there were only a few teams dedicated to urban exploration and documentaries, presenting something that went beyond a simple legend meant everything in terms of competition.

Something real.

Up to that point in their career, the team “Mysterious Eye” had been responsible for covering and debunking old myths, but after all, they were just that, myths. Then came the “Crimson Crest” case.

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MYSTERIOUS EYE The team “Mysterious Eye” started as a school project formed

by Tavita Mucenti and Francel “Fran” Coleman, to which Jona Tolem, Fran’s friend, later joined.

At first, they were an amateur urban exploration group, but over time, “Mysterious Eye” began to build a reputation on the internet by delving into increasingly strange and popular cases, as well as taking on the task of debunking supposed paranormal evidence.

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TESTIMONY 1 [Recording] 00:00:01, 00:00:02, 00:00:03, 00:00:04…

— Tavita: Is it already on?

— Jona: Everything’s in order, Tavita.

— Tavita: Do we have the full frame?

— Jona: Hmmm, move just a little to your right.

— Tavita: Where? Is it okay here?

— Jona: There, you’re fine.

— Tavita: Thank you very much for granting us this interview, sir… is it okay if we say your name?

— Person 1: I’d prefer to keep it secret. Is this for television or…?

— Tavita: No, no. This is for our Internet program “Mysterious Eye.” We are an independent research group.

— Person 1: Oh, okay. I understand.

— Tavita: Could you speak a little to see if your microphone is working, sir?

— Person 1: What should I say?

— Tavita: Anything. Try “one, two, three, one, two, three.”

— Person 1: One, two, three, one, two, three.

— Tavita: Do you have it?

— Jona: I got it.

— Tavita: Very well, sir. Now just relax, take your time, and tell us what happened that day in Crimson Crest.

— Person 1: It was four years ago. It was daytime. I was walking with my family through the forest. It was our family hike; we did it once a month… — *four seconds silence* — We were looking for our spot to rest and have our picnic; everything was going fine. At one point, we heard a motor noise, thought it was something common, some camper or another family passing by. About fifteen or twenty minutes later, our daughter went to explore a bit… my 8

wife and I didn’t notice. When we realized our little one was no longer nearby, we started shouting her name, but she never responded. We walked for a while and came across some men in black clothes and hats. They saw us and we saw them; we asked if they had seen our daughter, but they only told us: “There’s no one here, please leave.” We kept insisting if they knew anything about her, but they didn’t speak again, just stayed there watching us, monitoring us. Then more people arrived in a truck, and we knew something was wrong. Four more men got out of that truck and told us the same thing: “Please leave.” We couldn’t leave. — *starts crying* — Our daughter was lost in the forest. But in the end, we left; one of them watched us from a distance until we got out of Crimson Crest.

— Tavita: What happened to your daughter?

— Person 1: We never found out, but surely those men had something to do with it. We never saw her again nor the men in black. We reported it to the police and search and rescue, but they never managed to find a trace of her.

— Tavita: What was your daughter’s name?

— Person 1: *crying* — June, our June… — *seven seconds silence* — She’s still there, still in Crimson Crest, waiting for us…

— *breaks into tears* — Tavita: Cut, cut. Jona, cut…

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TESTIMONY 2 [Recording] 00:01:08, 00:01:09, 00:01:10, 00:01:11…

— Tavita: … and make sure to switch to manual focus, I don’t want to repeat the same of Castor Valley.

— Jona: It’s on manual, don’t worry. Can you speak a little? I want to check the mic.

— Tavita: Hello, hello, I’m Tavita from Mysterious Eye. — Jona: Can you do the same, sir?

— Person 2: One, two, three, testing, testing…

— Jona: No, you know what? Let’s switch to the handheld mic; the lapel one is causing interference. Fran, get the handheld mic from the truck.

— Tavita: Unbeliev…

[Pause] [Recording] 00:01:41, 00:01:42, 00:01:43, 00:01:44…

— Jona: Okay, we have clean sound now. Tavita, can you stand over here? Hold the microphone near your chin. And you, take two small steps to your left, please. Done, we have the frame. Whenever you’re ready, Tavita.

— Tavita: Would you like to introduce yourself to the audience, sir…?

— Person 2: Romu, Romu Fitzler. A pleasure.

— Tavita: Mr. Romu, please tell us what you saw that day in Crimson Crest.

— Person 2: I don’t know exactly what I saw. To be honest, I still doubt it to this day. I’m a wildlife photographer and had read about 10

this mountain in an internet article: “The place blessed by the mountain itself.”

— Tavita: What do you mean?

— Person 2: From what I heard, the wildlife in that place is different from the rest. As a photographer, I wanted to see it for myself.

I traveled to the town of Armasa and stayed in a guesthouse. At dawn, I headed to the mountain. I left my car at the entrance to the tourist area and continued with my bicycle.

I took several photos of Crimson Crest… The site is captivating when the birds fly among the trees, and the rest of the animals… you should see them for yourselves. They are beautiful.

By the time I realized, the sun was already setting. I didn’t want to stay in the forest at night, so I packed all my equipment and mounted my bicycle.

When I passed by the river, I noticed some lights; there was a vehicle stopped there with several people around it. It was already somewhat dark, so I couldn’t see exactly what was happening, but I got close enough to verify that the vehicle was a van.

I managed to get a little closer; in the darkness, I deduced that if I couldn’t see them, they couldn’t see me either. There was something inside the van, or rather someone. The van was moving violently and I swear I heard moans and horrible screams, I don’t know… I took out my camera and used the zoom to see those people a little better, but I couldn’t make out much, so I took a few photos which I can gladly provide.

— Tavita: Were you able to see if these people were dressed in black?

— Person 2: What? … No, I don’t know, maybe. It was dark, and I couldn’t see how they were dressed.

— Tavita: So you saw some people in a van in the middle of the night while you heard noises you describe as moans and growls. Is that what you’re saying?

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— Person 2: As I said, I don’t know exactly what I saw and I didn’t want to stick around to find out. I only know that I haven’t returned to Crimson Crest since then.

— Tavita: Have you ever shown the photographs to anyone else or posted them somewhere?

— Person 2: To acquaintances and the authorities, but they said there was nothing they could do except stay alert for new information.

— Tavita: Anything else you’d like to add, Mr. Fitzler?

— Person 2: Be careful up there.

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TESTIMONY 3 [Recording] 00:05:49, 00:05:50, 00:05:51, 00:05:52…

— Person 3: I don’t want to be on camera.

— Tavita: Alright. Hmm, let’s do this. Sit on this side, with your back to the camera, and that way we won’t have to do any editing.

Is that okay with you?

— Person 3: Sure.

— Tavita: Very well. Then, whenever you’re ready, sir.

— Person 3: — *five seconds silence* — Surely you’ve heard of the wonders people tell about the mountain. Well, I can tell you that place is nothing natural. Everything there is so… strange.

— Tavita: Could you be more specific, sir?

— Person 3: The townspeople, the mountain caretakers, everyone seems so reserved and obsessed with it. They rarely let outsiders pass. When I went, I saw what these people are capable of.

— Tavita: What did you see?

— Person 3: Walking along a part of the trail far from the main path, I saw this black van parked. Some men were loading two bodies into it. They were young, a man and a woman.

Honestly, I don’t know if they were alive or dead. I froze, I wanted to help, but no… I couldn’t. “Take them,” is what they said before the van drove off.

— Tavita: Could you be more specific? What do you mean by “part far from the trail”?

— Person 3: It’s hard to explain. It’s mostly forest. It was several kilometers past the camping area, my compass pointed southwest.

That’s the only thing I can say concretely.

— Tavita: Did you see anything else? Any markings on the van?

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— Person 3: Nothing… I ran out of there. I think they saw me and I swear they were following me for a while until I reached the general camping area.

I don’t know what’s happening up there, but the people aren’t safe.

These disappearances are kidnappings. Everyone should know the truth.

— Tavita: Have you ever returned to Crimson Crest? Or thought about going back?

— Person 3: Of course not. It’s best to stay away from that place.

Let the locals do their thing. The authorities have never investigated the disappearances, so something very big must be happening there.

It’s better to stay out of this, guys. You shouldn’t risk it.

— Tavita: We appreciate your concern and your time, sir.

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Armasa is the town closest to Crimson Crest Mountain.

Completely rural, its inhabitants live entirely off what the mountain itself provides. Although tourists and multinational companies are not very welcome, they represent another source of income for the town’s economy.

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CHAPTER 1: Prelude — Start of the investigation. Midnight. It’s just us, the night, and the road. This is awesome! — Fran pointed the camera at himself, excited.

— Could you not shout, Fran? I can’t hear the music. — Complained Jona, who was driving the van. Fran pointed the camera at Jona.

— Why do you listen to that garbage? Only you like the music our grandparents listened to — Fran said mockingly.

— The thing is, I like music, real music. Besides, Tavita likes it too, right, Tavita? — Jona replied, looking at Tavita in the back seat through the rearview mirror. Fran directed the camera toward her.

— It’s nice, yes. Although you could put something more current for a change. — Tavita replied with a smile.

— Hey, Tavita, why don’t you tell the audience where we’re going?

— Fran said, adjusting the camera focus.

— Without a mic? Seriously? — Tavita asked, brushing the hair from her forehead.

— Yeah, what does it matter. Come on, girl, go ahead — Fran replied, still excited by the experience of the trip. Jona just smiled, keeping his eyes on the road.

— Hello, dear audience of Mysterious Eye. We are currently traveling to the town of Armasa. It’s 12:08 a.m., and we have almost six hours ahead of us. We believe this investigation is worth such a trip because, apparently… — Tavita let out a spontaneous laugh — Sorry, sorry, I don’t know why this feels weird. The camera, so close to my face— Tavita said, still laughing.

— Look at her, Tavita being intimidated by the camera, wow, wow!

— Jona’s voice was heard off-camera.

— It’s okay, just relax and breathe, alright? — Fran commented.

The road continued like this, full of laughter, classical music, and a several-hour rest at a small traveler’s stop. A great investigation awaited them at dawn, and the team’s excitement to begin was evident.

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The Crimson Crest case represented a new turn in the team’s investigations, as for the first time they were facing a mystery without answers, with no clear cause, and witnesses who would never set foot in that place again.

Perhaps it was pure publicity from the town or popular exaggeration, but one thing was certain: the team would not stop until they produced one of the best episodes for their program and viewers.

Destiny, however, had plans very different from what the team, in their rarest and eeriest investigations, could have imagined; something dark and grim. But it was too early to know…

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CHAPTER 2: Welcome to Armasa — Hello, how are you? Good morning dear audience and welcome to Mysterious Eye, I am Tavita Mucenti, your host for this new adventure, and this time we are about to depart towards Crimson Crest. For those who don’t know, Crimson Crest is a small mountain range… ufff, I lost my breath. Don’t cut, okay? I’m going to start again. — Tavita took a breath, wiped her eyes a little, and resumed her speech. — For those who don’t know, Crimson Crest is a small mountain range located east of the quiet town of Armasa.

Adorned with several natural rivers that flow into a small lake, Crimson Crest is an ideal attraction for tourists, campers, and lovers of outdoor walks. Another attraction, and what gives the place its name, is the immense number of Crimson Crest birds that inhabit the mountain.

Tavita spoke to the camera held by her partner Jona with that charming naturalness that characterized her, and accompanying them was the third member of the team, Fran, in charge of editing the episodes of Mysterious Eye. During investigations, Fran was also responsible for capturing material to use as behind the scenes .

Tavita continued: — It’s almost 7 in the morning, and in just a few more minutes, the first rays of the sun will peek over Crimson Crest, right behind me, the place that will be our research site for this episode, because as you may have heard at the beginning of this episode, strange things happen there: missing people, men in black patrolling the area, strange noises heard with no apparent origin, and a complete lack of attention from the authorities make Crimson Crest an interesting place for the Mysterious Eye team. Today we will spend the night there, exploring the distant areas from the camping zone, hoping to find some clue to the mystery surrounding Crimson Crest. Join us.

The camera cut, and the team already had their plan laid out: visit the town a little to learn how people lived there, as they only had the testimonies and interviews of people who had agreed to share 20

their story about Crimson Crest, but they all had one thing in common… they no longer lived in Armasa or had never returned.

As Tavita had announced, the rays of the sun began to peek through the valley from the mountains of Crimson Crest. Morning mist took over the town, and through it, the silhouettes of people already starting to walk the streets could be seen.

One of the main attractions, apart from Crimson Crest, was the river that ran through the entire town, a river that came directly from the spring in Crimson Crest and provided the inhabitants of Armasa with an unlimited supply of water. All along the river stood several wooden bridges connecting both sides of the town, separated by the river itself, so that people could cross from one side to the other without compromising the water’s flow.

The locals did not welcome tourists very warmly, as on more than one occasion their irresponsibility had polluted the river with garbage and plastics. People came to the center of town at all hours to fill bucket after bucket of clean water and take it to their homes.

Fran began filming archival material for the investigation of the river and the people collecting water. Some looked at him with disdain; others simply didn’t care. Tavita took the opportunity to fill one of her canteens with water and thus take part of the town’s experience with her. On the other side of the river, a boy watched them: — You should be thankful. — Said the boy, catching the team’s attention. He continued — When we take water from the river, we pray and give thanks to the mountain. — The boy dipped his hands into the river, scooped up some water, and brought his hands to his mouth to drink. He lowered his head for a moment, and then stood up.

— Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just… we’re not from here. — Said Tavita, somewhat nervous. The boy kept watching them until Tavita lowered her head, looking at the ground for a few seconds. The boy left, satisfied.

— Wow, the people here are very special, don’t you think? — Fran asked sarcastically.

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— We are the outsiders, let them be. — Jona replied.

They continued exploring the town, walking along the cobblestone pavement of the streets. Horses came and went, and only a few cars, mostly from tourists, could be seen driving around. The team talked about how cut off from society the town seemed, as if technology had stopped in time. Only a few poles and wires rose through the town, possibly for telephone or fax service; other than that, there was no sign of computers or internet services. It was a perfect town to disconnect from urban chaos.

Their walk led them to a small restaurant where people were already waiting for their first meal of the day. They thought it would be a good idea to experience as much of the town as possible. None of the diners seemed to be tourists, and they all fixed their gaze on Tavita, Jona, and Fran’s team, the latter still filming. The team approached the restaurant counter, feeling the discomfort of being watched by everyone.

— Good morning, outsiders. — Said the woman in charge of the counter. — What would you like to order? — She asked, pointing to a chalkboard behind her with the meals the establishment offered. They all looked very normal: eggs, juices, pancakes, bread with jam, glasses of milk—one hundred percent cow’s milk. But one item caught the team’s attention: “Armasa special.” Wanting to try everything traditional from the town, they decided to order one of those for each of them and then went to sit down to wait for their food.

While they were seated at their table, a couple sitting next to them at the table beside them began to speak: — The video cameras… are they for a movie or something? — Asked the man.

— Mmm, no, no, sir, we’re an internet show. — Fran replied.

— Intranet? Is that another one of those government programs to take our town away from us? Those idiots already tried years ago, and now they send some youngsters to spy on us… what a disgrace.

The team looked at each other, confused.

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— I… I’m sorry, sir, we’re not from the government or anything like that, we’re here to make a show, that’s all. — Tavita replied.

The team continued talking with the man, trying to make him understand that they weren’t from any government organization trying to take their town, but this very discussion planted a seed of doubt in Tavita, Fran, and Jona’s minds: had this happened before?

The arrival of the dishes to their table brought them back to reality.

For a breakfast, it was a very hearty plate: a juicy cut of meat surrounded by a yellowish paste and accompanied by a salad as green as grass itself. The team enjoyed their respective dishes and ended up satisfied. Jona had left a piece of meat on his plate, as he wasn’t someone who ate much in the mornings. The same man from before intervened: — Hey kid, aren’t you going to eat that? — The man asked, with a perceptible annoyance. Jona looked at him, but before he could reply, the man continued — Do you know the animal that had to die so you could eat, and now you leave it like that? — The man stood up. — Don’t disrespect the mountain!

The people inside the restaurant stopped eating or talking to pay attention to the scene. The team noticed it—it was a silence broken only by the creak of the ceiling fan. Jona kept a defensive stance, but it seemed the whole establishment wasn’t on the team’s side.

— Hey son… just eat the meat, will you? It’s a community tradition. — Said an elderly woman sitting on the other side of the establishment, dressed in a large black tunic.

The three were very confused by what was happening, but they didn’t have many options. As they had already said, “we are the outsiders,” so they had to follow the town’s traditions if they wanted to stay there until their investigation in Crimson Crest.

— Come on Jona, just eat it and let’s get out of here. — Fran said.

Jona took the meat with his hand and put it in his mouth to chew and swallow. Everyone present lowered their gaze for a few seconds, just as the boy had done when drinking water from the river. Those who were standing sat back down and continued eating 23

as if nothing had happened, leaving the team perplexed. They left the place without saying a single word.

The clock read 08:12 a.m., and the team was sitting in their van parked on the edge of the town. They talked about what they had just experienced, but there wasn’t much to say about it: they were town traditions, and they had no right to question their way of life.

They had to kill time until noon to head to Crimson Crest. Several ideas crossed the team’s minds: they could go get interviews, check out the town a bit more, and discover more places.

— That was strange. — Jona said.

— One way or another, it’s part of the experience, I suppose. I would’ve liked to have it on video. — Tavita commented. — What do you think, guys? Want to keep walking around the town to see if we can get interviews or something?

— If the whole town is like that guy from the restaurant, I doubt they’ll want to talk to us. — Jona said.

— There are four hours left until noon, and we haven’t seen much of the town. It would help me to have more background footage of the streets. — Fran always said it was better to have hundreds of minutes of unused footage than to lack material to work with in the episodes.

The team left some things in the van and decided to walk more through the town. Fran filmed the entire walk, capturing everyday moments: people walking, trading, crossing the wooden bridges, riding horses.

Their walk took them to an area with many street vendors offering all kinds of things, from necklaces to sculptures, and everything seemed handmade. The team thought it was a perfect place to kill time and to capture part of the experience of what life in the town meant. After visiting several stalls and getting various comments from tourists who were already filling the streets, someone called them from one of the many stalls.

— Outsiders, over here. — Said a raspy male voice. It was an old man with a blanket full of items for sale. The team approached, guided by curiosity, accepting the old man’s invitation.

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— Wow, everything looks very charming. — Tavita commented.

Fran filmed everything.

— All my products have a story. Go ahead, ask. — The old man said.

Tavita was drawn to a pendant adorned with an oval stone.

— What’s this? — Tavita asked.

— Tatirious, extracted directly from the mountain decades ago. — The old man replied.

— Tatirious? I thought that mineral was only found in the ocean.

— Jona had heard of that rare mineral that underwater expeditions took months to find.

— You’d be surprised at everything the mountain once had to offer, outsiders. And what are the cameras for? — The old man asked.

— Oh, you see, we’re from an internet investigation show. We investigate some stories we’ve heard about the town.

— Really? — The old man asked. — Not much has been said about the town for years.

— Have you heard anything about… disappearances on the mountain? — Tavita asked. The old man remained silent for a moment.

— Oh, I see, that’s why you’ve come. — The old man seemed to know something. He continued. — The mountain, just as it provides, also takes away. Like this piece, this small Tatirious ornament surely cost lives when it was extracted from up there.

— Hey, I’ll make you an offer. — Fran cut in, without stopping recording. — You tell us something about that, and we’ll buy that Toritrious ornament.

— Tatirious! — Jona corrected.

— What do you say? — Fran asked.

— Are you really going to buy that, Fran? — Tavita asked, confused.

— Yes! Why not? It’s great. Besides, I think it’s fair — a transaction in exchange for information. Don’t you think so, sir?

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— Two hundred. And I’ll tell you something interesting, curious youngsters. — The old vendor replied.

Fran accepted the offer and bought the pendant. Unlike Jona and Tavita, Fran liked to wear accessories such as rings, earrings, and necklaces. A pendant made from a rare mineral would be something quite eye-catching, but instead of wearing it, he gave it to Tavita, who seemed more interested in the pendant.

— Would you allow us to record everything? For our show. — Tavita said.

— That’ll cost you another item. — The old man wasn’t willing to give everything away for free. In the end, the team decided it would be best to just listen to what the old man had to tell them. Tavita would later take care of writing everything down.

— Well, youngsters… have you heard of the Silver Point tribe? — The old man asked.

Both Tavita and Fran turned to look at Jona, who, of the three, was the one who knew the most about information that many others didn’t. He simply said he had never heard of such a tribe.

— It’s a shame the past is ignored. The past of my ancestors. — The old man picked up several of his products in his hands. — The mineral extracted from this mountain, everything that has been looted, was discovered by my people, the Silver Point tribe.

Founder of Armasa. You want to talk about disappearances? Start with my ancestors.

— What do you mean, sir? Are you saying an entire tribe disappeared? — Tavita wrote in her notebook while conducting the interview.

— Not only disappeared, but was subdued. Or at least that’s what was told in the generations that survived.

— Are you saying that the town, your ancestors, disappeared many years ago, just as is happening now? — It took them a moment to realize, but a group of people had already gathered around them to listen. Both tourists and locals. They wanted to continue the interview, but the stares made the situation uncomfortable.

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— You’d better move along, outsiders. Thank you very much for your contribution. — The old man said.

— Mr. Creldrú is right, young outsiders. — Said a policeman who was among the crowd. — He probably bribed you with false information. He’s so desperate to sell his stuff that he told you some outlandish story about his items just to sell them, isn’t that right?

Tavita looked at the old man, and he simply lowered his gaze.

— Thank you for your time, sir. — Tavita said as the team left the place.

A feeling of disappointment came over her and surely over Jona and Fran as well. But, on the other hand, the question persisted in Tavita’s curious mind… Could any part of that have been true?

— What a disappointment. — Jona commented.

— Yeah, the good thing is that at least Tavita got a new ornament.

— Fran said.

— For all we know, it could be just as fake as the information.

What a way to spend money, Fran. — Tavita said, looking at her pendant.

The tour through the town continued normally. Jona commented that, for a rural town, there were many vehicles with company logos roaming the streets. They didn’t know if it was for advertising purposes or simply outside suppliers bringing resources to the town.

In the end, the team decided it would be a good idea to rest a bit before their expedition to the mountain. After all, it would be an exhausting journey, as they would spend the rest of the day and the night up there, trying to find an answer to the mystery surrounding Crimson Crest.

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Crimson Crest is the main attraction of the town of Armasa: a forest away from civilization, where tourists spend most of their time marveling at its untouched nature and the unique aura that surrounds it.

The townspeople are determined to protect this mountain from anyone or any activity that might put its natural balance at risk.

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CHAPTER 3: A magical place Fran’s camera was focused on the vehicle’s right side mirror, which reflected himself holding the camera. Fran had always enjoyed filming travel routes; he believed they were an important part of the experience for the viewers. For Tavita and Jona, it was just a waste of memory space, but they didn’t mind, as it made the trip more entertaining. Besides, he was doing his job.

The mountain grew larger in view until they finally arrived at its entrance, at its base. It was a dirt path wide enough for two vehicles to pass: one lane in and one lane out. At that hour, it was clear that people had already started moving through the area, some entering the mountainous forest, others leaving. Tourists and campers came and went.

They reached a point where they could see a large fence surrounding the entire perimeter of the mountain, next to the only access to the forest. According to the information the team had gathered, this fence was meant to prevent the animals living in the forest from leaving the safe zone. The locals only hunted when food was needed, never for sport. Poachers were not welcome in either the town or the mountain.

The entrance was guarded at all times by the town’s own people.

They weren’t park rangers or officials, they were armed civilians.

—Good day, outsiders. You can leave your vehicle over there — one of the men said, pointing with his weapon toward the indicated direction. It was a large area that served as a parking lot for motor vehicles, as it was strictly forbidden to enter with any transportation that could pollute the environment or disturb the peace of the forest. Only bicycles were allowed inside.

As the team went to park their truck, a question crossed Tavita’s mind: —Hey, isn’t it strange? If they say you can’t enter the forest with vehicles…

—Yeah, the people from the testimonies mentioned the presence of vans —Jona interrupted.

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—Exactly! —Tavita affirmed, snapping her fingers.

The team got out of the truck carrying everything they needed for the investigation: cameras, microphones, backpacks with provisions, and a camping kit in case it was necessary.

As soon as they returned to the forest entrance, the armed men intervened again: —What’s a TV crew doing here? —asked one of the guards, approaching Fran, who had his camera on and headphones connected.

—Hey, hey, relax. We’re not television —Jona intervened, stepping in front of the man and trying to calm him—. We’re just an internet show, okay?

The man stared intently at Jona, his weapon resting in his hands but ready to fire at anyone who challenged the authority imposed by his people.

—Please, you’re scaring everyone —Tavita pleaded.

It was true: the altercation had caught the attention of the people waiting to enter Crimson Crest forest. Fran kept recording, which only made the guards more nervous.

After a moment, the two armed men looked at each other. The one in front of Jona signaled with his head to the guard at the entrance.

The latter took out his radio and began speaking to someone through an earpiece, which made it impossible to know with whom or about what he was talking. Finally, he just nodded to his companion.

—My apologies, outsiders —said the guard, stepping back and flashing a brief smile—. It’s just that we’ve had trouble with other television networks that come to report on how wonderful our mountain is, and in the end, they never give anything back to the town. You’ll understand that we’re very protective and possessive of our ecosystem. —He slung the weapon over his back as he finished speaking.

People calmed down and began entering the forest through the gates. It seemed the whole thing had just been a misunderstanding with the Mysterious Eye team.

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Tavita saw an opportunity to make a risky request that, if it worked, could give her first-hand information: an interview.

—Forgive my boldness. I know you’re working, but could you tell us a little about the place? —she asked.

—This isn’t work, miss, it’s our service to the mountain.

—That’s right. The mountain takes care of us, and we take care of it —they added, alternating phrases.

Tavita continued the conversation to try to secure the interview.

To her surprise, it was easier than she had expected. There was only one condition: no cameras.

They had no choice. If they wanted first-hand information, they would have to agree. Even so, Tavita pulled a notebook and pen from her backpack to jot down as much as possible.

The guards spoke about the mountain’s importance, the reason for the fence surrounding the forest, and the natural spring that provided water to the town. It was a treasure the locals did not intend to neglect because of outsiders, as they called them. The mountain gave them food and constant water, and they protected that balance from anyone who tried to plunder it.

Everything was going well until Jona asked the question the whole team had been waiting to hear, although the way it came out of his mouth shattered the little harmony they had built: —And what can you tell us about the disappearances?

Both guards looked at him instantly.

—What did you say? —one asked in a serious tone.

—Jona, what are you doing? You can’t just ask like that —Tavita muttered, reprimanding him under her breath.

—So that’s why you’re here, isn’t it? —one said to his companion—. What do you say, Cal? —Yeah, that’s probably it.

The guardians’ looks were anything but comforting. The team felt as if they had touched upon a secret that should never have been known. And yet, what they heard next was not what they expected.

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—It was to be expected. Many have had the same curiosity as the inhabitants of Armasa. And yes… it’s true, several strange things have happened in there.

—The giant fence is also a measure to ensure that, whatever is happening in the forest, stays there.

—Do you know anything else about it? —asked Tavita— What about the men in black suits and the strange noises?

Tavita was making the mistake of trying to squeeze all the information out of a single source, but this was the first clue that seemed to confirm the rumors they had heard.

—Miss, we can’t help you with that. We guard the entrance to the forest. If you want some advice, I suggest you enter now; you’ll miss the birdsong —replied one of the guardians, closing the conversation.

The team, with no other options, left the interview and crossed through the access gate. They were welcomed by a wide path, flanked by walls of dirt formed by the mountain itself, as if it had prepared a grand entrance for its visitors. At the end of the path, gigantic trees and fresh air with the scent of morning dampness. All around were people taking photos, preparing food, and setting up tents.

—Jona, film here. I want shots of all this —Tavita instructed.

—Aren’t you going in? —asked Jona.

—In a moment. Fran, get a microphone ready, we’re going to do some interviews. With luck, someone will know something.

Two men in their thirties obeying a twenty-six-year-old woman: that was how Mysterious Eye worked. Tavita had a natural sense of leadership, and the team respected it.

They interviewed several people, but nothing out of the ordinary: —We came to see the place.

—We’ll be spending the night here.

—A friend told us about this.

—No, but you’re beautiful… would you like to join us?

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No one knew anything about disappearances or strange events; they were just campers enjoying nature. With no luck, they decided to go deeper into the mountain. Fran filmed everything, as always.

The forest closed over the sky so much that barely any light filtered through, but by midday, the place’s greatest spectacle occurred.

From deep within came the chirping of hundreds of birds, which slowly grew into a natural concert. The treetops began to shake, and there appeared, majestic, the Crimson Crest: small birds with dark green plumage, long tails, and a crimson crest formed by two or three feathers slanting backward. They flew over the team while Jona and Fran filmed separately. Tavita laughed, enthralled.

Every day, when the sun was at its highest, these birds awoke and adorned the sky, though no one knew why. The locals simply accepted it as a gift.

—This is magical! —exclaimed Tavita.

The charm did not erase the mission: to find clues about the disappearances. Testimonies spoke of people dressed in black, strange noises, and vans roaming the forest, but none of that appeared.

Fran suggested checking a map, but they didn’t have one. The internet didn’t work, and the GPS showed a blank spot in the area.

They decided to walk until they found a clearing to get their bearings.

The hours passed slowly among chirps, wind, and the sighting of unusual creatures: deer with a single horn, squirrels with extremely long tails, rabbits in impossible colors, and huge weasels.

Everything was strange and fascinating, perfect material for Fran.

Tavita took photos, and Jona filmed Tavita as she did so.

Finally, they reached a clearing where several people had set up their tents. For the first time, they could see the open sky and the birds crossing from one side to the other. Exhaustion forced them to rest there.

—Jona, I´m going in —said Tavita, fixing her hair and wiping her sweat with a towelette. Jona prepared the camera, and Fran handed 36

her a microphone. She was about to start when a voice interrupted them: —You must be the ones from the television show.

37

CHAPTER 4: The mysterious young man A young man with short brown hair stood in front of the team and seemed to know them. He wore hiking clothes and had a backpack on his back.

—Did you notice because of the camera, or do you know us from the show? —asked Tavita sarcastically.

—Yes, I was told you’d be here. I finally found you —replied the young man. —My name is Clay, and I’m sort of your guide.

The team was confused by the words of this mysterious guy, Clay.

—Excuse me, who are you? —asked Fran.

—Aaah, right. Sorry, who the heck does this guy think he is, just showing up and introducing himself? —said Clay with a smile. —I understand. You’ve already met my partners Cal and Cobol at the entrance. They called me to assist you. It’s easy to get lost in this place, and there’s quite a lot of ground to cover. I’m your guide — Clay concluded, opening his arms.

The team began talking with Clay. They had never had a fourth member in any investigation, but if what he said was true, he would be a great help for the expedition.

—And why did they send you to help us, kid? —asked Fran.

—Because I’m the best. I know this forest perfectly. It’s like my second home.

—No, he meant, why did they send us help just like that? —Fran interrupted.

—Aaah, no, I don’t know. I just do what I was asked. I thought you had requested help from my partners, wasn’t that the case? — asked Clay, confused.

—Are you really a guide? —asked Tavita.

Clay, with a confident smirk, took off his backpack and pulled out a huge folded sheet of paper. He knelt down and began unfolding it on the ground. It was a map.

—You are here —said Clay, pointing to the map with his index finger. —I’m not lying, the map shows a large area to cover. As you can see, the area is huge. You can go on your own if you want, but 38

with me, you’ll get wherever you want in no time. See this area? — Clay pointed to a blue circle drawn on the map. —It’s the lost village area, a point of interest that’s very… well, interesting. And this point here… —he pointed to a red circle. —is the fruit tree area, where you’ll find the sweetest and most delicious berries you could ever taste. And this place… —Clay pointed to a somewhat remote area. —…I think it might interest you. They’re natural rock formations.

—And the spring? —asked Tavita. Clay froze for a second, as if they had asked an inappropriate or even confidential question. He looked directly at the team.

—The spring… Yes, I know the place, but we mustn’t go there.

It’s forbidden —said Clay.

—It’s important for our investigation that we go to the spring. Why is it forbidden? —Tavita took out her notebook, ready to jot down anything Clay might say.

—Because it’s sacred to the village. I don’t know if you knew, but that spring provides…

—Drinking water for the village, yes, we’ve been told that several times —commented Tavita— Is that why it’s sacred?

—That’s right. It can’t be contaminated. The spring is a source of life for the village and for the animals of the region. Outsiders cannot invade such a valuable resource —Clay mentioned.

The team began talking among themselves. The boy seemed to know what he was talking about; he also mentioned something about a lost village, which sounded quite interesting. And, since they now had a map of the forest, his company could be useful.

—Hey, kid, will we have to pay for your help? —asked Fran.

—Oh, no, of course not. This is my service to the mountain —Clay replied enthusiastically.

And so, he joined as a temporary fourth member of Mysterious Eye. Each of them introduced themselves to Clay, and without wasting time, Tavita put him on camera for an interview, asking his name, occupation, and his relationship with the village and the 39

mountain. Things he had already told them, but the team wanted it on video for their show.

During the interview, one of the most important questions arose: —Clay, you’ve explored this forest more than anyone. Can you tell us if you’ve heard anything about people disappearing and strange noises during the night?

The boy had the same reaction as when they asked him about the spring, or that the guardians had when they heard that question.

Whatever was going on, it was obvious they knew something.

—Hmmm, yes, I’ve heard something about that. The forest…, no, rather, the entire mountain, is full of very deep pits and natural caves. People often fall into them and can be missing for days.

That’s what comes to mind —said Clay.

Before the team could say anything, Clay concluded with a sentence: —If we go to the village, you’ll understand.

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CHAPTER 5: The blessing of the forest The team followed Clay through the forest. They weren’t following the tourist path; in fact, they weren’t following any path at all. They made their way between the trees and the constant climbs and descents. The Crimson Crest kept singing in the distance.

— What’s with those birds? Don’t they ever stop? — Jona asked.

— One thing’s for sure: that’s better than your boring music. — Fran replied mockingly, making Tavita laugh as well. Jona just kept walking.

— It’s amazing, isn’t it? These birds can sing all day long without getting tired. Watch. — Clay said as he checked his backpack, looking for something. He took out a small brown bag and put his hand inside. His fist was closed, holding something he had taken from the bag. In a quick motion, he threw into the air what he had in his hand: seeds, tiny seeds.

— Get ready, guys, this will be great — Clay commented.

As soon as the seeds touched the ground, the birdsong became softer. Within seconds, the place was filled with Crimson Crest that had come to eat the seeds. From that distance, the team could notice the particular features of those birds: their long tails and their wavy crests. Despite the closeness, the birds didn’t fly away scared, as if they weren’t paying attention to the humans.

— Cool, right? — Clay said, looking at the birds. — The Crimson Crest are amazing birds. The legend says that… it was them who forested the mountain.

Clay put a few seeds in his hand and whistled softly. As if giving an order to a trained dog, one of the birds flew to his hand and began to eat. Jona had already started filming since the birds arrived. Clay continued: — When they eat, they store some of their food inside their plumage, and as they fly through the forest, they drop bits of it.

That’s how the forest was born. That’s what they say, at least. — Clay said, petting the head of the bird eating from his hand.

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— Want to try? — Clay asked Tavita.

— Is that possible? — She replied uncertainly.

— Sure, here — Clay said, taking more seeds with his other hand and placing them in Tavita’s. — Just whistle.

Tavita did as Clay said, and it happened: a Crimson Crest perched on her arm to eat the seeds. She was delighted and fascinated by the trust the birds had in humans.

— By the way… what’s with the animals in this place? — Tavita asked, remembering the animals they had seen hours earlier.

— I don’t know, it’s the magic Crimson Crest. There’s a sterile green deer wandering the forest, with leaves growing on its antlers.

You should see it. — Clay replied.

— You can’t be serious. — Fran said, shaking his head in disbelief.

— They call it “the blessing of the forest” — Clay moved his hand to make the bird that had finished eating fly away and dusted off his hands. — From time to time, a peculiar animal appears with different features. We don’t know how or why. The village says it’s the mountain’s way of rewarding us for taking care of it.

The food was gone, and the Crimson Crest flew toward the trees, letting a few feathers fall slowly. As they walked, Jona kept pondering a question: — I don’t get it, if this place is full of rare animals, why isn’t it crawling with more reporters or scientists? Those animals would be worth a fortune just to see them.

His words made total sense. It was practically a natural reserve full of exotic species. For a hunter or trophy seeker, the place would be a goldmine of relics to display on their wall. Clay stopped and looked at the team.

— For an outsider, I suppose it makes sense to think of killing to satisfy their ego. The village has fought against people like that for years. Believe it or not, nature itself has made sure that none of these animals leave these lands. Several years ago, a hunter came intending to take a body for his collection. Unfortunately, he succeeded: he killed a blue-furred fox. — Clay spoke with pain. — 42

But you know what happened? The fox decomposed shortly after being killed. Its skin rotted and its fur fell out. These exotic animals have something the others don’t. It’s the blessing of the forest, don’t you see? When they die, their remains return to the forest to give life to another exotic animal, and they only remain in the memory of those lucky enough to have seen them alive. Does that make sense to you, outsiders? — Clay concluded.

The team stayed silent for a few moments. The story was fascinating, though unlikely. Such a blessing didn’t seem to exist, but they had already seen out-of-the-ordinary animals.

— Hey, this is better than the crap we came to investigate. — Fran commented. No one had noticed that Tavita had her notebook in hand, where she had written down everything Clay said.

— Listen, I don’t know why you’re investigating this place, or those disappearances you mention, but isn’t it worth leaving all that aside just for how beautiful this place is? — Clay paused briefly. — Let’s keep walking, the village is very close now.

— Tell me you got it, Fran. — Tavita said.

— Yes, I got it — He replied.

— From now on I want a camera on all the time. Anything Clay says, I want it on video. Understood? — Tavita had her priority clear: make the best investigation show and not miss any detail.

What awaited them was a great day of work. The question was… would anyone be able to see it?

From within the trees, the silhouette of the lost village finally appeared.

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CHAPTER 6: A long time ago Jona and Fran had been filming since before arriving at the lost village. It was Tavita’s orders.

The sun, escaping through the treetops, created a mystical atmosphere; several beams of light crossed the area as if blessing it.

— Welcome to the village of Armasa! — Clay announced to the team.

They walked among old wooden houses, consumed by nature; the ground was full of holes, and dry branches were scattered throughout the area. That was the welcome the village offered.

— I thought Armasa was the town. — Tavita commented.

— It is. But this is the original… where it all began. — Clay said, contemplating the ruins.

Tavita signaled Fran to do a full walkthrough recording, and Jona to stay with her and Clay to capture every word. With a microphone in hand, Tavita began her interview.

— What is this place? Can you tell us? — she asked, bringing the microphone closer.

Clay began to recount: the village of Armasa had originally been a nomadic group that traveled, excavating and extracting minerals from the ground, to later sell them as crafts. The current settlement was founded after an incident that forced the group to evacuate to another safe area at the foot of the mountain.

— What incident was that? — Tavita pressed.

— It’s not clear. Some say it was toxic natural gas; others, that a tremor collapsed the tunnels. Either way, the place was abandoned, and Armasa was rebuilt down there. I suppose it was for the best.

The town has been self-sufficient ever since.

— Can we go inside the houses?

— Go ahead. — Clay said, extending his arm to invite them in.

Inside, there were only insects, vegetation, and excrement; some looked human. It was common for campers to use the place as a bathroom… or for more intimate matters. It wasn’t a secret place, just a point of interest.

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— Jona, how about a time-lapse shot? Bam! Right there. — Tavita said, framing with her fingers the perfect shot of the houses, with the sun hiding and the rays of light disappearing.

— Sure, leave it to me. — Jona replied.

— Fran, make sure to record everything, okay? — Tavita shouted.

— Almost done. — Came from somewhere in the village.

Tavita took out her notebook and reviewed her notes; something came to mind.

— Clay, can I ask you a question?

— Sure.

— The story you just told… is it about the Silver Point tribe?

— Where did you hear that? — Clay looked surprised.

— Never ask a journalist about her sources. — She replied sarcastically.

Clay watched her in silence. Tavita looked away for a few seconds.

— Is something wrong? — she asked, a little nervous.

— No… It’s just that it’s a part of the story many would prefer not to remember.

— Do you know exactly what happened to the tribe? — She insisted.

Clay sighed.

— It’s supposed to be confidential, passed down among the high ranks of Armasa, from generation to generation. The tribe existed exactly as I described… but the incident was more than a simple accident.

— The tribe disappeared. — Tavita said, intrigued.

— It didn’t disappear: it was taken. — Clay kept a serious expression. — An unknown disease broke out in the tribe and caught the attention of the health authorities. Since then, they were never heard from again. The few who didn’t get sick were moved to a temporary camp… what is now Armasa. These ruins are the only thing left to prove that the tribe existed. That’s all I know. — Clay approached Tavita, almost face to face. — I don’t know who told you about the tribe, but understand: this is classified. No one 45

in the village knows the story, and it must remain that way. Do you understand?

— Well, it’s clear it’s not as secret as you think when all we did was ask around. — Tavita replied, defiant, stepping back from the invasion of her personal space.

The tension between them was evident. Fran and Jona, busy with the camera, didn’t notice the exchange.

— Is it really that important that no one knows? — Tavita asked.

— There are powerful people who wouldn’t be happy if this became public. Believe me, you don’t want to anger them.

There was a duel of glances that lasted seconds… but felt like minutes.

— Fine — Tavita said, tearing the page from her notebook with the information about the tribe. — If it’s that important, we won’t say anything.

— What? — Clay asked, surprised.

— I may be a reporter, but I know when something shouldn’t be told. We came to make a show, not to cause harm. We’ll keep your version, okay? — She offered him the page.

— I think that’s best. — Clay replied, accepting the paper.

— Perfect. — Tavita smiled. — Shall we continue the tour?

Clay returned the smile. He was moved by the respect the team showed toward the mountain and its history.

They spent the rest of the afternoon there. They ate, talked, and rested after the long walk. Jona finished his shot just as the moons began to illuminate the dark mountain. The tourists had already returned to the camping areas, since no one could camp outside of them without permission from the locals. They, with Clay, had that privilege.

The night passed in a pleasant atmosphere. Clay was beginning to grow fond of them… which would make what he had to do in a few hours more difficult.

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CHAPTER 7: Night in Crimson Crest The moons shone brightly, adorning the infinite sky that sheltered Crimson Crest. The animals slept, and only the sounds of nocturnal creatures could be heard. The cold took hold of the place, and the breeze that shook the trees spread that hostile temperature.

The team kept a campfire burning, supervised by Clay, who, despite disagreeing with lighting a fire on the mountain, allowed it anyway.

— Alright, guys, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for. — Tavita commented, notebook in hand. — According to the testimonies, it is during the night that strange things happen in this place. To be honest, I’m very excited to see something.

— Only you would say something like that — Fran replied.

— Let’s check the equipment, okay? — Tavita continued, showing again the leadership that characterized her. — Jona, check the battery and the camera torch. Fran, flashlights and microphones.

Both, Fran and Jona, enjoyed it when Tavita took the lead. They didn’t show it, but they liked it; usually, her decisions were right.

After checking everything, the team was ready to work. Clay, for the moment, limited himself to being a front-row spectator.

— Okay, Jona, I’m going in. Give me the mark. — Tavita said, fixing her hair.

— In three… two… one…

— As you can see, night has reached us here in Crimson Crest. We have moved away from the camping area and, if you look around, there’s nothing but trees, darkness, and brutal cold. According to the testimonies we have collected, it is precisely at night that strange things happen: people in black, vans driving through the place, and inexplicable noises heard in the distance. If we are lucky, we will witness some of these events, all exclusively for you. Let’s begin.

Walking among the trees, the team advanced through the mountain. The cameras did not stop recording while Tavita narrated to her audience what was happening. At one point in the 47

investigation, they made a brief pause to consult Clay about some points of interest mentioned in the testimonies.

— I know a place. — Clay said. — It’s not exactly what you’re looking for, but you’ll love it. It’s about an hour’s walk from here.

— We’d be straying from the path… or whatever this whole route through the trees is. — Jona commented.

— Trust me, it will be worth it. — Clay insisted — Also, if I’m right… — he pulled a map from his backpack and illuminated it with the flashlight. — …yes, right here.

— What’s that? — Tavita asked.

— The cave area. Surely it’s an explanation for those disappearances you mentioned. It could be useful. And where we’re going is right next to it, see? — He pointed to the map again.

The team thought it over. It was true that Clay provided interesting data to enrich the investigation, even if little related to the main topic. But in an outdoors investigation, walking and waiting was part of the plan. In the end, they accepted.

The walk lasted almost an hour. They arrived at a place similar to the previous forest, except the trees were thicker and taller.

— Is this it? — Fran asked.

— Yes, exactly. — Clay replied.

— It’s… more forest. Not the surprise we expected. — Jona said.

— Hey, Clay, why did you bring us here? — Tavita asked, positioning herself next to him.

— Wait and you’ll see.

Clay emitted a four-beat whistle. It wasn’t very loud, but enough to be heard in the area. Nothing visible or audible happened immediately.

— It must be around here… — Clay murmured, looking around.

— What thing? — Tavita asked, confused.

— You’ll see — Clay replied.

— Hey, enough with the mystery, okay? We’ve been walking for a long time. At least tell us what you wanted to show us. — Fran said, annoyed.

A crunch of leaves began to be heard in the forest.

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— That, outsiders. — Clay said, pointing his flashlight into the darkness.

From the shadows approached a silhouette. Slowly, the light revealed it was a deer with enormous antlers. But the most surprising thing was that flowers and vines sprouted from them; its fur was green, like the undergrowth itself.

— Outsiders, I want you to meet Pagor. — Clay said, approaching the majestic animal, which was not intimidated by human presence.

— What… how…? — Tavita was stunned.

— Is it real? — Jona asked, recording along with Fran.

— Of course it’s real. As I said, the blessing of the forest. Pagor is a sterile male deer born with these particularities thanks to that blessing. I’ve been visiting him for years. He’s perfect for camouflage.

Tavita took out her notebook and began to draw him.

— Hey, you need a trim on your antlers, huh? — Clay joked. The deer licked his face. — Usually, I don’t let anyone see Pagor, and as far as I know, no one else knows of his existence.

— It’s incredible and so beautiful… — Tavita whispered.

— Come here and meet him — Clay invited.

— Do you mind if we include him in the show? — Tavita asked.

Fascinated, they interviewed Clay about the deer and his connection with the blessing of the forest. Clay avoided giving too many details to protect the location.

After a while, the deer went back into the forest. Tavita finished her drawing, and Fran and Jona saved good footage.

— This place is fantastic. — Tavita said.

— Who knows how many animals like this there could be in the mountain over time. — Clay commented.

They exchanged glances, with a spark they couldn’t tell was pure admiration for the mountain or something more.

— Hey, we have to move. — Jona interrupted, pointing the camera light at them.

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They reached a rocky area full of forks and vegetation: the “cave area.” The name didn’t lie; each fork connected to a system running inside the mountain.

— I’ve heard hundreds of stories of people getting lost here. Maybe this is the answer you’re looking for. — Clay said.

— Is it safe to go in? — Fran asked.

— Not entirely, but I suppose that’s the interesting part. — Clay replied, peering with the flashlight. — There are entrances like this all over the mountain, remnants from when Armasa extracted minerals here.

— Jona, I’m going in. Prepare the camera. — Tavita ordered. — It’s almost two in the morning and we’re still investigating. We’ve found access to some caves that, according to Clay, have been here for years and extend for kilometers. This could explain the disappearances, as it’s very easy to get lost. We’ll go in to explore.

Just then, white lights began illuminating the trees in the distance, accompanied by the sound of engines.

— Guys? — Tavita trembled. — Are those the… vans?

— Quickly, hide in the cave. — Clay ordered.

Inside, the only viewpoint was the narrow entrance dimly lit.

Outside, the engines stopped.

— They must be people from the town, patrolling. I’ll see what they want. If they see you outside the camping area, there will be trouble. — Clay said.

He approached the vehicles, blinded by their headlights, and looked at them one last time before moving forward.

— This is strange… — Jona said.

— Being in this situation? — Fran asked.

— No. Clay said people get lost in these caves… but this place is near where Pagor lives. According to him, no one reaches here. So it’s unlikely there are missing people in these caves.

— He also said there were many entry points. — Tavita recalled.

— Exactly. So why insist on bringing us here? Since we met him this morning, he told us this place might interest us, even before knowing the deer existed.

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— What are you saying, Jona? — Tavita asked.

— That we’re where he wants us to be.

— Good evening, gentlemen.

— Identify yourself.

— I’m just a guide… a servant who serves the mountain.

— These are the coordinates. It must be him.

— That’s right. I’ve been waiting for you. The subjects are in the cave.

Be gentle, please.

“What did he say?” was the only thought that crossed the team’s minds. Then, they were captured.

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52

Confused, the Mysterious Eye team woke up in a strange place, having no idea where they were or what that site was.

There was only a huge, cold, dark tunnel, eerily illuminated by lamps that, despite the surroundings, were still working. The dim light allowed them to see a corridor that seemed endless.

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CHAPTER 8: No choice Consciousness returned to Jona first. Tavita and Fran remained lying on the cold floor of that unfamiliar place. Their belongings, all the equipment they had brought with them, had vanished. Jona was alert, though he couldn’t remember what had happened. His only reality, for now, was that they were in a dark tunnel with no apparent way out other than to keep moving… not to mention the terrible headache and numb body.

—Guys, wake up —Jona repeated over and over, shaking his companions to regain their awareness. After several attempts, he succeeded: first Tavita, then Fran.

—What happened? My head hurts so much… —said Tavita, standing up—. Oh… my body feels numb. What is this place?

—Welcome to the club. I have no idea —responded Jona, helping her to stand and brushing the dust off her back.

—This isn’t the forest, right? —asked Fran, with obvious sarcasm.

It was clear to the team that no one knew where they were. The only visible feature was a semicircular hallway stretching for several meters, lit by lights placed along the center of the ceiling throughout the tunnel. Behind them was a gigantic double metal door, heavily rusted, yet still solid.

The first thing they tried was the most obvious: opening that door.

No luck, as expected. Jona informed his companions that all their equipment had been confiscated: no cameras, no lights, no supplies… nothing. Tavita instinctively checked her pockets for her cellphone. Nothing. Jona and Fran did the same. They were completely isolated in an unknown place.

The team debated what to do, but the only option was to continue walking down the tunnel, hoping to find an exit… if one even existed.

—I think we have no choice —commented Tavita, exchanging glances with her companions.

The hallway ahead seemed endless, but it was the only path if they wanted to get out.

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—Where are we supposed to be, anyway? —asked Tavita.

—That’s the dumbest question I’ve ever heard you ask, Tavita — responded Jona.

—Any problem, Jona? —she replied defensively.

—I’m just saying it’s obvious none of us know where we are, okay?

—You don’t have to be a jerk, Jona, especially in a situation like this.

—Enough, both of you! —interrupted Fran, annoyed—. Alright… what’s the last thing you remember?

—Speaking of dumb questions… —Jona huffed— Hmmm… we were in the forest…

—Obviously —interrupted Tavita—.

—…we investigated the abandoned town…

—And night fell —added Fran.

Suddenly, the team realized something. Someone was missing.

—Clay!

—Clay!

—Clay!

They looked around, but Clay was nowhere to be seen. Questions began piling up in their minds: Where was Clay? What had happened to him? Why wasn’t he with them? No one said it aloud, but they all thought the same thing: Could he have been the one who did this to us? None of the three remembered what had happened in the caves area.

In the end, they decided to stop overthinking and started walking down the endless hallway. Soon, they came across several vehicles parked in a row. Fran and Jona checked each one, looking for something useful, but found nothing. They didn’t try to start them; even if they worked, the gigantic metal door would be an insurmountable obstacle.

Then Tavita saw a vehicle further ahead.

—Guys, look over there —she said, pointing with her right index finger.

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Fran and Jona turned their gaze toward where she pointed: a black van… not just one, but several. Could these be the ones the testimonies mentioned? they wondered. They had no logos, plates, or identifying marks. Totally untraceable. It also seemed they hadn’t been used in years.

—Do you know what this means? —asked Jona, thoughtful.

—That these are the vans from the testimonies? —Tavita and Fran replied almost simultaneously, exchanging a surprised look.

—No… well, yes, that too —said Jona, confirming what they had thought—. But what I mean is, if there are vehicles here, then that giant door must lead outside. That’s our way out.

A plan so simple, yet so complicated at the same time… but the most logical one they had.

They continued walking past more abandoned vehicles until reaching the end of the hallway. There was another metal door, smaller and slightly ajar. Cautiously, Fran pushed it so they could enter. They were greeted by a dark room filled with empty lockers and leaking ceilings. No one seemed to have been there in years.

—Okay… seriously, what is this place? —asked Tavita.

Suddenly, the door they had entered slammed shut with a loud bang. A mechanical sound echoed from within: it had been sealed completely. Confusion grew along with worry. The lights flickered before turning fully on, blinding them for a few seconds. When their vision returned, they realized the room was much larger than it had seemed. Many lockers were open and empty; others contained clothes.

They tried to open the closed door, without success. They were trapped. The argument over who was to blame began to strain the atmosphere; the group was slowly fracturing.

Tavita, stepping away from the quarrel, began inspecting the lockers. She found black uniforms in some. The connection was clear: lockers, black uniforms, black vehicles… whoever worked here was directly tied to the testimonies. But how was that possible?

The place was in ruins and the vehicles hadn’t moved in years. What seemed to make sense vanished with every new question.

56

—Hey, you two! Shut up for a second! —shouted Tavita—. We have to focus, okay? We need to find a way out of here.

—A way out? We don’t even know where we are, Tavita. It could be anywhere. The only thing we know for sure is that the exit was back there —replied Fran, pointing to the closed door.

—Well, it can’t be the only exit. Think… look over there —she indicated toward the far end of the room where another door stood—. Maybe it leads somewhere else, hopefully to a place where we can escape or at least know where the hell we are. Either way, it’s better than staying here smelling dampness.

—We have no choice, right? —commented Jona.

—Seems like it —responded Fran.

“We have no choice” was their only motivation to move.

Uncertainty, fear, and insecurity accompanied them every step.

Soon, they would get answers… but not the ones they expected.

And when something makes sense, it’s not always for the better.

The team went through the door.

57

CHAPTER 9: Stench of…

—Keep the door open. We don’t want it closing again —was the first thing Jona said as they crossed the doorway. He tried to lighten the mood a little, but Fran just ignored him. And indeed, the door shut behind them.

It wasn’t long before a strong stench surrounded the team. It was a horrible smell, quite heavy, if it could even be described.

—Uhh, uhh, it smells like… I don’t even know what the hell it smells like —said Tavita, covering her mouth and nose with her hands. Fran and Jona did the same.

—If the people who worked here left, it was probably because of the smell —commented Jona.

Now they found themselves in a more open area filled with cubicles and desks. At one time, these cubicles, separated by glass walls, must have looked immaculate, but now the glass was grimy and the computers deteriorated. To the team’s surprise, they still turned on.

—These computers have been here for at least ten years. Maybe more —commented Jona, judging by their appearance and the way the computer started up.

A word appeared on the monitor in bright white letters: PROELIUM

Below it, the legend: ENTER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

—PROELIUM. What do you think it means? The manufacturer?

—asked Tavita.

—Or the name of this place —added Jona.

The three exchanged glances and looked around. There were no clear clues as to what this place was, only that name on the screen: 58

PROELIUM. Fran turned on another computer, which showed the same thing as the first.

—This could be good —said Tavita.

—Good for what? —asked Jona and Fran.

—This place seems to have incredible administration. Computers, vehicles, and that name on the screen. If it’s a company as big as it looks, the building must have an exit for employees, including an emergency exit. Basic safety rules.

Tavita always made everything sound easy, as if it were her gift for solving problems. That skill had earned her opportunities to secure several interviews before.

—You make it sound very easy —commented Fran.

—Unless you have another idea, I think this is the best we can do —responded Tavita.

The team began looking for signage on the walls, something that said “EXIT” or “EVACUATION ROUTE,” but in that place, only three things were displayed on blinking green signs: RECREATION AREA / RESTROOMS — on the left wall GENERAL AREA — in front of them DORMITORIES / DINING / RESTROOMS — on the right wall

As they observed the room, Fran noticed a small red blinking light in a corner. Perhaps a camera?

—Hey, guys, look over there —said Fran, pointing at the blinking red light—. They’re watching us.

Everyone’s attention turned toward the supposed camera.

Questions began to arise: Was it really a camera? Who was watching them? For what purpose?

Their years as investigators gave them the idea of proceeding like this: three doors, three elements; each went to check one of the doors to cover more ground, as in previous investigations in haunted mansions and abandoned estates, though now they had no microphones or equipment to record their experience.

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—We’ll meet back here in five minutes, okay? —said Tavita, again taking charge of the team.

—You do know we don’t have watches, right? —responded Fran before they separated.

Jona went to the door marked RECREATION AREA. Fran went to the door marked GENERAL AREA. Tavita went to the door marked DORMITORIES. Destiny was peculiar. Those five minutes would mark the start of an investigation that would take an unimaginable turn, and just as unimaginable was that this would be the last time the three would be together.

RECREATION AREA — CONFIDENTIAL SITE — JONA Jona crossed the door leading to a small white hallway, and at its end, another door that connected to the recreation area. It was a large space with several vending machines and recreational games: pool tables, ping pong tables, card tables, and even video game machines.

As fascinating as that sounded, it wasn’t what stood out. What shocked him were the bloodstains on the walls and the destruction throughout the room. Jona stood in complete silence for a moment; this was not a pleasant scene, but he continued searching the space.

There were two more doors in the area: one at the far end and one to the right, halfway along the wall, blocked by stacked tables and chairs. Hidden behind a drink bar were bodies of scientific personnel, judging by their clothing, which made Jona step back.

The bodies didn’t look decomposed but had a greenish color, perhaps due to the moisture.

Jona advanced slowly but found no more bodies or anything useful, like a map. He went to the door at the far end, which led him to some restrooms. The condition was similar: deteriorated and dirty.

The faucets still had running water, so Jona took a few sips, not caring if it was clean or not.

60

The stench in that place had intensified, almost unbearable. Jona observed the toilet stalls, which were closed. It was a scene he had seen hundreds of times in horror movies; opening one of the doors would surely reveal a terrible surprise.

—Alright, let’s get this over with —thought Jona, beginning to open the stalls. None contained anything until he reached the last one.

—Aaah, it has to be a joke! —he said to himself. Without thinking, but prepared for anything, he opened the stall door. Another corpse, though reduced almost entirely to bones, and a small revolver lay on the floor. The man had taken his own life there.

Jona couldn’t hold it anymore and ran to the neighboring toilet, where he vomited.

—Shit, shit —he muttered to the air between pauses before vomiting again.

Still kneeling in front of the toilet, recovering from the nausea, he heard a sound in the adjacent room, a noise like tearing fabric.

Curious, he stood, wiped his mouth with his left sleeve, and went to open the door to see what had caused that strange sound.

It was the corpses he had seen before. They were standing.

GENERAL AREA — CONFIDENTIAL SITE — FRAN A hallway separated the cubicle area from the general area. Fran walked distractedly, impressed by how clean the walls were, until something stopped him. It was a glass door leading to a small isolated chamber: a decontamination bathroom, judging by the “biological hazard” sign on the door.

Right at the top of the entrance, there was another flashing red light, another camera watching them.

Fran peeked through the glass door; there was nothing out of the ordinary, but it was too stiff to open. He tried pushing it, pulling it, and even lifting it, without success.

He felt like a fool when he saw a small red button on the left side of the door. In an act of naïveté, he looked at the camera and said: 61

— I hope you got that on tape.

He pressed the red button, and the glass door slid open to the left, embedding itself into the wall. Feeling a bit unsure, Fran stepped into the glass chamber, and just a few steps in, the door closed again.

DECONTAMINATION BATH INITIATED. PLEASE WAIT UNTIL THE PROCESS IS COMPLETE.

A robotic female voice said as the place began to fill with steam and sprayers releasing sterilizing liquid.

RELEASING DOORS

A small beep indicated that the disinfection chamber doors had opened. Fran stepped out, and the hallway led him to another sliding metal door. It was half-open and jammed, likely from all the time it had been stuck in that position.

Fran peeked through the opening and noticed that on the other side there was a huge room filled with furniture scattered everywhere; it was a chaotic scene, as if a hurricane had torn through the entire space.

Fran slipped through the gap to investigate the large chaotic hall, making his way through debris, broken furniture, and rubble.

— This doesn’t look good. What the hell happened here? —he said to himself.

Besides the door he had entered through, there were three more, very similar to the ones in the cubicle area they had been in earlier.

But only one was open, or at least that’s what the green light above it indicated —the one directly in front of him.

He was about to inspect the area when a hand grabbed his ankle firmly.

— What the fuck? —Fran shouted, jumping back and stumbling over the debris.

In front of him, a person rose, writhing as they got to their feet.

His skin was deteriorated, and his left cheek had been torn away.

62

Fran couldn’t utter a word; he just stared as the monstrous-looking person stood up and fixed his gaze on him. His eyes shifted from white to a reddish white.

From his mouth came only a peculiar sound: muffled, interrupted moans.

Fran scrambled to his feet as quickly as he could and backed away.

At the far end of the room, three more bodies had risen; they wore white lab coats and looked just like the first one.

In a single movement, they all fixed their attention on Fran and let out a bone-chilling scream.

DORMITORIES — CONFIDENTIAL SITE — TAVITA Tavita found herself in a hallway that split into two directions. One led to the dormitories, and the other, as indicated by a fork-andknife symbol on the wall, to a restaurant. She thought it would be a good idea to look for some food for herself and her teammates, so she headed toward the dining hall. However, her decision was interrupted by a door that seemed jammed, refusing to open. The smell they had noticed since arriving at the complex was much stronger on the other side of that door. It gave her a bad feeling, so she decided to step back.

— Maybe it’s just rotten food —she thought, trying to reassure herself—, and the stench has spread through this whole place.

She returned to the intersection and took the hallway toward the dormitories until she reached a door locked with an electronic latch controlled by a device with a scanner on the side. She approached and tried to open it, but without success. She looked at the screen, which displayed the silhouette of a hand. She deduced that the door only opened for personnel who worked there. Without much hope, she placed her hand… and to her surprise, the door opened without any problem.

— What…? —she murmured, puzzled.

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She entered cautiously, noticing, thanks to the hallway’s light, several bunk beds lined against the walls, leaving a dimly lit central aisle.

— Hello? —she called out, not expecting a reply.

Instinctively, she looked for a light switch. A spark and a hum announced the lights turning on. The room seemed calm, nothing out of the ordinary. She took a few more steps, calling out to whoever might be there, until something caught her eye: a black notebook on the floor, with the word PROELIUM printed on the cover. As she picked it up, she felt a familiar urge; it was like being a reporter again, relying on a notebook to record findings and testimonies.

As she flipped through it, she found intriguing information. At first, they were disconnected phrases, but soon she realized it contained records of experiments conducted there.

BATCH XNK — NUMBER 023 Test subject: male rabbit The direct intravenous insertion of the Xankus lifeform was performed at 06:00 hours. During the following two hours and fourteen minutes of continuous monitoring, the subject exhibited its first reaction: increased body mass.

No other reactions were recorded. The subject was caged and handed over to Dr. Brahams for further analysis.

— Xankus lifeform? —Tavita whispered.

She kept reading. Most of the entries were similar until one stood out.

BATCH XNK — NUMBER 592 Test subject: male rabbit The direct intravenous insertion of the Xankus lifeform was performed at 17:31 hours. Something unprecedented occurred: the subject did not gain body mass, but its fur began to fall out within minutes.

After fifteen hours, the fur grew back, completely black. The case was sent to PROELIUM’s high-ranking geneticists along with the subject.

We may be facing a new strain.

64

— PROELIUM again. —Tavita thought.

XNK—12 STRAIN The new strain surpasses everything PROELIUM had imagined. Its ability to regenerate cells and enhance amino acid production is miraculous. The tests with animals have given us solid proof that, if perfected, it will be our gold mine.

Doctor Saied will be pleased.

Tavita kept turning pages until she reached the last ones, which had a different handwriting. A folded sheet fell to the floor: a map of the place with several areas marked in red. She set it aside, aware that it would be useful, and kept reading.

I no longer know how long we’ve been here. I also don’t know if anyone will read this, but if you do, you’re dead, one way or another.

I will write as long as I keep my sanity.

Tavita hesitated before continuing, but curiosity won.

Surely you have many questions about this place and about why you’re here. Read this whole notebook and you’ll know. As for how you got here… I suppose you were walking through Crimson Crest and suddenly woke up here, like all of us. Congratulations: you’re a test subject, or so calls us that voice that hasn’t stopped since we arrived.

My name is Briana, and you’ll find my body in the dormitory’s locker room. Don’t open it, trust me, it’s not an image you want to see.

I’ve been locked up here without the strength to search for an exit. I can only help you by trusting you’ll read the following: those things that attack are the ones who came before us, turned into cannibals.

Don’t face them, or you’ll end up the same.

If you see my friend Charled, wearing a blue T-shirt and black pants, end him so we can meet on the other side. If you manage to get out, make PROELIUM pay dearly.

65

Tavita closed the notebook, frozen. This confirmed they weren’t the first… but it didn’t fully explain what Xankus was. She turned toward the dormitory locker; she was about to open it.

— Briana? —she called.

Silence. Maybe a noise, though impossible to identify.

— I’m going to get out of here, I promise. —she whispered, stepping back.

Her eyes went back to the map, focusing on an area marked in red: the general zone, where Fran had gone. The note said that “those things” were still there. Without wasting time, Tavita hurried to reunite with her companions, fearing the worst.

66

CUBICLES — CONFIDENTIAL SITE — MEETING TIME Running as fast as she could, Tavita rushed back to the cubicles area. Just as she arrived, Jona burst through the door that led to the recreation area, his face completely terrified.

— Jona!? Jona, are you okay!? —Tavita called out to him.

— Don’t go near the door, don’t go near it! —Jona replied, slamming it shut and slowly backing away.

On the other side, pounding shook the door, creating a deafening noise throughout the place. Jona was breathing heavily, trying to catch his breath. Tavita then remembered the general zone marked in red on the map… and her friend Fran.

— Oh no!… Fran! —she exclaimed, picking up her pace toward the access door to that zone. Jona followed her.

They hurried down the hallway Fran had passed through earlier and reached the decontamination chamber door. Through it, they could see, at the far end, the half-open door Fran had slipped through. There was chaos on the other side: an arm pushed through the gap and, moments later, half of Fran’s body appeared, struggling to get back.

— Fran! Fran! —Jona shouted, pounding on the decontamination chamber door. In their desperation, they didn’t notice the button that opened it.

Fran let out a heart-wrenching scream as something yanked him backward. He braced himself against the doorway with his forearms to keep from being dragged away, and with a swift motion, managed to break free from the grasp of the creatures chasing him. He fell to the floor as he crossed the doorway, while several arms stretched out from the opening, trying to grab him.

Limping, Fran rushed toward the chamber. One of the creatures managed to squeeze through the opening and charged straight at him. The decontamination chamber door had opened, and Fran entered, watched helplessly by his companions.

67

But before it could close completely, the door was blocked by the neck of the creature trying desperately to bite him. Fran began kicking it to push it away, but one after another, more creatures started slipping through the half-open door connecting to the general zone.

DECONTAMINATION CHAMBER DOOR JAMMED. PLEASE CLEAR THE DOOR TO PROCEED.

The female voice repeated the message as the horde of creatures grew larger on the other side. Jona and Tavita pounded on the door and pressed the red button, trying to pull their friend out, but the door couldn’t open until the other one closed and the chemical process finished.

It all happened in seconds. The door gave way, the horde rushed in, and Fran was engulfed in a crimson bath of blood that splattered and streamed down the translucent walls of the decontamination chamber. All that remained of him was his hand pressed against the wall, futilely reaching for his companions.

Jona and Tavita saw, for the first time, the very face of death, reflected in those creatures that crowded savagely on the other side, with bloodshot eyes full of rage and barbarity.

At that moment, as Fran was being devoured alive, they understood something: that stench they had smelled ever since they entered the mysterious facility, the one that had been bothering them the whole time, was the stench of death.

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CHAPTER 10: Life or death — Do you like the idea, then? —Fran asked Tavita.

— The thing about the show? I don’t know, it sounds too complicated.

It would interfere with our school duties; besides, my thesis is almost finished, and I don’t want to get distracted. —Tavita replied, leaning against the tree where she and Fran always rested inside the campus.

— I’m not saying we should do it now, but it could be something fun for the future. Don’t you think? —Fran stood up. — Imagine it: we investigate cases, we become famous… who knows, we might even end up on TV if we do well.

— Are you seriously asking me to go out and… what? Look for ghosts? —The sarcasm in Tavita’s words was evident.

— And other things too. The internet is full of shows like that…

— And why do you think we’d do well if there are already so many shows like that, huh? —Tavita interrupted Fran.

— Because those shows don’t have you —Fran pointed both hands at Tavita—, the charismatic Tavita Mucenti… even your name sounds like a celebrity’s, you know that, right?

— First of all, my name is anything but interesting. Second, I want to be a reporter, not a ghost hunter…

— And also an investigator of strange cases. —Fran added.

— …And third, neither you nor I know how to make a show. You only know how to handle the camera, but that’s not enough.

— That’s why we’ll hire someone who does know how to do it. Of course, we’ll have to convince them to work for free while we make a name for ourselves, but there are lots of people on campus interested in doing field tests; I’m sure someone will be into it.

— You really have this all planned out, don’t you? —Tavita commented.

— So much so that I even have our first case. Look at this. —Fran sat next to Tavita. — The Miller house. They say that at night, you can hear the wails of the family that died there. With luck, we might capture something on film.

— It also says there’s constant security —Tavita said.

— Well, the worst that could happen is we get caught.

— Well, the worst that could happen is we get caught.

— Well, the worst that could happen is we get caught.

— Well, the worst that could happen is we get caught.

69

Fran’s words echoed in Tavita’s head. Just minutes ago they had been together and, in a drastic twist of fate, Fran was gone forever.

Jona was reading the notebook Tavita had been keeping with her until then. They were back in the dorms.

— What the hell is this place? WHAT THE HELL IS THIS PLACE!? —Jona cursed while flipping through the pages of the notebook. Tavita sat staring at nothing, saying nothing. She didn’t cry; she didn’t know if the shock was stopping her or if her body, by survival instinct, was simply refusing to do so to avoid being heard.

— Tavita, what is this? —There was no answer. — Tavita, damn it, say something! —An enraged Jona demanded.

Tavita came back to reality, pulled by the memory she treasured with her late friend.

— Why are you asking me? —Her words were sharp.

— Well, look at that, you’re talking now. Great. Tell me where you found this. What the hell is all this?

— Inside that closet there’s a dead girl. You can go ask her. Read the last note, Jona.

In disbelief, Jona flipped through the pages until he reached the last one. Tavita continued: — We’re an experiment, apparently. And if there’s anything good about all this, it’s that we solved the mystery of Crimson Crest: the missing people are now cannibal monsters that want to eat us.

CONGRATULATIONS, DAMN IT! —Tavita kicked the base of one of the beds, making a loud metallic rattle. A scream full of rage and grief was the next thing to come from her mouth.

Jona finished reading the note.

— This can’t be true. There must be another explanation —Jona said.

Tavita laughed under her breath.

— Look who’s the one talking nonsense now. —She faced him— Think about it, will you? Why would a girl write this on her deathbed without knowing if anyone would ever find her note?

Besides, everything fits: the vans we saw at the entrance, the black 70

uniforms, the experiments… or whatever that notebook says. The missing people were kidnapped and brought here to die. —She sighed— To die…

— Hey, hey, calm down, okay? Remember what you said: there must be an emergency exit. We just have to find it.

— That was before I knew this place was crawling with those horrible things.

— What, the zombies? —Jona said.

— The what? —Tavita replied.

— The zombies. Those things… zombies.

— Don’t say that, please.

— What?

— Zombies. Don’t say it, it sounds stupid. —Tavita masked her fear with anger— It must be something very different.

— Fine… but those things… —Jona emphasized— look a lot like many creatures I’ve seen in zombie movies, so…

— Whatever, we won’t be able to escape from them! —Tavita interrupted abruptly.

You’re right, you can’t.

That robotic voice came over the facility’s loudspeakers. It was impossible to tell whether it was male or female. Jona and Tavita went on high alert.

— You heard that too, right? —Jona asked.

— Yes. Forgive my sudden interruption, but I haven’t been able to monitor you until now. I’m sorry about your friend, though numerical losses are a constant in these experiments.

— WHO THE HELL ARE YOU? —Tavita snapped.

I am your only hope if you wish to get out of there alive, young Tavita. At this moment, all routes to the exit are blocked by our test subjects. You won’t be able to get past them just like that.

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— Test subjects… is that what you call all the victims? —Jona commented.

Not all of them are victims, as you call them. Most of them were once our dear collaborators.

— What do you want? —Tavita asked.

To help you, of course.

Tavita and Jona looked at each other.

— Help us? Why? Let’s just say I have very personal reasons.

— Answer us this. Why should we believe you, if you’re the ones who put us here in the first place?

You don’t have to, if that’s what you want. But your chances of survival are practically zero if you don’t follow my instructions. The choice is yours.

There was a moment of silence. The uncertainty brought by that mysterious voice, offering help to two heartbroken young people who had just lost a friend, gave them a glimmer of hope… though neither of them wanted to admit it.

— What do we have to do? —Jona asked.

For now, just follow my instructions. In exchange for your cooperation, I will answer your questions, as long as you keep moving forward, and of course, I will give you the chance to make it out of the complex alive.

—Very well, let’s start now. Why don’t you tell us what this place is? — asked Tavita.

72

Very well. Consider this an act of trust. You are currently in PROELIUM’s underground research and development facility, right beneath Crimson Crest. As you may have noticed, the place suffered a small “incident” that abruptly halted its operations.

—An incident? Sounds more like a zombie apocalypse, if you ask me — said Jona.

Oh, those aren’t zombies, as you say.

Tavita turned to look at Jona with an expression that clearly said “I told you so.”

They are something fascinating in biological terms. Of course, they are not the expected result. Truth be told, we still don’t have an official name for these creatures. As I said, our research was interrupted by said incident.

—Does that “incident” have anything to do with the Xankus? — asked Tavita.

That’s enough questions for now. Please proceed. If you manage to reach your first destination point, I will gladly continue assisting you with your doubts.

—Fine, tell us what we have to do — said Tavita.

Perfect. That is a wise decision on your part. Allow me a moment while I assess the current situation in the complex. It will only take a minute.

The robotic, calm, and mysterious voice stopped coming through the loudspeakers. Neither Tavita nor Jona was entirely sure if they could trust that voice, but it was the only source of information they had at the moment. Whoever it was, they knew a lot about the place and what was happening.

73

A little over five minutes passed and the voice returned. It guided them to the door Tavita had already tried to open earlier, the one that led to the dining hall. As they walked toward it, Tavita threw out a question: —Hey, strange voice… how is it that you can hear us?

I believe it was clear when I said no more questions until you reached your first destination. Although… I find it a valid question, driven by curiosity and the circumstances. All of you were implanted with a small chip developed by PROELIUM, very close to your right ear. This chip allows us to monitor you at all times: your exact position inside the complex and, of course, to listen to you.

—Shouldn’t have asked. — commented Tavita.

We agree.

Tavita and Jona walked until they reached the door that gave access to the dining hall.

It’s through that door.

—Hey, I already tried to open this door. It’s stuck.

Don’t worry, I can handle the door from here. Although I must warn you that what’s on the other side is not pleasant at all. I’m going to ask you to step away from the door.

The door began to open with forcing noises. The disgusting smell Tavita had perceived earlier hit them full on. Before them was a place full of corpses, some reduced to bones and others still in a state of decomposition. Tavita and Jona held back the urge to vomit.

I apologize for making you pass through here. Believe me when I say this is the safest route to proceed.

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—None of them will get up… right? — asked Jona with uncertainty.

Of course not. They all died of starvation, they were not contaminated. Feel free to enter.

They both went through the door, which closed immediately afterward. The corpses resting in the place were in various positions: some were sitting, others lying on the floor or on the tables. It was like looking at dolls placed in bizarre postures.

—It’s unsettling. — commented Tavita.

This is the south dining hall, intended for operational and administrative rank staff. I know it’s hard, but please ignore them and pay attention to what I’m about to tell you.

In front of you there is another door. On the other side awaits a hallway that will lead you to the general area.

—Hey, hey, hey… You mean the place where all those things that…? — Tavita cut the question short, remembering that it was there where Fran ended up devoured.

Your concern is justified, young Tavita. But trust me. You should be more worried about the following.

—What are you talking about? — asked Jona.

In the hallway that connects this dining hall to the general area, there are two test subjects wandering freely. Do whatever it takes to get past them; just don’t let them bite you.

—You can’t be serious. Your plan is for us to face those things and expect to come out unharmed? — complained Tavita.

—And even if we managed it… what do you expect us to do with the rest in the general area? — added Jona.

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If you want to survive, you will have to face them sooner or later. Do it, or you can stay here, joining the rest of the corpses who waited for a solution that never came. Your choice.

The mysterious voice took on a more serious tone than usual.

Before, it had sounded kind and helpful; now it seemed more authoritative.

—What do we do? — asked Tavita.

—Well… I found this in a bathroom when I went to investigate on my own. — said Jona, pulling out the revolver he had taken from the corpse.

—A weapon? Why didn’t you tell me you had it?

—Sorry, finding out there were zombies in this place made me forget. — replied Jona sarcastically.

—Don’t say that. — stressed Tavita, annoyed.

Tavita and Jona looked at the revolver. Neither knew how to use a weapon or if it even worked. Being careful not to fire it, they tried to check if it had ammunition. Tavita asked the strange voice to assist them, and it surprisingly agreed. It explained how to release the cylinder and count the bullets. There were only four shots.

I must say it’s an exceptional idea to use a firearm against the test subjects. Ending brain functions definitively is the best method to eliminate them.

— You know? You could’ve just said “shoot them in the head” — replied Jona.

Of course, I don’t recommend it. The gunshot will echo through the facility and cause the test subjects that are currently dormant to wake up. That would ruin the plan I have for you.

Tavita and Jona fell silent.

In short: if you want to keep moving forward, don’t use the gun… at least for now.

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Tavita and Jona’s fear grew even more. They would have to face those things head-on.

— What do you suggest we do? — asked Jona.

“You’re in a dining hall. Surely you’ll find something to defend yourselves with.”

The two began searching the place, weaving between corpses and almost tripping over them. They only found plastic trays and knives—the only halfway decent things to use as weapons. Both thought it was madness, but they had no choice other than to blindly trust the voice that claimed to be helping them.

So, they prepared to go out and face the test subjects. The voice opened the door to the hallway, and there they were: two figures standing completely still. They appeared to be women, or at least that’s what their clothes suggested. Tight skirts, white blouses, and blue blazers, all torn and worn.

Using the trays as shields and the knives as weapons, Tavita and Jona crept forward. The women seemed to be asleep on their feet, eyes closed and heads tilted toward the ground. With extreme caution, they advanced, gripping their knives tightly. The women’s bodies twitched occasionally, as if they were cold, keeping Tavita and Jona on maximum alert.

Jona pressed himself against the wall, just centimeters from one of them, until he was face to face. He held his breath until he crossed to the other side. It was Tavita’s turn, but she froze, she didn’t want to end up like Fran.

From the other side, Jona signaled for her to cross, but she didn’t move. Finally, she began to take the first steps. Slowly and steadily, she moved forward to avoid the creatures. It only took a second… a tiny mistake. Maybe her breathing was too heavy and loud, or maybe she accidentally touched one of the women. When she realized it, Tavita was staring directly into one of their eyes.

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Tavita could do nothing but scream and run toward Jona. He, reckless as ever, lunged to save her from the attack of both women, who were now awake and charging at them. Jona slammed the tray into one’s head, forcing her to stagger backward. The other lunged at him, knocking him to the ground. With incredible strength, she tried to bite him, but he resisted, keeping the tray between them as a shield.

Tavita was struggling with the other woman. The creature’s saliva dripped onto her arm as it tried to rip her face off with its teeth, but Tavita used fear as fuel to keep her at bay. Her muscles began to give out, and the distance between the woman’s teeth and her face grew dangerously short. She knew that in a matter of seconds, she’d end up like Fran—devoured alive.

Jona, meanwhile, kept wrestling with the woman pinning him to the floor. He tried to use his legs to push her off, but it was useless.

Neither of them had any hand-to-hand combat experience. Jona’s knife had fallen far away, and the tray was no real weapon against the relentless attack of the creatures. Tavita, however, still held her knife.

— Tavita! Tavita, the knife! — shouted Jona desperately.

She heard him, but her hands were busy fending off the assault.

She didn’t have the strength to free her right arm to use the knife.

All she could see was the rage on the woman’s face and her teeth getting closer and closer. Unconsciously, her thoughts went back to Fran, but this time channeling the anger and helplessness of not being able to save him.

Then, something awoke inside her: her body found a strength born of hatred and sorrow. She shoved the woman back just enough to gain a few steps of distance, readied the knife, and with a cry full of emotion, drove it into her temple. The woman fell dead.

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— Tavita! Tavita! — Jona called again, begging for help.

She turned to her partner and ran to help. She grabbed the knife he had dropped and kicked the creature in the face, knocking her onto her back. Without hesitation, she pounced—prey had become predator. She plunged the knife into her again and again, as if each stab were a bite taken from Fran. She kept mutilating her for several seconds before finally standing up and letting the weapon drop.

On the ground now lay two lifeless bodies. Tavita, her clothes spattered with blood and her gaze empty, had won the fight, but deep down she knew she had lost something she would never get back.

— Tavita… are you okay? — asked Jona, approaching.

She didn’t answer. Jona insisted: — Tavita! Are you okay?

He looked at her, and for a few seconds he realized she was no longer the same. Her eyes no longer showed fear, but determination. Jona took a small step back.

— Yes… yes, I’m fine — she said, returning her expression to what it had been before. — It’s just… I’m covered in blood.

— Yeah, I can see that. — replied Jona, still unsure.

What a wonderful display of strength.

The robotic voice suddenly intervened, returning loudspeakers.

to the

Young Tavita, you’ve surprised me. You eliminated two test subjects quickly and with extreme violence. Fascinating.

— Shut the fuck up, will you?! — exploded Jona.

— We’d better keep moving — said Tavita, starting down the hallway.

— Hey, hey… — said Jona, following her.

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They reached another decontamination chamber, identical to the one where Fran had died. Tavita stared at it in silence.

— Hey, are you okay? — asked Jona.

— I think so. We need to go through here — she replied.

Jona knew Tavita was far from okay. She had lived through two traumatic experiences in a very short time, and the expression she’d worn moments ago had unsettled him.

— Hmm… about what happened back there… do you feel…?

— We survived, Jona — she cut him off. — Besides, they’re just zombies, right? What does it matter?

Tavita pressed the red button and the door opened.

DECONTAMINATION BATH INITIATED. PLEASE WAIT UNTIL THE PROCESS IS COMPLETE.

They looked at each other. Blood was still dripping from Tavita’s clothes, while Jona mentally replayed everything that had happened.

RELEASING DOORS.

The robotic voice spoke again: Very well, listen carefully. On the other side of that door is the general area. As you know, it’s full of test subjects. The good news is… hmm… how can I say this without hitting a nerve? Most of them were distracted by your friend and have cleared the path somewhat toward where you need to go.

Jona noticed Tavita clench her right fist tightly.

Your objective is the door to your right, right in the middle. That door will lead you to a long hallway that will take you to your destination.

When you go out, run as fast as you can. The door will be open, but I 80

won’t be able to close it from here. I trust the two of you can handle it. Along the way, you’ll encounter several test subjects, some in a dormant state. Avoid engaging them; any fight will only work against you. Be careful not to trip over the debris scattered on the floor. If you make it out alive, I’ll see you at the destination point… Good luck.

— That voice is starting to annoy me. — Jona commented.

Tavita stretched slightly. It was time to run. They opened the door cautiously and found themselves once again in the general area. To the left, a half-open door crammed with test subjects; on the other side, they were surely still devouring Fran’s corpse. In front of them, the door they needed to reach, guarded by two figures. One of them wore black pants and a long-sleeved blue shirt.

— Hello, Charled — Tavita murmured.

— On the count of three? — Jona asked.

— Sure.

— One. — Two. — Three.

They both sprinted at full speed. The subjects noticed their presence and began the chase. Jona rammed one to get him out of the way. Those devouring Fran also came out of the half-open door, joining the hunt.

They reached the indicated door without major mishaps and went through it. Another decontamination chamber awaited them. It seemed that all exits to the general area had this security filter. On the other side, the subjects were already gathering, though luckily they didn’t know how to open it… until the door began to slide open.

— Tavita, get into the chamber. Now! — Jona ordered, aiming his weapon at the entrance.

Tavita obeyed as he slowly backed away. One subject managed to open the door enough to slip through, and Jona shot him straight in the forehead, taking him down. The recoil made him fall, dropping the weapon, which landed at Tavita’s feet.

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— Jona, come quickly! — Tavita grabbed the weapon and aimed at the crowd approaching.

Jona ran toward the chamber as several subjects began to pour into the hallway. Tavita fired once and missed; only two bullets remained. Jona entered just as the door began to close, but a subject wedged his head between the door and the frame, blocking it. Tavita stared at him, aimed, and whispered: — Briana is waiting for you, Charled.

She fired. The bullet pierced the creature’s forehead, and it dropped instantly. The doors closed and the decontamination shower began.

Well… what an unexpected turn

Commented the robotic voice.

I didn’t know the test subjects could open doors. I’ll have to log that.

Tavita and Jona watched, through the reinforced glass, as the subjects piled up outside the chamber.

Oh, my!… Hey, your friend… he’s starting to move

— What do you mean? — Tavita asked.

Your friend, the one from before. He’s moving and heading toward you.

As the decontamination shower finished, Tavita and Jona witnessed what it meant to be caught by those creatures. On the other side, among the crowd of monsters, was Fran. His face completely ruined, his arms with dangling flesh, and his clothes covered in bite marks were all that was left of him, to the horror of his friends. He had become one of them. He had become one of them.

— Fran… — Tavita whispered, and a tear slid down her cheek.

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— We can’t do anything now. — Jona said, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. She wiped her tears with her sleeve.

— Well, the worst that could happen is we get caught.

— Actually, that’s the most likely thing to happen — Tavita replied, biting her sandwich. — And when it happens, I won’t stay to help you… I’ll run and hide. — Her puffed cheeks hid her laughter.

— What are you talking about? My plan is to say it was all your idea — Fran replied, lying down next to her.

Tavita could no longer hold back and broke down crying on Jona’s chest. He simply hugged her tighter.

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CHAPTER 11: Xankus Tavita and Jona arrived at a new room. It was a fully equipped laboratory with computers, microscopes, and all kinds of technology worthy of a top-tier research center.

They made it; they had reached their destination. My most sincere congratulations. Welcome to the research wing.

— All right, now you owe us some answers — Jona said, slamming the notebook Tavita had found earlier onto a table.

I am to please.

— What the hell are those things? What is the Xankus? And who are you? — Jona asked, furious. Tavita took a seat in one of the chairs.

Very interesting questions. Very well.

The test subjects, as I’ve already said, are collaborators of this complex who were affected after the incident that occurred here.

— What exactly happened? — Tavita interrupted.

One question at a time, please.

The test subjects are not dead… they are only, let’s say, taken, if one could call it that. Here is where your other question comes in: the Urusarus-SN, or as we named it in this complex… Xankus.

Tavita and Jona listened attentively.

Some time ago, this incredible specimen was found in the heart of Mount Urusarus, which you currently know as Crimson Crest. I do not know its exact origin nor how it was discovered; all I know is that a nomadic people had the first recorded contact with it. Surely, in this laboratory, you will find the records.

Years of research yielded astonishing results, such as its incredible ability for adaptation and cellular regeneration. A biological miracle.

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— A miracle? You think something that turns people into murderous monsters is a miracle? — Jona said.

Your discontent is understandable, but it wasn’t always this way. You surely noticed when you were wandering the mountain with Clay.

— What? Clay? — Jona asked.

— What do you mean? — Tavita added.

That’s right. What does he call them? “Exotic animals.” Those animals are the result of direct insertion of the Xankus into animal test subjects. The results have always been varied.

— The same thing it said in the notebook… the experiments with animals — Tavita commented, recalling what she had read.

Exactly, young Tavita. The tests have given us unpredictable variations: accelerated growth, changes in fur color, ocular alterations, increased intelligence… each experiment generates a different result, but with one constant: evolution.

In short, what the locals call “blessing of the forest” is nothing more than the Xankus in action. Don’t you find it fascinating?

Tavita asked the most obvious question: — And in humans? Why does it turn them into those things?

Welcome to our research, young Tavita. When human testing began, we discovered that the effect was radically different: instead of evolving us, it degrades us. It makes us wild, ferocious… it transforms us.

— And you think it’s a good idea to let the entire forest be full of those animals? To release that… Xankus? That’s how apocalypses start — Jona commented.

Not at all. When the Xankus is assimilated by an animal, it establishes a perfect symbiosis: the animal becomes a host, and the 85

Xankus grants it its abilities. Once the host dies, the Xankus leaves it, remaining dormant until it is ingested by another.

Thanks to the cooperation of the locals and their devotion to the mountain, we have had no cases of human infection through this means.

— So it can happen.

It is true that there is a minimal possibility that the Xankus could infect a person outside these facilities through fomites. But statistically, the probability barely reaches 4%, and that’s only considering that a baby or a child, driven by curiosity, eats something found on the ground.

— And the Crimson Crest? — Tavita asked. — They can fly outside, spread the infection. Is that part of your statistics?

I think you do not fully understand, young Tavita. The Xankus works far beyond our comprehension.

Since you are in the research wing, you could consult file XP7-26.

— You talk as if we actually understood you — Jona commented.

Turn on one of the computers, and I will explain the rest.

Tavita and Jona approached the nearest one. There were several in the room. The monitor displayed the same welcome screen they had seen in the cubicle area.

PROELIUM ENTER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

The voice dictated an identification number to them.

AC1305PS

A new message appeared on the screen: ENTER ACCESS CODE 86

170559

— Let me guess… your birthday? — Jona commented.

The computer accessed the system. The voice instructed them to search for the file labeled XP7-26. Jona operated the machine, which, though it looked old, worked perfectly.

— This place is very deteriorated. How is there still power? — Tavita asked.

Geothermal energy.

— And what’s that? — Tavita was an excellent journalist, but terrible with scientific terms.

— Energy that comes from the heat of the planet’s core — Jona replied without taking his eyes off the monitor.

— Oh… I didn’t know that.

— Yes, some of us actually finished college. There, here it is — Jona announced. He had found the file: a video clip.

The recording showed several scientists in a room with a halfnaked subject, firmly strapped to a stretcher. All wore maximum level protective gear. In front of the camera, a man spoke with a very peculiar accent, clearly from another region of the planet.

PROELIUM complex number seven.

Experiment twenty-six of the life form Urusarus-SN, alias Xankus.

I am Doctor Jasufh Gynvladlack, identification B-J2631PE, head of the experimentation and genetics department of the aforementioned complex.

The test subject is a male, 1.76 meters tall, approximate age: thirty years. Origin: a local village. Medical examinations conducted by PROELIUM personnel rule out any illness or condition that could interfere with the experiment’s outcome.

On this side, test subject number two: white rabbit, male, adult, 1.6 kg.

We begin insertion phase. Sample of Urusarus-SN sent directly from the PROELIUM research and development facility, Crimson Crest headquarters. Time: 08:37. Proceeding.

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The video showed how they injected a green, luminescent substance into both the man and the rabbit.

Seven minutes and twelve seconds have passed since insertion, and the human subject already shows signs of Xankus assimilation. This is two minutes and fourteen seconds faster than our previous record.

The rabbit, no change so far. If our data holds, the Awakening will occur in about twelve seconds.

The man opened his eyes abruptly and began to thrash violently, screaming and trying to break the restraints.

Confirmed results: the subject has been assimilated by the UrusarusSN life form. The rabbit remains stable, with no visible changes.

For the knowledge of the Crimson Crest facility, we are sending this video report as evidence.

Dispose of him.

The video ended with one of the scientists executing the man with a gunshot to the head. The body went still instantly. The rabbit, on the other hand, was placed in a cage.

Doesn’t it seem fascinating to you?

—The rabbit was immune… — Commented Tavita.

Oh, no, not at all. The rabbit fully assimilated the life form. What happens is something much more interesting than a hypothetical cure, which, by the way, no, there isn’t one. The rabbit did not undergo a mutation for a simple reason. Because it was not in this place.

Tavita and Jona looked at each other, confused.

In our research, we discovered that the Xankus goes far beyond a parasitic organism or a contagious infection. It is a kind of hive… a neural connection that we still do not fully understand. This, of 88

course, has remained secret even to most of the PROELIUM staff.

Most of them believe we are working on a drug to treat degenerative diseases such as Brain Purge or Titroalimoidosis.

—I’m not even going to ask what the last one was — Replied Tavita.

The thing is, the Urusarus-SN has a very peculiar ability. The connection to the origin that triggers the mutation process in animals reveals a disturbing reality. The life form is fully conscious, intelligent.

The rabbit you just saw did not change because the Urusarus-SN was not activated by the source of origin. Even so, humans suffer the same fate as the test subjects of this facility: evolutionary deterioration.

A heavy silence took over the room. As Jona said, if the Xankus escaped the facility, it would be a huge threat to humanity. But even knowing that, PROELIUM seemed unconcerned about the risk.

Their obsession with this species was total.

Tavita thought about this as her gaze fell on a metal door at the other side of the room, marked with the legend “CELLS.” She stood up and began moving toward it.

Oh, I see you have discovered our cell area. Please, feel free to explore. When you finish, we will move on to the next part of your mission.

Jona ran after Tavita, with a strange hunch, or perhaps a maternal instinct, that pushed her toward that door.

Tavita placed her hand on the scanner next to the door and it opened. In their minds, the same question: Why could they open the doors of such an advanced facility?

Upon crossing, a dark corridor was barely illuminated as they stepped in. There were many doors on both sides, with a small horizontal peephole to look inside.

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—Something is wrong… something… is not right — Murmured Tavita as she walked. Jona followed her.

—What’s wrong, Tavita?

—I don’t know. I feel something strange. A sorrow… I don’t know how to explain it.

—Well, this isn’t exactly the most pleasant place in the world — replied Jona. — Come on, let’s get out of here.

Tavita peered through the peepholes. Some cells were empty; others contained enclosed test subjects, banging on the doors as they noticed their presence. Finally, she reached a door and looked inside.

There, a small girl had her back to the entrance. Her eyes, red as blood, and her emaciated face revealed the bones beneath the skin.

The girl crashed against the door in vain, trying to catch her prey.

A tear rolled down Tavita’s cheek. The cruelty of the scene, the inhumanity of experimenting on an innocent girl only to lock her in that dark cell…

—Strange voice — Said Tavita without taking her eyes off the girl.

— Who is this little girl?

She is a test subject we collected to study the specimen in young subjects, to see if age influences assimilation.

—STOP TALKING NONSENSE! — Shouted Tavita, hitting the wall. — The girl? Who was she?

Cell number 8. Female test subject. June. At least, that was the name she gave us before being sedated for experimentation.

The name resonated in Tavita and Jona.

—June… the girl from the testimony. — Said Jona.

—The girl from the testimony. — Repeated Tavita.

If it comforts you, the girl did not suffer. And also, the mystery of her disappearance was resolved. Now, how about we proceed with your mission?

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Neither of them could believe the cold indifference shown by that voice, after experimenting with the life of a little girl and leaving her there to die. Now, turned into one of those ferocious beings.

—The mission? What mission? All of this has been a tour of this horrible laboratory and risking our lives with those damn zombies!

They are not zombies, young Jona.

—Aaah, shut up! — Jona cut him off.

Tavita kept looking at the girl, not listening to Jona. She only perceived his muffled words pleading for them to leave that place.

Finally, she reacted.

—Fine. Let’s finish this. — She said, closing the peephole. — But we will do this for them, for the people they kidnapped and murdered. Because when we get out of here and I have you face to face… I swear on my life I will kill you.

The sweet and cheerful Tavita had disappeared.

—Tavita, no. It’s over, we don’t have to…

—We owe it to those people. Besides, we won’t get out of here unless we do what the voice says.

—Do you really think that? That it will let us leave alive after everything it has told us? — Jona confronted her. He faced Tavita.

There was silence. Both defiant gazes refused to break contact.

—Please, think about it. — Jona finally pleaded.

—Strange voice, tell us what we must do. — Said Tavita, moving Jona aside to advance.

Leave the cells and cross the double door of the research wing.

Finally, they broke eye contact as Tavita walked toward the exit of the cells. Jona sighed and followed her.

The double door was right in the middle of the East wall. Another scanner accompanied it. Tavita wanted to place her hand, but Jona stopped her in surprise.

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He wanted to try it himself. When he placed his hand, the door emitted an unlocking sound.

—Why? Why can we open doors here? — He said, annoyed and confused.

Irrelevant. Please, continue.

Jona was about to demand answers when the door began to open on its own. Behind it, a long white corridor awaited them.

Crossing that corridor you will find what you have been investigating.

The purpose of your mission. I assure you, it will all have been worth it.

Both walked down the long corridor to the door that led to the exit. Tavita placed her hand on the scanner and the door slid upward.

The view was almost surreal.

This is what you came for. The objective of your mission.

As they contemplated the gigantic cavern illuminated by spotlights and lights, with test subjects roaming freely, stairs and elevators everywhere, the voice revealed to them: Here is where it all began. Here the Urusarus-SN was first found.

Welcome to the excavation zone.

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CHAPTER 12: These final moments —So this is the place where they found that thing — said Tavita, her gaze lost in the gigantic cavern.

That’s right. It has been a long time since the excavations began. As you can see, we have searched very deep inside the mountain to ensure we find every last trace of the Urusarus-SN.

—They should have left it buried — replied Jona. — I don’t think you understand how terrible this creature is.

—What are we doing here? — asked Tavita.

Do you see that small cabin to your left, just above? That is your final destination. Proceed carefully, please. There are no speakers in the cave, so I won’t be able to contact you until you arrive.

Upon entering the cave, a metal walkway creaked under their feet, showing the passage of time. Its rusted edges, constant squeaks, yet sturdy enough to hold the weight of some test subjects lurking in the distance.

—Ladies first? — Jona joked.

Tavita looked at him seriously.

Jona began to advance along the walkway, producing rattling echoes that drew the attention of the test subjects below. He gripped firmly the knife he had kept since his encounter with the two infected women.

Their goal: reach the cabin above. To do so, they had to take an elevator that would take them directly there. There were other gondolas and elevators going to different points, but only this one gave access to the cabin. An important place.

Jona thought about how useless it all seemed. Something so secret and sinister as this laboratory could not be revealed. The voice had told them everything without reservation, but it could not allow them to leave as humans. Their thoughts were the last safe refuge, 93

for the implanted technology, advanced as it was, could not read the mind.

—Tavita…

—What is it?

—You know we won’t get out of here, right?

—Keep walking, Jona.

—Please. Just tell me you understand that. Whatever we are doing, it won’t help. I know you are furious, but… in reality, we are inferior on this twisted scale.

—Keep walking, Jona. — she repeated.

Then Jona stopped her, placing his hand on her shoulder, about to reproach her attitude since Fran’s death, when a rising metallic noise interrupted them. Footsteps, someone was running along the walkway.

They both instinctively turned to locate the test subjects approaching at full speed, climbing the stairs from the deepest part of the cavern. There were too many; they could not fight them.

—Run! — shouted Tavita, and the two began to run along the hanging walkway.

A test subject tried to intercept them from the other side. Jona rammed him with his shoulder and knocked him down. But the being quickly got back up and attacked Jona. A struggle began, and Tavita, from behind, grabbed it by the neck with both arms while Jona drove the knife into its forehead and threw it off the cliff.

—Are you okay? — asked Tavita.

—I’m fine. Let’s keep going.

The horde was closing in. Each time more rattling footsteps and hungry roars, ready to tear and devour, could be heard.

They reached the elevator, where a scanner awaited them.

—Activate it, Tavita! — ordered Jona, eyes fixed on the walkway they had just crossed.

He knew it was useless, but if necessary, he would throw himself against the subjects to buy time.

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Tavita placed her hand on the scanner. The elevator doors opened.

They entered and pressed the single button inside.

The doors closed, and the elevator began to ascend, offering them a panoramic view of the horde that had already reached the walkway and advanced fiercely.

They breathed a sigh of relief.

The elevator stopped with a slight jolt. The doors opened, but this time on the opposite side from which they had entered.

A small walkway received them, and in front of them was the mysterious cabin.

Both walked toward it, but the door did not have a scanner like before; instead, it had a square numeric keypad.

417135

The strange voice resonated from the digital screen of the keypad, surprising Tavita and Jona. Upon entering the number, the screen beeped and turned green; then the door opened.

Inside were monitors, computers, cables everywhere, and in the center, the main attraction: a huge capsule filled with a yellow liquid.

Suspended inside floated a viscous substance, luminous green.

—Is that…?

—It must be…

It’s magnificent, don’t you think? I wish I could be there to see it with my own eyes. It’s really touching: our little one has not seen a living person in more than three years. In a way, you should feel privileged.

—So this place has been like this for three years. Wow… That’s right. The incident was so sudden that there was no time to evacuate the specimen.

—So this… — Tavita clenched her jaw, revealing her anger. — This is the reason Fran died. The cause of all this.

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Urusarus—SN.

They approached the capsule to observe the specimen they had heard so much about. The luminous mass began to move, as if it realized it was being watched… or awakened from a long sleep.

Tavita circled the capsule, sliding her hand over the reinforced glass.

From within, the Urusarus seemed to follow the movement of her hand.

—Freaky. — Murmured Tavita.

We have advanced a lot with this little one. From being a simple life form in spores forgotten deep within the mountain, years of research have allowed us to synthesize it into a much more tangible and moldable form.

Unlike the rest of the facility, the place was clean and orderly. It was evident that no one had entered here, not even during the incident.

—What exactly are we doing here? — asked Jona, although deep down he already knew the answer.

You are here to fulfill the mission I assigned you: you must extract the specimen and remove it from the facility.

At that moment, Tavita and Jona understood the magnitude of their situation. All the suffering, exhaustion, fear, fury, and despair… it had all been to recover the one thing that took Fran away from them.

—You can’t be serious. — said Jona. — You really intend for us to take this thing out of here?

The truth is, the Urusarus—SN is too valuable to let it die. Besides, without it, you will not be able to leave. That was the deal.

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—You must be an idiot if you think we’ll do that. — exclaimed Jona, determined to prevent the specimen from leaving. The risks were too high, and too many had already died because of it.

—I want to ask you something. — Tavita intervened, not taking her eyes off the capsule and moving her hand for the organism to follow. — If what they wanted was to recover this… why not send armed men to wipe everything out and take it? Why kidnap an internet investigation team to do it?

Contrary to what you think, PROELIUM does not have bad intentions. Seeing what this specimen was capable of and after the incident, they decided to abandon the research and leave it buried here forever. However, people like me see great potential in this experiment. Letting it die would be a waste. This research has been completely secret. We cannot involve PROELIUM authorities or private militias. Do you want to stay here, starve, or be devoured by our test subjects, or do you want the chance to see sunlight again?

You choose.

The voice had them against the wall. They could not risk another incident in another lab… or worse, in a town. But staying there to die was also not an option. They looked at each other in silence.

—Tavita?

—I don’t want to die here.

—Do you want to let this escape?

—Of course not… but we have no choice.

—There is always a choice. That guy, or whatever it is, wants this thing alive. We can use that. Either it gets us out of here… or we destroy its valuable specimen.

Although I admire your determination, young Jona, I recommend you do not attempt anything absurd against the specimen. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to see you try, but remember: the Urusarus—SN has incredible survival capabilities. If you destroy the capsule or extract it without safety protocols, it will adapt to the new environment and, believe me… it will survive.

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—We have to get out of here, Jona.

—But at what cost, huh? For me, this thing can stay buried here.

—Jona, understand… if it’s not us, they will send someone else.

Isn’t that right, strange voice?

Your companion is right, young Jona. Now that we have regained some remote control over the facility, we can continue sending more test subjects to extract our specimen. That would only cause more unnecessary casualties.

—So, we get out of here just for you to kill us out there once we deliver it? — asked Jona, pointing at the specimen.

The voice did not speak a word. Jona then knew: it was not about whether they would live or not, that was already clear. The real question was preventing more innocents from being kidnapped and sent to that hell.

—Tavita? — Jona looked at his companion. Her determined expression had not changed. A strange thought wandered through his head, senseless for the moment but impossible to ignore: Where had the sweet and kind Tavita we knew gone?

—Tell us what we have to do, strange voice. Let’s finish this. — said Tavita.

Excellent. I assure you, this is the best decision.

Proceed to the terminal next to the capsule. You should see a screen with numbers and a circular slot. Young Jona, please go to the compartment on your right. There you will find some small containers, scaled-down versions of the capsule, if you prefer to see it that way. Take one and bring it to the terminal.

—Of course… — replied Jona, resigned.

Young Tavita, turn on the terminal. Surely you already know how to do it.

Tavita placed her hand on the screen, and it turned on immediately.

At this point, the reason they could manipulate technology within 98

the facility no longer mattered. On the screen appeared the same message as before: PROELIUM ENTER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Tavita entered the previous number. She was good at remembering details; her profession as a reporter required memorizing lines and questions. One number would be no problem.

On the screen, three options appeared:

Tavita pressed the third option: Specimen Extraction. The screen immediately turned red, showing an error symbol. The voice instructed Jona to place the capsule he had requested into the slot.

A metallic click resonated as Jona pushed the capsule inside, and the screen turned green. A confirmation message appeared: Start extraction process?

YES / NO

The extraction began. The large capsule containing the specimen was sealed with a metal curtain. A progress bar appeared on the machine. When the process finished, the curtain slowly rose, revealing an empty capsule.

Please remove the transport capsule.

Jona was about to do it, but Tavita stepped forward.

—This is the deal: we’ll take this thing out of here, you’ll show us the exit, but if you’re not there in person to receive it, I’ll destroy this capsule instantly, and I don’t care what happens. Is that clear?

— Tavita spoke firmly, surprising Jona.

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Don’t worry, young Tavita. I wouldn’t miss such an important meeting.

— Fine. — With a sharp pull, Tavita released the capsule from the slot. The life form was inside, moving. — You take it. — She said, handing it to Jona.

Very well, now that everything is ready, let’s proceed with your evacuation. Return to the elevator; you must descend to the cavern.

Descending to the cavern. It sounded easy, but the elevator was blocked by the test subjects. Tavita and Jona looked at each other, assessing the situation without saying a word.

Is something wrong?

Jona explained that they couldn’t go back the way they came without being devoured by the horde.

Oh… That’s inconvenient. With your current resources, you won’t be able to overcome a group of that size. Wow, you were so close.

Anyway, it was a good attempt.

And so, without more, the voice abandoned them. After everything they had endured, after having been there against their will, it disappeared as if nothing mattered.

— HEY! ARE YOU GOING TO LEAVE US LIKE THIS? — Jona shouted.

The chances of survival had drastically decreased by losing the only exit. Getting past the test subjects is impossible, at least without getting infected. I’m sorry.

Tavita, furious, snatched the transport capsule from Jona and was about to smash it on the floor.

— Listen to me carefully. — She said in a dangerously calm tone — We’ve come this far, we’ve done what you asked, I’m covered in 100

blood that isn’t mine and I know what it’s like to kill someone. I don’t care about dying here, but don’t you dare say it was all for nothing. Because if you count us as dead, what difference does it make if I destroy this stupid thing that caused it all and end our lives… and your shitty experiments. So you better have a solution, or your beloved specimen dies with us.

— You heard her. — Added Jona, surprised by the coldness in Tavita’s eyes since she had killed the test subjects.

Would you really do it, young Tavita? I remind you the specimen is designed to survive in its environment.

— Yeah? Well, good luck trying to capture it again without its special equipment. You said it yourself: this mission is outside the authority of your superiors, and you don’t have the necessary resources. That you have to rely on civilians to retrieve your precious sample proves it. And even if you did, in our final moments we’ll make sure… — Tavita turned a small handle on the top of the capsule, breaking the security seal. She only had to pull, and the capsule would open, releasing the specimen. Some of the liquid began to leak. — …that we destroy every last piece of equipment in this place, so there’s no way for you to recover it. This is my checkmate, son of a bitch.

Tavita lifted the lid slightly and the yellow liquid began to drip, soaking the floor and her arms. Jona stepped back, fearing the specimen would escape. Slowly, the viscous, luminescent mass began to emerge between the capsule and the lid.

STOP!

For the first time, the voice sounded worried, cornered. All this time it had been in control, but now Tavita had it between a rock and a hard place.

STOP! Fine. If you want to risk your lives to escape from here, fine.

Just close that before it gets out.

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The specimen moved with a clear intention to slip through the small opening it had. Tavita violently closed the capsule, breaking the piece that was protruding and letting it fall to the floor. She stomped on it hard, ensuring it was reduced to a viscous stain.

I won’t lie, I have no idea how to get you out of there. What I do know is that the exit is at a fork at the end of the cavern. It’s not the best exit, but it’s your only option.

— How far to the end? — Jona asked.

To the very end, young Jona. That emergency exit was built for the excavation staff in case of a collapse. It was never fully finished, but it’s functional. You must go down, find the evacuation sign, and follow the path.

Although, of course, that involves getting past the elevator’s test subjects.

— Do you have a plan? — Jona asked Tavita.

— No idea. We’ll have to force the exit. Find something we can use as a weapon.

Tavita placed the capsule on the floor and they both began to look for a blunt object. The place only offered small laboratory utensils.

Jona saw one of the many metal chairs and took it.

— A chair? — Tavita asked, incredulous.

— We can keep them away with this, make our way slowly.

— I guess it’s better than nothing. — She replied.

The walkways weren’t very wide; the chair would serve as a shield and makeshift weapon, although it wouldn’t withstand much against the horde. Tavita picked up the specimen capsule and they headed toward the elevator.

Young ones.

The voice stopped them before they left.

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From this moment, our communication will cease. There are no speakers or cameras in the cavern or emergency exit. I will have no way to help you or know if you are still alive.

Twenty-four hours, that’s the time I will give you to get out. After that time, I will seal the exit and declare you dead. I will be waiting for you on the other side. Good luck.

The voice disappeared. That presence that had given them security and anger, comfort and rage, certainty and uncertainty… was no longer there.

— Wow, it finally shut up — Jona commented.

— Yes, and don’t miss it, please — Tavita replied.

They both moved toward the elevator. Below, the horde waited.

The beings always remained in the last place they were, perhaps waiting for a new stimulus.

Inside the elevator, they took a breath. They prepared themselves and pressed the button to descend. The rattling alerted the horde; the roars began to echo. Heartbeats increased, sweat dripped, and the air became heavy. Fear was evident: they were about to face a horde of killers controlled by the very creature they were guarding.

The elevator stopped. On the other side, the test subjects rammed the gate separating them from death. Jona gripped the chair firmly and took position. They looked at each other; perhaps it would be the last time their eyes met. Jona saw a tear form in Tavita’s left eye.

He wanted to tell her everything would be okay, but deep down he knew the chances were minimal. They would die, but they would fight.

— Behind me, Tavita — Jona ordered. She obeyed. — I’ll do my best to clear a path; don’t stop moving. We’ll be fine.

He pressed the button to open the doors and began the charge.

Jona moved the chair, using its legs as weapons to push away as many as he could. Some fell, others backed off, but the pressure did not cease. Gradually they gained ground, but exhaustion came quickly.

— Don’t stop, Jona, keep going. — Tavita encouraged.

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He gritted his teeth and pushed. His body was using the last reserves of strength he had, as neither of them had eaten or drunk in a long time. There came a point where by mere survival, his body endured, trading willpower for physical strength. The progress was slow and the wear was fast. Tavita wanted to help, but she couldn’t risk the capsule breaking. Jona alternated between pushing and attacking, striking those he could and shoving back those charging them. One slip was enough for one of them to sink a bite into his left arm. Jona used the pain to muster more strength, but he knew he was already doomed. Tavita hadn’t noticed and wanted to keep it that way, at least until they got out of the situation.

— TAVITA! Tavita, listen! I’m going to clear a path, but I don’t know how long I’ll hold on. When I tell you, run and don’t stop.

She was about to respond, but then she saw the wound.

— Jona…? — Tavita froze.

— DON’T STOP! Did you hear me? — He shouted.

Tavita nodded.

With a shout that echoed through the cavern, Jona gave his last effort, opening a gap in the side of the walkway.

— NOW, TAVITA! NOW! — He roared, as the horde tore his neck and arms apart.

Tavita ran. She glanced back to see her companion Jona collapse to the ground to be devoured by the beings.

— JONAAAA! — She screamed.

— GET OUT! — Were his last words.

Jona already had the revolver with a single bullet. He used it on himself, ending the suffering. The shot echoed like a wake-up call for Tavita from her shock. The horde was behind, but she didn’t know for how long.

She ran along the walkway to the lower level. She reached a gondola used by the excavation staff and pulled a lever to set it in motion.

During the ride, she noticed her companion’s blood on her clothes, and at that moment the tears were gone. She could no longer cry.

Something inside her had evolved to a state of survival that told her, “stop crying.”

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The gondola reached its destination. Tavita got off carrying the capsule. No beings were in sight, only rocks and excavation equipment. In the distance, a green arrow pointed to an opening in the wall.

It was time to finally leave that hell.

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CHAPTER 13: Rebirth Tavita walked through the fork. There were only a few lights, some on and others off. The voice hadn’t been joking when it said that exit wasn’t fully finished. At the end of the tunnel, she began to see a bluish glow. Tavita ran: it had to be the exit from that hell.

A large clearing, with walls tinged blue, greeted her. In the middle was a crystalline eye of water surrounded by safety railings. Tavita didn’t think for a moment, she slipped under the railings and submerged her head in the water to drink. What little she could make out beneath the surface hinted at a chilling infinity. A dark abyss extending beyond the cavern, with unfathomable depth.

She lifted her head from the water and began to scrub her face and wash off the blood. She stayed there for a moment, unsure if she would have another chance for rest like this. Her only companion, that thing inside the capsule, began to move violently, as if trying to get out.

— What? You want water too? I should throw you into this abyss so no one else can find you. — She said, observing the creature in its prison.

She stood up and looked around. The artificial light collided with the water, dyeing the walls an ethereal blue. The path was just ahead, but the illumination reached only as far as the clearing; beyond that point, darkness would be total.

With each step, the light fell behind. She advanced with the capsule pressed to her chest through narrow walls that, to her perception, seemed to grow ever narrower. She felt that at any moment, they could crush her. Her only guide was a power cable running along the wall, a remnant of an unfinished construction.

Finally, she reached the point where everything was darkness. She could close her eyes, and there would be no difference at all. The beating of her heart could be heard clearly, though she didn’t know if it was due to the absolute silence of the cave or her own desperation, having most of her senses inhibited.

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Then, a glow began to emanate, a green light illuminating the path, but it was no ordinary light. It came from inside the capsule. The life form traveling with her was radiating enough luminescence to allow her to move forward.

— Wow… this is unexpected. — Tavita said, observing the glow.

— You really are full of surprises, horrible thing.

The walls no longer seemed so oppressive, and her heart stopped pounding in her ears. Ironically, that which had ended the lives of her companions was now saving her from falling into despair.

As she walked, without realizing it, Tavita played with her hand over the capsule, causing the creature to follow her movements from within, projecting curious patterns of light onto the walls. She didn’t want to admit it, but she enjoyed that moment.

Nearly two hours passed, and she still hadn’t reached anywhere.

Hunger began to weaken her, so she decided to rest, sitting with her back against the wall and placing the capsule next to her. She stared at the creature, which moved in circles.

— I can’t believe I’m stuck here alone with you. — She said, as if speaking to someone she would rather not know. — You know? If I manage to get out of here, you’d be the best story I could have featured on my show. Exposing you to the press, at least it would be worth the fact that you killed my friends. They wouldn’t have died for nothing.

She remained silent for a moment before continuing: — This investigation was going to be our best episode, and now look at me… maybe I’ll die here with your disgusting company.

Although, thinking about it, dying here might be the best. That way I make sure you don’t wreak havoc outside. The anonymous heroine: Tavita the reporter — She laughed softly. — I always wondered how I would die… I even dreamed about it sometimes, though I never told Fran or Jona, you know, my friends you killed.

But in none of those visions did I imagine anything like this: alone, with a viscous, strange thing by my side. Although… it’s not so bad if you think about it.

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Sleep overcame her. She collapsed on the cold cave floor, with the creature’s light illuminating like a night lamp. In her dreams, Tavita reunited with Fran and Jona, planning their next investigation: the road of the penitent soul, or their first international expedition to visit the hanged king’s castle. Futures that would never see sunrise.

She awoke with a deep sigh and her heart racing, tears in her eyes.

She had promised herself she would no longer cry, but it was inevitable remembering where she was.

— How long did I sleep? — She murmured.

She looked at the creature, which continued spinning inside the capsule. She noticed a bitter taste in her mouth, like that metallic breath after sleeping many hours… but this was different.

Hunger was gone; she didn’t feel tired. Sleep, apparently, had done wonders for her. Tavita stood and stretched a little before resuming her journey through the cave. She still thought that just moments ago, hunger had been wreaking havoc on her body, but now it was as if she had tasted a great feast. She thought that perhaps her body was extracting nutrients and proteins from wherever it could to stay alive. She had heard similar cases years ago, about people who managed to go weeks without eating and still survived.

Along the way, she couldn’t help but wonder what was happening outside. How much time had passed since she had been locked in there? Questions that suddenly flooded her; thoughts that accompanied her for the next four hours it took to leave that dark and narrow cave.

Little by little, light began returning. A flash started to appear at the end of the tunnel. Tavita quickened her pace, even running, risking tripping over a rock, but she wanted to see daylight again. Finally, she had exited the cave. She was now in an artificially lit facility with concrete walls. The glow of the capsule, emitted by the life form, no longer shone.

At first, it was difficult for her eyes to adjust to the light, but gradually she began to appreciate the place she was in. A disappointment crossed her mind: she thought she had finally left that hell. She looked around, and there wasn’t much to see, except 108

for a large structure that rose to the ceiling of the facility: a gigantic elevator.

She was fed up with elevators. The last one hadn’t been a pleasant experience, and she could almost swear that if she managed to get out of there, she would never use one again in her life. However, that elevator was now the only means to continue forward. The voice had told her that this route was the exit, but everything seemed more like a path to another secret facility.

Tavita approached the metallic elevator with doors as large as a tour bus.

— Alright, how do you open? — She said, observing the enormous doors with no visible mechanism. A closer inspection revealed that at the back, there was a terminal with a screen.

— This is getting boring… — She said, placing her hand on the scanner.

What was expected happened: the terminal activated, and a voice resonated from it: Welcome, Dr. Elizabeth Saied. Please maintain distance until the doors are fully opened.

Tavita frowned. The machine had identified her as Dr. Elizabeth Saied, a surname she had seen before in the notebook found in the facility. It felt strange, but if it allowed her to get out of there, she wouldn’t question it… for now. The enormous doors began to open, emitting a squeal of rusty metal.

— Let’s get out of this damn place… — She said, stepping onto the platform.

Inside were two circular buttons: ° OUTSIDE ° MAIN ENTRANCE

It seemed odd that there wasn’t a third button to return to the current level, which meant that this lift could only be called from below. It made sense: it was an emergency exit. Tavita was about to 109

press the OUTSIDE button, but her reporter’s instinct kicked in.

She needed to see the whole place. She pressed MAIN ENTRANCE, and the huge elevator set in motion.

After a few minutes, the elevator stopped, and the MAIN ENTRANCE button lit up. The doors opened, revealing a huge tunnel, apparently safe. She advanced a few meters until she reached a large double metal door… which seemed familiar. Then she understood: it was the same door she saw when she and her companions woke up in that damp, cold tunnel. Frustration hit her, knowing that at that moment, they had been so close and yet so far from the exit. She sighed and returned to the elevator to now head toward the surface.

As she ascended, she tried to process everything that had happened: she had lost everything… her friends, her team. She had faced death up close, staring it directly in the eyes. Her gaze fell on the capsule. The life form was motionless, as if staring at her intently. Tavita felt a chill, a strange connection she didn’t want to acknowledge. She immediately broke eye contact.

The elevator stopped, and the doors opened. She had arrived at a large cavern, with various contraptions and cargo trucks scattered around. She exited and began inspecting the vehicles, noticing something peculiar: they all bore the legend “REGIONAL COMMISSION FOR PROTECTION AND FORESTRATION.” She had already seen that name in the town: it was the entity responsible for protecting the forest.

— What are they doing with access to these underground facilities?

— She wondered.

She also saw several of the black vans described in the testimonies, but unlike the ones found below, these seemed fully operational.

Near the elevator, there was a room with a black door. It was the only one visible in that entire vast place, so she decided to check it.

She was greeted by a room full of stretchers and surgical equipment, which seemed to have been used recently judging by the scalpels stained with blood on some of them. Tavita felt she had been there before, although she didn’t know why.

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Something came to her mind: the chip behind her ear that the strange voice mentioned… it must have been placed there. It wasn’t long before her vision began to tint red and several images paraded before her eyes, as if she were watching a movie through someone else’s gaze. She saw several figures dressed in black and a young man she couldn’t identify, all standing in that same room. On the stretchers were Jona, Fran, and herself, being violently gagged.

— Why am I seeing this? — She asked herself.

— Doctor, we are ready to proceed.

— Begin.

Tavita watched as the people in black placed small suction cups on their heads and turned on a machine to which they were connected.

The last thing she saw before the images stopped was her companions, and herself, writhing in pain.

— Were these memories? No… it can’t be. What the hell did they do to us? — She said, paralyzed. She didn’t remember any of it. But the most disturbing question was another: why had she seen that?

Tavita placed the capsule on a nearby table and began to rummage through the room. She needed to find some other clue about what had happened there. However, to her disappointment, she found nothing else and left.

After moving forward a bit, she finally saw daylight in the distance.

She made her way among trucks and work tables until reaching a gigantic entrance leading outside. But she stopped abruptly… something was wrong. She had already felt something similar when she saw the girl locked in the cell, although this time it was different.

A strange feeling, like an alien thought in her head… something telling her not to go out.

— Young Tavita! It’s good to finally see you in person — Said a female voice from outside.

Tavita squinted to shield herself from the sunlight and see better.

— Strange voice?

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— I must offer my sincerest condolences regarding your friends.

It’s a shame. I’m sorry, believe me.

— You’re sorry? You put us through that damn hell. Don’t say you’re sorry.

The figure finally revealed herself. She was a woman with black hair, dressed in an equally dark suit, escorted by several men in uniforms with masks.

— Your frustration is understandable, young Tavita, but now everything is over. You are free to leave… just hand over the asset, and we will take you to the exit. — Said the doctor.

Tavita remembered Jona’s words and how impossible it would be for them to let her go with such valuable information just like that.

She held the capsule in front of her and began taking slow steps toward the outside. Her vision began to clear, revealing that they were in a valley surrounded by mountains, in front of a large bluish lake. The breeze caressed her face, and she breathed deeply. She missed that feeling.

— You made it… and with thirteen hours to spare. Not bad. — Commented the woman, taking out a small control and pressing it.

The metallic doors of the facility began to close until fully sealed.

The woman approached Tavita.

— I’ll take this, if you don’t mind. — She said, placing her hand on the capsule. Tavita was reluctant to let go.

— Oh… it’s magnificent. To finally have it in my hands after years… look at it, don’t you think it’s beautiful? — The woman contemplated the Urusarus-SN capsule as if it were a treasure.

— It’s a threat — replied Tavita.

The woman smiled.

— What is this place?

— This, young lady, is the most exclusive place on the mountain: the spring. You should feel fortunate; the natives do not allow outsiders access.

— I imagined it more secret. — Replied Tavita.

— Well, if we are done with the questions, please hand me the asset.

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— Wait… before that, I have a few more questions. Then you can take it.

The doctor sighed but nodded.

— First of all… who are you?

— Very well. I think it’s fair to formalize our meeting. I am Doctor Elizabeth Saied, from the research and development branch of PROELIUM. The words “Elizabeth Saied” resonated in Tavita’s mind, and, just like before, images from a past she did not remember projected into her mind: — Is the virtual DNA sequence ready?

— Everything in order.

— Stable genetic bridge?

— One hundred percent.

— Probability of artificial neural connection?

— As high as possible, doctor.

— Numbers, Bertly.

— Eighty-three percent, doctor.

— Do it again; we need more than eighty-five.

— Doctor, if we do that, the subjects’ minds could collapse, as has happened before. We will have to rely on the current probability.

— What are… you doing to us?

— Doctor, the girl has awakened.

— Well, what a surprise to have you join us, young Tavita.

Unfortunately, this will hurt a lot if you remain awake. Prepare her for the incision.

— Incision? What are they doing to us?

Tavita returned to reality with the image of someone injecting something into her neck, causing a sudden blackout.

— Is something wrong, young Tavita? — Asked the doctor, noticing her lost gaze.

— It was at that moment… when they put the chip in us. — Said Tavita, reacting.

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— So you remember it. Fascinating. Electrotherapy must have suppressed the memories of the intervention. — Commented the doctor with a touch of disbelief.

— Electrotherapy?

— That’s right. Although it is a somewhat primitive method, it works to block certain memories in the brain. For the mission, it was necessary that you didn’t know how you got here. The surprising thing is that you managed to remember something that had been erased.

— Believe me… I am as confused as you are — Replied Tavita.

Her mind was in chaos. She began to remember things she had not lived and others she knew she had lived but had forgotten. It was an internal struggle that exhausted her. Then, suddenly, a name came to her memory with clarity.

— Clay! What happened to him? Does he have anything to do with all this?

— Don’t worry about Clay. He is safe, if that’s what you’re asking.

— What happened to him? — Insisted Tavita.

— Clay is our mountain guide, completely detached from PROELIUM. His job is to prevent tourists from approaching the spring. That way we keep the sacred place safe for the natives and, at the same time, ensure that no curious person discovers the operation. The perfect cover. Although, of course, from time to time we pay him generously to bring us new test subjects.

— WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM? — Tavita asked impatiently.

— After this, his services will no longer be required. Maybe we’ll let him finally enjoy the forest he loves so much… Or we make sure the secret dies with him. — The doctor let out a small laugh.

Immediately, she fixed her gaze on Tavita and noticed that her left eye was beginning to turn red.

—Young Tavita, are you okay?

—A very stupid question on your part, don’t you think? — She replied, rubbing her eye.

—No, I mean… have you come into contact with the Urusarus at any point?

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—What are you talking about? — Tavita looked annoyed.

—That would explain it. It would give us a new perspective on the Urusarus that we have never seen before. Interesting.

The doctor called one of her guards to bring an infection test. The man ran to the nearby helicopter and returned with a device shaped like a syringe.

—The Urusarus attacks in two ways: at a brain level and at a molecular level. If it managed to infect you, it will begin eliminating the interferences that prevent it from taking full control of you, which would explain why you remember.

—I don’t understand, doctor… — Tavita looked tired.

—Very well. Grab her. — She ordered.

The guard forcefully pinned Tavita to the ground. She began to struggle.

—WHAT ARE YOU DOING? — Tavita shouted as she struggled.

The doctor jabbed the syringe into the back of her neck, causing extreme pain. The device glowed red.

—Hmm… interesting. It’s positive, I knew it. — She murmured with a greedy smile. A thought of scientific interest passed through her mind: We have found a new test subject. — SECURE HER! She will come with us.

The guards tried to gag and tie her, while one of them pulled out a syringe similar to the one Tavita had seen in her memories. She knew that if they put her to sleep again, they would never let her leave. She let out a piercing scream and, with superhuman strength, threw the men off her. Her face showed fury and bloody red eyes, like the test subjects, although she was still conscious.

—FIRE! — Ordered one of the guards. A burst of bullets rang out across the mountain. Tavita dodged most of them, though some hit her torso and legs, but that didn’t stop her. She ran toward the doctor.

—Doctor, watch out! — Shouted a guard, ceasing fire to avoid hitting her.

Tavita lunged at her, knocking her down.

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—Ohhh, this is impressive! — Exclaimed the doctor, keeping her at bay. — What a great display of strength, young Tavita.

With a movement, the doctor managed to push her aside, but Tavita lunged again like an animal.

—WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? INCAPACITATE HER! — Shouted the doctor.

Tavita knew that if she stayed there, she would end up kidnapped again or dead, so she made one last risky move. She ran toward the doctor and snatched the capsule, planning to escape with it toward the nearby trees and cover her flight.

While running with the capsule in her arms, Tavita realized that she no longer felt pain or fatigue. It was like a few hours ago when she suddenly stopped feeling hunger. Another burst of gunfire reached her, interrupting her thoughts and causing her to fall to the ground.

Tavita looked back and saw the armed men approaching. Finally, Tavita played her last card.

—BACK OFF! — She shouted, holding the capsule open.

—Young Tavita, close that immediately. — Ordered the doctor.

—I will not listen to your stupidities anymore. You will not take me alive. If you fire, your asset escapes. So step aside. — Tavita held her position, but her body began to spasm.

—Tavita, you don’t know what you’re doing. Please, don’t do something stupid or many people will die.

Tavita then understood. The spring, if the lifeform reached it, would eventually reach the town and start an uncontrollable infection cycle.

—And why should I listen to you? You and the damn PROELIUM ruined my life. I have nothing left. If I die, the world can go to hell if that destroys you too. — Tavita continued with involuntary spasms.

—Tavita, I know you’re angry. But don’t make a mistake. That one speaking isn’t you. — The doctor tried to convince her.

Tavita saw the capsule open; the lifeform wasn’t trying to escape or leave. Somehow, she knew that now that thing inside the capsule 116

was with her and would stay by her side. Tavita thought long and hard and finally looked directly at the doctor.

—I hope you’re happy with what’s about to happen. All of this could have been avoided. Don’t forget I told you that…

—Tavita?! — Shouted the doctor.

—This is my checkmate… bitch.

Tavita smashed the capsule on the ground. The chemical agent and the lifeform shot out. Tavita ran toward the spring, with the creature slithering behind her through the grass.

—FIRE! — Ordered the doctor.

Tavita ran through a hail of bullets. Some missed, and others struck her body, but she did not stop. Tavita was about to reach the edge of the spring when a bullet pierced her cheek, causing her to fall into the water. Still conscious, and sinking to the bottom of the spring, Tavita expected to die. She didn’t fully understand what she had done; releasing the creature meant that the forest animals and perhaps the population of Armasa would be constantly exposed to the Urusarus. With blurred vision from the water, she noticed the light slowly fading, and floating in front of her was the lifeform.

Tavita saw it and thought, “Go away now, you’re finally free,” but the lifeform stayed there. Suddenly, the creature split in two. One stayed with Tavita, and the other disappeared into the depths forever. The Urusarus infected Tavita through one of her many wounds, and at that moment, Tavita lost consciousness.

On the surface, the water turned red from the blood streaming from Tavita’s body as she sank into the spring.

—Shit, this is bad! — Said the doctor. — Call headquarters, evacuate the town. I want a search team along the spring and the river.

—Doctor, that will take time…

She knew. What Tavita had done was irreparable. If uncontrolled, the town, and perhaps the entire world, were doomed.

—Let’s hope everything goes well… Damn. Nobody approach the water.

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CHAPTER 14: Aftermath “Two weeks have passed since local authorities permanently closed all access to the tourist town of Armasa. Official statements from inside have confirmed that the isolation seeks to combat a strange disease that has struck the town and its surroundings.”

“Entry of tourists has been prohibited indefinitely, while the private army, funded by the company PROELIUM, has taken control of the cleanup operation in the quiet town of Armasa.”

“The disease originating in the town of Armasa has begun to manifest in cities around the region. PROELIUM has not issued any statements regarding the reasons why the disease is spreading so quickly.”

“Cannibalism: this is how witnesses describe the atrocities occurring within the city of Boltica. Correspondents’ videos show citizens attacking one another while the police and army attempt to contain this disease, which, according to reports, is highly contagious.”

“Martial law has been implemented from the early hours of the day. The creatures that are gradually taking over the region seem relentless.

Citizens who are still safe are advised not to open their doors to anyone and to ration all possible supplies. These are dark times, but thanks to our government, we will get through this.”

“Now, a special message from PROELIUM: We invite citizens not to succumb to fear and despair. What we are going through is temporary while a cure for this evil afflicting our world is sought. The battlefield is Alebriz, and in this trench we will hold the line, defending not only the Alebrians but also the rest of the world at risk of facing this new disease face to face. Stay firm, remain in isolation, and do not go out under any circumstances.”

“Cities around the world have fallen to the Feramon. It is currently estimated that there are more Ferals than humans in the world. The planet is theirs now…”

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EPILOGUE — How much time has passed?… Years?… No, it can’t have been that long. I… No, I don’t know.

Water? I’m in the water… yes, I died in the water, right? I… Why am I alive? Wait… something’s wrong, my body is floating… Why can’t I see anything? My eyes won’t open.

My name… Do I have a name? I don’t remember… one, two, three, four, five, six… Mysterious Eye, Fran, Jona… I remember my program, I remember my friends… my friends… Did they die?

They died, yes. Why do I remember that? My name, what is my name?

— Calm …

— How? Who… who’s there? Your presence feels familiar…

— I am company, I am future.

— My heart, it’s racing.

— It’s me, greeting.

— You… I remember you, or at least I think I do… How is it that you are speaking to me?

— Evolution, development.

— I had heard you before, I’ve felt you… But where? When?

— Do not strain… calm.

— What was that? I heard something… no… someone — … n’t stop, keep moving.

— I must insist that it’s not a good idea to disturb the girl.

— Lieutenant, come see this.

— That voice, whose is it? Is it a boy, a girl? I can’t tell…

— What the hell is this?

— Prepare. We leave here.

— “We”? Where will we go?

— World together have built…

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— Get the girl out of there. Get her some clothes, please.

— Lieutenant, what will we do with the girl?

— No idea, but if it’s true that she’s from the old world, she’ll be the closest thing we’ll have to an answer.

— Lieutenant. The girl is waking up.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ANS PERSONAL NOTES I would like to dedicate the first words of this acknowledgment to you, the one who made it this far. As an independent author, it means a great deal to me that you took a little time out of your schedule to read my story, one I had been trying to put on paper for years. In these times where technology and online connectivity have taken such a powerful role in entertainment, reading has often been left aside, which makes my gratitude toward you even greater. I truly hope you enjoyed it.

I would like to thank my colleague Katty Anel Guido for the artwork that introduces the chapters of this work, and my colleague Ángel Soto “Sscaarleth” for redrawing them for this new version. To my colleague Elías “s3lioh” Alvarado, for illustrating both the old and the new covers of this book, and for bringing my characters to life exactly as I imagined them (sketches attached at the end of this section).

I also want to give a special mention to my friend Mayale, who had to endure me telling her how this story ends, even though she wanted to read it for herself.

An indirect thank-you goes to those people whom I will keep anonymous, but who directly inspired the creation of my characters. If any of you ever read these words and ask me directly, I will tell you if you were one of those inspirations.

The story of Tavita has not ended—there is still much left to tell.

Discover what happens next in my novel “TIERRAS FERALES” which is currently available only in Spanish, but will be available in English over time.

https://edgargg.com/tierras-ferales 123

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TIERRAS FERALES (FERAL LANDS): A devastating pandemic has stricken humanity for more than a hundred years. The Feramone, a highly contagious disease, has turned most of the population into savage and violent beings known as Ferals. In order to survive, humanity has taken refuge in settlements—isolated communities protected by the organization PROELIUM and its specialized military branch, A.R.C.E.

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MYSTERYOUS EYE CREW Tavita Mucenti University student and host of MYSTERIOUS EYE.”

Francel “Fran” Coleman University student, responsible for editing the episodes. Also serves as secondary cameraman.

Jona Tolem Graduate student, responsible for the main camera and technical operations of the program.

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Discover more in: https://edgargg.com/en/english

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