Chapter 2 - Ryland and The New World

Ryland Vorheus came into the world after the devastation of World War III (WW3), a cataclysmic event that reshaped the Earth's landscape and its inhabitants. In the year 2299, the conflict erupted as the major world powers clashed in a five-way war, unleashing nuclear devastation upon the planet. The aftermath left only a fraction of the human population alive, with an estimated survival rate of just 20%.

The nuclear fallout not only decimated life on Earth but also triggered unforeseen changes in its survivors. As the radioactive emissions persisted for a century, those who endured found themselves evolving to adapt to their new environment. Animals, plants, and humans alike underwent radical transformations, developing abilities and characteristics suited to the desolate wasteland that had become their home.

Seeking refuge from the nuclear fallout, many remnants of the Old World sought sanctuary in the continent of Australia. Led by a forward-thinking Prime Minister, Australia fortified its borders with lead-lined walls and invested heavily in plasma dome technology to shield itself from radiation. However, not everyone was granted entry into this sanctuary. Criminals, refugees, and even those deemed undesirable by the government were left to face the harsh realities of the wasteland.

Among the survivors were the New Humans, individuals who had adapted to the radiation-infested world. As they struggled to eke out a living amidst the barren landscapes, they began to form their own communities and societies, harnessing their newfound abilities to survive and thrive.

After 100 years, in the relative safety of Australia, the remnants of the Old World sought to maintain their dominance over the new order as the radiation has dissipated. Armed with advanced technology and weaponry, they launched a campaign of conquest against the New Humans, sparking the Five-Years War.

During the war, both side suffered heavy casualties. The Humans with advanced weapon and technology manage to invade few lands in the Wasteland. But the New Humans with their abilities and power doesn't fall easily.

The war ended when the Humans couldn't support anymore of their war efforts. They were pushed back to Australia and the New Humans were surprised that they actually managed to repel the technologically advanced Humans.

Few people were deemed Heroes of the New World for leading the New Humans in the battles against the Humans. The heroes led their own faction and join one another in order to repel the technological power of the Humans.

After the war, the Humans agreed to live in peace with the New Humans. They exchanged trades, technologies, and knowledge of the New World with one another.

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Ryland Vorheus was born in the year 2406. Raised by his grandfather, Alan Vorheus, Ryland grew up with little knowledge of his origins or the world before WW3. Frail and often misunderstood by others due to his appearance, Ryland found solace in the company of his grandfather and his friend, O'kuyo.

As Ryland approached puberty, he awaited the emergence of his abilities, a rite of passage for all New Humans. While others around him developed powers suited to their environment, Ryland remained seemingly unaffected. Despite his lack of abilities, Ryland remained unperturbed, content to live a quiet life with his grandfather.

Yet, beneath his calm exterior, Ryland harbored a curiosity about his own potential. As he pondered the possibilities of his latent abilities, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his existence than met the eye.

"Grandpa," Ryland said one day, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "Do you ever wonder what my ability might be?"

Alan regarded his grandson with a knowing smile. "Your ability, Ryland, is patience," he replied. "In a world consumed by chaos and conflict, your steadfast resolve to find your own path is a rare gift."

Ryland nodded, accepting his grandfather's words with a sense of peace. For now, he would continue to navigate the complexities of the world around him, trusting that his true abilities would reveal themselves in due time.

"You don't feel left out compared to other kids of your age, do you?" Alan asked Ryland one time.

"I'm not a handicapped, Grandpa. Maybe my puberty is just late. So, no problem here."

With a smirk, Alan replied "Yeah right you are late on your puberty. Maybe those hardened tissues i found in your room's dustbin are the results of your experiments or something, right?"

Ryland quickly cover up his face with his helmet. "Grandpa! I'm late to work. Mr Lambda gonna nag all day long if I'm late again. So, goodbye." Ryland said and quickly blast his way out of the house, successfully evading the question.

"Stupid teen!" Alan shout as Ryland left.

That was one of the few time when his Grandpa asked him about his ability situation. Although he seems like he doesn't care, but Ryland still wonder, what would be his ability?

"Since i am so fast and agile, maybe superspeed would be my ability. Or maybe i actually had the ability already but it's an inert ability like Danger Sense, that's why i was very alert to my surrounding" tought Ryland.

"Hrmm.. Never mind. I'm still a New Human. As long as i can live in peace with Grandpa and O'Kuyo, nothing else matter."

Each factions in the Wasteland have their own training centre. When a New Human awakened their abilities, they will need to train here untill they passed the exam.

"It's good though. I don't have to go to that boring centre. That place was swarming with bullies".

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