Chapter 1 The Storm Begins

I, Smith, a former genius scientist, am now hiding in this abandoned underground laboratory, like a wounded beast, licking my wounds in a dark corner. The surrounding environment is dilapidated, and the cracks on the wall are like hideous smiling faces, laughing at my desolation. Deep in the ruins, I accidentally found a complete chip. It lay there quietly, as if waiting for my arrival. I picked it up carefully, feeling its cold touch, but an inexplicable excitement surged in my heart. This chip actually stores the core data of the "Source of Life" technology, which is the research result of countless efforts I have invested, and it is also the fire of hope that has long been extinguished in my heart. Now, this fire of hope has been rekindled, illuminating the darkness in my heart. I realized that with this data, I can not only regain my former glory, but also complete the revenge plan that has been lingering in my heart. Reynolds, the man who once betrayed me and took everything from me, I vowed to make him pay the price he deserves. I began to secretly develop new equipment using the remaining resources at hand. Every night, I was busy in the laboratory, constantly debugging and improving, until I finally developed a device called "Element Resonator". It can manipulate natural elements and even has the ability to reverse life and death. I know that with it, my revenge plan can finally begin. In order to implement the plan, I changed my name to Smith, disguised as a wandering fortune teller, and appeared in a small town on the edge of the end of the world. I used my wisdom and insight to guide those confused people and secretly collected information about Reynolds. Every day, I waited for the opportunity to come, an opportunity that would allow me to destroy Reynolds's forces in one fell swoop. In this small town, I met a special woman-Alia. She used to be a member of the resistance organization and the guardian of my laboratory. Now, like me, she is also looking for an opportunity for revenge. When our eyes met, I saw the determination and trust in her eyes. I know that she will become an important partner on my road to revenge, fighting side by side with me until the final victory. "Mr. Smith, I heard that you can predict the future?" A rude voice interrupted my thoughts. I looked up and saw a man in a tattered military uniform standing in front of me, his eyes full of confusion and curiosity. I smiled and gently waved the tarot cards in my hand: "The future is not a fixed trajectory. It is affected by everyone's choices and actions. However, tarot cards can reveal some potential possibilities and trends for us. The man scratched his head and didn't seem to fully understand what I said, but he couldn't wait to sit opposite me: "Then please help me predict what the future of our town will look like? I stared at the tarot cards in my hand, thinking about how to use this divination to get more information about Reynolds. I took a deep breath and began to shuffle, cut and arrange the cards... Every action was as natural and unobtrusive as possible. Well... It looks like the future of your town is full of variables and challenges. I pointed to the symbols and patterns on the cards and explained: "This card represents changes and turning points, which means you will face some major choices and decisions. And this card..." Before I finished speaking, a hurried sound of footsteps suddenly interrupted my divination. A mysterious man i a black cloak broke into the divination house. After looking around, his eyes finally fell on me. Are you Smith? The mysterious man asked in a low voice. I was slightly stunned, and an inexplicable sense of tension surged in my heart. Could this mysterious man be sent by Reynolds? Is he here to stop my revenge plan? I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm: "Yes, I am Smith. What can I do for you? The mysterious man stared at me closely, as if trying to read something from my eyes. I met his gaze without showing any weakness, and I was ready to deal with everything in my heart. I heard that you can predict the future? The mysterious man finally spoke, his voice hoarse and low, "I want to know, what will happen to Reynolds in the future? I was a little stunned. Unexpectedly, this mysterious man was also interested in Reynolds' future. I quickly adjusted my mentality and replied with a smile: "Reynolds' future is also full of variables and challenges. However, the specific direction and results still depend on his own choices and actions. The mysterious man frowned, and seemed very dissatisfied with my answer. After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked: "Do you hate Reynolds? This question made me feel a complicated emotion. Do I hate Reynolds? Of course I do! He betrayed me and took away everything from me. However, I also know clearly that hatred can't make me stronger. What I need is calmness, wisdom and patience. My feelings for Reynolds are more than just hatred. I took a deep breath and answered frankly: "He is my former partner and comrade-in-arms, and also my current enemy. My feelings for him are complicated, but no matter what, I will stick to my principles and beliefs. The mysterious man seemed surprised by my answer, and he stared at me again. After a moment, he nodded gently: "Very good, your answer shows me your determination and courage. Maybe, we can become partners. After that, the mysterious man turned and left the divination house. I stood there, full of doubts and curiosity. Who is this mysterious man? What does he want to cooperate with me? Does he want to deal with Reynolds too? In any case, the appearance of this mysterious man has brought me new opportunities and challenges. I know that my revenge plan has just begun...