Arc - Genesis of Flux, Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - South's Training - Forged in Desolation

Date: December 16, 998

South dashed through the forest, the crunch of leaves and the snap of twigs beneath his shoes barely audible over his breaths. His training was nonstop, every second an exercise in precise movement and endurance. Today, he was testing his agility and marksmanship, running through a makeshift course he'd set up himself. Targets, fashioned from discarded branches and painted bright red, were placed among the trees. With every sprint, he pulled his weapon, a customised Flux-infused pistol, from its holster, firing at each target that whipped passed.

*Bang, bang, bang!* The shots came out, each round striking its mark. Not a single target left unscathed. Sweat dripped down his face as he moved fast. His life in the wilderness had sharpened his skills to an extraordinary level. He had become one with nature, his instincts honed by years of survival and disciplined training.

As he navigated the forest, his mind was mixed with thoughts, mostly mundane and disconnected from his past. He whispered to himself. "Always aim for the centre of mass, South. No room for error." He laughed, "Maybe I should have been a marksman in a circus. 'Watch the man who never misses!' Quite the show, eh?"

His daily life had become a routine of hunting, training, and survival. The forest had been his sanctuary, and the isolation had served as a refuge. South had lived off the land, hunting animals with the same skills he used in his training. The meat he cooked over an open fire had become his sustenance, and the forest his gym.

He stopped for a moment, taking a deep breath as he reloaded his weapon. He looked around the forest, noting the subtle changes in the environment with the practised eye of someone who had lived in harmony with nature for nearly a decade. "You know," he said to the trees, "I never thought I'd become so good at this. It's almost like the forest itself is cheering me on. Or maybe it's just the echo of my own voice."

South continued his drills, alternating between interval runs, tactical reloads, and close-quarters combat exercises. His training regimen had become a way of life, a routine that kept him focused.

As the sun went below the horizon, South sat down by his campfire, preparing a meal from the day's hunt. The fire crackled, and the scent of roasted meat filled the area. He took a moment to relax. "I wonder," he smiled, "people out there always seem so damn lucky, living their lives with all their fancy comforts. Meanwhile, I'm out here in the middle of nowhere, hunting and training day in and day out." He laughed. "But hey, if their luck means they're doing something good or making others happy, I guess I can't fault them for it. Just wish they'd remember that some of us are out here making sure their world stays in one piece."

His thoughts were interrupted by a rustling sound. South's instincts kicked in immediately. He grabbed his weapon and crouched low, scanning the darkness for any signs of intrusion. But it was only a curious fox. South smiled, relaxing his grip on the pistol. "Hey there, little guy. Just passing through, huh? Don't worry, I'm not in the mood for fox tonight."

As he finished his meal and prepared to retire for the night, South's thoughts turned to the future. His isolation had not only sharpened his skills but also left him pondering his place in the world. He knew that eventually, his life would change, but he was uncertain of when or how.

The next morning, as South continued his training, he noticed something unusual in the distance. A small figure appeared at the edge of the forest, watching him with keen interest. South's eyes narrowed as he observed the figure, his senses alert and his training kicking into high gear. He moved stealthily towards the figure, weapon at the ready.

The figure stepped into view, revealing a woman in her early twenties, dressed in practical yet stylish gear. South's heart skipped a beat, he recognized her as Zofia, one of the high-ranking members of the organisation known as Leichen. Her reputation as a skilled gun specialist was well-known, and her tragic past was a topic of whispers among those who knew.

Zofia's eyes met South's. "Impressive skills," she called out. "I've heard rumours about a solitary marksman honing his craft in these woods. I didn't believe them until now."

South lowered his weapon but kept his guard up. "And who might you be?"

"I'm Zofia," she replied, stepping closer. "I'm here on behalf of Leichen. We've been looking for someone with your skills. Someone who's dedicated and capable."

South's expression was a mixture of confusion and suspicion. "Leichen? I'm not interested in joining any organisation. I've got my own path."

Zofia nodded, understanding his hesitation. "I see. But perhaps you should consider it. We could offer you resources and opportunities beyond what you can find here. And... we might be able to help you find what you're looking for."

South's curiosity was piqued. "What makes you think I need your help?"

Zofia's eyes softened with a trace of empathy. "Because I've seen what a solitary life can do to a person. We offer more than just training, we offer a chance to make a difference. Sometimes, the path you're on can only take you so far."

With that, Zofia turned and began walking away, her figure slowly disappearing into the distance. South watched her leave, his mind fixating with thoughts of joining or not. The encounter left him with more questions than answers, and a flicker of hope that perhaps, just perhaps, they could help South find his sister.

Suddenly, South bolted at Zofia, Grabbing her by the shoulder, gazing into her eyes. "I've been thinking," South said, "maybe it's time for a change. I'll take you up on that offer."

Zofia's eyes lit up with excitement. "Fantastic! Let's get going." She led the way, and they started their journey towards the Leichen base. As they walked, Zofia pulled out a cigarette and took a long drag. She offered it to South, who hesitated.

"If I started smoking," South said, shaking his head, "I'd be a terrible role model if my siblings were here. I wouldn't want them picking up bad habits from me."

Zofia's expression softened with understanding. "I'm sorry to hear that. Losing family is never easy."

South glanced at her. "They died when I was younger. I'm sure my sister, North, the second oldest, is still out there somewhere. She's a year younger than me."

Zofia nodded sympathetically. "I'm sure she is. You're doing all this to find her, right?"

South nodded. After a moment of contemplation, he accepted the cigarette from Zofia, took a drag, and exhaled with a contented sigh. "You know, it's not half bad. Maybe I've been missing out."

Zofia laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "See? Sometimes it's good to step out of your comfort zone."

They continued their journey, eventually reaching a horse-drawn carriage that took them further towards their destination. The carriage went along, and South and Zofia chatted. By the time they arrived at the base's location, South was in high spirits.

They reached a secluded stretch of water, and South looked around, confused. "What's this about?"

Zofia smiled. "The base is underwater. We need to swim to get there."

South's eyes widened. "I've never learned to swim."

Zofia laughed. "Well, it's a good thing I'm here then. Just hold onto me."

Without another word, Zofia grabbed South's hand and they dived into the water. The cold shocked South, but he followed Zofia's lead. They swam down into the depths. After what felt like an eternity, a massive blue structure emerged from the blue, its design reminiscent of an underwater city.

The base's exterior was breathtaking. It resembled Atlantia. Zofia led South to a door at the base of the structure, unlocking it with a code. As they entered, the water drained away, leaving them soaked but safe.

Zofia turned to South with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about being drenched. You'll be getting your uniform soon, and trust me, you're getting in. Your skills are impressive."

South nodded. They climbed a staircase, the walls of the base encased in glass, offering a view of the marine life circling outside. South peeked over the railing and saw a conference room at the top, where several people were already seated and waiting.

His mind buzzed with hope. "I can hardly trust anyone anymore, but they might have information on my sister. I've got nothing to lose."

Zofia placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You're doing the right thing. Just stay focused. Let's see what they have to offer."

With that, they ascended the staircase, heading towards the conference room where South's new journey with Leichen, and potentially, answers about his sister awaited.