The Last Humanity...
This is a place, or what can be called a "home", for the humans who survived this horrific disaster. It was built by the founder of the Force Knight organization, whose true identity and original appearance remain unknown to this day. However, ordinary people simply refer to him as... The Founder.
This place consists of three final layers:
The first is the Core Layer, the center of everything for all districts in the second and third layers.
The second is the Activity Layer, which serves as the hub of all human activities and is the priority Safe Zone for the troops.
The last is the Last Gate Layer, the final wall protecting humanity and the busiest layer compared to the Activity Layer. It is constantly occupied with eradicating the Corruption that keep coming, using equipment and weapons that are even more advanced than those created by humans themselves.
All of these layers are protected by a massive energy shield dome. With almost no gaps, this dome serves as the primary defense against the Entropy Virus, which cannot be seen by ordinary eyes. In addition, the shield also protects 360 degrees, including deep underground, in preparation for attacks from below or above. However, attacks still occur as the Entropy Virus continues to evolve and grow stronger with each passing moment.
Back to the story.
This time, we are in a cake shop in District C, with two young characters who are junior Force Knights still under the full guidance and supervision of the commander.
Allow me to introduce Lucy, a cheerful 15-year-old girl who loves creating funny and romantic stories with her friends. She is accompanied by a boy named Kotsa, her childhood friend and the figure who has acted as her "big brother" ever since Lucy's parents died in the tragic incident in District A 11 years ago. That is why, wherever Lucy goes, Kotsa always stays by her side to ensure nothing bad happens to her.
Lucy (Junior Force Knight):
"Kotsa, look! This cake is so beautiful~"
Kotsa (Junior Force Knight):
"Hmm… Want to buy this one? The price is cheap too."
Lucy:
"Looking at it, the decorations match the description perfectly. Maybe we should get it."
Kotsa:
"Alright. Let's order it."
Kotsa:
"Sir, we'd like this birthday cake. Could you please add a name on top?"
The shop owner, a middle-aged man, looked at Kotsa and Lucy with a warm smile as he added the name and some extra decorations to make the cake even prettier. He felt happy because, amid the chaos and destruction of the world, the genuine smiles of the younger generation could still be seen shining brightly. In this world, it was almost impossible to find such pure innocence that had not yet been tainted by the endless war.
Kotsa:
"How is it?"
Lucy:
"Perfect! It even has the face. So cute~"
Kotsa:
"You're right~ Maybe this is what he looked like when he was young."
Shop Owner:
"That's correct, kids. He was my best friend before he became the commander. I still clearly remember his face when he was young. He looked very strict and a bit cynical."
Lucy:
"Really? That's amazing! I didn't expect the commander to have been that strict since back then."
Kotsa:
"Me neither. Even so, he still cares deeply for all of us. I was once saved by him during the Punishing-8 incident. He was truly strong and invincible."
Shop Owner:
"That's true. But lately, it seems like he's been thinking about too many things. Maybe you two can help lighten his burden in your own way. I'm sure it would help him."
Lucy:
"Yeah, that makes sense. Thank you for the advice, sir~"
Kotsa:
"Thank you for the cake too~"
Lucy & Kotsa:
"See you later, sir~"
Shop Owner:
"Take care, kids~"
After buying the cake and having a short conversation about the commander's past, Lucy and Kotsa headed back to the headquarters to prepare a grand surprise for someone. Carrying the cake covered by a protective box, the two of them walked along the street back to the Force Knight headquarters while singing some motivational songs.
Lucy:
"Kotsa. What do you think we should do to make the commander more relaxed and not so burdened by stress?"
Kotsa:
"For now, I don't have any ideas. But we can discuss it later with the others at the base."
Lucy:
"Sounds good. Then let's go!" *runs ahead*
Kotsa:
"Hey! Wait for me!" *runs after her*
After the journey back, they finally arrived at the main entrance of the Force Knight headquarters. From below, the enormous building towered upward, with a large antenna at the top serving as the core energy transmitter that formed the protective shield.
Lucy:
"…. Eh? Isn't that Cion? What is she doing?"
Kotsa:
"I don't know. Let's go ask her."
Lucy:
"Come on."
On the side of the road, they saw a little girl standing silently, staring continuously at the sky. Curious, Lucy and Kotsa approached her and asked what she was doing.
Lucy:
"Um… You're Arka Cion, right? The daughter of The Founder?"
Arka Cion (turning toward them):
"... You'd better prepare yourselves for the next Entropy Virus eruption."
Lucy:
"What do you mean?"
Arka Cion:
"They haven't attacked for the past few days. Do you know why? Try to guess~"
Lucy:
"Eeee…. I don't know."
Arka Cion:
"They are evolving and entering the third stage of Entropy, and they will continue until they reach the 4th Wall stage and become truly invincible."
Arka Cion:
"Until that time comes, humanity will continue to be 'Punished' until the Finishing."
Hearing those strange words, Lucy and Kotsa could only fall silent, stunned by what the little girl had said.
Kotsa:
"Emmm… That's a nice story. But we have to go meet the others now to prepare for the celebration. Do you want to come with us?"
Arka Cion:
"No. Mom is calling me. I have to go see her now."
Without saying goodbye, the girl turned and left, leaving Lucy and Kotsa still confused by what she had just told them.
Arka Cion (stopping for a moment):
"One more thing… You want to call me schizophrenic? Go ahead~ But you'd better be very careful when the party starts later."
*walks away*
Lucy:
"Be very careful… during the party later…?"
Kotsa:
"I don't know."
Kotsa:
"Let's not think about it for now. Come on, the others are waiting."
Lucy and Kotsa then showed their identity cards to the scanner and entered the headquarters to meet the others.
To be continued....