PROLOGUE

Scorching flames licked the glass black. Fire, so primitive, destructive and unforgiving, and yet, far more beautiful than anything the world has to offer. A single spark represents hope and dreams of a better future, but too many can bring about an unstoppable inferno of ruin that consumes everything.

I continued to admire the growing flames of the fireplace. My brown eyes recorded all details within the cage – the change of color from orange to yellow, the distinct edges which sometimes emitted crisp sounds of igniting sparks– not one escaped. I was just like the fire, trapped. But that would soon change.

No longer would I be... controlled.

Standing up, I made my way to the kitchen.

A Smeg ECF01 Espresso Coffee Machine from the early twentieth century. I pulled my hand across its shiny surface. It had been discarded just like me before I found it, left to rot although it had done nothing wrong.

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Soon, the scent of expresso filled the room. I inhaled, then brought it with me to the window.

It was a shame no one was here as I gazed out since it was the first time in many years I revealed a smile. No– not because of what I saw– not at all. The scenery was the same one I had been looking at for over ten years. The frigid, desolate landscape and the black curtain which overhung like an endless prison.

However, I knew all this would change soon. I would not stay put anymore. I would be reborn from my ashes all those years ago as the phoenix I truly was. And they would all see it. As I spread my wings and took flight.

I emptied the cup and walked to my bedroom. Within the spacious bedroom that only made me feel lonely lay a silvery helmet as if taken from a science fiction novel from the early 90s. I crawled into my bed and put the helmet over my head.

「13%」

「78%」

「99%」

「100%」

「You have connected to Armistice.」