In the year 2138, in a distant future, humanity has expanded to the limits of space and explored groundbreaking technologies once only dreamed of. This technological progress has allowed humanity to spread across the infinite expanse of the cosmos. One of these new worlds is the distant moon Lunaria. However, something lurks on this moon that should have never been discovered.
Chapter 1. The Encounter
"Jack, can you hear me?" calls Kyle into his communication device. "Jack? Hello? ... Is this thing broken?" Silence prevails on the other side, and Kyle cannot reach Jack. He decides to handle the situation alone for now and continues towards the solar panels, contemplating the mysterious damages. While Kyle repairs the panels, he ponders aloud, "These damages seem to have been deliberately caused. But what could have caused them out here on Lunaria? Could there be unknown life forms?" Kyle scans his surroundings and realizes that the damages do not resemble the work of Miststalkers, He checks his equipment and adds extra protective measures and scanners to aid in detecting Miststalkers. As Kyle carries on with his work, he senses the tension in the air. It is as if invisible eyes are watching him. He feels uneasy, but his spirit of exploration compels him forward.
Suddenly, he hears a faint sound from the distance. It resembles a soft howl carried by the wind. Kyle hesitates for a moment, then listens attentively. The sound grows louder, seemingly drawing nearer. His heart quickens its pace. "What the fuck is that?" he whispers to himself. In the distance, he notices movement amidst the fog. Two glowing eyes flicker through the dense veil. Kyle freezes in fear. The eyes belong to a Miststalker, a mysterious creature native to Lunaria. It is renowned for its aggression and its ability to hunt within the thick fog, but few have survived encounters with such beasts. The creature approaches Kyle slowly. Its howling intensifies, taking on a menacing tone. Kyle feels a surge of adrenaline and knows he must act. His heart beats faster with each step the Miststalker takes. He retrieves his communication device and desperately calls for Jack. "Jack! This is Kyle! I've spotted a Miststalker out here! I need help! JACK! PLEASE!" Silence persists on the other side. Kyle is uncertain whether Jack can hear him or if he is even nearby. He stands resolute, observing the advancing Miststalker. Kyle retrieves his scanner and directs it towards the Miststalker, hoping to gather more information to survive the situation. The scanner flashes, displaying only limited data, far from sufficient. Suddenly, the Miststalker unleashes a bone-chilling howl. Kyle feels the impact of the sound, causing his body to vibrate. He knows he can no longer wait. He must take action. With trembling hands, Kyle draws his multifunctional tool and activates the energy blaster. Firmly gripping it, he stands ready. The Miststalker is just a few steps away when Kyle aims the energy blaster at the creature and pulls the trigger. A brilliant beam of light slices through the air, striking the Miststalker. The creature emits a piercing howl and recoils. Kyle seizes the opportunity, sprinting back to the research station and fighting for his life.
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Within seconds, the Miststalker pursues him relentlessly through the moon's dense fog, casting a shadow on his every step. As Kyle struggles through the fog, his senses sharpen. He hears the clattering of rocks and the haunting wind howl as the Miststalker pursues him without mercy. The sounds unnerve him, hinting at the creature's proximity. Exhaustion weighs on Kyle's legs, but he fights against weariness. He knows he cannot surrender; his survival hinges on reaching a secure refuge. The pulsing in his ears quickens as he propels himself forward with his last ounce of strength. Suddenly, a jagged rock formation materializes—a protective haven amid Lunaria's unforgiving wilderness. Kyle accelerates, his muscles burning with exertion. Finally, he reaches the rocks and slips between their narrow crevices. The Miststalker lunges at Kyle, narrowly missing him. The creature desperately attempts to snatch him, but to no avail. Kyle feels his heart pounding fiercely in his chest as he presses himself against the sheltering ledge, drawing a deep breath. The fog envelops the area, and for a moment, it appears as though the Miststalker has vanished. Kyle listens intently for any sound, but silence reigns. Seizing this opportunity to gather himself and devise a plan, he takes a moment to recover. Kyle resumes his escape, knowing he must reach the research station to find safety. Taking cautious steps, he moves away from the rocks and navigates through the dense fog. Anxious glances around reveal no sign of the Miststalker's return. His lungs burn with exertion, but he refuses to surrender. Every breath propels him forward as he desperately battles through the inhospitable environment.
Finally, after an interminable flight, Kyle spots the outlines of the research station in the distance. His heartbeat slows slightly as he knows safety awaits. Summoning his last reserves of strength, he quickens his pace and finally reaches the doors of the station.