CHAPTER 1

“Strays” that’s what we are called. Abandoned by humanity to leave outside their domes because of how worthless we are. Various small villages are set-up around the dome in hopes that we may get their empathy and protection. The villages do receive some supplies sometimes but they are mostly unwanted items such as cookers, lamps and occasionally food. I have no parents, I lost them to the first wave of the invasion. But that was 4 years ago when I was only 12. Now I live in a village near the central continent’s mega city which is covered in a metallic dome. As I look from afar, only thoughts of anger and longing come as I look at the city entrance. 

“Cornell, the hell you doing kiddo! Get over here and help me carry this thing.” 

The one who called me over was Grokkun, the village’s hunter. We were out scavenging for some food to eat like plants, mushrooms and berries for the village. This is a daily routine that we do everyday for the past year. Although, I still mess up the edible and poisonous mushrooms. It wasn't much, but enough to feed the whole village which consisted of about 20 people in total. By the time we reached back at the village, it was almost nightfall and the village came together to cook some soup to feed ourselves. As we sat around the Battery with our cookers, Brock the village’s supply runner said,

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

“Ya know, i just came back from a supply run from the usual depo. N’d guess what i saw, a goddamn “Slayer”! They rarely show their faces around the outside yet alone givin out supplies. The hell’s goin on here?” 

“Slayer”, men and women that fused with the core of the invaders. Giving them powers and abilities that allows them to drive away the invaders. The survival rate of surviving a fusion with the core is below 10% but it’s enough for the officials to test them out on humans they deem worthy. As the night passed, what Brock said about seeing a Slayer was on the back of my mind until I fell asleep.

*CRAHHH*

*CRAHHH*

*CRAHHH*

“RUN! RUN! RUN!”

I awoke to the loud sounds of crittering, metal grinding and people screaming. These noises were the same as the day i lost my parents. I remember these sounds distinctly. They’re here, the invaders, the “Steel Legion”. As i rushed outside to see what’s going on, screams and blood splatter filled my vision, and it dawned onto me…

We are under attack, and we are going to die.