Capture me? Why?
The soldiers were in sleek, form-fitting uniforms made from advanced synthetic fabrics. The deep blue colour of the uniform was accented with silver and metallic trims, evoking a sense of authority and sophistication. Nano-fiber linings provided both flexibility and protection, adapting to various combat situations.
On their chest was the empire's crest, composed of gears, circuitry, and a stylized representation of an atom, all presented in a sophisticated combination of silver and electric blue. This emblem represented Nexaria's mastery over machinery and science, with a futuristic aesthetic that reflected their technological prowess.
The soldiers wore streamlined helmets with a built-in heads-up display (HUD) that provided real-time data, including tactical information, communication channels, and environmental analyses. The visors were equipped with augmented reality capabilities, offering soldiers a comprehensive view of their surroundings.
They were armed with advanced energy-based rifles that exemplified the empire's technological prowess. These sleek firearms are constructed from lightweight alloys and feature integrated energy cells. The guns emitted a soft hum when powered, and their barrels glow with subtle, pulsating energy.
Integrated into the uniform were communication devices that enabled soldiers to maintain constant contact with their units. These devices also facilitated data sharing, allowing soldiers to access mission parameters, maps, and real-time intelligence.
Each soldier's utility belt was equipped with a variety of high-tech gadgets, including miniaturized medical kits, energy replenishment modules, and multifunctional tools. The belt serves as a compact hub for the soldier's essential equipment.
As these soldiers marched in unison, the combination of their futuristic uniforms, advanced weaponry, and the emblem of the empire created a visually striking and imposing presence that reflected the empire's commitment to progress and dominance.
"The empire's army! They are here." Luke gasped as he fell to the floor. The overwhelming feeling of exhaustion washed over him the moment the feeling of security crept in.
Watching the empire march in his direction from a distance, Luke felt mixed feelings weighing him down. All this while he has been moving on survival instincts and even though he felt pain when watching his family lose their lives after the other it never really dawned on him how bad his situation was until now.
Maybe the sense of safety that came with the emperor's soldiers allowed his mind to feel the emotions he had been ignoring all this while, a sense of loss.
His parents and sister who meant the world to him were gone; it was clear he would never get to see them again.
The soldiers soon got close enough but their gaze never met Luke, they focused on the village where chaos and growls resonated.
"You… You are late. Th-the beasts are killing everyone." Luke wailed as his body shuddered involuntarily.
He felt a stabbing pain in his heart once more as the images of his sister and mother's dead flashed across his eyes, causing tears to well up in them.
"They are all dead. All of them!" Luke sobbed with his face buried between his legs.
"Capture him and send him to the Lab." The voice of the commander rang like a bell, void of emotions or sympathy.
"What?" Luke looked up in utter confusion only to see two soldiers walking in his direction.
"What is going on?" He asked with a mixture of fear and confusion on his face as he crawled backwards. "Why am I being arrested?"
Nothing made sense to him right now. His village was being attacked by beasts and it was his family that were slaughtered by these beasts so why were they arresting him?
Why aren't they trying to save anyone?
Before he could wrap his head around what was going on, the soldiers grabbed him by his hands, their grip firm and strong.
"What did I do wrong?" Luke screamed in confusion but no one bothered to give him an answer.
They also took hold of his legs, pulling him off the ground as they took him towards an Imperium transporter that trailed behind them.
The Imperium Transporter had a sleek, armoured exterior, blending smooth curves with angular lines. The metallic surface, coloured in the empire's signature midnight blue, was reinforced with advanced composite materials, providing both protection and aerodynamic efficiency. The emblem of the empire is prominently displayed on the sides and rear.
They put him in the back of the vehicle, ignoring his rain of questions and screams as they locked the door. No one intended to explain to him that they had failed to perform their duty, which was to protect the citizens of the empire from beast attacks.
To make sure news of their failure doesn't spread and reach the public they had to take him away. They couldn't have the public lose faith in the empire and its army.
Within the vehicle, Luke sat with confusion etched on his face. The events of today left him with many unanswered questions but the predominant in his mind was, what will happen to him now?
Suddenly gunshots erupted causing Luke to look up in shock. Amid the chaos were the cruel growls of the demonic mutts.
It became clear to Luke that the imperial soldiers were confronting the demonic mutts.
Boom.
A deafening explosion erupted making Lake cover his ears with a pained look on his face. More explosions occurred from time to time during the fierce exchange.
"What the hell?" Luke screamed. He couldn't help but wonder what was going on out there.
Luke's mind was plagued with numerous thoughts but after what felt like forever, the gunshots subsided. Luke's thoughts seemed to fade as he held his breath tight, silently praying that the outcome of the battle was favourable.
"Hurry up and load them up!" The familiar voice of the commander could be heard outside.
Soon sounds of the demonic mutt corpses being loaded in the imperium transporters could be heard.
—
The planet of TerraNova was once like any other human planet. They hated and fought each other for both necessary and unnecessary reasons.
However, everything changed when the rifts began appearing.
Beasts, demons, and other supernatural beings began pouring in from the rifts. What followed was utter chaos and destruction, a one-sided massacre due to the inefficiency of the modern weapons of the human race.
Kingdoms, empires, and even continents were wiped out in months and the death toll hit the billions in a short time.
The first saving grace that came with the arrival of the rifts was that they did not bring only monsters. It also brought about an influx of soul essence which mutated human DNA and their natural resources.
In some regions of TerraNova, humans began developing unique abilities that allowed them to stand against the beasts and demons, fending off their attacks.
In other regions the natural resources of mankind gained magical properties and new resources never heard of before began to form. This gave rise to rapid development in those areas. Technological innovations began springing up and new weapons capable of putting down the invaders were invented.
Concluding that there is no strength in diversity, the awakened humans blessed with magical abilities gathered from all parts of the chaotic world to form an empire, Arcanoria.
Unwilling to answer to these awakened humans, the normal humans who were the previous rulers of the world broke away to form an empire of their own, Nexaria— one heavily reliant on tech.
This led to a division that split the human race into two sides. The awakened and the none awakened.