Countdown in a Broken World

The world was never the same after 2044. The illusion of a perfect world shattered, and the pursuit for outer space came to a halt as the planet began to unleash its fury on humanity. The melting of glaciers around the globe led to the release of long-forgotten secrets and a rise in sea levels that claimed several nations. An asteroid, undetected by humans, crash-landed in the Pacific Ocean, sparking global interest and research. For the next decade, life seemed relatively unchanged. But gradually, the world began to experience significant alterations that would eventually impact all living organisms. The Earth's magnetic field was disrupted, and a thick layer of ice formed around the atmosphere, protecting the world from the sun's harmful rays and accelerating climate change. The atmosphere was also strangely enriched with more oxygen and depleted of other gases. The increase in oxygen was a blessing and a curse. It made humans stronger, faster, and their minds were sharpened, leading to brilliant ideas that transformed civilization. But these changes were not limited to humans, as deadly organisms, including creatures from the deep and reptiles, also benefited. Forests thrived and with it came their dangers, as the growth of reptiles was unchecked and the dinosaurs of the past were reborn. Genetically Modified Organisms were the first to go berserk, and soon, all creatures, including humans, followed suit. Civilization slowly crumbled, and humans were forced to fight for survival in a world where only the fittest could survive. Alex was from a happy family living in the slums, who despite their lack of resources, were content. They were unaware of the changes taking place in the world as they already struggled to survive each day. But their normal life was upended when Alex was just 13 years old. The slums where his family lived were near the sea, and they earned a living by fishing. A storm struck, and a huge wave of water consumed everything, including Alex's family and his rights as a human. Forced to live at sea with other landless individuals, known as the scum of the world, Alex set sail alone in a boat that washed ashore during the disaster. This was the start of Alex's journey as the broken man who eventually found solace in a virtual reality game and fought against the world.