chapter 1 : A chaotic world

The dreaded day finally arrived, plunging humanity into unfathomable chaos. A sudden descent into hell engulfs nations, causing them to drop like flies helpless in the face of growing violence. Rules once respected are now flouted, giving way to brutal anarchy. In this whirlwind of despair , In Tokyo, civilization has descended into horror. Mass murders are on the rise, and electricity, food and water have become inaccessible luxuries. The once bustling streets are now the scene of the most merciless survival. The scars of the unprecedented civil war continue to mark the city, reminding us of the thousands of deaths it caused. In this apocalyptic context, every mouthful of food and every drop of water are rare treasures, and the daily struggle to obtain them pushes individuals to the brink of inhumanity. In the midst of this nightmare, Merphis and his group of survivors face a brutal reality, desperately searching for ways to survive while preserving their humanity in the face of the darkness that surrounds them. 

In the oppressive darkness of an empty warehouse, Merphis and his group of five huddle together, hidden from view and the horrors raging outside. The echoes of gunshots fill the air, interspersed with screams of agony and pain, creating a macabre symphony that bears witness to the total collapse of society. Every noise is a stark reminder of the nightmarish reality around them, forcing them to remain silent, barely breathing, in hopes of not attracting the attention of the predators roaming the devastated streets. Their eyes reflect fear, but also determination, because even in this apocalyptic world, they continue to fight for survival, searching for a sliver of hope amidst the relentless darkness. 

Tomokawa, a young Japanese girl of only 17 years old, with blue hair and brown eyes, whispers in a trembling voice, her words carrying the weight of the terror around her. His hesitant words pierce the oppressive silence of the warehouse, revealing the fragility of their existence in this ruined world. The other members of the group fix their gazes on her, listening intently to every word she whispers, aware that each piece of information could mean the difference between life and death in this endless nightmare. In the darkness, they hold each other a little tighter, seeking comfort in each other, while Tomokawa's words hang in the air, reminding everyone of the brutal reality of their existence. 

- Tomokawa (trembling): Merphis, I fear it's only a matter of time before our time comes. This dark world swallows up everything, even hope seems to no longer have a place here.

(Merphis moves closer to her and gently places her hand on her shoulder.)

-Merphis (calmly): I know all seems lost, Tomokawa. But even though this world destroys every trace of hope in our hearts, we have something stronger within us: the will to survive. Together we can find a way, a refuge, a hope, even in the darkest places. We are not alone in this fight, and as long as we remain united, we can weather the worst storms.

-Tomokawa (looking at Merphis with gratitude): Thank you, Merphis. Your trust gives me a little light in this dark world. We must continue to fight, for ourselves and for those who can no longer do so. Maybe one day we can rebuild what was destroyed.

-Merphis (determinedly): Exactly, Tomokawa. We will not give up. As long as we breathe, there is hope. We will survive and, one day, we will find a way to make this world a better place. We just have to stay strong and keep moving forward, even in the darkness. 

Into the dark warehouse, suddenly, a middle-aged woman comes rushing in, covered in blood, her right eye cut out by a knife. Her heartbreaking scream echoes through the confined space, as she rushes towards the group of teenagers, desperately seeking help. The young people's frightened gazes meet, but Merphis, even in the face of horror, remains calm.

-Merphis (quick and determined): Calm down, we're here to help you. Tell us what happened.

-Woman (panting): Looters... they took everything I had... my friends... they died... we were trapped...

-Tomokawa (compassionately): We have to do something. We cannot let these looters continue to spread terror.

-Merphis (firmly): We won't. We will defend ourselves and protect those who are still alive. Get ready, everyone. The battle for our survival continues.

Tears flow down the woman's cheeks as she implores the young teenagers to help her, sharing her harrowing story, talking about her family and their shattered dreams. Despite his emotional pleas, Daisuke remains adamant, convinced that they cannot afford to take in a stranger, even in the face of such distress.

The other members of the group are torn between compassion for the woman and the brutal reality of their situation. Tomokawa, upset by the woman's story, tries to convince Daisuke in vain, hoping to find a way to save this desperate life without compromising their own.

In this dark warehouse, the group faces a harrowing dilemma, their humanity struggling against the merciless need to survive. Everyone wonders if it is possible to find a balance between compassion and the cruel reality of their ruined world.

- Merphis (in a soothing tone): Daisuke, I've known you since we were kids. I've never seen this coldness in you. I understand that compassion took a toll on your mother, but that doesn't mean we have to abandon our humanity in this dark world. There has to be a way to save this woman, to find a balance between the help we offer and our own safety.

- Daisuke (firmly): Compassion decimated my mother, Merphis. Having feelings in this kind of situation will get us nowhere. We must think of ourselves first. It's the only way to survive.

- Merphis (looking Daisuke in the eyes): I'm sorry for the tragic death of your mother, Daisuke. But I refuse to believe that compassion is a weakness. There are times when taking risks may be our only chance to preserve our humanity. I don't want to get you all killed, but I want to believe that there is a way we can all get through this together.

(Daisuke walks over and gently grabs Merphis' head with both hands.)

- Daisuke (in an intense tone): Listen, Merphis, time is against us. We have to leave now. I don't want you to put your life in danger by believing in impossible possibilities. We must be realistic to survive.

In the dark warehouse, Tomokawa firmly grabs the young woman's hand, categorically refusing to let go. The other members of the group stand by his side, ready to defend their decision.

Merphis, looking at Daisuke calmly, said, "Daisuke, fear and selfishness will get us nowhere. As the leader of this group, I believe in compassion and the strength of unity. We are not not alone in this chaotic world, and we must not abandon our humanity to survive."

Daisuke, furious, pulls out a gun hidden behind his back and points it at Merphis. "If you can't be a good leader, then I'm going to take matters into my own hands by force. We can't afford to be weak. Survival requires tough decisions, even if it means giving up compassion."

Tension in the warehouse is at a fever pitch, with each member of the group confronting the brutal reality of their existence. Their future now rests on a thin thread, suspended between compassion and the ruthless need to survive. 

The male leader, evaluating Daisuke and his friends as potential assets, asks Daisuke if they are good soldiers, considering recruiting them to their team. Daisuke, betraying his friends for his own survival, claims that they can be recruited and are ready to eliminate Tomokawa. Sadness and despair are seen in Tomokawa's eyes, while Merphis, struggling to remain conscious despite the pain, tries to get up. However, one of the men kicked him violently in the kidneys, causing him to collapse to the ground, lying in his own blood. 

Tears continue to flow down Tomokawa's cheeks, refusing to accept the impending reality. Merphis, despite her pain, approaches her and grabs her face gently but firmly.

- Merphis (in a weak but determined voice): Listen to me, Tomokawa. Please get as far away from here as possible. Find a refuge, a safe place where you can live. I don't want you to suffer the same fate as me. Don't let sadness and fear consume you. Be strong.

- Tomokawa (sobbing): I can't leave you alone, Merphis. I can't...

- Merphis (insistent): You've already been strong enough, Tomokawa. Too emotional and indecisive, I lost precious lives. I don't want you to be sacrificed yourself. Leave, find a future. It's an order.

Merphis' words carry immense weight, filled with her desire to protect Tomokawa even in her final moments. Tomokawa's eyes are filled with sadness, but she finally understands the urgency of the situation. She shakes his hand, a final silent goodbye, then rushes towards the exit, leaving behind her injured friend and the horrors of this warehouse, hoping to find a future far from the chaos that tore them apart.

Merphis, despite the pain that overwhelms her, holds Daisuke's gaze with firm resolution.

-Daisuke: See? Tomokawa abandon you to your own fate you idiot

-Merphis (determined): she didn't abandon me , Daisuke. I gave her a chance to live, just like I did for all of you. It's a choice I made as a leader, to keep our friends safe. The value of any life is not measured by its physical strength or its origin. It's disappointing that you don't understand that.

-Daisuke (with sarcasm): So, you're sacrificing yourself for a... truly heroic girl, Merphis.

- Merphis (looking at Daisuke intently): It's not just for Tomokawa, it's for each of us. I may have made a mistake in trusting you, but my surviving friends will live on, strong and united despite everything. You will pay for your betrayal, Daisuke, one way or another. This is a debt you incurred by betraying our trust. 

Merphis, weakened and losing a lot of blood, struggles to remain conscious. He coughs violently, vomiting blood as his vision becomes blurry. His breathing becomes more and more shallow, and he feels that his last moment is imminent.

In these tragic moments, his thoughts turn to those he leaves behind, hoping that his sacrifice has allowed his friends to find the strength necessary to continue living in this unforgiving world. Despite the pain, he maintains a sense of peace, knowing that he acted on his convictions until the end.

Merphis takes a deep breath, seeking some comfort even in her final moments, as the veil of darkness begins to gently envelop her, ending her journey through this chaotic world.

A wave of grief washes over the other members of the group upon seeing Merphis in this state. Their tears flow hotly, imbued with a mixture of sadness, anger and despair. They witness the tragic end of their leader, the man who guided them with courage and compassion through the worst trials.

In the oppressive silence, Merphis dies alone, his last breath mingling with the black of the night. Despite the brutality of the world that surrounded him until the end, his sacrifice remains an act of courage and humanity. His absence will leave a void in the hearts of his friends, but his legacy of strength and selflessness will continue to guide them, even in the darkest of times. As his friends are escorted further by the gunmen and Daisuke, the world loses a silent hero, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.