New Journey! (Act 1 Ends)

Guran nodded, his voice carrying a tinge of sadness as he responded, "Yes... I've heard about an officer named Vanessa G."

"Officer?" Aaron's brow furrowed in confusion.

"Yes, a member of NWO," Guran clarified.

Max interjected, his tone becoming tense, "You mean NWO, the group that recently caused chaos in the west and seized control of Boston?"

At the mention of "Boston," Aaron's heart quickened.

"Boston?" Serena entered the room, dressed in a black suit.

"Yes, Boston was taken over by NWO," Max confirmed.

"You mean The New Order?" Serena inquired, and Max simply nodded.

"So, my home was destroyed by them?" Aaron's head swirled with confusion.

"Oh... You're from Boston?" Max's realization of Aaron's connection to Boston was evident.

"It's now under the rule of The New Order. They're one of the three major factions in West," Guran explained, his gaze drifting toward the devastated city.

"The three major factions?" Aaron sought clarification.

"The New Order, The Holy Circle, and The Revolutionary Army," Max answered, adding, "They boast the largest armies and formidable generals."

"The New Order and The Holy Circle have formed an alliance recently. It won't be long before they dominate the West," they simply stood in silence. Aaron could sense a single emotion prevailing within him: confusion and frustration.

He struggled to grasp the unfolding events. Slowly, he opened the door and took a seat next to Max. Serena settled in the backseat, accompanied by Garry.

She scooted slightly away from him, still showing signs of discomfort. After all, Garry was a talking rabbit, so her unease was understandable. Meanwhile, Max exchanged a look with Guran, who stood with his hands behind his back, wearing a reassuring smile. Max returned the smile, then revved the engine and drove off. The van gradually gained speed, disappearing into the distance.

Serena gazed at her city in ruins, her eyes tracing the path to where her home once stood. She placed a hand over her chest, a twinge of pain radiating within her. She then looked up at the sky, noticing the layer above shrinking.

"What will happen to them?" Serena's voice held concern.

"Once we're out of here, Guran will find a way to escape that place too," Max reassured. After a brief pause, he added, "Don't worry about them. They're pretty good at surviving." He glanced at the rearview mirror, though his words urged them not to worry, his own worry was evident. He didn't want to leave Guran behind.

"I'll find them both—Guran first—and then return to bring you with me," he whispered.

After a while, everyone fell into silence, their gazes fixed on the passing scenery outside the windows as they gradually departed from the city. Serena closed her eyes and softly whispered, "Rest in peace... Dad."

Aaron observed Serena through the rearview mirror as she prayed, while Max remained focused on driving, his expression reflecting deep contemplation. Garry, on the other hand, was engrossed in a book, his glasses still upside down. Then, a realization struck Aaron: something—or rather, someone—was missing.

It dawned on him that everyone was present except Clara. He swiftly checked his pockets, then his shoulders, his eyes closing as he attempted to summon her presence.

"Clara... Clara," he uttered repeatedly, trying to call out to her, but received no response. Serena noticed the concern on Aaron's face and inquired, "Are you alright?"

Ignoring her question, Aaron persisted in calling for Clara, yet there was silence. He eventually opened his eyes and voiced his realization, "I can't reach Clara." His words sparked realization in everyone present.

"Oh. Damn, you're right. She's not here," Max acknowledged. As they crossed the layer, the air around them grew thick and brown, enveloped by a desolate landscape. Aaron's gaze took in the horror before him: animal skeletons, lifeless plants, and a scene of utter ruin.

Before anyone could fully absorb the devastated scenery, a girl in flashy attire emerged, a bag slung over her shoulder, and a look as if she had just stepped off a teenage fashion runway. Max reacted swiftly, slamming on the brakes, causing the car to screech as it narrowly avoided colliding with her.

"What the heck!" Max exclaimed as he exited the car. Aaron followed suit, but as he stepped out, an unfamiliar warmth washed over him, a sensation he hadn't experienced in the city. A peculiar tingling sensation coursed through him. Max quickly signaled for Aaron to don a mask, doing so himself. Aaron nodded, securing the mask and breathing through it, while Serena and Garry peered out from the windows. With caution, Aaron and Max approached the girl.

"Who are you?" Max's voice carried a demanding tone.

The girl smiled and replied. "Lolita"