Ethan's point of view...Earth was facing an unimaginable catastrophe as it became the target of a merciless Alien invasion. After several minor attacks, they had chosen our planet as a mark of destruction. The once vibrant and bustling cities now lay in ruins, reduced to smoldering rubble and remnants of a civilization that had crumbled under the weight of extraterrestrial aggression. Exactly when I thought it was my end too, a miracle happened that changed my life completely.In the year 2045, mid-May, Lassogo city.I found myself amidst this nightmarish landscape, an unwitting participant in the cataclysmic events unfolding around me. My name is Ethan Conner, a twenty-year-old with dreams of a future filled with hopes and possibilities. I work as a delivery boy yet my dreams were bigger. I wanted to join the Army. I wanted to become a warrior but my life took an unexpected turn a few years back and after a crippling accident during a cycling race I found myself laying on a bed, f
Ethan's point of view... With each step we will take, we will carry the weight of my people's suffering and the burning desire for revenge. The shattered world we once knew would be rebuilt, and I would play my part in shaping its future. I vowed to myself that no matter how powerful the aliens may be, I would stand tall, fueled by the unwavering determination to reclaim our planet and restore hope to the hearts of humanity. Once onboard, we, the survivors, were given a glimmer of hope. {Ethan, your duty as a Captain starts now, explain everything to your teammates} The fog on my head dispersed, as I heard the announcement. It's not like I am frightened but still, an unknown hesitation swirled in my whole self. I took a deep breath and exhaled the warm air out of my body to regain my confidence and strengthen my resolve before I started talking to my new allies. "Hello friends," I started, my voice resolved despite their disdainful look, "As you all know we are selected by the Zod
Ethan's point of view...We got out of the chambers one after the other, though we all felt a bit dizzy, that feeling vanished as we saw each other."Wow...!" I couldn't help but exclaim at the costumes we were provided.Each member was provided with a silver-shaded, astonishing costume, with their zodiac sign engraved on it.But mine was even more beautiful, with a copper shining armor and all the zodiac signs engraved on it.It filled us with excitement and enthusiasm. As I looked around, I couldn't help but smile at the sheer awe and wonderment displayed by my team members. To my surprise, I was no longer a crippled one. My leg which always gave me continued pain as I walk, run, or even stood was now healed. I jumped and was so happy that I felt as if my whole world was back to me. When I was done playing with my legs, I lifted my head to face my teammates.They were all experiencing the same mix of surprise, excitement, and trepidation that I was in right now and some of them wer
Ethan's point of view... {Mission accomplished} Hoo...! We all took a breath of relief as that announcement was not about any further round.{Small targets killed:-87/90}{Big target killed:- 1/1}{Saved Survivor:- 34/34}{Well done team}{Congratulations on completing the mission successfully} The announcement made us all jump for joy. As the realization of our accomplishment sank in, a surge of exhilaration filled our souls. As the Zodiac Warriors, we couldn't contain our excitement any longer. It was our first win after all, they laughed, they cheered, and also they hugged each other tightly, celebrating the triumph over this very first challenge. I found myself caught up in the moment, my heart racing with a mix of adrenaline and a different kind of emotion. As I was also dragged by Ava into the team embrace, I couldn't help but lock eyes with Ava. In that instant, time seemed to stand still, and a profound connection sparked between us. I was never so close to any girl bef
Ethan's point of view... "punishment...!" we all jolted at once, if the tests were such dangerous, how are the punishments going to be? {Brace up and assemble in the front hall} We were commanded to walk out, and we did it. The acid was gone but the whole area around us was looking horrible. {All the Zodiac warriors have to clean all those areas which were dirtied by the acidic reactions, the chemicals that you may need for the task will be in the store room}My heart sank as I surveyed the scene, a mixture of disbelief and anger washing over me. Almost three huge halls, the chamber room, and the command room, all were destroyed.What the heck...!After being exhausted, I really don't want to do this. I wish I could skip but being a captain is not easy, you know."What are we supposed to do Captain?" Max asked, his voice laced with responsibility.Heaving a sigh, I took over my mind once again."Let's split up and complete the task," I said, all agreed but Aron stood forward."Le
Ethan's point of view... Ava and I exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Feeling astonished, I felt the surface of the spaceship. It wasn't a dream but a reality...! It was an amazing feeling that I could never overlook in my whole life. At that moment I felt that I was born for this. Taking a deep breath, I eased myself into the pilot's seat, my hands finding their place on the controls. I reminded myself of the countless hours I had spent practicing, yet I was so nervous. The simulations I had conquered, and the unwavering belief my system had placed in me. Confidence surged within me, helping to quell the nerves that threatened to overpower me. Besides me, Ava had already in her role as the strategist, analyzed the mission objectives and studied the information we had received. Her mind raced with potential scenarios, calculating the best course of action and contingency plans. As I looked at her puzzled, she smiled excitedly. "I can't beli
Ethan's point of view...Ava hung her head but finally smiled, her eyes shimmering with a blend of tenderness and uncertainty. "Neither did I," she admitted after a long hesitation period, her voice carrying a hint of awe, I exhaled the warm breath that I had been holding in. I thought that I took advantage of a girl just now but as she smiled, thousands of butterflies fluttered inside me."But sometimes, the universe has its plans for us." she continued, I slowly slid my hand toward hers. Our hands intertwined, our fingers entangled, as we continued our journey through the cosmos, ready to face whatever challenges awaited us, fortified by the power of this new thing that had just been introduced into our lives. "A...a..." she stuttered fetching words, "What?" I exclaimed pulling back my hand, but she held it back."Not this I just... I wanted to tell you... that...! it's better to keep it within us..." She finally make it, I chuckled at her hesitation then nodded in agreement."L
Ethan's point of view...{Good morning Zodiac Warriors}The announcement woke us all up from our slumber, and we got out of the chambers, surprisingly.We had been learning the controls of the spaceship for nearly two weeks and almost everyone was an expert in it.A different kind of greeting by the system, made us all reckon what kind of a different task awaited us.{Today you all will be taken to the bio lab to learn various types of Aliens and other spices}Excitement filled the training hall as the system announced the next phase of our training. "Wow, are we going to see them...!" I exclaimed in excitement.It was so wonderful to learn about the various species of aliens inhabiting the vast reaches of space. We all hurried to get out and assembled in the main hall in no time. We were like a group of enthusiastic school students hurrying for a games period.{Hello Warriors} A familiar voice reverberated through the halls.We all tilted our heads to face Captain Ven. He rolled n
Author's point of view...After talking with Captain Van, Ethan's determination to face the ultimate mission alone had reached its peak. He knew the risk, the danger, the potential cost—and he was ready to pay it. Standing before Captain Van, he made his request, a plea for secrecy, for the burden to be his alone. Van hesitated, torn between his loyalty to Ethan and his duty to the rest of the team, but Ethan's conviction was undeniable. With a heavy heart, Van finally agreed. They shared a silent understanding: this was the last stand, and it could not be in vain. Together, they began to plan. Van used his vast knowledge of alien technology, remnants of the advancements that had rebuilt him, to craft a strategy that played to their strengths. Ethan, relentless in his preparations, perfected every detail, ensuring there was no room for error. They allied with the few good aliens who had rebelled against the Wicked, knowing that this would be the key to their success. These allies
Author's point of view... He was smiling...! I blinked several times as I felt that as my imagination. How could a robot smile? That smile wasn't something that come from happiness, of course. It was painful and I can easily feel it. "Then...? What happened?" I asked looking blankly at him. He continued but that strange thing, his smile, had faded. "I wanted to end it all. But I was incompetent." he hung his head and I hesitatingly patted his strong metallic shoulder. Though it only hurt me...! He continued. "I devised a plan and attacked every single thing that I could find and gathered every weapon they have, including their bodies. Every explosive I could rig. Though I was not any professional in making explosives, those things that I collected were already dangerous and explosive. With them in hand, I went into their territory, knowing it was a suicide mission. I didn’t care. All I wanted was to make them feel even a fraction of the pain I was drowning in. I want to de
Author's point of view... As I sat there, the room felt heavier, the air around me thick with the remnants of whatever I heard just now. My existence itself was already a mystery, and to add to that, I had just met my future self; I talked to him head-on through a virtual image. Everything was just so astonishing to take in. His words...I mean, the future Ethan's words were strangely heavy for my head to take in entirely. The pain he endured was something that I can only dread in my nightmares. I questioned my ability to survive if I had to go through those hardships. But when I gave it some thought, I did get it through, didn't I? At times, I would feel proud of myself, and then fear would take over. I hadn’t fully processed the enormity of what he’d said when the chamber door suddenly opened, jolting me back to the present. Captain Van entered his mechanical steps echoing softly through the chamber. Though I knew who entered, I was a bit startled. He had his unreadable r
Ethan's point of view... As I sat there, the weight of the future pressing down on me, the chamber room seemed to grow colder. My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at the holographic figure before me—my future self, a shadow of the man I was now, but with a story that chilled me to the bone. “So, what happened next?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know, but I had to. There was no turning back now. "You will get to know it soon, but you need to promise me that you won't startle" My head stirred, don't startle...! What on earth is he going to tell me about?? I leaned closer, nodding my head in agreement. Ethan’s... Uh damn...! It's so annoying to call him that. How about Future Ethan?? Yes. That's better. Future Ethan's expression softened, his eyes reflecting a mixture of sorrow and pride. He began, “Ethan, the world beyond what you can imagine… it’s not just a place, it’s a crucible. It’s where I was reborn, in more ways than one.” He pau
Ethan's point of view... Reaching the starship, I was dying to get my answers but we were all held back by the chamber room to take a rest. Captain Ven had sent someone over with his orders that we needed to heal our bodies first. Three days completely in the chamber made me feel sick to hell. But I felt so energetic as I stepped out. My teammates were in the chambers for two days only as they were pretty much in good shape. As I stepped out, I saw I was alone in the chamber room. Everyone was already at the training hall. I missed everything here. Yeah...! Not the harsh training of course.As I was about to move on to the door, a beam of light flashed in the middle of the chamber room with a loud buzzing sound. And soon a colorful figure projected in the beam of light.I stood frozen, staring at the virtual projection but what astonished me most was the fact that it was my own self. It's me but a bit different.Agent C...!!******Author's point of view...The figure before h
Ethan's point of view... When I saw with my vision still blurry, my teammates's hesitant gazes revealed a mix of awe and apprehension. I still couldn't figure out what just happened to me. I knew I had to explain, to assure them that I was still the person they knew. With that confusion swirling in my mind, and a strange pain and dullness engulfing me, I closed my eyes uncontrollably.I found myself falling from a long height and with a sudden jolt, I opened my eyes again. "Freaking Hell," I gasped the atmosphere around me was freaking hot. The pain in my chest intensified and felt all-consuming, but vanished in the seconds it took for me to blink my eyes open. I was on my back and staring up at an unfamiliar afternoon sky with clouds the color of late autumn leaves.I couldn't comprehend where I was because my mind seemed to be numb for a few minutes. "It feels like I just died," I mumbled.Where am I? I couldn't see my teammates around me. As soon as I got my senses back, I
Ethan's point of view. It was all going on like a movie flashing in front of me. A movie that I never want to see though. Apocalypse...! It was just looking like the time which I experienced on earth. Destruction and destruction everywhere. My mind almost fused and I stood unable to move for a while. But suddenly my transmitter jolted into life. I heard that voice again. "You are special," the voice echoed multiple times in my consciousness. "A new kind of energy resides within you, Ethan, grab the red crystal in your bare hands and you will know what it is" I was puzzled for some time until I saw those huge creatures making their way to us. My team was shattered, though not defeated, they were all tired to their last breath. If not for me, for them I had to push myself. I removed the glove and shoved my trembling hand inside the hidden pocket of my suit to grab that red stone. That's it...! I did feel a spark in my body. It was just like a high-voltage current passing thro
Ethan's point of view... In that darkness, all my teammates were surrounded by huge spaceship lights. Though they were alert, not panicked. I was proud of them but a slight fear gripped my heart and I felt a bit insecure. The minutes passed in tense silence, broken only by the distant hum of alien ships approaching. Our hearts pounded in our chests as we waited for the inevitable confrontation. I moved forward hideously and Aron followed me. Then, the first sign of trouble came from the sensors. A faint blip on the screen indicated movement in the nearby foliage. Reaching my team, I connected with their minds. "Get ready, they're coming," I whispered to the team, my grip tightening on the weapon I took out, a makeshift plasma pistol we had salvaged from our earlier encounters. The tension in the air was noticeable as we braced ourselves for the battle ahead. We were outnumbered and outgunned, but we had the element of surprise on our side, and the determination to protect our ow
Ethan's point of view..."We have to move, now!" I declared, urgency coloring my voice. We don't even have any idea about them, what kind of enemy are we going to face, or what their powers might be. "The aliens are here, and they're not here for a friendly chat," I added."Are we going to fight against them?" Daniel asked still feeling a little bit dizzy.We knew we needed a defensible position, and fast. And this might be a foolish act to stand against those powerful aliens without proper preparation. My team is strong but not enough to face an entire army of those vicious aliens."We can find a way to escape, once our mission is completed" I mumbled, "but if we can't...!" I was uncertain myself, how could I assure them? Nathan patted his hand on my shoulders, "Don't worry Captain, nobody is a coward in our team." he assured, "We are willing to use our, even life is not an exception if needed" It felt like I had a strong Mountain of support behind my back, my team. With his word