NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Aftermatch
───「 Human POV 」───
Outside the car window stretched an endless sea of greenery. It might have been awe-inspiring at first glance, but the scene held an eerie stillness. The forests of today, though vast, were hollow imitations of the vibrant ecosystems that once graced the Earth.
Gone were the buzzing bees, chirping birds, and rustling underbrush of old. Now, the foliage consisted of a single species of plant—lab-grown, uniform, and soulless. The sprawling forests resembled a green desert, lush in appearance but devoid of life.
Two centuries ago, the nuclear wars had obliterated the Earth's original flora and fauna. In the aftermath, humanity turned to science, desperate to reclaim the surface. Resilient plants capable of enduring harsh radiation and the relentless cold of the super nuclear winter were created and scattered across the planet. Slowly, the land turned green again.
But it was a hollow victory.
When humanity attempted to reintroduce animals, things quickly went wrong. Herbivores thrived unchecked, reproducing at alarming rates. Carnivores, on the other hand, struggled to survive, often wiped out by starvation or overwhelmed by their prey's sheer numbers. Attempts to build functioning ecosystems failed spectacularly.
Eventually, humans gave up on restoring the planet's wild heart. Instead, they created five controlled ecological zones—self-contained havens where nature was carefully curated and micromanaged. These zones became symbols of hope and exclusivity, surrounded by wealthy enclaves where only the elite could live.
Hideo Takahashi believed in their promise of a better future.
"Sir, we've arrived," the driver's voice pulled him from his thoughts.
Hideo tucked his phone into his bag, glancing one last time at the smiling faces of his family on the screen. Stepping out of the car, he took in the devastation around him.
The South Zone, once hailed as humanity's crowning ecological achievement, now lay in ruins. Charred buildings leaned precariously, their skeletal remains jutting out like jagged teeth. The air carried the acrid stench of burnt flesh and the sharp tang of disinfectant, a nauseating combination that made Hideo's stomach churn.
The ground was littered with white cloth-covered bodies, their mourners kneeling beside them, wailing in despair. Medical personnel in protective suits moved methodically, carrying unrecognizable remains to hastily erected shelters. For every life they saved, ten more slipped away, leaving behind only grief.
The sight hit Hideo harder than he'd expected. He'd seen the photos, read the reports, but nothing prepared him for the reality of standing amidst such raw devastation.
"Are you Mr. Takahashi from the emergency rescue team?"
The voice startled him. He turned to see a throng of journalists in radiation suits, cameras and microphones pointed at him like weapons.
"Mr. Takahashi, can you comment on the extent of the disaster?" one reporter shouted.
"What do you think caused the sudden appearance of the titan?" another demanded.
Hideo raised a hand, trying to fend them off. "I'm sorry, I can't answer any questions right now. I have urgent business—"
The crowd pressed closer, relentless in their pursuit of answers. Just as Hideo's patience began to fray, a group of soldiers in military radiation suits arrived, their stern presence scattering the reporters like startled pigeons.
"You must be Mr. Takahashi," the lead soldier said, offering a curt nod. "I'm Wei Zhang from the Asian Rescue Team. Our team leader sent me to escort you."
Hideo nodded, grateful for the intervention. Wei Zhang gestured toward a cluster of makeshift tents in the distance.
"This way, please. We've been waiting for you."
As they walked, Wei Zhang chatted animatedly, explaining the rescue operation's scope. "The South Zone's situation is dire. Our team volunteered to handle it because, well, someone had to. The Americans are handling the west, the Europeans the east, and the Local Rescue Team has the north. But some of the local guys insisted on staying here—said they couldn't leave without finding your family."
Hideo's chest tightened at the mention of his family. He managed a stiff nod, unsure how to respond.
Wei Zhang's warmth and easy camaraderie took Hideo by surprise. As an introvert from the conservative Far East region, he wasn't used to such effusive friendliness. Wei Zhang, however, seemed unfazed by Hideo's reticence, filling the silence with stories about the rescue efforts and his team's determination.
They soon reached the Asian Rescue Team's base camp, a bustling hub of activity. Isolation tents housed patients rescued from the worst-hit areas. Despite their harrowing ordeal, some survivors were already cracking jokes, their laughter a faint but hopeful sound amidst the chaos.
Families reunited after days of uncertainty embraced tightly, their tears a mix of relief and sorrow. The stark contrast between this pocket of life and the death-filled wasteland outside was striking.
Hideo followed Wei Zhang to the largest tent, where senior officers and medical personnel were deep in discussion. As they entered, a subordinate spotted Hideo and stiffened. The look on the man's face told Hideo everything he needed to know.
"They're gone, aren't they?" he asked quietly.
The room fell silent. Wei Zhang shifted uncomfortably, his earlier enthusiasm replaced by a solemn gravity.
"I'm sorry," the subordinate said, his voice heavy with regret. "We searched everywhere, but there was no sign of them."
Hideo nodded, his expression unreadable. He'd prepared himself for this outcome, but hearing the words still felt like a blow.
For a moment, the weight of the tragedy threatened to crush him. But then he straightened, his resolve hardening. There were still lives to save, still people counting on him. He couldn't afford to falter now.
"Thank you for your efforts," he said, his voice steady despite the ache in his chest. "Let's focus on the survivors. They need us."
As Hideo stepped out of the tent, the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the devastated landscape. The world outside remained a picture of despair, but within the camp, a fragile hope flickered.
Hideo vowed to nurture that hope, no matter the cost.