Zero to Peak: Ascension Online

Justus flew away from the estate; his mission here was complete. He soared into the sky, a fleeting shadow against the drifting clouds, leaving the chaos in his wake without a backward glance.

Below, in the cold, metallic heart of the bunker, none of the people dared to step out. They all cowered in fear in one corner. Bryan tightly clutched his young blonde daughter. She pressed her face against his abdomen, her small body shaking with silent sobs, too scared to look through the gap that had just appeared.

"Don't be afraid. We are here to rescue you," Ivan said. He raised his arms, palms forward in a placating gesture as he cautiously approached the narrow opening.

The instant he stepped into the gap, he was struck by two heavy plasma gunshots to the head and chest, throwing him back a step.

>>>>

HEAVY DAMAGE SUSTAINED. (x2)

ARMOUR INTEGRITY: 62%

<<<<

The pain-dampening mechanism in Ivan's armour could not keep up with the power of the rounds. Mr Bryan had shot him. The business tycoon, his face pale and slick with sweat, brandished a heavy-calibre handgun in his right hand, while his left arm was wrapped firmly around his daughter.

"Don't get any closer!" Mr Bryan threatened, his voice shaky from profound fright. "I'm not the only one who's armed. If my shots don't get you, theirs will."

Ivan's gaze swept across the bunker. He noticed that more than two dozen employees in the confined space were armed with plasma rifles, all aimed directly at him. Their hands trembled, but their resolve was firm.

"Everyone, calm down. Let's not have a misunderstanding," Ivan said, his mind racing as he searched for the right words to convince the frightened, distrustful refugees. He succumbed to an action he loathed, a necessary compromise for the sake of the mission.

"I'm with the mafia. The boss has sent us to rescue you from the estate," Ivan said, hoping it was not a careless mistake. "If you would give me a chance, Mr Bryan, I can invite our group leader to come and talk with you."

From outside, Maximillian's furious voice exploded into the confined space. "Are you mad, dipshit? They just shot you! You want me to walk in there? My armour isn't as resilient as yours, you idiot!" Maximillian was furious and loudly voiced his disagreement with Ivan's invitation, having no desire to be shot at himself.

Mr Bryan recognised the petulant, self-important tone and the characteristic tantrums Maximillian threw whenever things did not go his way.

"Maximillian?" he called out, a sliver of hope in his voice.

"Mr Bryan. I see you enjoy being caged up. I almost envy you," Maximillian retorted with sarcasm.

A sigh of profound relief escaped Bryan's lips. He leaned down, his large body shielding his daughter as he whispered something in her ear. The blonde little girl lifted her chubby, tear-streaked face to gaze into her father's eyes. The four-year-old was a perfect replica of her father: same blonde hair, same round face. Mr. Bryan had considerable bulk for his height, though he was not fat. Mr Bryan was dressed in a tan suit, a crisp white shirt, and a blue patterned tie. His little girl wore a vibrant, handmade children's dress with a turquoise and pink chequered pattern, short puffed sleeves, and a large, long pink bow tied neatly at her back.

Mr Bryan insisted that Maximillian enter the bunker so that he could see him. Maximillian complied with the request after being assured that he would not be shot. Upon seeing the armed Maximillian enter the facility, most of Mr Bryan's tension alleviated.

"We have to get moving, Mr Bryan," Maximillian said, his tone all business now. "The whole region is still in turmoil. We must escape before the aliens send another fleet."

Just then, the deep thrum of engines filled the air. The colossal shape of the helicarrier descended, landing in a huge clearing nearby. Its ramp lowered with a hydraulic hiss. The employees quickly scrambled out of the bunker and ran into the cabin, not caring if their boss had anything against it.

Bryan, however, hesitated. He stated that he and his daughter should not travel in the same vehicle. He feared his presence would attract danger that could harm her; her safety was his priority. He pressured Maximillian to find a solution, but Maximillian could not. Maximillian was irritated that this chubby-faced millionaire was asking for something that was not feasible at that moment.

"Don't worry. I will handle the matter of your daughter's safety," a calm voice spoke, audible to the squabbling men.

The sudden appearance of the unknown speaker spooked everyone. Ivan recognised the voice, but before he could turn to face the speaker, the soldiers had already drawn their guns on the person.

Saint Angouleme stood there, unfazed by the weapons pointed at him. His serene gaze was locked on to Mr Bryan, who stared back.

"I am Saint Angouleme, a faithful sentry of the Goddess," he said, his voice a soothing balm. "My ally here has voluntarily taken the responsibility to save helpless civilians, like you and your daughter."

Maximillian lashed out. "Who the hell is this charlatan? What makes you think you can just sneak up on us and justify your stupid entry? Do you think you're the only freakshow…"

Maximillian's figure became a dark, silent void, cutting his furious rant short. This was a blatant show of superior power.

Saint Angouleme never spared a glance at the silenced group leader. He said to Mr Bryan, "Like I said, I am from the church, and I can assure you of your daughter's safety. If you agree, I can take her to the Otuto Sanctuary right now."

Mr Bryan studied the clothing Saint Angouleme was draped in. He was attired in priestly robes—a black alb, a gold stole with patterns that foretold of mysteries, and a black chasuble marked with a symbol at its centre: a dome-shaped moon surrounded by randomly dotted stars. The garments were made of an unidentifiable material, showing no imperfections, stains, or age.

Something about the saint's charisma convinced Mr Bryan that his daughter would be safe with this man. He kissed his inconsolable, vehemently resisting daughter goodbye and handed her to Saint Angouleme. The instant she came into contact with the saint's hands, she fell into a deep, peaceful sleep. The saint vanished with the little girl. Instantly, the light-devouring void reverted to Maximillian. His expression was heavy with a fright he could not conceal. He made his way into the aircraft's cabin without saying another word.

Mr Bryan, Ivan, and Team One, which had now been reduced to thirty-four soldiers, boarded the aircraft cabin. Team Two, who were lucky enough to be unscathed, also boarded. The helicarrier took off. On the way, it paused its journey east to pick up the only surviving skiff from the river. Ivan was dropped on the northern shoreline of the river with an MRAP vehicle. As the helicarrier travelled east, he was left alone.

He started the engine and drove the heavy vehicle towards the residential district of Zone Alpha. The intelligence he had received at the church indicated that the district was home to over seven hundred thousand people.