The Null Protocol

Introduction

The ambush had been brutal, and the Nulls had suffered heavy losses. Aria, one of the few survivors, had managed to rally a small group of Nulls and escape to a hidden underground bunker. They had named it Null Terra, a sanctuary where they could regroup and plan their next move.

Null Terra was a labyrinthine complex, filled with hidden tunnels and secure chambers. The Nulls had worked tirelessly to fortify the base, scavenging for supplies and equipment in the ruins above. Aria, now a leader among the Nulls, knew that their survival depended on their ability to stay hidden and adapt to the ever-changing world above.

As they settled into their new home, the Nulls began to realize the extent of their losses. Many of their own had fallen, and the survivors were left to pick up the pieces. Aria knew that they couldn't stay hidden forever; they needed a plan to reclaim their world and ensure the survival of humanity.

The Nulls began to gather intelligence on the sectors, trying to understand their strengths and weaknesses. They knew that Sector Purity would be a formidable foe, while Sector Lumina might hold the key to understanding the Xenophages. But for now, the Nulls had to focus on survival and rebuilding.

Aria called a gathering of the Nulls, and they began to discuss their next move. Some advocated for a cautious approach, while others pushed for a more aggressive strategy. The debate was heated, but Aria knew that the fate of humanity hung in the balance.

The humans, desperate to survive in a world overrun by the Carnifex, had banded together to form seven sectors, each a fortified stronghold with its own government, military, and resources. The sectors were:

1. Sector Aurora: The largest and most populous sector, known for its military might and strategic leadership.
2. Sector Nova: A hub of innovation and technology, where scientists and engineers worked tirelessly to develop new weapons and defenses against the Xenophages.
3. Sector Arcadia: A sector focused on agriculture and sustainability, providing food and resources to the other sectors.
4. Sector Citadel: A heavily fortified sector, serving as a last line of defense against the Carnifex.
5. Sector Lumina: A sector dedicated to scientific research, seeking to understand the Xenophages and find a cure.
6. Sector Purity: A sector governed by a strict, authoritarian regime, determined to purify humanity and eliminate any perceived threats.
7. Sector Vanguard: A sector of rebels and outcasts, known for their bravery and willingness to take risk.

Paragon Prison in the Purity Sector.

Kael's eyes scanned the dimly lit cell, the cold concrete walls seeming to close in on him. He had been caught, and now he was at the mercy of the sector's authorities. The memory of his ice abilities manifesting still lingered, a mix of fear and adrenaline coursing through his veins.

The gangsters who had attacked him had been relentless, but when Kael's powers had surfaced, they had fled in terror. Unfortunately, the sector guards had arrived just as Kael was trying to regain control of his abilities.

The sound of footsteps echoed outside the cell, and Kael's heart sank. He knew what happened to Nulls who were caught. They were taken away, experimented on, and often never seen again.

A guard entered the cell, his expression a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "Kael, you're being transferred to Sector Lumina for further evaluation and study," he said, his voice firm but laced with a hint of unease.

Kael's instincts screamed at him to resist, but he knew it was futile. He was outnumbered and outgunned. With a heavy heart, he stood up, and the guard led him out of the cell.

As they walked through the sector's corridors, Kael caught glimpses of the sector's logo: a stylized letter "L" surrounded by a circle. Sector Lumina was supposed to be a place of science and discovery, but to Kael, it represented something far more sinister. But that alone was not enough to break his will to live.

Kael's eyes locked onto the guards as they approached him, their batons and tasers at the ready. He knew he had to act fast. With a burst of speed, Kael launched himself at the guards, his ice abilities surging to the surface. He conjured a wave of frosty air, sending the guards stumbling back as the cold hit them.

One of the guards, quicker than the others, managed to dodge the attack and swung his baton at Kael. But Kael was ready. With a swift motion, he raised his hand, and a shard of ice erupted from his palm, striking the guard's baton and shattering it into a hundred pieces.

The other guards hesitated, intimidated by Kael's sudden display of power. That was all the opening Kael needed. He charged forward, his feet moving in a blur as he dodged and weaved between the guards. With each step, he conjured a patch of ice on the floor, sending the guards slipping and sliding as they tried to keep up.

Kael's ice abilities allowed him to move with incredible agility, dodging the guards' clumsy attacks with ease. He landed a series of swift kicks and punches, each one aimed at a vulnerable spot. The guards stumbled back, their movements slow and labored as the cold seeped into their bones.

With a final burst of strength, Kael cleared a path through the guards and made a break for the door. He sprinted down the corridor, the guards hot on his heels, but he knew he had the upper hand. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, and his ice abilities seemed to be growing stronger by the second.

As he ran, Kael conjured a wall of ice behind him, blocking the guards' pursuit. He didn't look back, focusing on finding a way out of the prison. The corridors blurred together in a chaotic mess, but Kael's instincts guided him towards freedom.

Finally, he saw a glimmer of light ahead – the exit. With a surge of speed, Kael burst through the doors and out into the night air, the cool wind hitting him like a slap in the face. He didn't hesitate, sprinting towards the cliff's edge as the guards closed in behind him.

With nowhere left to go, Kael jumped of the cliff without a second thought, leaving all he guards chasing him shock. "Target has escaped, I repeat, Target has escaped". One of the guards picked up the radio and report the issue to the prison. "Go after him. And don't come back till you find him." A response came out of the radio. "Will do Sir. All forces dispatch. Target is in the Erebus Valley area. Find him and bring him back, DEAD or ALIVE."

First chapter finally published. Been working on it for ages. Hope y'all like it though. There's more to come though. Don't forget to vote and comment.

Till the next is published, It's Jay signing out👋😅