Gunfire ripped through the night, sharp bursts of sound tearing through the darkness. The acrid scent of gunpowder clung to the air, mixing with the bitter taste of blood and sweat on my lips. My heart hammered against my ribs, each beat a relentless reminder that I was still here, still fighting.
I pressed myself against the remnants of a crumbling wall, trying to steady my breath, trying to make sense of the chaos around me.
But nothing made sense.
The world was a blur of shadows and fire. The once-familiar landscape was now a broken wasteland of ruin, the silhouettes of buildings barely standing against the inferno devouring them. Figures moved through the smoke—fast, desperate, relentless. I recognized them, but their faces...
Blurred.
Their voices shouted orders, warnings, desperate calls for cover—but they all sounded distant, like an old radio playing from another room.
Somewhere to my left, a heavy weapon roared in defiance, spraying fire toward the advancing enemy. Someone else barked a command through the chaos.
But it was a losing battle.
We were outnumbered. Surrounded.
I gripped my rifle, the cold metal grounding me in the madness. The ground trembled beneath me, the distant rumble of enemy vehicles growing louder, closer. I needed a plan. I needed to think.
But all I could see was fire and death.
Shadows falling.
Blurred faces collapsing into the dirt.
A voice cut through the noise, sharp, commanding—laced with a fear I had never heard before.
"We need to move!"
I turned, locking eyes with someone across the battlefield. Or at least, I thought I did.
Their face was... wrong.
I knew them. I knew them.
But the details slipped away, like trying to grasp smoke.
"We're surrounded!" Another voice, barely audible over the static and gunfire. "We need to fall back, now!"
I nodded instinctively, even though I didn't know if they could see me. I forced myself to rise, muscles screaming in protest, and glanced over the wall.
What I saw made my blood run cold.
The enemy was advancing in a relentless wave, their figures barely visible through the smoke and flames.
And behind them...
Something else.
A shadow.
Larger than life. Moving with unnatural speed, shifting at the edges of my vision. It pulsed—not like a creature, but like a force. A presence.
The ground beneath me shuddered again, a violent tremor that nearly knocked me off my feet.
Someone was beside me now, their voice strained, their movements frantic. "Snap out of it! We have to move, now!"
I nodded again, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. I turned, ready to follow them into the fray, when—
The ground erupted.
The explosion threw me back.
Dirt and shrapnel tore through the air, the force of the blast stealing the breath from my lungs.
For a moment, the world spun into darkness.
I opened my eyes.
And I was alone.
The battlefield was eerily silent.
The gunfire, the shouting, the chaos—all gone.
Smoke rolled through the ruins, thick and endless, swallowing what was left of the world. The air was wrong. Too still.
And then I saw them.
The others.
Figures lying in the dirt. Motionless.
My breath caught.
I forced myself to my feet, stumbling toward the nearest body—their form barely visible through the haze. I wanted to call out, but my throat was dry, raw.
They didn't move.
I took another step—
And then I saw the shadow.
It loomed in the smoke, a hulking mass that seemed to consume the light around it.
No features. No face.
Just darkness.
And it was watching me.
A cold pressure wrapped around my chest, squeezing the air from my lungs.
The shadow moved.
I tried to run, but my body refused to listen. My muscles locked in place, my feet rooted to the ground as tendrils of blackness crawled toward me.
I gasped, struggling against the unseen weight crushing down on me.
The darkness reached me.
It curled around my limbs, dragging me down, down, down into the abyss.
"No!"
I fought. I struggled.
But it was no use—it was stronger.
It always was.
The last thing I saw—
The blurred faces of the fallen.
Then, a voice.
Sharp. Commanding. Familiar.
"Atlas, get up!"
The dream shattered like glass. I jolted awake, heart pounding, sweat cold on my skin. The battlefield faded, giving way to the sterile confines of my cabin. But the fear lingered, a shadow that wouldn't let go.
I blinked, trying to ground myself. "What's going on?"
Amelia Grayson's face came into focus, her piercing blue eyes locked on me. "We're about to hit Mars' atmosphere. Gear up."
Already? I forced myself upright, the exhaustion clinging to every muscle. "Got it."
Amelia sighed, a touch of impatience in her eyes, even as she kept her posture rigid. "Five minutes, Atlas. Be ready."
She turned on her heel and left, her long, dark blond hair swaying with her brisk steps.
I swung my legs over the side of the bed, rubbing the last remnants of sleep from my eyes. "No time for more sleep, huh?" I muttered to myself, the fatigue weighing heavy.
I stumbled to the sink, splashing cold water on my face, trying to gather my thoughts. Staring at my reflection, I met my own dark brown eyes, noting the shadow of the nightmare still lurking there. My hair had grown longer than I liked, but with a quick style to the side it was out of my way.
Moving to the closet, I pressed the button that activated my suit. The fabric tightened around me, the black shoulder pads firm and the white streaks along my arms and legs a stark contrast. It fit perfectly, like always.
I gave myself one last look in the mirror. "Twenty-four years... still here," I murmured, the words heavy with reflection.
Then I turned, the mission ahead pulling my focus as I stepped out, ready for whatever Mars had waiting for us.
Navigating through the narrow halls, I made my way to the control room, having to duck slightly to get through the six-foot doors. As I entered, I was greeted by the sight of almost all the crew members, either strapped in or in the process of doing so.
Heading over to my chair, I glanced towards the front where Amelia was seated. Right next to her was Emily Carter, the flight control expert, focused on the guidance controls with her Short, dirty blond hair covering her Green eyes as she worked diligently.
"Amelia's voice cut through the chaos, her eyes scanning the room for any signs of hesitation. 'Where is Ethan?' Her tone betrayed no delay, the urgency in her voice driving home the seriousness of our situation." Before she could continue, an older man in his 40s hurried in and strapped himself in. "Good, it seems that you made it," she remarked just before a robotic voice interrupted.
"Ten seconds before atmospheric entry," the voice announced.
I looked around at the faces of the seven people I would be spending the foreseeable future with, a mix of excitement and anticipation building within me.
"Four... Three... Two... One..."
My hands gripped the armrests of my seat as the entire vessel began to rattle and shake with the force of reentry.
Outside the viewport, flames licked at the hull, casting an ominous glow that painted the interior in shades of fiery red. The sound of creaking metal filled the air, accompanied by the occasional loud bang as the ship fought against the atmospheric pressure.
"Steady, everyone!" Captain Amelia's voice boomed over the commotion, her tone a mix of authority and reassurance. "We're entering rough turbulence, but the ship can handle it."
With a violent shake I was thrust harshly into my harness. Gravity pulling at every fiber of my being, pressing me down with a weight that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.
"We're almost through," the captain's voice said, and I tightened my grip on the armrests, my heart racing with anticipation.
With a deafening roar, the ship broke through the final layers of the atmosphere, and suddenly, the turbulence eased. The once tumultuous journey now felt like a gentle glide as we descended towards the planet's surface.
Through the viewport, I caught my first glimpse of our destination—a world of untamed beauty, its landscapes, a patchwork of jagged mountains and rusty expanses.
As the ship leveled out, the rattling and shaking subsided, replaced by the soft hum of the engines as we coasted towards a safe landing spot. The closer we got to Mars's surface, the more a surge of exhilaration mixed with relief coursed through me. Finally, the ship touched down with a controlled thud, the landing struts absorbing the impact. Our anxious anticipation transformed into a collective sigh of relief, a weight lifted from our shoulders.
I leaned back in my seat for a moment, allowing myself to bask in the safety of our successful landing. Unbuckling my seatbelt, I stretched my arms and legs, feeling the tension ease out of my muscles. "Quite the ride," I muttered to myself, taking a deep breath and sighing in relief.
"Alright, let's get geared up," Amelia said as she unbuckled herself and stood up. She moved with purpose, her actions precise and calm despite the recent turbulence. I watched as she adjusted her gear, her focused demeanor inspiring a sense of confidence.
I followed her lead, standing up and stretching once more before making my way toward the hangar bay. The ship's interior was abuzz with activity, everyone preparing for the mission ahead. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was palpable, each of us ready and eager for what was to come, adding to my growing excitement.
As I walked towards the hangar bay, a figure in his early 30s jogged up to me, catching my attention with his slightly pudgy frame, curly brown hair, and green eyes. He introduced himself with a friendly smile, adding a warm touch to our already bustling environment.
"I'm Henry Williams. I'm sorry I didn't get to introduce myself before launch," he said, his tone eager and apologetic.
"No worries," I replied, trying to ease any tension. "We've all had a lot on our plates. As the mechanic, I have no dout you had tons to do."
"No kidding," Henry chuckled. "I'm glad I get a break now."
"I don't know how you manage it," I said, glancing around the ship. The hall was a labyrinth of pipes, twisting and turning in every direction, some disappearing into the walls, others jutting out at odd angles. "All these systems, connections...it's overwhelming. I'd be lost."
Henry chuckled, his eyes following mine as he took in the intricacies of the ship's design. "Oh, the ship is a marvel of engineering, really. Each pipe, each valve, they all serve a purpose, all part of a grander design. You see, the pipes over there, those lead to the engine core, regulating the flow of coolant and keeping the core temperature stable. Without them, we'd be in serious trouble. And those over there? They're part of the environmental controls, ensuring we don't fry or freeze, depending on where we are in space. It's all connected, all necessary."
I nodded, keeping my thoughts brief as usual. "Guess it helps to have someone to talk to about it."
Henry's smile grew. "Well, I had Owen and Benjamin, of course. Solid guys, but, you know, not exactly chatty. Owen's always quiet, thoughtful—he's the kind who says a lot with a little, you know? And Benjamin, well, he's got this presence about him, like he's been through it all and has come out the other side with wisdom to spare. But conversation? Not so much. So, I ended up talking to myself more often than not, just to sort through all the details in my head. Helps me think, you know?"
"Who are they? I'm sorry; I was in cryo for most of the trip," I apologized, feeling a bit disconnected from the crew dynamics.
"No worries, I get it," Henry reassured me. "Owen is the quiet guy around the age of 20 with the slim build and messy dark brown hair. And... oh crap, I can't think of his eye color." He scratched his head for a second before recalling, "Oh yeah, now I remember—it's cyan. Sorry, I had to think of the word for a sec. Also, Benjamin is the elderly man in his 60s with black and white hair tied up in a bun. He also has brown eyes, kind of like yours."
"Wow, you remember almost every detail about things," I praised.
"Yeah, it comes with being a mechanic. Even if one bolt is off, everything could go wrong," he said with a grimace. "Anyway, I think Benjamin was the one who woke you from cryo, right?"
"Oh, yeah, he was the one who did my inspection when I woke up from cryo sleep. He's the doctor, right?"
"Yep," Henry confirmed, stepping aside to open the door to the hangar for me.
"Well, it is nice to officially meet you," I called back as I descended the stairs.
Eager to get geared up, I jogged over to my station where my gear was waiting. The first piece of equipment was the dark silver exoskeleton. Stepping into the frame, I felt as it adjusted to my body, the sound of pieces securely clamping together. I pulled the heavily armored space suit over the exoskeleton, the layers fitting together like puzzle pieces. The suit's dark silver plating glinted under the lights, promising protection against the harshest conditions.
I fastened the various straps and buckles, securing the suit to my body. Once I disconnected from the wall the exoskeleton's servos hummed softly as it calibrated to my movements, giving me enhanced strength and mobility. The gauntlets clicked into place around my hands, the fingers moving smoothly as I flexed them. The chest piece locked in with a solid thud, and I could feel the suit's internal systems come to life, syncing with my vitals.
Next, I reached for the helmet, its visor reflecting my determined expression. I slid it over my head, hearing the hiss of the seal as it locked onto the suit. A HUD flickered to life on the visor, displaying vital information and environmental data.
Finally, I turned to the pulse rifle mounted on the wall. Its sleek, dark silver design matched the rest of my gear. I grabbed it with both hands, feeling the weight of the weapon. With practiced ease, I secured it to the attachment on my back, where it locked into place with a satisfying click. The rifle was now within easy reach, ready to be deployed at a moment's notice.
As I finished gearing up, Amelia's voice crackled through the communication device in my helmet, drawing my attention. Her voice was clear, yet slightly distorted by the comms system. "Alright, I'm going to go through our mission once again for those that didn't pay attention last time," she announced.
I glanced over at Ethan Mitchell, who was slowly getting into his suit. His movements were sluggish as if he was in no hurry. His unkempt black hair and beard gave him a perpetually tired look, and his dark brown eyes seemed unfocused. He fumbled with the straps of his exoskeleton, clearly disinterested in the task at hand.
"I don't know how he got picked," I thought, shaking my head slightly. Amelia must have noticed him too, as her gaze lingered on him for a moment before she continued with the briefing. Despite the lackadaisical attitude of some, the focused energy of the rest of the team was palpable.
I took a deep breath, feeling the suit's systems adjust to my movements, as i disconnected from the wall with a hiss and stepped forward to listen to Amelia.
"Listen up, everyone," she continued, sliding her viser up so her words could be heard by those who had yet to get geared up, her words slicing through the silence that had settled in the hangar. "As you all know, Colony Alpha, an exploratory colony's communication ceased three weeks ago. Our mission is to descend and asses the situation. Luckily, we have already completed one part of the mission, and now we need to find out what has happened and report back."
"Hey captain, I heard that we are going to be splitting into teams. May I know why that is?" a woman slightly older than me, with long light brown hair and piercing blue eyes, inquired just as she secured her helmet into place.
"The reason for that, Ella, is the colony spans about 4.6 miles in all directions, and we have confirmed that there are no life signatures, so we will need to cover more ground," Amelia explained, her tone confident and decisive.
"Since all that is settled, I'll assign teams. Atlas Mercer and Henry Williams, you two will be together," she directed, acknowledging our partnership. "Once we enter the colony, I want you to check if the life support system is in working order. Me, Ella Adams, and Emily Carter will be going to scout the west side, and Dr. Benjamin, Owen Simmons
and Ethan Mitchell will scout the east."
"Alright, finish getting suited up," Amelia concluded, her voice resonating through the communication devices within our helmets...
With a mechanical whir and the release of the locking mechanism, the ship's access ramp lowered, revealing the Martian landscape before us. A powerful gust of wind immediately blasted against our suits, carrying with it a dense cloud of red dust. The visibility was minimal, the sandstorm reducing the world beyond to a swirling haze of rust-colored particles.
My heart thumped with a mix of exhilaration and anticipation as I set foot onto the crimson surface. The crunch of the rusty soil under my boots was barely audible over the howling winds. The sky, a dusky pink, was obscured by the swirling sands, making it feel as though we had stepped into an alien world shrouded in mystery.
Exchanging glances with my companions, I meticulously double checked my suit, ensuring every detail was in order. The dark silver armor glinted faintly under the dim light, its heavily armored structure promising protection against the harsh environment.
"Everyone good?" I called out, my voice transmitted clearly through the communication devices.
Henry gave a thumbs-up, his green eyes visible through his helmet's visor. "All set here. Let's get moving."
Amelia's voice cut through the static of the storm, authoritative yet calm. "Alright, team. Follow the map on your wrist consoles. We need to head towards Colony Alpha. Stay close and keep in constant communication."
We formed a line, each of us activating the navigation function on our wrist consoles. The digital map displayed a clear path, guiding us towards the colony despite the reduced visibility. As we moved forward, the wind pelted our suits with relentless force, the sand grains tapping against the armor like a thousand tiny hammers.
"Can you believe this storm?" Henry's voice crackled through the comms. "It's like Mars is giving us a proper welcome."
"Not exactly the red carpet treatment." i replied, keeping an eye on the ground ahead of me.
The trek was arduous. Each step felt like a battle against the elements, with the sandstorm making it challenging to see more than a few feet ahead. However, as we got closer, the massive dome of Colony Alpha gradually came into view, its imposing structure blocking most of the wind. The eerie darkness within the dome only added to the sense of unease.
"Hey Anyone else feel like we're walking into a horror movie?" Ella joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Henry laughed, the sound a welcome distraction. "If something jumps out at us, I'm blaming you for jinxing it."
We continued our march, the wind howling louder as we approached the entrance to the biosphere. Amelia's voice remained a steady guide. "Almost there. Keep moving."
Finally, we reached the entrance to the colony. Amelia stepped forward, her fingers deftly tapping on her tablet as she copied the password given to her. With a quick glance at the screen to ensure accuracy, she entered the code into the keypad beside the door.
With a mechanical hiss, the door slid open, revealing the dimly lit interior. "Alright, everyone inside," Amelia instructed, her voice echoing slightly in the enclosed space. We hurried through the doorway, a wave of relief washing over us as the door slid shut behind us with a soft thud.
The sudden stillness, a stark contrast to the chaos of the storm outside, was almost disorienting. I took a deep breath, grateful for the reprieve from the relentless wind and sand. The dim lighting cast long shadows, as Amelia moved to a nearby control panel and pulled a lever. "This will close the outer door and start the decontamination process," she explained.
A series of soft clicks and hums filled the air as the decontamination sequence began. The sound was almost soothing, a reminder that we were finally safe from the harsh Martian environment. I watched as the small nozzles in the walls sprayed a fine mist, cleaning our suits and ensuring no contaminants entered the colony.
After a few moments, a green light above the inner door flashed, and Amelia moved to pull another lever. The inner door slid open, to reveal yet another door and once we were through that set of doors the next door opened to reveal the buildings within.
Amelia's voice brought us back to task. "Alright, everyone, take a moment to regroup and check your gear. We need to be ready for anything."
I nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settle over me. "Got it. Let's see what we're dealing with."
We spread out, each of us inspecting our suits and equipment. The biosphere, once a haven for the colony's inhabitants, now felt like a tomb. The wind outside continued to howl, but inside, we were met with an unsettling silence, broken only by the occasional crackle of our communication devices.
As we traversed the abandoned streets, the weight of silence pressed down on us like a heavy cloak, each step reverberating in the emptiness around us. I turned to Henry, my voice barely above a whisper, "Do you think anyone made it out?"
Henry's expression mirrored my concern. "I honestly don't know, but despite that we should probably keep looking. There might be survivors out there, right?," he replied, his voice steady but carrying a hint of nervousness. Although he couldent help but think about it "I just can't imagine how this even happened; there were no warning signals or any sign's that the equipment malfunctioned; they all just disappeared."
"Well dwelling on it won't help us, so let's just focus on what we discover," I reassured, trying to maintain a positive outlook. Continuing our journey through the deserted streets, our footsteps were muffled against the dusty ground, adding to the eerie silence of the abandoned colony. Approaching the circular building dubbed the Atmospheric Control Center on my tablet. Henry tried the door with a twist, and luckily, it was unlocked as it swung open with a push.
Entering the building, I observed everything to be in working order, with nothing out of place. "Looks like it's working well," I commented, relieved to see the essential systems functioning smoothly.
"Yeah, it does seem like it's working, but I'll just double-check. It's better to be safe than sorry," Henry remarked, his eyes scanning the machinery for anomalies. "If we can ensure the air system is working properly, it could save lives."
Together, we meticulously checked each component, with Henry informing me what to search for as our fingers traced over valves and pipes that filled the space. The rhythmic hum of the machinery provided a reassuring backdrop, a stark contrast to the eerie silence that enveloped us.
"Looks like everything's in order," Henry remarked, a hint of relief coloring his voice as we completed our inspection.
"Let's hope it stays that way." i added unsealing my helmet and breathing in the fresh air
"Life support is functional," I reiterated over the communications, ensuring everyone was aware of the status.
"Okay, start heading to the center," Amelia's voice crackled through the communications, her voice guarded.
Venturing deeper into the heart of the colony, each step seemed to add to the tension thickening in the air, as if the buildings themselves harbored untold secrets waiting to be uncovered.
As we stepped into the first structure, a residence building with its multiple circular sections interconnected by extendible halls, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow as I saw toys scattered about. "I don't know what people were thinking. Bringing kids here," I said while picking up a small teddy bear.
Henry looked over at the stuffed animal and nodded in agreement, his eyes lingering for a second. "Let's split up and search each room," he proposed. "We need to cover as much ground as possible."
Walking through rooms was unsettling, with Tables laid overturned, personal items scattered about, and a sense of disorder in the air. But it was the tracks we found that sent a chill down my spine—tracks indicating people had fled in all directions before abruptly disappearing.
Exiting a smaller building called a repair station, Captain Grayson's commanding voice broke the silence over our communicators, "Everyone, gather around my location. You need to see this."
"Okay, we'll head over," I responded, following the map to Amelia's location. In the distance, amid massive buildings and machinery, my eyes caught sight of a colossal object. An immense, monolithic structure loomed. It was like nothing I had ever seen—pitch black and standing unnaturally against the surrounding mining facility. It hummed with a palpable vibration, a presence I could almost feel from a distance.
As I cautiously approached Amelia, I lowered my gun, my senses on high alert. I scanned the area but found nothing out of the ordinary. Ella Adams was already there, meticulously studying the monolith with her instruments.
Amelia's voice broke the silence, drawing our attention to our scientist for insight. "What do you make of it, Ella?"
Ella adjusted her instruments and examined her readings. "I've been studying this thing since we found it, and it's definitely strange. According to my instruments, it's like it's not even there," she explained, her tone laced with perplexity.
Henry furrowed his brow in confusion. "So what, we're looking at nothing? I mean, i definitely see something."
Ella shook her head. "No, it's definitely something. But it's like it's out of phase with our reality. The readings are unlike anything I've encountered before. It's not reflecting light or emitting any recognizable energy signatures. It's as if it exists in a different dimension or reality."
"S…so what do you think we should do?" Owen inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern.
Ella nodded thoughtfully. "From what I can tell, it's a physical object. It seems as if it burst through the ground as if it were dormant beneath the surface for eons. If I can have some time, I can set up a GPR and map out the underground around us; I'm sure there is one in the nearby facility," she suggested. "But first, we should set up camp. It seems that the sun is going down, and we need to prepare for the night."
"I'll see if there is any food in the nearby building's," Benjamin offered, eager to contribute to our collective effort.
"Sounds good," Amelia agreed. "Alright Let's set up camp here for the night. Ethan, help Benjamin with the meal. Henry and Atlas, make sure the area is secure."
As we set up camp, Benjamin wandered into a nearby building and soon called out, "Hey, I found some food supplies in here!"
We gathered around the building, setting up our tents and making the place as comfortable as possible. Ella, meanwhile, continued her work with the GPR equipment she found in a supply building nearby.
Sitting around a dimly lit makeshift table made of metal barrels, I watched intently as Ella set up her instruments around the area, her focus unwavering. "What do you think of calling it a night?" I called out, feeling the weariness settling in after a long day of exploration.
"Just a couple more spots, and I'll be done," she replied, her voice determined as she stabbed a couple of rods into the ground
"Alright have fun" i said getting up and heading over to set up some tents.
Once the last of the tents were set up, i deactivated my suit and spent a while detaching everything. Finally done i stepped out of my exoskeleton, feeling the cool night air against my skin. Gathering around the campfire, eating the meal Benjamin had prepared—a mix of dehydrated space rations and protein bars. The conversation was light, filled with shared experiences and plans for the next day.
"These rations aren't too bad," Henry remarked, taking another bite of his rehydrated vegetable stew. They remind me of the ones I got from my dad's storage."
"Yeah, they're not gourmet, but they do the job," I replied, savoring the familiar taste.
Amelia chuckled, her eyes reflecting the electric light. "I think we'll all appreciate a proper meal when we get back. For now, let's focus on getting some rest and preparing for tomorrow."
After dinner, I took the first watch, scanning the area for any signs of danger. The night was quiet, save for the wind's soft whistle outside and the monolith's distant hum. When it was time to switch, I found Ethan and nudged him awake.
"Your turn," I whispered, handing over the watch duty.
Ethan nodded groggily, getting up and taking his position. I crawled into my tent, exhaustion finally overtaking me. Gazing out from my tent at the monolith looming in the distance, I observed its smooth surface, its presence casting an eerie shadow over our camp. The day's discoveries and the mystery of the monolith swirled in my mind.
As I drifted into sleep, my mind plunged into a surreal realm. Shadows danced around the infinite expanse as if in a jubilant celebration, their movements captivating yet unsettling. Suddenly, a defining sound echoed through the air, reminiscent of thousands of trumpets blaring in unison, sending shivers down my spine. In a blur of motion, a colossal monolith materialized out of thin air, its sheer presence stunning me into silence.
As I stood there in awe, the ground beneath me seemed to blur and shift, propelling me forward toward the imposing structure now mere inches away. With trembling fingers, I reached out and touched it, feeling a strange warmth enveloping me, akin to the gentle embrace of a warm fire on a chilly night. But before I could fully comprehend the sensation, everything faded into darkness, leaving me disoriented and bewildered.
I jolted awake, my heart racing as I found myself standing before the monolith once more, this time fully awake and aware. Panic surged through me as I tried to pull my hand away, only to discover that it had seemingly melded with the surface. A searing heat spread from the point of contact, intensifying with each passing moment until I was on the brink of losing consciousness from the unbearable pain. Finally, my hand was released, and I stumbled backward, clutching it in agony only to find it strangely unblemished.
Before I could gather my thoughts, the ground beneath me began to convulse violently, sending shockwaves through my body. The solid form of the monolith shattered like fragile glass, its surface rippling like a disturbed pond, unleashing torrents of dark, viscous fluid that cascaded in all directions. In a desperate frenzy, I tried to escape, but the undulating ground made every step a struggle against gravity itself.
With each passing second, the tide of black fluid surged closer, swallowing everything in its path, including my vision, plunging me into a suffocating abyss of darkness.