Anastasia's eyes flew open, her heart racing like a jackrabbit. She was drenched in sweat, her sheets tangled around her legs. It took her a moment to realize she was in her own bed, safe and sound. The nightmare still lingered, its darkness clinging to her like a shroud.
In the dream, she was back in the laboratory, strapped to a bed in a cold, dark room. The smell of disinfectant and fear filled her nostrils. Dr. Miller's smile, twisted and cruel, haunted her. Jordan Soleil, her college roommate, stood beside him, her eyes gleaming with triumph.
"Dr. Miller, I think that's enough," Jordan said, her voice dripping with malice. "Why don't you leave the room for a moment?" Dr. Miller nodded and exited, leaving Jordan alone with Anastasia.
As the door closed, Jordan's expression turned sinister. "Thank you for the space you gave me," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "The crystal you gave me has been a game-changer. Everyone in the base thinks I'm a superpower because of it." Jordan's eyes gleamed with pride as she continued, "My space can fit at least five football fields, while even the level fives in the base can only manage one. And it's all thanks to you."
Anastasia's anger simmered as Jordan taunted her. "You gave me the crystal when I needed it, and now everyone values me. Even Julian values me because of what you gave me." Jordan's words cut deep, and Anastasia's anger turned to hatred as Jordan continued, "You brought the wolf into the house and killed your family. Supported him, yet he sold you to this laboratory. You were so blind to his true nature."
Jordan's laughter was like a knife to Anastasia's heart. "A headstrong woman who doesn't know her place," Jordan repeated, her voice dripping with mockery. "I pity you." She went outside to meet Julian and they hugged each other.
Anastasia's hatred and pain boiled over, and she would rather make them all die than let them enjoy after her death.
Jordan and Julian stood outside looking at her through the glass window as Dr. Miller and his colleagues started to cut open her chest, only to have her core explode before it could be extracted. Her core which was peculiarly different from the other superpowers or zombies blew up as a defense mechanism, wiping away the laboratory and the whole of Dunwreath's military safe base with it, off the face of Terra.
As she sat up in bed, gasping for air, Anastasia realized that the nightmare was more than just a reflection of her past. It was a reminder of the darkness that lurked within her.
Anastasia stood in front of the mirror, her eyes scanning her reflection. She checked her face, her hands, ensuring she was still the same person. Her gaze drifted to her phone, and realized that a day had passed since her rebirth, and she was still alive.
After verifying her surroundings, Anastasia splashed water on her face, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. She reached for the crystal pendant around her neck, the one she'd been born with. Unhooking the necklace, she held the crystal in her hand, memories flooding back.
As she examined the crystal, Anastasia wondered how to unlock its secrets. She tried connecting with through her consciousness it, spat on it, threw it on the floor, but nothing worked. However, when she held it, she felt a deep connection, like there was more to it than she knew.
Suddenly, Anastasia remembered a detail from the apocalypse novels she'd read in her leisure times. The heroines often used a drop of their blood to activate space crystals or similar artifacts. Without hesitation, she pricked her finger and let a drop of blood fall onto the crystal.
As soon as the blood touched the crystal, Anastasia's consciousness was sucked into it. She was surprised, unsure what was happening, as her awareness merged with the crystal.
As Anastasia's consciousness merged with the crystal, she found herself standing on a vast expanse of fertile land, stretching as far as the eye could see – at least five acres of lush greenery.
Before her stood a majestic castle, its upper reaches shrouded in clouds and mist, veiling the main structure from view. Curious, Anastasia made her way to the back of the castle, where she discovered a crystal-clear stream teeming with live fish, shrimps, and other aquatic life. The stream was abundant and its gentle flow created a soothing melody. Beyond the stream, the landscape dissolved into a thick, impenetrable mist, hiding what lay beyond.
As Anastasia explored the castle, she marveled at the lush greenery surrounding her. She had entered through the southern side, where the front door swung open with ease. The main room, akin to a grand parlor, greeted her with its opulent furnishings. A crystal on the central table caught her eye, its facets glinting in the soft light. Though she felt an inexplicable connection to it, she resisted the urge to touch it, instead proceeding deeper into the castle.
Her curiosity led her to the middle section, a breathtaking greenhouse filled with an array of medicinal herbs and plants. At its center, a majestic fountain bubbled with crystal-clear water, a fish sculpture at its core, water flowing from its mouth. The edge of the fountain was adorned with deeply embedded stones, adding to the serene ambiance. Anastasia's gaze wandered to the surrounding area, where precious medicinal materials lay scattered, some dating back thousands of years.
The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the earthy aroma of aged herbs. Anastasia's senses were overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of nature's bounty. She approached the fountain, dipping her hand into the cool water. The liquid felt refreshing, and she couldn't resist taking a sip. The water's sweetness danced on her palate, invigorating her senses
Anastasia's gaze turned toward the northern door, her curiosity piqued. She approached the door, trying to open it, but it wouldn't budge. Undeterred, she returned to the serene greenhouse, drawn to the fountain's soothing waters. She took a few sips, feeling refreshed and invigorated by the water's sweetness. After a few more drops, she felt revitalized and decided to explore more of the castle.
As she entered the parlor, her eyes landed on the crystal on the central table once more. This time, she noticed doors to the right and left of the room. She chose the left door and discovered a sleek, modern kitchen with an automated waste management system that burned waste and provided gas for cooking. The innovative technology of the ancients left her in awe, especially since crystals embedded in the walls served as a source of light throughout the house.
Her exploration led her to a vast storage room, which seemed more like an infinite warehouse. The store was filled with precious medicinal materials, chests overflowing with gold, and an astonishing array of seeds – wheat, rice, and various fruit seeds, including some from extinct species. What struck her as peculiar was the lack of vegetables and the limited quantity of food items, with seeds being the primary focus.
Anastasia's wonder turned to amazement as she realized the sheer scale and organization of the store. Overwhelmed by the discoveries, her consciousness began to leave the crystal space, eager to return to her physical body.