Chapter I – Steps

  Following that metallic figure, we spent several days crossing a dense forest, hoping to reach the nearest city and decide what to do next. During the time we spent together, I noticed Finder’s affinity for survival tactics; his mastery in hunting and setting up camp showed that he was an experienced traveler and that he did not need my presence at all to continue his journey. With so many hours of walking throughout the day, I took the opportunity to start a conversation with the first and only thinking being I had seen since waking up in this world.

  — So, where exactly are we going? — I asked casually.

  — I am heading to the nearest city. Perhaps there I will find some clue...

  — A clue? You certainly are a mysterious guy, Finder.

  — “Guy”? I have never been called that before, human. But you have your own mysteries as well — a young man abandoned in the middle of a ruined campus who has been following me for days.

  — Don’t say it like that, you make me sound like a stalker. I just want to survive, and you are my best opportunity for that. — I replied with a smile that was not very reciprocated.

  Throughout the day as we walked, I persistently tried to remember who I was and what had happened to me before waking up on that campus. However, I only felt that my memories were still very distant from me. I thought to myself that finding some civilization might help me recover them. Near sunset, we finally left the dense forest and spotted a village in the distance.

  As we approached, Finder covered every part of his body with some kind of tunic, so that not even his face could be clearly seen. I immediately understood that it was necessary given his inhuman form, but I found myself wondering how he felt about it.

  Up close, the village seemed somewhat sinister. Some people wandered with blank expressions, as if they were merely existing; others carried fear in their eyes, as if something terrible were about to happen at any moment. Even though it was fairly large, most of the village lay in a funerary silence, as if the people inside their homes were frozen in place. The entire atmosphere sent a cold sensation down my spine and filled me with constant anxiety, as though the villagers were watching us through cracks in the windows in absolute silence.

  At least the center of the village was somewhat busier. The establishments had a minimal flow of people. The most crowded building was a large church in the middle of the town. Unlike the rest of the buildings, this church was gigantic — its central dome could be seen from afar, and the wide staircases leading to the entrance were filled with villagers and men dressed in white robes marked with red crosses.

  If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  — So they are here as well. It was to be expected. — said Finder.

  — Who are they?

  — You do not know this either, human? They are the strongest power in this world — the Church of Red Crucis.

  — A church ruling the world? How unusual.

  — Unusual would be a world without it. After all, it is the one that deals with the Plague.

  — Plague? It seems there are many things I still do not know.

  Quickly, Finder moved away from that crowd, and we headed toward the nearest inn. As soon as we entered, we realized that the lower floor was used as a tavern. I noticed a hesitation in the metallic being before stepping inside. Understanding the situation, I swiftly requested two rooms for the night. However, on the way, I noticed two drunk men harassing a young hooded woman who sat alone at her table, and I stopped to observe the scene more closely. Finder placed his hand on my shoulder, urging me to move on, but I felt something strange about that girl.

  — What is a beautiful young lady doing here alone, drinking? Want some company? — said the younger drunk, already sitting at her table.

  — Excuse me. — The young woman quickly stood up and tried to leave.

  — Where are you going, miss? Won’t you sit down and have a chat with us? — said the older drunk, grabbing her by the arm.

  — Can you let me go?

  — No need to be shy. We will treat you nicely.

  In the very next second, the girl grabbed the drunk’s arm and, in a clean motion, flipped him over her shoulder and threw him onto the table. At that moment, my instinct was to run closer along with Finder, and I was able to see her face better. She was a beautiful girl, with hair as black as the night sky itself, complementing her dark blue eyes like the sea reflecting the night heavens. Up close, I noticed she was practically my height and surprisingly strong, even while maintaining a feminine appearance.

  With the commotion escalating, two more men stood up and charged at her. On impulse, I pushed one backward while she knocked down the other with a quick sequence of strikes. Suddenly, one of them got back up and, attempting to hit me, ended up striking Finder squarely. When he fell to the ground, the impact echoed loudly, and his hood fell off.

  For a second, everyone inside the tavern froze in disbelief as the metallic being rose to his feet. In the next instant, two men dressed in white robes rushed in. They looked at the girl, looked at Finder, and shouted to the others outside:

  — CATHERINE AND AN ABOMINATION ARE HERE! CALL FOR REINFORCEMENTS!

  — Damn it. — said the robot and the girl, both disoriented by the situation.

  I did not hesitate. I grabbed her hand, pulled Finder up, and together we ran through the back door, ignoring everything and everyone. For several minutes we ran without stopping, but with every passing moment we seemed more surrounded by the Church’s men. The silence that lay over most of the city only made our escape harder. A distraction would have been welcome, but it was impossible. Our only hope was to run through the alleys until we managed to lose them — something that, at that moment, felt like a very distant dream.

  Both the girl and I were already showing clear signs of exhaustion, and in that tense moment Finder made the decision to stay behind and serve as bait. With so much happening at once, I felt dazed, Finder didn’t look back. He simply turned and ran in the opposite direction. And for a brief second, just one, I understood he might not survive that choice