Doomday Engineer

The facility hummed softly, the sound of old machinery still struggling to stay alive. The walls were thick, the steel doors secure, but I knew better than to feel safe. Nothing lasted forever.

Lily was still asleep, her tiny fingers clutching the edge of the blanket. Shadow lay at her feet, ears twitching at every small sound. Good. He'd warn me if something was coming.

I sat by the console, my fingers tapping against the cold metal.

[System Notification: Automated Defense Turrets – Offline (Power Required)]

[New Task: Restore Energy Supply]

The geothermal plant beneath the island was running at 30% efficiency—barely enough to keep the lights on. If I wanted full access to this facility's defenses, labs, and whatever secrets it held, I needed more power.

I checked the map I had taken from the scavengers. They had been looking for something. Their crude markings led to an old supply depot, a few miles inland. If there was spare tech there—solar panels, fuel cells, anything—I could use it.

But leaving meant risk.

I glanced back at Lily. Could I afford to leave her here, even with Shadow?

The answer was no.

I sighed, adjusting the rifle on my back. Then I'd have to move fast.

---

The cold hit me like a fist the moment I stepped outside. Thick ice covered the ground, the air sharp and unforgiving. The world wasn't just dying. It was already dead.

Shadow padded beside me, his breath visible in the frigid air. I moved carefully, keeping my steps light. The last thing I needed was to fall into an ice fissure—I had seen them before, deep cracks in the earth swallowing whatever got too close.

[System Notification: Detecting Structure Ahead]

I crouched, raising my rifle.

Through the frost-covered trees, I saw it—a rusted metal outpost, half-buried in snow. The doors were slightly open, swinging weakly in the wind.

Too easy.

I moved closer, heart pounding. Shadow stopped, growling low.

Something wasn't right.

I adjusted my grip on the rifle and stepped inside.

The air was stale. Shelves were overturned, supplies scattered. Someone had been here before—recently.

Then I saw the blood.

A trail of frozen crimson leading to the back room.

I swallowed hard and followed.

The moment I stepped inside, the system flared to life.

[Warning: Unknown Organic Presence Detected]

What?

Then the body moved.