“Tell me everything,” Ashlem said.
Immediately, Singla, knowing she had a significant advantage, as she realized Ashlem was likely stronger than Nero, Soul Devourer, thought it wise to ally with the Hunter to gain her freedom.
“Nero used me to drain your energies so he could eventually absorb all your abilities, especially Ashlem's, to become the strongest of all, surpassing hunters, Kronkilas, and the kings of the 26 zones of the Moambian country, especially the most feared one who is ruling Zone Z. For that reason, I didn’t drain you to death. The one who had to kill you was only him,” Singla said, sparking the curiosity of both.
“And now, what happened to our memories?” Ashlem asked.
“About your memories, it’s simple. Nero just gave me a red liquid to serve you, and it surely caused these lapses in you,” Singla replied.
“You were right, this has to do with the past when we had the war against Unimpires,” Ashlem said, looking at Tony.
“And you’re his servant?” Tony asked, though the question was obvious.
“I think that’s obvious, right?” Singla said.
“Then tell us how we got here and what is this? What Zone are we in?” Ashlem said.
“You were captured 10 years after the war against Unimpires, where fortunately you won, and in these 10 years that you’ve been imprisoned here, the era of the Zonal Kingdoms began,” Singla explained.
“What are the Zonal Kingdoms?” Tony asked.
“They are Zones illegally governed by Kronkilas, hunter-hunters, or hunters, and they are hunted by the Moambian government. Wait! But there are some kings allied with the government. Well, in short, I’m talking about corruption.”
“That also makes me think that where we are is one of the Zones,” Ashlem said.
“Exactly, it’s a Zone,” Singla said.
“Zone?” Tony asked.
“Zone N,” Singla said.
Ashlem walked toward her, untied her, and then handed her her clothes.
“Get dressed, because you’ll be very useful to help us end this nonsense,” Ashlem said.
Singla took her clothes, dressed, and then said:
“It won’t be that simple.”
“How come?” Tony asked.
“To get out of here, we’ll have to face the worst and the best soldiers trained by Nero,” Singla said.
“At least about Nero, we can rest easy,” Ashlem said.
“Then let’s come up with the best plan to get out of here,” Tony said. He paused, looked at Singla, and continued, “Being here with Singla, it will be easier because she knows this place,” he added.
“Let’s do it,” Ashlem said, looking into Singla's eyes with a hint of distrust.
The three of them — Ashlem, Tony, and Singla —left the modern cabin exactly as many drones and soldiers were moving from one place to another with a concerning frequency. They had already discussed the essentials, and that was very important to take a crucial step.
They all left with weapons and ammunition to face any obstacle out there.
Ashlem looked up, and immediately his Viko activated. His eyes turned green, and he saw that the sky wasn’t real, but simulated.
“Are we in a simulated base?” Ashlem asked, pointing a Glock at Singla’s face.
“Yes, it’s a simulated base,” Singla confirmed without hesitation, but with an enigmatic tone. “Everything here is designed to look like a real Zone, but it’s just an illusion created by Nero to train his soldiers and manipulate prisoners like you.”
Tony approached, restless, his hand firmly on the hilt of his short sword:
“And why would he keep us here for ten years? What’s the purpose of making us forget who we are?”
Singla sighed, looking away toward the drones hovering like predators.
“Because you two are weapons. Nero didn’t just want to absorb your abilities. He wanted to break your minds and use you as puppets against the kings of the Zones. You’re not just prisoners... you’re key pieces in his war.”
Ashlem lowered his weapon, but the tension on his face remained. He looked at Tony.
“If she’s right, we can’t trust her completely. She worked for him,” the Hunter said.
“And if it’s a trick?” Tony countered, looking at Singla. “She could be leading us straight into a trap.”
Singla raised her hands surrendering.
“I’ve got nothing to lose anymore. If I wanted to betray you, I would have done it already. But I’ll prove my loyalty.”
She took a device that looked more like a phone from her clothing, pressed a button, and a holographic screen appeared, displaying a detailed map of the base. Singla pointed to an exit marked in red.
“Here’s the nearest exit. But to get there, we’ll have to pass through the Control Room. It’s where Nero monitors everything.”
Ashlem narrowed his eyes, observing the map.
“If we destroy the Control Room, we can deactivate the simulation. That will give us an advantage.”
“Or it will draw even more attention,” Tony said, hesitating.
“Either way, it’s our best chance,” Ashlem said. “Let’s split up. Singla, you come with me to the Control Room. Tony, find the arsenal and get explosives. We’ll need them.”
Tony nodded, but before leaving, he stared at Singla and said:
“I hope you know what you’re doing. Because if you don’t, you’ll be the first to fall.”
Singla only smiled slightly, as if she knew something they didn’t.