BEYOND THE FALLOUT

THE EFFECT OF MAN

Kael sat beside Echo, attending to her wounded arm. Her eyes were fixed on the burning flame as it danced and crackled.

“They say,” he began, his voice calm and serious, “there was a mighty explosion at the company.”

The explosion led to the exposure of the serum to other rare natural elements, together with the atmosphere, which caused an enormous radioactive wave that affected half of the world.

“Half of the Earth?” Echo whispered softly, staring at the burning campfire. Her expression looked pitiful as she turned her gaze to the ground.

“Yes, Echo,” I said. “The high radioactive wave instantly destroyed everything in its path. Cities turned into ruins, landmarks became dead zones, and countries turned into tombs for their own citizens. Half of the world instantly became a vast wasteland. More than half of the population on this side of the world was wiped out by the radiation beam, and those who managed to survive were never the same again.

That is what we call the CATACLYSM EFFECT.”

Looking at Echo, I could tell what she was thinking. Her gaze was fixed on the burning fire, her body relaxed, her eyes frozen in a trance. Her body may have been present, but her mind was far gone — lost in the vast regions of thought. I could sense it. She was sad.

Imagine experiencing the most life-changing event of your life — and not being able to remember it. The feelings you’ve shared with family and friends… the hugs, the kisses, the good times, and the ones that made you feel on top of the world… all of a sudden, they became thoughts rather than memories.

Maybe that’s why Echo had a numb, emotionless expression on her face.

Hmmm, poor girl, I thought within myself.

“How did the explosion even happen?” Echo asked, her tone surprisingly hasty yet calm, eager for a straight, immediate answer.

“Well,” I answered as I stood upright. “I’m not sure. Maybe someone wanted to shut the program down but accidentally caused an explosion,” I said as I slowly scratched the back of my head with my left hand. “No one knows for sure — or even cares to find out why,” I added. “The damage has already been done. No need to start or keep blaming people.”

“You should get some rest,” I said, walking toward the fire. “Tomorrow’s a brand-new day. You have to keep your strength.”

I separated the firewood to slowly put out the flames. Then I lay on the floor and dozed off instantly.

Echo rested her head on the ground. Her eyes were fixated on the starry night sky.

“Half of the world?” she whispered as she closed her eyes and drifted into sleep.



The dream of every man is to know tomorrow — even just a glimpse.

For the fear of today is tomorrow.

Why, you might wonder?

Remember those unsure moments when you lay back and ask yourself: How will tomorrow go?

Those thoughts become burdens — whether it's the thought of having money tomorrow, or food, or wondering what your life will be like in two years. Those are the burdens I speak of.

Now imagine, if by a slim chance, you had the opportunity to peek into tomorrow… would you take it? Would you accept the offer just to quench that dying thirst to know what the future holds?

Yes! I assume. That might be the answer any man would give.

Hence — the biggest wish that can never fully come true.



I smelled smoke. Gently, I opened my eyes.

Morning? How long did I sleep? I asked myself as I sat upright.

I turned to my left — the campfire had gone out.

Where is Kael? The thought struck.

I turned to my right, but he was gone.

Since the day was bright, I stood up to get a better view of my surroundings. Around me were rubble and destroyed buildings.

Oh yes... the CATACLYSM EFFECT, I suddenly remembered.

With that knowledge, I could fully understand my environment. The sky was bright blue with a few clouds. The sun’s rays felt gentle on my skin. Flying in the sky… were nothing. Not a single living creature.

All that remained was a civilization abandoned for years.

Only a few buildings still stood, though they were in terrible condition.

Cars, trucks, and houses were all badly damaged, with green moss and wild plants growing everywhere.

Indeed, I was sure this was how the half of the world affected by the radiation looked.

Gently, I began to walk into the town — turning left and right, observing and learning my surroundings.

Then I stumbled upon a glass wall. On it was an image.

Is that me? I wondered.

I raised my arm to see if it would move the same way in the reflection.

It was a reflection, I said, walking closer.

I didn’t actually remember how I looked, so it felt strange.

I wore a white gown that stopped at my knees. Although it was tattered at the base, it still looked nice. I had fair skin, dark hair, and black eyes. I looked tall and mature — definitely in my 20s. 26, to be precise.

I stretched my hands to touch my face.

So this is me, I said, still staring at my reflection.

From a distance, unfamiliar noises rang out.

What’s that? I said, turning my head to locate the sound.

Vroooom! A bike rode out of nowhere and stopped a few feet away from me.

“Well, what do we have here?” a lady spoke.

The bike was black and white. The handles were longer than usual, and the seat was closer to the base. Riding it was a woman. She was huge, with the physique of a man. Her face had scars — probably from fights. Her voice was thick, yet feminine.

She wore a brown, sleeveless jacket with fur at the collar. Wrapped around her chest was a breast tube. On her feet were thick leather boots, and on her legs, black jeans.

“What do we have here?” she asked again.

“Hey fellas, check this out — fresh meat,” she said, calling the attention of her comrades.

“Oh-wee!” one of them exclaimed, his eyes filled with lust. It appeared all her comrades were men. Though they were skinny, their rough looks gave the impression they weren’t people to take lightly.

“How can I help you all?” I asked, expressionless.

“Well, since you asked so politely,” one of them replied, “we just wanted to offer you two choices: would you like to die or become a slave?” he said, ending his statement.

“Quite a hasty but generous offer — but I’ll have to decline,” I said calmly.

“I’m not interested in friends,” I added, turning to walk away.

“Hey, you dead-eyes girl — we’re talking to you!” another comrade yelled, pulling out a gun and pointing it straight at me.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” I said as I continued to walk away.

“Just go and find someone else to befriend.”

“What!?” the comrade yelled, then fired a bullet straight at me.

A bullet to the skull? Ain’t that a rough way to go.

Many people picture themselves in serious life-or-death situations, imagining how they would save themselves. If one could glimpse tomorrow — or even a few seconds into the future — the possibilities of actions would be limitless.

But can one actually see into the future? Or is it just an illusion based on the outcomes of actions already taken?

Well, as for me… “I may not be able to see into the future, but I definitely don’t give anyone the right to decide it for me.”

These thoughts flashed through my mind as the bullet raced toward me like lightning.