Project X

You can't remember the last time you saw sunlight.
Down here, time ceased to have meaning long ago. Days, weeks, years… it doesn't matter anymore.
All that remains is the constant sound of the ventilation system and the faint buzzing of the emergency lights.
You entered this bunker alone.
No time to take anyone with you.
No goodbyes.
Just a door closing between you and the end of the world.
Now… something has changed.
A metallic sound breaks the silence of the shelter.
CLANK…
The lights are blinking.
The main panel lights up a red alert that you don't remember seeing before.
“EXTERNAL OPENING PROTOCOL ACTIVATED”
You slowly approach the main gate.
The air feels different.
Heavier… or perhaps lighter.
You're not sure.
The hydraulic mechanism begins to move with a deep groan.
CLANK… CLANK…
The door opens slowly.
A line of light pierces the darkness of the bunker.
It's not the light you remember.
It's cold.
Strange.
Unknown.
You take a step forward with your backpack and pistol in hand, while your makeshift axe is safely tucked into your belt as you take another step… then another… and you're out.
The world is no longer the same.
On both sides of the exit, the ground is covered with debris.
Bones.
Dozens of skeletons scattered in front of the gate.
Some are piled up as if they had tried to force their way in.
Others are stretched out towards the door, their hands still outstretched, frozen in the attempt.
The marks on the metal are scratched from the outside.
As if something… or someone… had desperately tried to get in.
The silence outside is absolute.
And for the first time, you realize something.
You don't know if the world was waiting for you…
or if he was locking you up from the beginning.