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Travelling the dark and eerie corridors of the Ishimura, I can't help but marvel at the twisted beauty of the ship's decaying interior.

It's a haunting sight, a stark reminder of the horrors and deaths that have unfolded in the haunting hallways. Yet, amongst the chaos; the danger; the reanimated and mutated corpses, there is this… Strange allure to the forsaken vessel.

Moving in sync, our footsteps echo along the dark ambience. The tension in the air is palpable, as if the ship itself is holding its breath, waiting for the next wave of horror to crash upon us. But we press on, one out of desperation; one out of sheer anger. "That's the seventh one in this corridor alone…" Isaac mumbles, his voice heavy with weariness as I stomp on the wiggling, limbless carcass.

This used to be a woman… The signs are all there: The slight, near unnoticeable bulge in her chest due to how malnourished she seems; the faded blond strands poking out of her scalp and the twisted grimace welded to her visage- eternally stuck in a horrified scream as a result of her mutations. Where teeth should be, there are now only razor-sharp fangs, stretching from ear-to-ear to form a stiff smile. 'Oh, my sweet boy… I can make it all go away, just make us who– žÆŘÿř–!'

For an instance, brief as it is, I feel Death nearing and wince at the agonizing pang in my brain.

Isaac's muffled gasp brings me back to reality, and I realize I'm clutching my head, fighting against the intruding voice that seems to seep into my thoughts.

We both know that the Marker, the source of these hallucinations and mutations, must be destroyed. It's the only way to put an end to the madness that has consumed the Ishimura, 'W- Why fight me? Make us whole, my boy–!'

Unhesitatingly, we continue through the eerie corridors, cautious of every shadow, every creaking sound. The twisted beauty of the ship's interior no longer enthralls us; instead, it only serves as a stark reminder of the horror that went down. "Almost there." As we near the Engineering Deck, the heart of the Ishimura, I can almost taste the impending victory. But my relief is short-lived as I notice the room is not empty…

"As expected. Incoming." I whisper to the engineer, using my enhanced vision to catch glimpses of several Lurkers crawling amidst the fleshy growths that have overtaken the metallic walls. But there's something else, a Necromorph that resembles a stingray, its form covered in hard-boiled, skinned flesh- stalking, watching our every moves, reminiscent of an ambush predator.

I quickly share this vital information with the engineer who fidgets in discomfort. "Where?" Isaac inquires, fingers uneasily tightening on the trigger of his bulky Plasma Cutter; his palm shaped into a claw in preparation to use Stasis or Kinetic Modules. Harshly, I shove him to the ground. Just as Isaac's about to question my sudden 'hostility', a Lurker lashes at where his helmeted head used to be.

The crab-like, tentacle Necromorph may not have been instantly lethal with its strike, but Isaac's RIG is flashing yellow already. Without hesitation, I signal the engineer to retreat to a safe distance, my finger discreetly gesturing towards the Lurkers' locations. With or without the Suit, I can still take quite the beating, but Isaac's a normal person- it's best to err on the side of caution rather than risk further harm to our sole engineer.

As we continue to retreat from the approaching threat, my mind swiftly formulates a plan of action. With calculated precision, I draw my Motorized Pulse Rifle, unleashing a cascade of bullets which utterly decimates the encroaching Necromorphs tentacle by tentacle. However, whist I was distracted, one of the creatures has cunningly exploited the chaos to creep behind us.

In a split second, I make a decision that defies instinct.

Allowing the enemy's tentacle to ensnare my arm rather than my face. Tightening my grip, I demonstrate a strength that far surpasses its feeble attempts to pull me back.

Meanwhile Isaac, standing witness to this unexpected turn of events, swiftly raises his Plasma Cutter, showcasing a precision that I had not realized he possessed. A well-aimed shot effortlessly halves the creature, severing its lower body yet its upper half's determined to stay stubbornly attached, gripping ever tighter despite the gruesome removal of 50% of its total mass. Effortlessly, I twirl the Necromorph by its tentacle, expertly controlling its trajectory through skillful fingers and smashing the Lurker into the stingray-like brethren.

The horrific impact results in the instantaneous demise of both creatures, their gory remains scattering around us, yet the stingray seems… Persistent. Suddenly, someone connects to our RIGs, "Isaac, Campbell? This is Hammond." And in a moment of distraction caused by the call, I fail to notice the Necromorph's stinger.

Before I can react, its needle-like appendage plunges into my neck, penetrating my skin which- if I may add- has weathered multiple 50Cal. rounds in the same exact spot prior. It immediately starts injecting a substance into my bloodstream. It is obvious whatever this invasive substance is, its aims are to infect and take total control of my living cells. "JULIUS!"

"I'm fine! I'm–"

I scream as an intense heat begins to spread under my skin. "I'M GONNA BE FI– Argh!"

Instantly, my body, already inhabited by the viral Corvinus Strain that grants me enhanced abilities, initiates a fierce battle against the invading alien influence. The two fast-acting diseases engage in a struggle for dominance, but even I, inexperienced as I am, can sense that my body's defenses are slowly yet surely faltering, for in reality, the odds were stacked against me from the start.

"Are you… Are you certain?" Isaac questions hesitatingly, though as can be expected from someone in my situation, I spare the engineer no heed, for there's none to spare.

The cosmic radiations responsible for transforming dead tissue into Necromorphs draw their energy from the seemingly infinite source of the Marker. On the other hand, the enhanced Corvinus Strain within me relies solely on my own enhanced, yet nevertheless limited pool. The forces at play leave me with the unsettling realization that victory against this invasive threat may prove beyond reach, but I still have one last trump card. 'I wonder… What'll I become?'

Realizing the urgency of the situation and the inevitable triumph of the Marker will have over my body, I hurriedly grab my phone.

A wicked grin stretches across my face as I notice a Notification flashing on the screen.

[The onset of infection has commenced- Would you be inclined to purchase the assistance package?]

[Cost: 1KP]

[Timer: 52 Seconds remaining]

[Yes] [No]

Despite the dire circumstances, a glimmer of hope sparks within me, knowing that this notification is my chance to turn the tables on the Marker in this otherwise bleak battle for survival.

'YES!' I mentally shout, fat-fingering the buttons in a complete panic which, of course, causes to be shut off. Earlier, it's still not obvious what's happening, but the signs of… Necromorphosis are extremely clear now. Isaac retreats, gasping in horror as my body breaks and bends while I shakily open the Magnus App. Every cell in my body burns and seems determined to die fighting or rebel, beginning to incorporate elements of the foul disease perpetrated by the Alien Artifact.

If that wasn't enough to compound the situation, Hammond's anguished voice resonates through the coms, filled with desperation and urgency. "Look at him! You know what he'll become, and I'll be damned if I lose another good man to this cursed ship! Shoot him, Isaac!" The weight of his words hangs heavy in the air, causing unease to ripple through my consciousness just as a red haze taints all in sight.

'Poor Isaac. Whatever shall he do?' The dark reflection of myself mocks, and I cannot help but agree. The choice before the engineer is indeed an agonizing one, forced to decide the potential fate that awaits me. Not that he needs to, but neither him nor Hammond know it at the moment. 'IF puSh CoMEs tooo ShoVe…'

The Klyntar flings himself in the discussion, croaking which prompts him to complain even more. 'Oh goodie. The fucking thing talks in riddles now.' The seconds keep ticking away as the Klyntar too joins the effort to combat the Marker's influence. Standing frozen in place, Isaac brings the Plasma Cutter up, then lowers the nozzle hesitatingly. He will continue to do that for several tense seconds, battling his own inner-turmoil before, "No… I won't do it. I won't shoot him, not until he has turned."

"Are you mad? Shoot him! That's an order!" Hammond barks, visibly worried for his man and disturbed by my transformation.

"Only after he has turned and not a second earlier!" The engineer loudly proclaims.

Tension fills the air as Hammond's command clashes directly with Isaac's morals and the situation grows increasingly volatile with each passing moment, all while fate of both Isaac and myself hang in the balance. It's not like I can't understand him. The Marine has seen too much to ignore the signs- We all have.

Yet, Isaac, fueled by naught but stubbornness and his own morality, two factors that seem to always go hand-in-hand, vehemently refuses to follow his superior's order in a hope that there may yet be a chance for me. Perhaps it is that very loyalty, courage and righteousness even in the face of imminent danger, insurmountable odds or mounting pressure of the situation which has thus far allowed him to defy the Marker.

Still, as appreciative as I am for his kindness, their echoing voices- reverberating through the coms, do prove quite irritating.

Hammond's voice crackles through the coms once again, his tone desperate. "Isaac, you have to! If we don't stop him, he'll turn into one of them. He'll become a threat to all of us."

Isaac ignores him, eyes locked on mine. "Julius, I won't give up on you. We'll find a way to help you, I promise." His words provide a measure of comfort, but time is running out. As the timer on my phone reaches zero, I manage to press 'Yes' before a blinding light engulfs me. When it fades, I find myself hovering in a void, surrounded by pulsating, hellish energy. Then, the darkness too wanes, leaving me in a familiar apartment. The walls are covered in green molds and yellowing stains; the floor in sharp shards- fragments from empty bottles of cheap alcohol.

'This is– What sorcery is this?!'

I mumble.

'It is good to be back…'

He laughs.

Rustlings sound behind us, and I whirl around to find her, in all her glory.

Gone, are the traces and wears of substances-abuse.

Gone, are the bruises littering her body from new boyfriends- sleazebags who didn't care a lick about her.

Gone, are the stab-wounds we made across her flesh…

"You're not her."

The thing tilts its head, a playful yet gentle smile at the corners of its lips. "You may wear her face, but you're not her. You're the Marker, aren't you?" I easily arrive to the conclusion as memories of its doings repeat in my mind. "What are you exactly? A WMD employed by aliens to destroy all sentient lifeforms that may prove their competitors? Machines that turned against their organic masters? Or maybe… Remnants of a bygone Civilization who sought Godhood through Unification?"

Each possibility's equally terrifying as it is plausible. Someone had to have created this abomination against Nature, but if the weapon is already this… Twisted, what of the creators? What horrors are they?

The creature chuckles, its voice a distorted mix of echoes and whispers that reverberate through my skull. "Ah, Julius, my sweet boy. How perceptive you are. I am indeed the embodiment of the Marker's will. I am the goal of all Life- a path paved by predecessors to achieve enlightenment."

"Oh spare me the bullshit you preach to those dumbass Unitologists. Never had faith in Gods. Never planned on adopting a Religion either–" I scoff, eyelids twitching- a tell to my annoyance. "Let alone one as fucked up as yours. Besides, it took a lot of efforts to look this good. I'm not going to waste it to become a regular infected." I drawl, trying to buy time whilst my mind whirls with plan after plan.

Logically, the outbreak should end if the Marker's destroyed, as it is the source of the infection and since the Necromorphs seem to constantly radiate Necromorphic Waves, the reanimated corpses will naturally drop without the Artifact fueling them. As long as I destroy the Marker… 'This nightmare will end.'

But in my current state, I am little more than a vessel for its power, utterly helpless.

"I don't understand… Why do you fight this- fight me? I am your mother!" It appears so sincere it is scary, but therein lies the hole in its mask.

That woman hated my guts-

She believed I was the cause of her misery-

She would never display such in affection, not even in public where she always wore a sunny disposition- the same charm I've come to adopt for own use. A burst of irrational anger spikes in my chest at the sight of her- so beautiful and peaceful… So whole.

'How dares she be happy whilst I suffer?'

Shaking the useless thoughts away, I put on a sarcastic smile, speeding through method after method to destroy the accursed Artifact.

There are nothing in my arsenal that can destroy an Alien Artifact of its size, except maybe- 'The ship!' If we can get the Ishimura up and running again, I'll let Isaac, Kendra and Hammond use the escape pods then pilot the ship to incinerate it all to oblivion!

So excited I am, that my thoughts completely dominate my mind yet the apparition shows no reaction, which lights up my eyes. 'III SMeLL… WeaKneSS!' Deimos growls in the depth of my consciousness, yet his voice sounds unusually distant- a result of this mental construct we are in, no doubt. 'Is it trying to isolate me from my allies?' That's very likely. Deimos would've torn it apart if he were here. 'It is odd though.'

I remember vividly pressing the 'Yes' button.

Has the App failed?

Is that why I'm here?

'No. It can't be.'

It couldn't have, otherwise the Marker wouldn't have wasted its time with words.

I know its kind, I know how they act and think: It may seem amicable now, but once it has what it wants, our lives will be forfeited. "We are connected, whether you wish it or not, Julius. Join me–" It stretches its hand invitingly. Defying all rationality, a part of me calls to it, yet I pay the urge no heed, knowing it is just another trick… It has to be. "Oh my poor child. My purposeless boy, is this not what you have always wanted? A purpose. To live and be a part of something greater?"

It strides towards me, its eyelashes blinking in rapid succession. "Can't you tell? You're better than the rest of them–"

Its hands snake across my shoulders seductively, an act that nearly made me balk in disgust as I grab the apparition by the throat. "What kind of disturbing shit are you pulling, wearing that woman's face?" The grin on my lips has been wiped clean, replaced with a nasty snarl I tried and failed to contain. Unlike I, the apparition never loses its gentle smile which my mind automatically translates to a cocky, insufferable smirk. "Join the winning side, Julius. Do the right thing for once in your life."

Its voice starts to gain a noticeably sinister tone. "JOIN US!" It screams, clawing at my neck. My vision blurs as a red haze falls over us again, but it never gets to continue since Anna makes her presence known. "Did I not tell you violence's not allowed?"

The woman possesses a striking appearance, her blonde hair tied in a neat bun with only a few messy strands poking out of the royal blue bowtie. Her emerald green eyes captivate anyone who meets her gaze, drawing them in with their vibrant hue. Standing on the shorter side, her stature further adds to her charm. However, there is a sense of weariness that lingers in her soft features, permanent marks caused by the harsh glare she seems so keen on wearing.

"Huh…"

"What?" She yelps, a rosy shine dusting her cheeks.

With a chuckle, I admit to Annabella that I was expecting a different appearance for no apparent reason: "Nothing, really. It's just that, for some weird reason, I had pictured you as a brunette with ocean blue eyes and twin-tails." Annabella looks a bit unsettled by the oddly accurate description, muttering. "It is scary how specific and how the accuracy of my statement is a bit unsettling. There may be a story behind it, but I decide it's best to avoid getting involved until we resolve the current crisis.

"Well… Do you like how I look?"

Was it my imagination, or did she just blush?

"Strikingly beautiful–" I answer without a hint of shame, a light-hearted grin adorning my face. Sending her a thumb-up, I give Annabella a thorough look from head to toes and add. "I like the professional look as well. It… Suits you."

Surprising, despite her shorter stature. 'I believe the Japanese call it 'Gap Moe' or something?'

Anna's expression immediately darkens when the term pops up in my mind as she questions my priorities.

"Really? You don't know any of the most well-known and prolific pieces of fiction ever written by Mankind, but you know what 'Gap Moe' is?"

With a casual shrug, I respond. "What can I say? Reading shit posts on the Internet is my way to pass time."

As expected, she refuses to deign my response with attention, though what I say next makes her rise. "I hope suits aren't all you wear. Gotta diversify a bit, you know? Have something more casual and fun in your closet."

"I have casual and fun!" She huffs, causing me to roll my eyes. "I never said you didn't–"

As I observe Annabella's exaggerated response, it strongly indicates that she might secretly be a closeted weeb or a Reddit moderator with anti-social tendencies and severe social anxiety. It's highly likely that I am the sole person she has had any meaningful conversation with in years, apart from her immediate family that is. "You–!"

"Get out of my thoughts, Annabella! I have a right to privacy!" I holler, feigning annoyance while Anna playfully retaliates. "Oh, please! I don't recall hearing any objections when you benefited from my telepathic abilities!"

"That's because I benefitted."

Caught in a playful banter, our staged argument continues. Secretly, both Anna and I are keeping an eye on the apparition wearing my mother's face, periodically glancing over during our verbal sparring. The strange entity remains rooted in its original position, sporting a hollow grin as it mumbles, "So, this is what you humans call 'third-wheeling'… What an unpleasant experience."

We whirl to the apparition, eyelids twitching. "You even know what 'third wheeling' is?"

Hands clasped behind its back, it predates towards us, chuckling darkly as if remembering the scenes of the Ishimura's crews being killed and butchered by the monstrosities it create and control. "You will be surprised what you can learn about a species when given access to their Genetic Memories… Granted, bodies well-preserved enough to provide noteworthy intel don't come by easy these days, what with the state of the ship and all."

In an instant, the look on its face dissipates. Gone, is my mother's visage, and in her place is a young boy- the hellish hologram of one anyway. "All pretense off, huh?"

"All pretense off…" It repeats, explaining with a hearty laugh. "Your mind's sturdier than the rest of Humanity. It won't do me any good to try and push the matter, so I'll be frank–" It tilts its head, almost arrogantly. "You're far better than the rest of your pathetic race. Join us, let the Convergence happen and you shall achieve… What did you call it, Godhood?"

"Bold claim."

I smirk. "But there's no free meal in the world, what's the catch–"

"We're not on a world."

I scoff in annoyance. "You know what I meant! What's the Convergence, what's the catch?"

"No catch."

The apparition shakes its head. "Your mind's stronger. Once the Convergence has taken place, you'll be the main personality, the one to lead a new Brethren Moon- The…"

It seems to struggle to find the word, "Collective Consciousness of Humanity. You shall be immortal; omnipotent and divine. For all intents and purposes- You. Will. Be. A God." It says and, crazy as it sounds, I find myself believing its ramble, for while I'm certain it's not telling us the whole truth, it's clearly not lying either. Plus, the expected wrongness I have come to associate with its manipulations and influence doesn't seem present. "A Necrotic God…"

I sneer at the Title, whilst the Marker, or its consciousness looks bored out of its mind. "There will be sacrifice of course. As you put it yourself: There's no free meal in this world. Everything comes at a price, but then again what is your Humanity in comparison to what I'm offering?"

My questioning gaze lands on Anna, who appears to be doing her best to make herself smaller; her presence less noticeable. She fidgets in discomfort, obviously wanting to say something yet won't, or can't.

In fact, she is being surprisingly quiet, which's rather uncharacteristic of her. 'She must have her difficulties.'

"Anna, how does a Brethren Moon compare to your father?"

The blonde's eyes widen, seeming to have realized my intentions.

Instantaneously, she blurts. "It's like pitting a tiny candle to a Supermassive Star." The intentional dig causes the apparition's face to go dark; its expression stormy yet it stays silent instead of refuting- something I had previously expected from it, given its inflated ego. "Is your father a human?"

"A High Human."

Anna replies, clarifying after a moment. "His base's a High Human. His Divinity makes him a God." These are two very important pieces of intel. Firstly, it tells me there are still more- a lot more to Humanity; that we have room to evolve and grow.

The second's there are methods to attain Godhood; more than one most likely. Anna's father is one an Ascended after all, and if he has transcended Mortality, it is only natural that others have as well. "And how long did it take him? A century? Two?! I can give you power- real power right this instant!" It yells, formerly calm and even tone now gaining an edge to it. "Maybe I can't make you his superior, but I can drastically cut down the time it will require. Just imagine: Technological advancements that has spawned millions of years; biological samples of diverse alien races- some of which once ruled the Galaxy."

It nods at me reassuringly.

"I can give you the Universe, and I can give it to you now. Julius, you and I both know you hold no love for Humanity… Inside you is a pit of hatred you have managed to shut the door on, but it is there. One of these fine days, all those bottled emotions will rise to the surface. Why can't it be today?"

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. "And why me? Why am I the one you've chosen?"

The Marker's eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I see a flicker of vulnerability, a crack in its façade. "You are different. Your mind, your strength, your potential… They surpass that of a typical human. The Convergence requires a leader- a Maker. That person can be you, and with your strength and guidance, the Brethren Moon will bring order to the chaos of Humanity, unite them all under a singular purpose. You will be the beacon of hope and divinity."

"Tell me, Marker, what happens if I refuse? What happens to those who do not join the Convergence?" I ask, my tone steady but firm.

The Marker's face twists into a sinister smile, the darkness returning to its eyes. "Refusing the Convergence means forfeiting your chance at Godhood. But fear not, the Brethren Moon will not be denied. We will find other ways to fulfill our goals."

I glance once more at Anna, who meets my gaze with a mixture of fear and longing. It's clear that this decision will affect her deeply to anything with eyes and cares enough to pay attention. She does not want me to agree… Which is good, because I don't want to either. The serious glare wiped off my face, I smile at the apparition and bow. All goes silence for a brier moment; even my… Handler despite her uncanny telepathic abilities.

"I appreciate the offer, but on behalf of Humanity, I'll have to politely ask you to shove your shitty offer where the Sun doesn't shine. The Universe will weep if this handsome face gets ruined–" No longer amicable as before, it stares coldly- empty sockets boring holes into my torso whilst I talk, clapping once to gain their full attention. "Well, this has been pretty educational, but I've got to get back to kicking Necromorphs' asses. So, if you'll kindly exit my mind–"

The apparition's face contorts with anger, a low growl escaping its throat. "You're a fool! You'll come to regret this decision. I promise!"

I stand tall, facing the creature head-on. "Maybe I am a fool for rejecting you, but we don't have the saying: 'Ignorance is bliss' for nothing, and if you think Humanity's done for, you are delusional." I press on, feeling no need to be afraid, for it is clearly powerless here. "We are the most spiteful species on the damn planet. We've killed and butchered our way to supremacy–"

Towering over it, I reveal a disdainful smirk. "You're just gonna be another pebble on our path."

"You cocky–!"

It never even gets a chance to finish the sentence when an invisible force rips a hole in Space and drags it off elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Anna let loose a heavy sigh, seemingly relieved by my decision. "Mind explaining what all this–" I gesture around the room, stressing. "Is?"

"It's the Waiting Hall. Some alterations are painful, and paying in KP is supposed to be a painless procedure with 100% success rate for our clients so… Uhmmm… We knock you–"

"You knock me out." I finish in Anna's place, rubbing my nonexistent goatee as I muse. "You know what I'm asking- Why was it here?"

Putting on a professional look, she explains robotically. "It is not in our policies to affect a client's decisions. The Corvinus Strain, F.L.A.G and Compound V did not possess sentience, hence why you have never been brought here. That Necrotic disease that were encoded in the DNA Sequences hidden within the Marker is different. It is fueled and made possible only because of the radiations the Marker passively lets out…"

"In other words–" I sigh. "I just wasted a KP for nothing?"

"Not necessarily."

Anna resolutely shakes her head.

"It's the price to pay for your Humanity. Besides, with or without the Marker's influence, you will still gain something out of it. We just aren't sure what."

A hollow smile creeping on my lips, I chuckle. "Am I even human?"

"Yes." Her answer is instantaneous and firm.

"Sure." Anna pauses, frown deepening as she tries to find the correct words. "You may have a little extra, but rest assured, you're still human."

A wave of exhaustion hits me, and I collapse like a puppet with its strings cut, all whilst hallucinating someone calling my name. "Ju–!"

"So… Tired…"

I croaks, breaths growing heavy as dark spots begin to creep in my vision.

"It's nearly completed. You will wake up soon." In my exhausted state, my eyes dart all around in a panic when soft 'pillows' suddenly slide under my nape. "Time passes differently here. Take the time to rest. It won't ease the fatigue of the flesh, unfortunately. But it'll soothe your mind."

Stunning emeralds meet leafy greens.

I yawn, mumbling sleepily as I turn on her lap. "Thank you, Anna. You- Ah, you're the best."

"I know."

She whispers softly. "And you're welcome."