About

In a crumbling world ruled by warlords and greed, one former soldier discovers a hidden map that could change everything. With nothing but his instincts, a mysterious journal, and a burning desire for redemption, he must cross forbidden lands, survive ruthless enemies, and uncover a secret that might restore peace-or destroy what's left of humanity.

Chapter 1 The Map of fire

Dylan studied the journal by the dim glow of the fire. The map was hand-drawn, lines etched in faded ink, corners frayed by time and weather. Symbols he didn't recognize covered its edges-some looked like military code, others like ancient runes.

Lena sat across from him, bandaging the cut above her brow. Her eyes, sharp despite the pain, never left his face.

"I found it in the ruins of a government outpost north of Sector Nine," she said. "Before it was torched."

"By who?"

"The Vultures. They knew it had something valuable, but they didn't understand it." Her voice lowered. "I did."

Dylan glanced back at the journal. "What is Ember?"

She hesitated. "A myth. A place rumored to hold a prototype energy core-clean, self-sustaining, powerful enough to fuel an entire nation. Before the world fell, Ember was just a codename. Now it's hope."

"Or bait," Dylan muttered.

Lena leaned forward. "You've been surviving alone out here for years. You've seen what's left of humanity. You're telling me you don't think it's worth the risk?"

He didn't answer. He didn't have to. The world was ashes, and even a flicker of something better was enough to ignite a spark.

Suddenly, the silence was broken.

A flare streaked into the sky-red, hissing, close. Then voices. Engines. Footsteps.

"They found us," Lena hissed, grabbing the map and stuffing it back into her satchel.

Dylan stood, cocking his rifle. "Stay behind me."

The Vultures were here-and they weren't coming to talk.