Scene 46: Prisoners and Hidden Secrets

  Setting:

  Inside a prison built from stone and wood, the air is damp and heavy. Other Ajin prisoners are present, some with weary, lifeless gazes. Through the small, barred windows, faint discussions about ancient holographic technology and a historical structure can be heard—hinting at forgotten knowledge and lost advancements.

  Action:

  John, Nee, Neela, and Kyle sit in the corner of the prison, their faces a mix of concern and curiosity. Kyle, still unsettled, mutters to himself while Neela continues trying to calm him. Suddenly, an Ajin with feline-like ears and a tail cautiously approaches them. His expression, a blend of curiosity and cautious trust, signals something more than just observation. He settles onto the dusty prison floor.

  Ajin (softly, his voice naturally carrying a feline-like purr but attempting human speech): "I’ve heard the stories of the past… of a civilization that once flourished here. They sought knowledge—knowledge that has now been forgotten. Some tried to uncover the secrets of ancient technology, but their pursuit angered the Ajin."

  The Ajin slowly traces symbols onto the ground.

  Ajin: "These markings are part of our history. They tell of who we were and what we have lost. The Ajin have forgotten how to use that knowledge, and now we search for our identity."

  Nee studies the symbols closely, recalling similar markings aboard the spaceship.

  Nee (curious): "These symbols… could they be linked to that ancient civilization?"

  Ajin: "Yes, they are remnants of the same lost knowledge. Deep within our forgotten heart—where the historical building stands—the keys to understanding these symbols may still exist. We must find them."

  John and the others exchange glances.

  John: "If we can reach that building, maybe we can reconnect with the knowledge the Ajin have lost."

  Ajin (hopeful): "If you help me escape, I will guide you to the historical site. Our forgotten knowledge is intertwined—it could benefit both of us."

  The scene closes with the group planning their escape alongside the Ajin, aiming to uncover the secrets of the ancient structure. This discovery could mark a turning point in their adventure—helping the Ajin reclaim their lost identity while pushing the group closer to their ultimate goal.

  Setting:

  Deep within the spaceship, where darkness and silence reign, Akira moves through a cold, narrow passageway. Her flashlight is the only source of light, illuminating the path ahead. The air is icy, and each step drains her energy further.

  Action:

  Akira, exhausted and breathing heavily, presses forward until she reaches a fork in the path. Three separate routes stretch before her, each swallowed by shadows. She pauses, scanning the paths, trying to recall if she has any prior knowledge of these routes.

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  Akira (tired, thoughtful): "Which way… which one?"

  She shines her flashlight down each path in turn but sees no clear distinction between them. They all seem identical, yet she knows that making the wrong choice could lead to a dead end—or even unknown dangers.

  Akira (thinking): "There must be a clue… something to show me the right way."

  She inspects the passage walls, searching for symbols or markings left behind by the ship’s designers—perhaps some forgotten guidance for moments like this. After careful observation, she spots a faint, nearly imperceptible engraving on one of the walls—a symbol resembling those she had seen elsewhere in the spaceship.

  Akira (hopeful): "That marking… could this be a sign? But what does it mean?"

  She studies the symbol, unable to decipher its meaning. Nonetheless, she decides to take the risk and follow the passage marked by it. Holding her flashlight firmly, she cautiously steps forward, aware that each movement could bring her either closer to regaining control of the ship—or into a deep, endless trap.

  The scene ends with Akira moving through the freezing, dark corridor toward an uncertain fate. Her solitude and the weight of her decision mark a new challenge—one with unknown consequences.

  Thousands of years after the collapse of a once-thriving civilization, only remnants of its grandeur remain—ruins that whisper stories of change, conflict, and forgotten knowledge. Over time, internal wars led to the downfall of the advanced society, wiping out its inhabitants. These wars not only weakened their power but also caused their accumulated knowledge to fade into obscurity. Their complex way of life was lost, leaving behind only breathtaking ruins.

  As time passed and seasons changed, natural disasters such as earthquakes further buried these ruins under layers of earth. Climate shifts and geological transformations distorted the legends of their once-glorious era, allowing nature to reclaim the planet.

  Among these ancient ruins, a buried research facility from the advanced civilization remained hidden. This facility had been dedicated to studying and enhancing native wildlife, genetically modifying many species for adaptation. These creatures were maintained by artificial intelligence, receiving automated food and water. But this fragile equilibrium was unexpectedly shattered.

  A powerful earthquake struck, destroying the laboratory. In the chaos, the genetically altered beings, once carefully controlled, broke free. Their security chambers—meant to contain them—collapsed, releasing the Ajin into the wild.

  Once freed, the Ajin adapted to their new surroundings, forging a fresh existence in a world filled with dangers and uncertainty. Yet, they remained unaware of their origins, wandering in search of identity.

  Over time, the Ajin sought stability among the remnants of their planet’s lost civilization. In the ruins, they tried to build a new way of life, blending survival with traces of the past.

  As mutated beings unfamiliar with their own history, the Ajin started life in an unstable and unpredictable world. Much like early humans, they relied on hunting and gathering to survive. Some Ajin, possessing heightened mutations, distinguished themselves as experienced elders within the tribe—respected for their hunting and survival skills.

  With time, they formed small tribes, which grew into larger communities ruled by elders. These groups developed basic tools, established hunting routines, and built primitive shelters, ensuring their survival.

  Though they gained intelligence akin to medieval humans, they lacked technological progress due to genetic limitations and lost knowledge. Their advancement halted, robbing them of any further evolution.

  Seeking identity and power, the Ajin leaders attempted to restore the ruined buildings of their ancestors. With basic calculations and tireless effort, they searched for fragments of their past—yet the more they sought, the less they found. Their desperation led only to frustration and confusion.

  Eventually, the Ajin rulers decided to construct a grand tower—a monument to their strength and resilience. This tower would stand as both a symbol of their enduring spirit and a beacon of their heritage, reminding them of their identity and lost ambitions.

  They adorned the tower’s walls with depictions of hunts, daily life, and moments of triumph—hoping that future generations would recognize their struggle and perseverance.

  Through this towering structure, the Ajin rulers cemented their authority while instilling a sense of unity and hope among their people. The tower became a powerful emblem of the tribe’s solidarity, guiding the Ajin toward an unknown future.