Unfamiliar Beginnings

Chapter 1: Unfamiliar Beginnings

**Disclaimer: This chapter contains dark themes that may be unsettling for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.**

In the world of Dante, where darkness looms and uncertainty reigns, a young teenager named Dante finds himself at the center of a chilling tale. With a mysterious demeanor and a fragile self-image, Dante possesses an extraordinary trait—a razor-sharp mind brimming with knowledge that spans from physical fitness and combat techniques to psychology and manipulation tactics.

Dante's life takes an unforeseen turn as he navigates through the complexities of his existence alongside his two closest friends, Lex and Aldous. These two prodigious individuals are a striking contrast to Dante, exhibiting exceptional talent, captivating looks, and the prowess to conquer any sport or game they undertake. Yet, destiny takes a cruel twist when their path home from school is interrupted by a group of menacing adults. Despite their valiant attempts, Dante, Lex, and Aldous are overpowered and seized by these ruthless assailants.

Trapped in the clutches of their captors, their lives spiral into a chilling abyss. The adults, driven by a gruesome enterprise, slaughter the young friends and ruthlessly harvest their body parts. This grotesque act becomes their sinister trade, shattering any glimmer of hope.

But amid the darkness, a spark of the unimaginable occurs. Dante's consciousness flickers to life in a world unknown, his form bare and vulnerable. Bewildered by the fact that he yet draws breath, he questions how survival defied the odds. His left hand, wounded and bleeding from a scratch, momentarily distracts him from the myriad thoughts swirling in his mind. Swiftly tending to the injury, he regains a semblance of composure.

As Dante lies paralyzed, his thoughts dwell on the haunting memories of his past existence. Resolute, he admonishes himself to cease the introspection and embrace the enigmatic terrain that surrounds him. With newfound determination, he embarks on a journey of discovery, his form unclothed and his senses alert.

Amid the lush expanse of unfamiliar jungles, Dante is perplexed to discover an intricate tattoo etched upon his skin—a symbol reminiscent of ancient pillars that bridged the gap between past and present. Confounded by the presence of this enigmatic mark, his exploration is only superficial, yielding glimpses of the wild world he now inhabits.

Drained by the trials of the day, Dante seeks respite in slumber. With the rising sun, he awakens to the symphony of flowing water, a sound that draws him like a moth to a flame. Racing towards the source, his heart races with anticipation. Upon arrival, what he encounters defies expectation, leaving him to grapple with the unforeseen and the unimaginable.

End of Chapter 1