Awakening

By Ryan McCauley

The year is currently 2138. Waking up lost and confused, a young-minded robot named R-X Diamond is introduced to the reality of a dilapidated Earth. After seeking out the aid of fellow survivors, R-X uncovers the path that led to the apocalyptic world and vows to help anyway he can. Going on a journey with his newly found companions, R-X must endure various mortal and inhuman threats as he learns to fight for his new home.

Awakening is the first book in the Realm of Radiance series, a continuous science-fantasy filled adventure that anyone can enjoy and get lost in.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Oct 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9781662934971

Book preview

Chapter 1

R-X Diamond

The sound of a machine whirring echoed out as a faint blue glow began to emit from a diamond in the chassis of a hunched over figure. A humanoid creation slowly stood up. Turning its screen facedown, it looked at its hands as the diamond grew brighter. Its wrists and neck began to dimly glow, the robot watching as its hands detached from its arms and hovered a slight distance away from the ends of its wrists. The robot slowly opened and closed the four fingers on each of its floating hands as memories began to flow through its circuits.

His name was R-X Diamond; he was designed to be a companion and aide to the famous, brilliant, and dashing scientist who had created him. At least, that’s what his programming told him. However, he couldn’t remember much of anything else. R-X continued to study his body carefully. He felt a thick, metal rod where his waist was supposed to be, connecting his torso to his pelvis. Sharp shoulder blades reached out from the upper ends of his arms. His body was mostly spotless, save for some areas covered in small scratches. The area where his neck should have been was more of an indent, an opening that seemed like a plug for his head. The neck area began to emit a blue glow as well, and R-X’s boxy head disconnected from his body, hovering a couple of inches above the rest of his chassis. During the examination of his body, a faint beeping behind him caught his attention. Turning his head a full one hundred and eighty degrees, R-X faced the source of the noise. Shortly after, his body followed.

A cracked computer terminal lay beeping against the wall, and R-X realized he was in a laboratory. As he walked to it, he saw the room was in shambles. Shattered glass covered the floor, chunks of concrete had fallen from the walls and ceiling, and some areas even had moss and vines growing on them. Broken machines and smashed computers littered the area. R-X wondered what had happened to him, his creator, and this facility.

His head was the first to arrive at the flashing screen of the computer terminal, his body catching up a moment after. R-X blinked his eyes, studying it carefully. A single word appeared: Hello. Hesitantly, R-X reached down and pressed the enter button.

I’m not sure who may be reading this, but congratulations on surviving! Statistically speaking, I’m probably already dead if anybody is seeing this message. Ever since that solar storm, everything has gone to, quite literally, Hell. Unfortunately, the last hope I tried to leave behind didn’t even end up working. His name was R-X Diamond. I pooled everything I had left into R-X, yet I don’t know what went wrong. Maybe someday, somebody can get him up and working. I thank you.

—Dr. Milo Sharp

March 29, 2088

R-X stared at the message in disbelief, realizing this was left by his creator. The message disappeared as the computer closed out to its main screen, multiple icons scattered around it. The background picture of the desktop showed an older man in a lab coat with his elbows deep in an inactivated R-X’s chassis. A number of other robots surrounded the pair, all smiling. In the corner of the screen, R-X saw the current date that was posted: 03/21/2138. For almost a full fifty years, he had been broken and alone. Judging by the message and the time frame, he figured Dr. Sharp was probably dead by now. However, it was the other robots who piqued his interest. Maybe they could tell R-X more about what had happened. R-X carefully adjusted his head to be level with the screen before his eyes disappeared and his entire face flashed, taking a picture. Could they still be alive? His eyes slowly began to reappear on his screen, the image being forever saved in his memory.

R-X pulled himself away from the terminal, searching around the rest of the lab. He ran his fingers across the walls, feeling every crack he came across with some vines running through his digits. It wasn’t that this place just seemed abandoned, but he thought that something else had to have occurred here, given the current conditions around him. As R-X neared the corner of the lab, a blinking machine that stood at twice his size caught his attention. Besides the computer terminal, this seemed to be the only other working piece of technology. Well, if he didn’t count himself. The machine had a wide opening, as if something was supposed to go inside it, with a clear base that revealed dangerous looking parts underneath. On the side next to the opening, a series of colorful buttons and a lever were present, although R-X decided it’d probably be best to not mess with it.

Moving on from the machine, he continued his exploration of the lab. A counter that ran against the wall was scattered with tools and papers, and the few stools that were present all had their seats torn and decolored, resembling a dirty brown from what R-X guessed was originally a nice tan. He sifted through the papers on the counter, hoping to find anything useful. If R-X had a nose, he would’ve most definitely had to sneeze from the cloud of dust he just kicked up. Fanning it away as best he could, he took his time looking through the papers. While there was slight fading on most of them, it didn’t make any of them unreadable. A recipe for chocolate chip cookies, a flyer for some yo-yo championship, and a shopping list of only milk, eggs, and cheese. While the yo-yo one did actually sound fun, none of it helped R-X in the moment. He wasn’t sure what he was hoping to find, but maybe some sort of instruction manual could help.

R-X spun his head around fully, observing the rest of the room as he followed the counter by touch. He was nearing the only entrance in the entire lab, a steel door with a keypad next to it. R-X quickly realigned himself and made his way to it, frantically pressing at the buttons. His head drooped as the keypad failed to even make a beeping noise. R-X shook his head and looked up, there was no way he’d give up that easily. If he was created in this facility, he might have some idea of what to do in his programming. Closing his eyes, R-X tried to recall more about himself. Energy raced throughout his wiring as he searched his memory. R-X Diamond. Dr. Sharp. Boring science stuff. Ugh, he knew all that already. He tried focusing even more, thinking about his current situation. His face disappeared on his screen as a full map of the facility popped up. Now he was getting somewhere! On each door of the map, four numbers were present, which R-X assumed was the code for the corresponding door. Even though this door didn’t seem to have any power, getting the code was a good start. R-X ran his hand across the sealed door. There was a line running horizontally in the middle of it, which made him think that each half retracted upwards and downwards. If he could find some way to power the lock, he could get out of here. While it’s true he wasn’t a scientist like his creator, he was still created to be able to help him. If he couldn’t figure out something as simple as this, he didn’t think he’d deserve to be Dr. Sharp’s companion.

Just as R-X began to brainstorm, an abrupt banging shook him out of it. R-X backed up as the banging became louder and more frantic. From the sound of it, it seemed to be coming from down the hallway. According to the map in his head, the lab R-X was residing in was relatively close to the entrance of the facility. An ear-shattering clank of the door breaking down was followed by heavy footsteps nearing the lab. More banging rang out, this time directly against the lab door as dents began forming in it. Backing up into the corner of the room, R-X, shakily hid his face. While the prospect of somebody freeing him was hopeful, the way everything was happening didn’t sit right with him.

Soon enough, both halves of the door gave way and clattered to the ground as a hooded figure stepped into the room. A majority of its body was covered in a black shroud with deep violet highlights, while its arms were covered in black, spiked gauntlets and its legs in similar looking greaves. Where its face should have been was just a foggy emptiness. The figure seemed to be covered in multiple wounds, each wound leaking a dark mist. Almost as soon as the figure entered, its faceless gaze locked onto the shivering robot hiding in the corner. Turning its course, the shrouded being bolted directly for R-X, leaping over the desk in the center of the room. It aggressively pulled R-X to his feet, holding him out in front of it. Raising its gauntlet, the being hovered its claws over the diamond in R-X’s chassis. Outside the corridor, R-X heard more footsteps barreling toward them.

A second figure rounded the corner and entered the room, covered head to toe in medieval armor. R-X couldn’t be sure if they just had a bulky set of armor, or if they were a beast of a human with their stature. The armored figure had a helmet with a T-shaped visor, along with a blue cross painted along and above it. Dirty, white fur stained with something blue surrounded the bottom of the helmet and the upper chest, connected to a dark blue cape around the figure’s back. A faded, golden medallion was holding the cape together at their neck. Thick, metal plates were plastered across their chest, held together by a different black metal. The knight’s arms and legs were also completely covered in a similar manner. In their right hand, R-X noticed a very heavy-looking greatsword, dark blue mist dripping from the edge, evaporating as it hit the ground.

A cold, eerie voice came out from the hood behind R-X. Stay right where you are, Albert. You wouldn’t want somebody else getting hurt because of you, now would you?

The knight seemingly known as Albert stopped in his tracks. R-X assumed he was contemplating how to go about the situation. Silence filled the room before the hooded one began to slowly move around the outer edges, all the while keeping a firm grip on R-X.

You’re too soft. That’s always been your problem!

Albert glared at the duo. R-X, too frightened to act, could do nothing but comply with the one who had taken him hostage. A low grumble was coming from Albert’s helmet, as well as what seemed to be a spark of crimson from his visor. As the pair were slowly inching along the wall, R-X noticed a level of mist beginning to form along the ground. It seemed as if Albert noticed it too. However he showed no signs of action, which R-X was very grateful for. Only a few feet remained between R-X and Albert, the knight glaring at the shrouded figure behind R-X. The mist had grown quite a bit now, and the hooded figure let out a chuckle.

Well, I’ll be seeing you, Albert. Next time you won’t get off the hook so easily. I promise you that.

With that, R-X was thrown at Albert, causing them to topple together onto the ground. Albert’s sword crashed with a loud clang. The mist in the room swirled up, binding the pair against the floor as the hooded one sprinted out the door and down the hall. R-X struggled as the fog thickened against him. How the heck was a gas becoming tangible? R-X tried flailing about to no avail. Turning his head, he watched as Albert fought against the misty tendrils, grabbing at them with his gauntlets. As he clenched them firmly and tightened his grip, the mist binds evaporated around him. R-X clunkily continued his struggle against the mist, Albert ignoring him as he rushed toward the door. R-X attempted to break free as he had watched the knight do, but he had made it look much easier than it was. Even with his hands detached from his wrists, he was having difficulties. No matter how hard he grabbed the tendrils around him, they wouldn’t evaporate. The knight let out a grumble as he turned back around and knelt by the entangled robot. Grasping at the mist tendrils, Albert ripped upward as a swoosh followed, freeing R-X.

Albert strode over to his sword, picking it up and hoisting it over his shoulder as he looked down at R-X. He grabbed the robot’s arm and single-handedly raised him from the ground. R-X had to tilt his head upward ever so slightly to stare at the taller figure. He assumed the knight would say something, but no words left his mouth. The strange silence was starting to get a bit uncomfortable. He decided he should probably speak up first.

Thank you for not letting that man hurt me, sir. His voice was a bit shaky as the words left him.

No need to thank me. It would have been my fault if something had happened to you.

The knight’s voice echoed out from under the helmet, gruff yet strangely comforting. He looked up and down at the robot, then turned his gaze to the rest of the room.

What’re you doing in this destroyed laboratory? That door was sealed shut tightly. How did you get in?

Well...I’m not exactly sure what I’m doing here. I just woke up in this room. I was activated only today, you see, so I’m very unsure of...pretty much everything right now. In a message left by my creator, he mentioned something happening to this world. What did he mean by that, sir...Albert, was it?

Albert looked around once more before turning around. Heading toward the doorway, he motioned for R-X to follow him out. The lab hallway was no better than the room, flora and vegetation overtaking most of the cracked metal and concrete. Albert walked forward without stopping to look if R-X was following him.

Well, might I be the first to wish you a happy birthday then, robot.

R-X perked up a bit. Oh, why thank you! And, uh, my name is R-X Diamond, Mr. Albert.

The knight was striding through the narrow hallway, brushing against foliage as he went. R-X had to slightly jog to keep up, his head bobbing above his body as he did.

You missed a hell of a lot, robot. Impressive how you’re somehow still up and running. The solar storm didn’t fry your circuits and you’re not rusted to the Earth’s elements. I’m surprised the lab hadn’t been looted or scavenged yet, either.

What...what do you mean? What’s happened? I’m afraid I don’t understand anything right now, Mr. Albert.

R-X bumped right into Albert’s back as he abruptly stopped in his path. Tipping backward, the robot caught his balance as he quietly looked at the knight.

It’s getting late. This lab will make a decent resting point for the night. Robot, help me search this facility. There has to be some useful things around here.

R-X’s head drooped down slightly. Maybe if he helped Albert, he’d give him more information about everything going on.

This way, Mr. Albert. I have the layout of this facility preprogrammed into me.

Albert rested his sword against the wall as he squatted down upon a couch. R-X Diamond sat on the ground and leaned his back against the counter, watching the knight force open a can of meat. He had helped Albert locate the emergency food supply as well as this small room. R-X had contemplated leaving alone, but decided it wasn’t a smart idea. He was scared of the uncertainty and of what had just happened to him. He reasoned it was safest for him to be with this knight for the time being. On the ground, R-X crossed his legs and propped his head up in his hands, thinking to himself. Albert was the one who broke the silence this time.

It all started with what people took to calling a hyper solar storm. I don’t know all the astronomical details of what exactly happened, but that’s what kicked off the end of the world. It wouldn’t have been that bad though, if that’s all it was. Smaller scale ones have happened in the past, but they were never as bad as this. Imagine a giant wave of energy engulfing the planet, a geomagnetic storm. It acted as a global EMP, knocking out pretty much all forms of energy and electricity. That wasn’t the worst part of it, though. Some of the solar flares were strong enough to launch literal balls of fire into our atmosphere... It was bad, but it was manageable at least.

Albert lifted the visor of his helmet slightly, but not enough to see his face. R-X watched as he tilted the can back, the contents dumping into his mouth. As Albert chewed, R-X’s mind reflected upon what he had heard. He didn’t know much, but all the knowledge programmed inside his mind could never think of an event like that. Albert threw the can to the side and reached for a second one on the counter.

After that happened, well, leave it to mankind to do the rest. The world was in chaos. Wars broke out among countries between not only others, but their own people. Areas of Earth had become scorched and barren thanks to the raining space debris. You can imagine the aftermath. Fear and anger. Humans were all scared and desperate, a very dangerous combination. And then that’s when those bastards showed up to take advantage of the current situation.

Albert scraped the lid off a can of beans, scoffing down the contents within. R-X scooched himself closer to the knight.

Who did, Mr. Albert?

Letting out a sigh, the knight crushed the can in his hand as he tossed it to the side of the room. He reached for a can of carrots then fiddled with it.

Well, you just had a friendly encounter with one of them. That fella that got away? He wasn’t a human nor a robot. His name was Abaddon, a demon, and a Lord of Hell at that.

Albert forced the lid of the can open with his gauntlet, plucking the cut-up carrots out one by one and tossing them in his mouth. R-X tilted his head as a question mark formed on his screen face. A demon? R-X had been programmed with a basic understanding of most known human knowledge, but what was Albert talking about? Mythology? Legends? The knight finished his third can and threw it with the rest, closing his visor as he leaned back.

Yup. You heard me right, robot. Demons came to attempt to control the chaos and hatred festering in the shattered world. Thankfully, if humans are anything, they’re determined to survive. The remaining forces of the world were able to unite after years, shoving the demons back enough. Not completely, but enough. They’re still a very prominent threat, don’t get me wrong, but they don’t roam the world freely in massive armies anymore.

Lords of Hell? Demons? What are you even talking about?

The robot felt a tinge in his diamond core as dread washed over him. What he had experienced with that mist definitely wasn’t normal, and he remembered the message his creator left—everything has gone to, quite literally, Hell. R-X shuddered as he stared up at Albert.

Think what you will, robot. I have no reason to lie.

R-X kept his gaze upon the knight, examining him further. The more he thought about it, the more he felt off about this man, too. If the forces of Hell are as devastating as he made them sound, how was Albert able to go head-to-head against a so-called Lord of Hell?

We set out in the morning. You should rest yourself while you can. Who knows how long you can stay active after being dormant for so long.

Wait, Mr. Albert, I still have so many more questions! Like what are these demons exactly? Where are we going?

Albert settled down onto the couch. It creaked slightly under the full weight of his body and armor.

We’re going to a place called Valwall, I’ve got a friend who owes me a favor. She’ll take you in once we get to her. From there you can determine your own course of action. I can’t leave you to die out here, but you certainly can’t travel with me. You’ll be crushed into a pile of scrap metal. I’ll protect you for now, though, so you don’t have to worry.

R-X wasn’t fully sure what to think about everything, but Albert at least seemed trustworthy for now. Without any other idea of what to do, R-X figured he’d go along with the plan. If Albert kept his promise of protecting him, he didn’t think he’d ever want to leave his side.

We set out in the morning. Now it’s time for rest. Do you understand, robot?

R-X nodded, staring at the floor as he did. Mr. Albert?

What is it?

Are you a human?

Yes. I’m resting now, Diamond.

Yes, sir.

R-X hovered his head above his chassis, plugging it into his neck as he let himself lean against the wall and started powering down his core for