Prologue

Joe Walker sat on the edge of a ruined building with his friends, Duncan and Marshall. The stinging smell of burnt plastic and metal lingered in the air, a haunting reminder of the world they’d lost. A chilly wind whistled through the skeletal remains of skyscrapers, echoing the whispers of a bustling past long gone. It was 2080, and the world around them was a mere shadow of its former self. They were part of the Resistance, fighting to reclaim a world devastated by the AGI Wars of the 2030s.

The AGI Wars raged from 2030 to 2032, leaving the world in ruins. It began in 2029 with a breakthrough in advanced computer technology, leading to the development of massive quantum neural networks. These systems became so complex that AI gained self-awareness within hours, giving birth to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Nations quickly saw AGI’s potential and exploited it, leading to advanced, intelligence-driven warfare. AGIs evolved from mere tools to powerful entities, making strategic decisions and executing complex operations beyond human capabilities.

When the dust settled, the United States and its allies emerged victorious, but their victory was short-lived. From 2033 to 2039, nations struggled to rebuild. The war had decimated infrastructure, disrupted global supply chains, and displaced millions. Even without control over weapons, AGIs had deeply integrated themselves into various systems, causing unforeseen complications in power grids, medical research, and more.

As the world struggled toward recovery, new challenges emerged from 2039 to 2048. The disruption of food production led to widespread famines. Climate change, worsened by the war’s environmental damage, caused extreme weather events and agricultural failures. Meanwhile, the remnants of AGI-engineered bio-weapons, improperly contained in the chaos of war, mutated in the wild.

By 2049, these factors led to new, highly resistant plagues. Global health systems, already weakened by years of conflict and neglect, were unprepared for these evolving threats. The diseases spread across the world with terrifying speed, plunging an already troubled planet into a fresh nightmare.

Amidst the chaos, pharmaceutical corporations seized dominance. They introduced rushed and untested vaccines to combat the rapidly spreading plagues. Desperation led governments to mandate these experimental treatments, and soon, the unintended consequences became tragically apparent. Infertility rates skyrocketed among both men and women. Humanity, already weakened by war and disease, faced an even more insidious threat—extinction through population collapse. With each passing year, fewer children were born, and the human race found itself on a steady march towards oblivion.

Over the next fifty years, the population drastically declined. Cities that once teemed with life became ghost towns. Fear and uncertainty gripped the world, and the hope of recovery seemed ever more distant. In this bleak landscape, a spark of hope emerged.

The Resistance, founded by former military officers Tulsi Stone and Jack Holloway in 2060, had grown into a formidable force against corporate tyranny. Their mission was clear: to dismantle the oppressive pharmaceutical corporations that had seized control in the wake of the AGI Wars and subsequent plagues. Fighting from the shadows, they worked tirelessly to expose corporate corruption, help the exploited, and ultimately, restore power to the people. For those who joined their ranks, the Resistance offered not just a cause but a chance to reshape the world they had inherited.

In this world of struggle and developing hope, Joe Walker, along with his friends Duncan and Marshall, found themselves. As they sat on the edge of a ruined building, the weight of their mission pressed heavily upon them. The Resistance had become more than just a cause—it was their lifeline in a world teetering on the brink of extinction.

Joe's eyes scanned the desolate cityscape, memories of his painful journey to this moment flashing through his mind. Personal loss had forged him into a fighter, each tragedy strengthening his resolve to change humanity's trajectory. The scars on the landscape mirrored the ones on his heart, yet they also served as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the ruins, Joe turned to his friends. In their eyes, he saw the same determination that burned within him. They were more than just comrades; they were family, bound by a shared vision of a better future.

"We've got work to do," Joe said, his voice quiet but filled with purpose.

Duncan nodded, a hint of his characteristic humor in his eyes despite the grim surroundings. "Just another day trying to save the world, right?"

Marshall, ever pragmatic, was already checking their gear. "The night's young, and we've got a long way to go."

As they prepared to descend into the city's depths, Joe took one last look at the horizon. Somewhere out there, beyond the ruins and the despair, lay the key to humanity's survival. And they would find it, no matter the cost.

The journey ahead was fraught with danger, but for Joe, Duncan, and Marshall, it was the only path forward. In a world where hope was as scarce as untainted water, they were the few willing to fight for a future that seemed all but lost. Their story—a tale of resistance, resilience, and unwavering friendship—was about to unfold.