Earth, 2024
This is an age of instability and conflicts. Changes are constantly happening in the world. One of such occurrences is the blazing war between Ukraine and Russia where lives are being lost every day and the conflict doesn't seem to stop any time soon. To cope with human losses, both sides are forced to conscript their citizens to fight on their behalf.
One of such soldiers is Max Shevchenko. Standing 180 centimeters, Max's sharp jawline and green eyes, and blonde hair gave him a striking look—one polished by privilege but dulled by boredom. Born in Kyiv, in a well-off family that owns a small hotel business in the mountains. Allowing him to attend a private school, where his intelligence was distinguished among the peers. There was nothing challenging in his life, so to get any excitement he started playing games and reading fantasy web novels, imagining himself as one of those adventurous characters. Themes with apocalypse were amongst the most interesting ones for him, as he read the challenges the main characters had to go through. These hobbies shaped him as an individual who always challenges himself trying to improve, but it also formed his headstrong, rebellious side. After finishing school, he attended the university, made friends, got an internship, and lived a normal classic adult life, but he wasn't happy, he moved through life like a robot, not feeling alive.
All of this changed in the morning on February 24, 2022.
The first light of dawn spilled gently through the window, casting a warm glow across the quiet room where a young man lay asleep, his breath steady, the world outside still calm. Birds chirped in the distance, and the soft rustle of leaves hinted at nothing unusual. Then, like a distant thunder tearing through serenity, a deep, rolling explosion shattered the morning stillness echoing from beyond the horizon.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
"Uhhh, I'm sleeping, be quiet," Max groggily said, falling asleep again.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
"The hell, what's happening?" he said angrily, getting out of bed.
It was still dark in the living room when he walked inside. There he could see his mother and father, Jules and Valentine Shevchenko, anxiously looking outside and checking the news.
"Mom, Dad," he said, looking at his parents, confused. "What's going on?"
"The war has started," said his father, Valentine, voice low.
Max stood frozen. His heart pounded—not from fear, but something stranger.
"Holy shit!" said Max, falling into deep contemplation.
Conflicting thoughts swirled inside his head. Both excitement and horror-not for himself, but other people.
Then and there, he decided and said: "Mom, Dad, I know this will sound stupid and irrational, but I will join the war. I want to do something in this life, and this might be it."
His parents turned back to him, looking aghast and exasperated, full well knowing that if he decided on something he will do it and it is impossible to change the decision.
"Are you really sure?" they both said, seeing the familiar glint in Max's eyes.
"Yeah, I'm going to be a fucking good sniper." he firmly said, trying to contain his smile
After dropping out of the university and telling his friends about this decision, Max reported to the induction center, stating his request to become a sniper.
The next couple of months went by quickly as the load on Max's shoulders was massive. Starting from the basic training where soldiers are being taught marksmanship fundamentals, tactics, weapons handling, teamwork, and physical training. Max achieved excellent evaluation on all these topics, allowing him to continue training as the actual sniper. There, he practiced shooting at long distances, stealth, and other complementary knowledge. His favourite memory from all of this hellish training is slowly pulling the trigger, feeling the recoil, the smell of gunpowder coming from his sniper rifle, and a crisp Ding! sound coming from 500m away. After finishing his training as one of the best snipers, he finally got to join the war.
"Sergeant Max Shevchenko, congratulations on the completion of the sniper training. You are being deployed to the Kharkiv region. We are expecting much from you," said an officer in command, looking pleased.
"Sir, yes, Sir," said Max, anxiously anticipating finally joining the battles, sharp glint coming from his eyes.
"Oh, yes, I almost forgot. Let me introduce you to your future brother-in-arms. Private Alex Boyko, who will be your spotter," said the officer, forgetfully.
Max turned his head in the direction of a man. He has a strong physique, slightly taller than Max, with thick beard and styled brunette hair.
"Sergeant Shevchenko!" said Alex, firmly.
"Private Boyko," said Max, calmly, as he stretched his hand. "Glad to have you cover my back."
"Same, sir," said Alex.
What both of them didn't know yet is that this meeting is just the beginning of a story between the two true brothers.