A dark, unfathomable chaos gradually awakened from its slumber.
Invisible walls and a black domain surrounded it, while pulsing shadows obscured its eyes.
They also cut off its hearing.
It opened a mouth that did not exist and let out a cry like an infant's wail.
Then, a gentle force slowly traveled along the invisible umbilical cord, making every cell in its body, floating within the chaos, stretch in blissful relief.
My child... you have finally awakened...
That trembling call carried a trace of loneliness, and a trace of longing.
It did not understand that emotion.
But that voice made it feel comfortable.
Who are you?
I am your mother.
Mother?
The one who nurtures all things. I bestowed upon you a soul and flesh.
...Who am I?
Xia. This is your name, and the third gift I have bestowed upon you.
Xia...
It silently repeated its name, gazing at the pulsing walls and black domain. The stirrings of its soul gradually took on a hint of reverence as it listened to the voice slowly traveling down the umbilical cord.
You will awaken on the day the freeze ends. On the day you awaken, you will understand your destiny.
Go and conquer.
Go and devour.
Go and liberate.
Go and become the new ruler.
The darkness veiling its vision gradually cleared, and the black walls were replaced by pulsating crimson flesh membranes.
That bloodthirsty color reflected in the amber eyes that had just opened.
The voice continued entering its ears.
...We shall ultimately enter eternal prosperity.
Without the slightest hesitation.
It opened its thread-bound mouth, and a scorching assault came with low growls.
"Yes..."
At Boulder City's gates, noisy cries of hawking never ceased. Besides merchants traveling from all directions, there were naturally plenty of little players from Vault