THE Barghest by Valeriia Sukach

What is this story about?

valeriasukac220 — 2025-05-11 16:58:56 UTC

In the Barghest, a futuristic country closed off from the rest of the world, humans have pushed evolution to a new level: the Upgrade. Each Upgraded has an AI chip in their brain, and a healthy, robotically modified body. When teenagers turn seventeen, no matter their social rank, they get a chance to pass the Tests and get a free Upgrade, a decision that could change their lives forever. Arian #347 is a seventeen-year-old boy whose life gets turned upside-down when he gets deemed worthy of being Upgraded. The only thing is, he doesn't want it. He's seen his older sister get Upgraded when he was a child, and he refuses to become like her and lose his humanity. With the help of his best friend Сhoomba, Arian decides to leave the Barghest and find the Desert people. However, the Upgraded seem to think he stole something from them...

Do you love science fiction, rebellion, and stories that challenge what it means to be human? Well... you are in the right place

valeriasukac220 — 2025-05-11 17:21:20 UTC

valeriasukac220 — 2025-05-11 17:21:50 UTC

Arian #347 (Main Character)

valeriasukac220 — 2025-05-11 17:25:46 UTC

Age: 17
Personality: Observant, quiet but strong-willed, loyal
Description: Raised in the Barghest's Lower Zones, Arian rejects the Upgrade after witnessing it erase his sister's humanity. Chosen for it himself, he defies the system and becomes a symbol of resistance, fighting to stay human.

The timeline

valeriasukac220 — 2025-05-11 19:21:54 UTC

Riven #342 (Best Friend)

valeriasukac220 — 2025-05-11 19:34:51 UTC

Age: 17
Personality: Clever, sarcastic, daring
Description: Riven is Arian’s childhood friend and partner in crime. He acts like nothing matters, but he’s deeply loyal and surprisingly resourceful. When Arian decides to run, Riven follows without hesitation. He brings a sense of humor and spontaneity to the dark world they’re trying to escape.

Storm (Antagonist)

valeriasukac220 — 2025-05-11 19:40:24 UTC

Age: Unknown (appears ageless due to modifications)
Personality: Calculating, commanding, cold
Description: Once human, Seraphine Morrow now runs the Upgrade Program with machine-like precision. She sees Arian as a flaw in the system—something to erase or reclaim to preserve control.

Lisa #347 (Arian’s Sister)

valeriasukac220 — 2025-05-11 19:43:10 UTC

Age: 23
Personality: Emotionless on the surface, but conflicted deep inside
Description: Upgraded at 17, Lisa became the perfect citizen: cold, logical, compliant. But Arian believes a part of her old self remains, making her both a danger and a possible ally.

Sari (Desert Girl)

valeriasukac220 — 2025-05-11 19:47:10 UTC

Age: 18
Personality: Fierce, guarded, intuitive
Description: A fierce outcast from the desert tribes, Sari distrusts Arian at first but becomes his guide. Through her, he glimpses a life beyond machines and control.

The dialogue

valeriasukac220 — 2025-05-13 19:44:55 UTC