Riyan stood frozen in the middle of a massive, restless crowd — nearly 2,000 people from twenty different districts, each selected to stand here at the grand entrance plaza of Vireon Academy.
He looked around, his mind echoing with a single thought.
> "What am I even doing here…? Me, a construction worker from District Zephyr…"
In front of them, a striking woman stood tall on a raised stage. She looked like a navy commander — her dark uniform sharp and immaculate, a matching cap perched above her serious eyes. She radiated maturity and power, her presence silencing even the loudest whispers.
She stepped forward and shouted, her voice slicing through the morning air like a blade.
> "All of you… forgot why you are truly here! You did not come just for money, fame, or job security! You came because this world needs you!"
Her eyes swept across the sea of faces — some scared, some defiant, some completely lost.
> "After the chaos of the meteor apocalypse, the world crumbled. Nearly 20% of the population was wiped out. From the remaining, only about 30% awakened powers and became what we call New Age People. The rest, the 50%, remained as normal humans — vital to rebuilding society."
She paused, her voice low and heavy with unspoken pain.
> "But out of those 30%… only 15 to 20% chose to fight for humanity's future. The rest disappeared into comfort, selfishness, or fear."
Riyan swallowed, feeling a cold shiver crawl down his spine.
> "We opened these academies to guide both power users and normal people. We need engineers, managers, medical support — but above all, we need fighters. Because…"
She paused, letting the silence thicken, and then took a deep breath.
> "…Because a new apocalypse is coming."
The crowd erupted into chaotic chatter. Panic rippled like a wave.
From the back, four people stood slightly apart, exchanging hurried whispers.
"How can she say it so openly? That was never meant for public ears!" one young man hissed, his eyes darting nervously.
A girl beside him snapped back, "Let her speak! The world deserves to know — not just the government!"
The woman on stage slammed her fist down, silencing everyone instantly.
> "Enough! This is about our future, not our past. You deserve to know the truth!"
She took off her hat, revealing her long silver hair that shimmered in the sunlight — Astra. Her name alone carried weight like thunder across the world.
> "The apocalypse will come in two years. This is not a rumor, not a theory. It has been confirmed by multiple World Readers — people who can see glimpses of the future. You may call them prophets, but they are real. Each World Reader has predicted the same fate, with a 99% certainty."
Riyan's heart pounded in his chest.
> "A new apocalypse… In two years…? What even is it? Can it kill me, too?"
All around him, terrified faces blurred together. Some students clutched each other, others began to cry. A few clenched their fists, determination burning in their eyes.
Near Riyan, Kenji trembled, muttering to himself.
> "Is it real…? I have to do something… I need to protect my mother. I can't fail her…!"
Further away, the beautiful Nova girl from earlier clenched her jaw, her blue eyes stormy.
> "My sister… She just started university… I can't let her face this alone. I won't let her life be destroyed."
Her name — Selene Frost, known for her calm yet cold aura — was whispered in reverence throughout the crowd.
Not far away, a boy who had once picked a fight with Kenji glared at the stage, his fists trembling.
> "Tch… Apocalypse? I don't care about saving the world… I'll use this chance to rise above all of them. I'll crush every weakling in my way and stand at the top, even if the world burns around me!"
Astra raised her voice again, her words cutting through the emotional chaos.
> "Don't panic! Even if there's only a 1% chance of success… we can fight! We can stop it, but only if we work together!"
She turned, lifting her arm toward the four figures standing behind her.
"Allow me to introduce those who will lead you in this fight!"
A stunning girl stepped forward first — curvaceous, confident, her tight combat suit accentuating every curve. She winked at the crowd, sending the boys into a frenzy.
> "This is Nova Rank #6 — Luna Flame!"
Next, a hulking man, muscles like boulders, stomped forward. His deep voice boomed.
> "I'm Rank #9 — Garon Breaker!"
An old, frail-looking man in a traditional martial arts robe walked slowly, his steps deliberate yet strong.
> "This is Rank #4 — Master Shou."
Lastly, a handsome young man with sharp features and an actor-like charisma stepped forward, waving casually.
> "Rank #3 — Zein Star. Yes, I'm the same Zein from your movies," he said, smirking.
The crowd gasped, starstruck.
Astra continued.
> "These top Nova will supervise your entrance exams. If they choose you, you'll work directly under them — as a student, assistant, or warrior."
Riyan's head felt heavy.
> "Work under them…? Who would choose me…? I'm just a construction worker… A ghost among heroes…"
Suddenly, someone tapped his shoulder. He turned quickly — and froze.
Mira stood there, wearing a crisp white blouse tucked into a short, tight navy-blue skirt that hugged her waist perfectly. A small black cropped jacket accentuated her delicate shoulders, and her long hair was tied in a loose, elegant ponytail that swayed when she moved. Her thigh-high black socks and sleek boots completed the look — strong yet cute, ready for battle.
"Surprised to see me?" she asked, smirking.
"How… how did you get here?!" Riyan stammered.
"Why, can't I come?" she teased, tilting her head cutely. "Is it illegal for me to be here?"
"N-No… I just didn't expect you… You have powers, but…"
She pouted, puffing her cheeks. "You think I can't use them, right?! Rude!"
Riyan opened his mouth to explain, but a nearby military official suddenly called out — it was Kenji, now in uniform, a playful grin on his face.
"Oi! Riyan! Who's this beautiful girl? Introduce her properly!"
Riyan quickly turned, introducing Mira. She gave a short bow, smiling confidently.
After Astra and the top Nova stepped down, the towering gates at the far end of the plaza rumbled open.
Two gates appeared: one glowing blue, the other a fiery red.
Garon Breaker stepped forward, his voice thundering.
> "Normal people to the blue gate! Power users to the red gate! Your tests begin now!"
The crowd buzzed with tension and excitement. Mira looked at Riyan playfully.
"So… you'll come with me to the red gate, right?" she teased.
Before Riyan could answer, Kenji grabbed his arm, laughing loudly.
"Sorry, kid! He's with us — normal people go to the blue gate!" Kenji winked at Mira. "We'll take good care of your boyfriend!"
Mira burst out laughing, then leaned close, her voice sweet but mocking.
"Just kidding. Go do your best, Riyan!"
Riyan exhaled, relief and nervousness tangled together.
"Thanks… see you after," he managed, his voice shaky.
They parted ways, each stepping toward their chosen gate.
As Riyan walked toward the blue gate, he glanced around at the normal people beside him — young and old, weak and strong, each holding a different dream, a different fear.
> "Why am I really here…? To earn money? To survive? Or… because I don't want to be alone anymore…?"
His steps slowed as he entered the gate, his mind drifting to the people he had left behind — his grandfather, his old coworkers, Mira.
> "Whatever this apocalypse is… I need to be ready. Even if I'm the last one standing… I can't let their hopes die."
Beyond the gate, a deep, echoing tunnel awaited — and somewhere at the end, the true test of his soul.
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Teaser for Chapter 9
Deep in the tunnels, Riyan finds a monster from the meteor — something he should never have seen.
Karsa b