Riyan stood frozen as he stepped through the blue gate. When the world shifted around him, he sucked in a sharp breath.
Before him stretched a shattered wasteland — the meteor crash site. Jagged black rocks jutted out from the ground, twisted trees burned and petrified, and a thin, smoky fog drifted in the wind.
His eyes widened in horror.
This… this is the place… The same cave I was trapped in. Why here?!
Kenji at his side shivered violently.
No way… this must be a mistake! This is supposed to be for New Age People!
Suddenly, a giant hologram shimmered above them. The Rank 9 Nova, Garon Breaker, appeared, his thunderous voice echoing over the wasteland.
"Attention! This is NOT a mistake! This is your first task — survive and reach the next gate!"
A boy with glasses stammered, eyes darting around.
"Isn't this the same crash site where the Hunters fought those meteor monsters?!"
Garon roared.
"Yes! But this is an artificial simulation, created using engineering and the powers of Object Creator Nova, Astra Modulus! We rebuilt this as a prototype — tested on top Novas already. You are perfectly safe… if you don't lose your nerve!"
A mature woman near the front stepped forward, voice trembling.
"Why involve us? I thought we'd just be assistants… We didn't sign up to fight monsters!"
Garon's hologram slammed a giant fist down.
"Listen well! Astra told you already — the apocalypse is coming. You will NOT survive it by hiding. This academy exists to make you understand reality and prepare. You've seen Null Stone systems only on TV. Here, you will learn firsthand!"
Riyan's mind raced.
What do they know about this apocalypse…? Are they hiding more? Is it another meteor? Or something even worse?
But he clenched his fists, feeling his heart thunder.
No… I won't run. I want to live — the life Grandpa dreamed for me. I can't just sit and wait for death.
Beside him, Kenji leaned close, whispering urgently.
"Riyan! Look… over there…!"
Riyan turned. At 9 o'clock, he saw her — a gorgeous girl with fiery red hair, tight jeans, and a white crop top that barely hid her chest. Her arms were crossed, her bright eyes scanning nervously.
"Who… is that?" Riyan asked.
Kenji nearly fainted.
"Bro! You don't know?! That's Sia Rednova — she's huge on MyTube! She's a dancer, sometimes a reporter. Even a top Nova proposed to her once, and she turned them down!"
Sia glanced around, fuming.
"What is this mess…? I only came to film a promo video about the academy, maybe get sponsorship deals. But now… my phone and all my electronics were confiscated at the gate. This is a disaster! I can't fight monsters! I thought I'd get an easy advertising gig!"
The tension spiked again as Garon continued.
"Your objective: reach the next gate by clearing this zone! You will encounter simulated monsters — they won't kill you, but injuries are possible. Medics are on standby. You have one day to clear it. This is both survival… and a race!"
Riyan's eyes narrowed.
A whole day… It's like a survival marathon. I know this place… I can guide us.
He turned to Kenji.
"Stick with me. I remember the path."
Kenji nodded quickly.
"Okay, bro! Let's do this!"
A loud beep echoed. A massive countdown screen flickered: 24:00:00, set to start in ten minutes.
People began panicking, whispering in clusters.
The glasses boy nervously wiped sweat from his brow.
I… I only came to earn money. I'm deep in debt because of bad trades… But if I fail here…
He turned to the people around him.
"Let's make a group! We can support each other. There's no limit on how many can pass!"
People started forming alliances in a hurry. Even older candidates and retired workers began clinging to anyone strong.
Nearby, Sia approached a small girl who looked like she belonged in kindergarten. Sia knelt down, her voice surprisingly gentle.
"Hey, cutie… you okay alone?"
The little girl shook her head, eyes tearing up. Sia sighed, pulling her closer.
"You'll stick with me, okay? I guess I'll protect you… even if it ruins my subscriber schedule."
Kenji watched, pointing.
"Riyan! Look for strong people to join us!"
Riyan rolled his eyes.
Kenji, you're NOT the 'strong guy' I was looking for…
Kenji deflated but kept looking.
Finally, Kenji approached, dragging a buff young man and a calm-looking girl.
"Found them! He's Kairo, she's Ayla!"
Kairo adjusted his gloves, his voice low.
"I liked the way you handled that scuffle with the bully earlier. I'll join you."
Ayla nodded softly.
"Me too… Your eyes don't look like someone here just for money."
Riyan introduced himself and his district. They nodded back.
Riyan felt something shift inside.
I might actually have… a team.
Suddenly, an alarm blared. The giant countdown started flashing: 10… 9… 8…
Everyone froze.
Riyan took a deep breath, glancing at his team.
"Stay close. Watch each other's backs. We move on my signal."
The final numbers flashed.
3… 2… 1… START!
Garon's voice boomed through the area.
"RUN! Make the world a better place!"
Riyan bolted forward, feeling the ground tremble.
Branches snapped, shadows shifted — and a deep, echoing growl rumbled somewhere far ahead. A sulfur-like stench drifted in the wind, making Riyan's heart pound even harder.
Far a
way, on a hidden screen, a masked Nova leaned forward, eyes narrowed.
Show me what you can really do… Riyan Solas.