In an endless stream of nothingness, a boy stood in the middle. Surrounded by the strange interference of strange ripples that allow passage to dreams, the boys sighed. It was almost as if the dream was reality; touch, smell, vision, etc... it was all in sync within the strange world.
"I wonder where I'll enter this time" sighed the boy once more. Empty and desolate, only the ripples stood to keep him company. By his inscrutable countenance and unreadable eyes, it was unclear what he was think, yet by his words, he had been to this place once before.
After what felt like an eternity within the mysterious realm, Luke awoke. Looking around, he realised he had made it back to the real world. Strangely, he hadn't encountered any strange occurrences or entered any ripples this time, something that was a very sporadic event when going to the realm.
Luke was a very mature 16 year old, forced into many different things with little freedom for his life. One thing he was able to choose was what he was to do, and that was to join the MSA. In theory, it was impossible. No training. No natural ability. No power. Yet, what he did have were connections. Or, to be more specific, the boy's family had every connection in the city. After all, they were the biggest family in the region, the most powerful and feared as well.
Although he heritage had many benefits, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows as you can imagine. Many would pin the family name to his achievements and making friends was like building a rocket from scratch when everyone froze in place upon seeing you. He didn't always want to join the MSA, it was something that came along due to the abuse; he wanted to prove himself and that was why he had to join the military, to prove to himself as well as the rest of society that his achievements were his own.
Yawning while stretching his long arms, climbing out his bed, Luke smiled. Today was the day he would join up with the MSA, his first mission was awaited. The MSA used to be a private company but when the awakening occurred, it's existence became common knowledge and replaced the military. Though it sounds rash, it was necessary considering the military and their toy arms were utterly powerless against the beings that lurked in the dungeons.
After changing into his usual white shirt and black trousers paired with a pair of white trainers, Luke picked up his phone and opened his messages.
Luke: Where do you want to meet?
Otto: Somewhere around the middle of central? The big park next to the coffee stand?
Luke: Sure. I'll be there in about 20 minutes. Got to get the bus
Otto: Got it
Placing his brand new phone in his pocket, he walked out the small apartment and stepped into the crowded paths of the outside.
Reaching the bus stop, it was a short wait. Soon, the big red bus, carrying a large electronic screen which advertised a game called Jun, arrived at the small bus stop. Looking through the small windows, Luke could see it was rather scarce. On the usual day, it would be filled to the brim with all sorts of young teens who would giggle all the trip and elderly who would simply sit and wait for their stop, yet today it was practically empty. Though he wasn't going to complain, he was clearly confused. Then he quickly remembered something, 'Today is the start of the new Jun season. I'm pretty sure Otto's been playing that game'
Much like the wait at the bus stop, the bus only took around ten minutes to arrive in the city. If the area at Luke's apartment was busy, this was completely flooded. People were densely scattered at every nook and cranny, some dressed in clean and expensive clothes while others were much more casual. It was covered in varieties of different people.
Upon arriving at the large park which sat in the middle of the megacity, a 5"7 figure could be seen leaning against the arm of a small wooden bench. It was a boy around the same age dressed in a hoodie and jeans. Relaxed on their wrist, a small watch could be seen lighting up blue, much like the one that sat on Luke's wrist.
While Luke approached the boy, they noticed his arrival and waved over.
"Hey, Luke" the boy said with an inviting smile.
"Hey, Otto. Know what time we have to be there?" Luke replied with a calm expression.
"hmm. Let me see, it's-shoot! We have ten minutes!" Otto exclaimed as he began to run around the city. Following after, Luke lightly chuckled at Otto's reaction.
"It's just round the corner" Otto called out as they sprinted outside of a huge, imposing building. It was in a secluded part of the city where only recognised officials or people with an access privilege on their watch, like MSA members, could enter.
Closing in on the meeting point, Luke and Otto looked around with amazed expressions. The place was huge and extremely techy, people walked around chatting while others held extremely serious looks while marching through the corridors at an increased pace. These people were MSA members, many of which had been in the company a long time and could be considered 'veterans'.
Outside a black metal door which accommodated a small window, more chatting could be heard coming from the inside.
"This is it" Otto announced, pushing the black door open. Inside the room, many youths could be seen lined up before a large stage that carried a microphone stand. Entering the room, the thunderous babble got louder. Sitting down at a couple of empty seats, Luke and Otto began to join in on the chatting.
Fifteen minutes soon passed and a tall figure climbed up onto the stage and stood before the microphone.
"Good Evening, new recruits. Today is the day you will all join the MSA..."