15 July 2027
This was the fateful day when the whole world was shaken to its core by the arrival of the Aliens. The skies above the world's largest cities were suddenly filled with a hundred metallic flying saucers, each spanning a colossal 10 miles in diameter.
From New York to Los Angeles, São Paulo to Paris, Beijing to Tokyo, Mumbai, and beyond, all eyes turned skyward as chaos and fear gripped the hearts of people everywhere.
The Aliens swiftly took control of the entire network of digital appliances, from national television to billboards, and even mobile phones. Suddenly, every device screen displayed the image of a beautiful woman with flowing black hair. Her presence evoked an eerie feeling as her voice resonated through the airwaves.
"Do not be afraid. We come in peace," the woman proclaimed, her words reaching every corner of the world.
Though she appeared human, there was an otherworldly quality to her demeanor and speech that sent shivers down the spines of those who listened.
"My name is Anna. I was created to make this transition easier for our two races," she continued, her voice simultaneously soothing and unsettling.
Naturally, not a single world leader believed her words. Faced with the threat to their authority, governments across the globe mobilized their military power, hoping to exert dominance and secure a favorable position for the subsequent negotiations.
However, their hopes were quickly shattered. Fighter jets were deployed, scrambling to give warning shots at the unknown constructs in the sky. But their display of power proved futile as the jets suddenly lost all functionality, falling from the sky like powerless insects.
"We expect no violence, but if you resist, we will retaliate accordingly," Anna warned, her voice carrying an air of finality.
Just minutes after her proclamation, darkness engulfed every city in the world as the Aliens managed to shut down the entire Earth's electricity grid, plunging humanity into a profound blackout. With the loss of power came the cessation of all forms of communication, leaving the governments devoid of control.
When the lights finally flickered back to life, the Aliens had taken control of all fifteen thousand nuclear warheads scattered across the globe. In a matter of hours, the world waved the white flag, surrendering to the overwhelming power of the Aliens.
A convention was organized, where representatives from both sides met to discuss the Aliens' purpose for coming to Earth. Their demand was daunting:
"We require one million humans to participate in our annual game. If you successfully complete the game, we promise to leave you all and your planet in peace."
Powerless to do anything else, the world reluctantly accepted these outrageous terms. The fate of humanity now hung in the balance as the stage was set for a deadly game orchestrated by the enigmatic Aliens.
For Alan, the arrival of the Aliens spelled an inevitable tragedy.
It was on the same day, in a particular hospital, that his wife, Sarah, was in the throes of labor. The shocking revelation of the Alien starships and the subsequent electricity shutdown made her perilous delivery process even more complicated.
In a darkened room, amidst the chaos unfolding outside, Sarah screamed in pain as doctors and nurses fought to help her bring their child into the world. The sound of a fighter jet crashing down punctuated the air, adding to the atmosphere of dread and uncertainty.
"Come on, Sarah... Just a little bit more… You can do it…."
"You can do it. Don't worry, I'm here."
"Yes… Just a bit more… One more push… Come on, Sarah."
Finally, the piercing cry of a newborn baby cut through the tension, bringing a momentary sense of relief and joy to everyone in the delivery room, momentarily eclipsing the horror happening outside.
However, the fleeting happiness was abruptly shattered when tragedy struck.
Sarah's weak voice echoed in the room as she gently caressed the baby she had just given birth to. "You are so... beautiful... I am sorry..." Her cries turned to silence, and the vital signs monitor blared with a harsh, unwelcome sound.
In that moment, Alan's heart filled with a deep sense of grief and loss. The weight of his sorrow threatened to crush him.
Yet, as he gazed upon the beautiful baby in his arms, he found the strength to rise. Now, he had another precious person to care for—their daughter.
However, just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, two years later, the young Arria D'Angelo was diagnosed with a chronic and relentless disease: leukemia. The world had no cure to offer, and Alan found himself sinking into a pit of despair, grappling with the unfairness of life.
But amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. Alan discovered an item that held the potential to save his daughter's life—a rare potion called the High Elixir. It was an item that could only be acquired from the dreaded Apocalypse Game.
The High Elixir possessed remarkable properties: it could cure any type of disease. It was an elusive treasure, obtainable with 20,000 Survival Points—a currency earned through participation in the game.
Alan hesitated, unsure of the risks and challenges that awaited him. Yet, when fate dealt its hand and his name was chosen, he knew deep down that this was an opportunity he could not afford to let slip away.
Unfortunately, at that time, Alan was not strong enough to obtain the required points, and he failed to secure the life-saving potion. When he finally joined the game in the 2031 edition, it was too late—little Arria had already passed away, leaving Alan devastated and consumed by grief.
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The memory of that devastating loss haunted Alan, as he held his daughter's body in his arms. In that poignant moment, Alan made a vow to himself "I'll definitely save you this time..."
His words caught Arria off guard, her confusion evident in her innocent eyes. "Daddy, what are you talking about? Did you do something funny again? Wait... It's only 2 in the afternoon. Why aren't you teaching in school?"
Arria wore an adorable expression of curiosity and suspicion, her innocence shielding her from the weight of her father's burden.
Alan smiled, trying to ease her confusion. "Never mind, sweetheart. Daddy just wants to spend some time with you today."
And so, that afternoon, Alan cherished every moment spent with his little girl, whom he hadn't seen in far too long. Laughter and joy filled the room, momentarily pushing aside the shadows of their tumultuous reality.
However, their precious time together was interrupted when two people entered the hospital room. It was the McAdams—the parents of Sarah, Alan's late wife, and his in-laws. Their relationship had always been strained, and the multiple tragedies that had befallen them only worsened the tension between them.
Alan gave a slight nod and greeted them respectfully, but in return, he was met with silence and disapproving glances. The disapproval in their eyes spoke volumes, their unspoken words a reminder of the difficult path Alan had walked.
"I would rather you not come so often; we have had enough bad luck already," one of them muttered, the bitterness tainting the air.
In the past, such words would have stirred a whirlwind of emotions within Alan, but now, after enduring three years of horror in the Apocalypse Game, he responded with calm resolve and a quiet determination.
"I won't be able to visit Arria for a while due to important matters. I beg your help in taking care of her in the meantime," Alan requested, his voice steady and filled with genuine sincerity.
The McAdams remained silent, their expressions guarded. Yet, Alan knew that they would undoubtedly care for their grandchild. With a heavy heart, he embraced Arria once more, planting a tender kiss on her forehead.
"Daddy has something important to do, so I won't be able to see you for a while. Promise me, Arria, that you'll be a good girl and listen to Grandma and Grandpa, okay?"
Arria's eyes welled up with tears, her voice quivering as she tried to be strong. "Yes, Daddy. I'll be a good girl."
"That's my girl," Alan murmured, gently stroking her head. With a heavy sigh, he stepped away from her, toward the door. Before leaving the room, he turned back and thanked the McAdams, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.
Outside the room, Alan could hear Sarah's parents muttering unkindly about him. The remarks stung, but he refused to let their words deter him. Determination burned bright in his eyes as he contemplated his next move.
He had been granted a miraculous second chance, and he wasn't going to waste it.
There was only one month until the start of the fifth year of the Apocalypse Game. Alan had little time to prepare, but he was ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.