Jack was a photographer who was inspired by Kai's pieces. He was passionate in his craft, unlike Kai who had still not found his spark, and would bring his camera everywhere.
"Yo, Kai, mind taking a look at some of the pics I took."
"Again? Okay, fine."
"Sorry, I just want to get as much advice as I can get before you graduate. Hahaha"
Seeing him cheekily laugh like that, Kai couldn't help but give him a light punch on the shoulder. He and Jack had been friends for a few years. They had met after the photography teacher asked him to help a student with their assignments during his sophomore year.
Jack had been editing his photos during the time and one thing led to another. Eventually Kai was helping him out as well. Now anytime Jack had any questions about photography, he would reach out to Kai first, then his teacher if Kai wasn't available.
"Oh shut up, it's not like you don't have my number." Kai said with a smile.
Jack passed his DSLR camera to him and smiled as well. Kai looked through the camera roll and went into his critiquing mode.
"This one is too busy. It could be a good photo to capture life in the city, but since the focus of your concentration is 'cityscape', there are too many elements in the foreground. They confuse what the subject is…"
As Kai mercilessly took apart Jack's photo, Sia walked over. She wanted to hear his critiques and maybe find some insight in what Kai had said about becoming an artist.
But as soon as Kai was about to critique the second photograph, the ground shook as a massive tremor cascaded throughout the whole city.
Sia grabbed onto Kai's left arm to steady herself from falling, causing him to drop the DSLR. It crashed into the ground shattering the lens, the damage was clear to see. However, that was the least of his problems as he used his right arm to catch the falling Jack.
The tremor only lasted for a few seconds, but it was enough to cause the majority of people to face plant onto the pavement. Not to mention the numerous car crashes.
This was an earthquake, a powerful one at that. Well at least that was what everyone thought. However something felt different about it.
Before anyone could recover, a red paper-thin holographic box appeared in front of everyone.
[ The Trials of Survival have begun ]
…
…
…
(3:00 PM EST)
No one could believe what they were seeing. What was this?
No one knew. It was a surreal experience, their eyes carrying their collective shock. It was evident that this was a surprise for everyone.
They turned to look around, to make sure this wasn't just their hallucination. The same red holographic box had appeared in front of everyone.
Before anyone could speak up, a melodic yet robotic voice resounded in all their minds.
[ The Trials of Survival have begun ]
┎
- The Trials of Survival have begun. Your survival is in your hands.
- As you are currently within a mega city with a population of more than 1 million, you must participate in the Ascension Trial before joining the Regional Trials.
- Details of the Ascension Trial will be relayed to you once you enter the Ascension Realm.
- This Ascension Trial can be taken with a team. To form a team, one must be in physical contact with a person entering the trial.
- To enter the trial think 'Ascend' with the intent to enter the trial.
┛
[ Survive ]
For a seemingly long time, silence blanketed the once bustling city. Blank stares of disbelief were plastered over every single person's face. The only thing they could think of doing was to turn their heads to look at the person next to them to see if this was real.
Once their eyes met, their hearts sank as an irreproachable feeling crept in.
Then like a raging tsunami, screams erupted from the masses. Confusion turned into panic. No one knew what was happening, they just wanted to get somewhere safe.
But where would be safe?
Their homes. Maybe. Maybe not.
Out of the city. Probably.
Even Kai's group was no different. Jack was on the verge of hyperventilating hearing the blaring announcement of the mysterious voice in his mind. His heart was racing. All sorts of thoughts and speculations started to pop up in his mind at what this could be. Stress could be seen written on his face
Sia was hurriedly looking around herself checking if everyone in the group also had the floating red box. Much to her dismay, they all had one. It was undeniable. This was actually happening. It wasn't just an audible hallucination. Her anxiety spiked.
Even the usually optimistic Sammi was in a state of worry. It was evident in her eyes. Her usually cheerfully smile had faded. Everyone in their group was one step away from panicking.
Well except for Kai, who was right now staring straight at the sky. As he did so, he grabbed hold of Sia's hand and tightened his grip on Jack's arm. It was an unconscious reaction.
This snapped Sia out of her anxious state. Her cheeks started to get red once again when she noticed that Kai was now holding her hand. She had just been talking to Sammi about this, but now Kai took her by surprise. Although she wanted Kai to do it at a more appropriate time, she was still happy.
Unbeknownst to Kai and Sia herself, this one act had calmed her down and pulled her up from her descent into hysteria.
'Really, now, of all times…'
But she heard him say something that interrupted her train of thought. In a low voice he said, "Was he actually…"
His voice trailed off as his pupils dilated. It seemed as if something he saw confirmed his suspicions. Sia followed his gaze and looked up.
'What?! What is that?'