Weeks ago, in what had once been the peaceful lives of the city's residents, something strange happened. The ground started to shake, and the sky turned blood red. Panic spread quickly as a horrifying energy began to pulse across the heavens. People stared, confused, but deep down, everyone sensed it wasn't natural.
In the heart of the city, a terrifying black object appeared, releasing a menacing red aura. Minutes later, the ground quaked again, and the portal pulsed with strange, almost mocking energy. From it emerged creatures unlike anything seen before. The monsters poured out, their presence twisting the air with danger and chaos.
Screams filled the streets as people ran in terror, but it was too late. The monsters began slaughtering everyone in sight, mercilessly wiping out the entire country.
A few days later, news of the catastrophe spread worldwide. The red wave of mana that had been unleashed from the portal started to spread across the globe, causing the planet's climate to shift drastically. Natural disasters began to occur at an unprecedented scale.
However, as the mana surged across the earth, a select few individuals awakened to a strange, primal power. Their bodies buzzed with an energy they had never experienced before.
---
Far away from the city, in a quiet village, Michael sat watching the news on TV. His eyes narrowed as the reporter spoke of people awakening extraordinary abilities.
"Grrr, I wish I had powers too," Michael muttered, sinking deeper into the sofa. "But I know not everyone gets that kind of luck."
He glanced at the clock. "I need to get ready for tomorrow's math quiz," he sighed.
After a quick review of his notes, Michael yawned. "What time is it?" he mumbled. "Oh no, it's already midnight. I need to sleep."
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The Next Morning
Michael woke up early, still groggy from staying up late. He nudged his sister, Thea.
"Thea! What time is it?" he asked.
"It's only 4 AM," she grumbled.
"Get up already, we need to get ready for school," Michael said.
"Ugh, it's too early," Thea groaned, still half-asleep.
"You keep saying you're not a kid anymore, but you act like this," Michael teased. "Come on, let's get going."
Minutes later, Michael was preparing breakfast. "Just sit there, I'll make something."
With her head resting on the table, Thea mumbled, "Make sure it's good."
"Of course! I'm your brother, after all," Michael laughed.
---
After breakfast, the two began their walk to school.
"Hey, Michael," Thea said, "Did you hear what happened in japan?"
"Yeah," Michael nodded, "A portal appeared out of nowhere and wiped out the entire country."
"Seriously?" Thea gasped. "That's terrifying!"
Michael continued, "I heard they also found people with strange powers after the portal showed up. The theory is that the portal caused it, which makes sense. But I hope it doesn't happen here. Still, I can't help feeling a bit envious of those who gained powers... but it doesn't matter right now."
They finally arrived at school. "Okay, we're here," Michael said. "Wait for me after class if you finish early."
"See you later!" Thea called out.
---
Later that day, as Michael prepared to head home, Thea approached him.
"Brother, are you ready to go?" she asked.
"Sorry, Thea. I have Martial Arts practice today for an upcoming tournament. You go home first, and if I'm not back by six, just eat dinner without me. Here's some money to buy food."
"Alright, see you later," Thea said, waving as she left.
After practice, Michael spotted his childhood friend, Lily, waiting for him outside the gym.
"Lily? You're still here?" he asked, surprised. "Why didn't you go home?"
"I was waiting for you," Lily smiled.
"You didn't have to wait outside. It's dangerous. You should've waited inside," Michael said.
Lily looked slightly disappointed. "I wanted to surprise you."
Michael chuckled. "Well, let's head home."
As they walked together, something strange began to happen.
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