Michael stood still, his mind racing as he tried to comprehend the situation. "Humans left… humans right… Hmmm." He muttered, wondering what Mr. Bola had in store for them. The swirl of leaves, the dancing flowers, and the gentle breeze contrasted sharply with the tension he felt inside. One hundred and fifty students stood, many preparing their abilities, oblivious to the unpredictability of the challenge that lay ahead.
Elizabeth, his beloved, was by his side. He held her close, his mind only half-focused on the looming trial. She was his anchor in this maddening world, the only person who made him feel tethered to some semblance of sanity. No matter what happened, he would make sure they stayed together.
Mr. Bola's booming voice broke through the air. "Good day, Emoxians. Once again, welcome to Emox. Today marks the beginning of your morning routine, a critical evaluation that will determine which class rank you will enter for your first year at Emox College. There are five ranks—A to E—each with 30 students."
Michael only half-listened, his attention focused on Elizabeth. She was his priority, and he needed to ensure they stayed in the same class. Nothing else mattered. Bola continued, "This routine will take place across various habitats, testing your adaptability, your strength, and your ability to control your emotions while using your abilities. But be careful not to let your emotions control you."
Michael gently let go of Elizabeth's hand, reassuring her with a glance. He was confident they were safe for now, but he'd have to ensure their survival through whatever was coming.
"The first challenge—" Before Bola could finish, the scenery around Michael shifted abruptly. A waterfall loomed in the distance, and the familiar sound of rushing water filled his ears. His heart sank. Elizabeth was nowhere to be seen.
"THE FIRST CHALLENGE IS SURVIVAL! AS LONG AS YOU DON'T DIE, YOU PROCEED! THIS IS DAY ONE OUT OF THREE IN YOUR ROUTINE, HAHAHA! YOU REALLY THOUGHT THIS WAS JUST A MORNING ROUTINE?!"
Bola's maniacal laughter echoed in Michael's ears, and then… silence.
Michael's fists clenched. His mind raced. He couldn't predict this. He was alone, no sign of Elizabeth, no sound of anyone else around him. The waterfall's roar was all he could hear. For all he knew, Elizabeth could be in danger. His heart thudded painfully in his chest.
"No, no, no…" he muttered. He remembered Elizabeth's calming voice, the way she would tell him on their calls, "Take care of yourself, Michael. Even if I'm not there." She was his lifeline. She always reassured him.
"Ahhh, Eli…" His voice softened as he whispered her name, feeling a fleeting moment of vulnerability that only she could evoke. The coldness, the hardness he usually carried, melted away, leaving him feeling almost childlike.
But he quickly snapped back to reality. He couldn't let himself break down. Not now. Elizabeth needed him. He had to protect her, wherever she was.
He turned toward the waterfall, his eyes narrowing. If survival was the challenge, he was ready. "Come out, beast," he muttered under his breath. "I need to get back to my beloved."