Aren straightened his tie for the third time, his fingers nervously fidgeting with the fabric. Seated across from him was Mr. De Vries, the stern-faced manager of the tech firm he'd dreamed of joining. Sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Brussels skyscraper, casting long shadows across the minimalist office.
"So, Mr. Aren," Mr. De Vries began, glancing briefly at the résumé in his hands. "You graduated last year with a bachelor's degree in computer science. Tell me, what have you been doing since then?"
Aren swallowed hard. "I've been working on several personal projects while searching for opportunities that align with my career goals."
"Personal projects?" The manager raised an eyebrow. "In this competitive market, hands-on experience is crucial. Companies are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running."
"Absolutely, sir," Aren replied, forcing a smile. "I've been freelancing to build my portfolio and enhance my skills in software development."
Mr. De Vries leaned back in his chair. "Freelancing is admirable, but we're seeking someone with more substantial industry experience. Someone who has proven themselves in high-pressure environments."
Aren felt his stomach drop. "I understand. However, I'm a quick learner and highly adaptable. I believe I could bring a fresh perspective to your team."
The manager offered a tight-lipped smile. "We appreciate your interest, but at this time, we need someone who requires less training. Best of luck in your job search."
"Thank you for your time," Aren managed to say as he stood up, extending his hand, which the manager shook briefly before turning his attention to his computer.
Exiting the office, Aren's shoulders slumped. The hallway seemed longer on the way out, each step echoing his fading hopes. He made his way through the bustling lobby and out onto the busy streets of Brussels.
The sky was overcast, matching his somber mood as a light drizzle began to fall. Pulling up the hood of his jacket, he headed toward the train station. The city's vibrancy contrasted sharply with the emptiness he felt inside. Tourists snapped photos of historic landmarks, street vendors called out to passersby, and cyclists weaved through traffic—all oblivious to his internal turmoil.
Reaching the station, Aren purchased a ticket and boarded the train bound for his small hometown on the outskirts of the city. He found a window seat and sank into it, watching as raindrops traced random paths down the glass. The train lurched forward, and the urban landscape gradually gave way to rolling hills and dense forests.
He pulled out his phone, scrolling through social media feeds filled with former classmates celebrating new jobs, engagements, and adventures abroad. Each post was a stark reminder of where he thought he would be by now. With a sigh, he tucked his phone away and rested his head against the window.
"What's the point?" he thought. "All that effort for nothing."
As the train sped along, Aren's eyelids grew heavy. The rhythmic clacking of the tracks was almost hypnotic. Just as he was about to drift off, a bright flash in the sky caught his eye. He sat up abruptly, pressing his face to the window.
High above, a massive, ethereal chain materialized across the horizon, each link glowing with an otherworldly light. Gasps and murmurs spread through the carriage as more passengers took notice.
"What is that?" a woman whispered.
Before anyone could speculate further, the chain began to tremble violently. Cracks of blinding light spiderwebbed along its length. Without warning, it shattered, the fragments dissolving into a cascade of shimmering particles that rained down upon the earth.
Aren's heart pounded in his chest. An overwhelming surge of energy washed over him, making every nerve in his body tingle.
Panic erupted in the train as people clutched their heads or staggered in the aisles.
A deafening silence followed. Aren tried to stand, but his legs gave way. The world around him blurred, sounds muffled as if underwater. His vision narrowed, darkness creeping in from the edges.
The last thing he saw before everything went black was the serene countryside bathed in an eerie, luminescent glow.