[12 Hours Later]...
'I guess I'll be leaving now.' I grabbed a bag and filled it with a bottle of water and some snacks as I charged out of the room in confidence.
As I walked down the hallway, I saw other people heading out; most with wet faces. They were probably either showering or exercising. Regrettably, I hadn't taken the chance to exercise in preparation for my training ahead.
I knew the reason behind the call was for a training, but the thought of the training ground scared me. Magic was new to me, although it was something I had dreamed of. I walked past a white-haired teenager—the height of a 14-year-old—who was gently wiping his face with a towel.
'I just hope that dome isn't our training ground,' I thought, slowly passing the boy who later, in an unusual manner, took to his heels in the hallway.
'What a weirdo.' I muttered while dusting a part of my trousers that his legs had slightly touched.
Although the boy's act was weird and out of the blue, it ignited a flame within me for some reason. It was a flame of excitement, burning through my core and forcing a small smirk to form.
I too, eventually began sprinting to the waiting room where I saw the group already being spoken to by the receptionist.
'Okay wait here,' the receptionist spoke, her voice a faint whisper as I was approaching the group.
As soon as I joined the others, she left in a hurry as though eager to see something. I could see a faint smile as she dashed off in her formal dark suit and skirt.
I fought the urge to ask for information, not eager to socialize with the others especially after seeing the lustful teens, boring men in their 20s and the weirdos who always engaged in sudden suspicious activities.
At least I thought I wouldn't socialize until seeing the timid girl approach the room.
She had changed her clothing, her blonde hair flowing atop her white long-sleeved shirt as her legs swung across the hallway. She desperately hid herself behind the taller girls who were waiting for the return of the receptionist.
I stretched out my hand, attempting to tap her to get her attention. I didn't know her name and it didn't bother me, but she was the only one I had spoken with. To be honest, no one except close friends knew each other's names. Everyone seemed like total strangers to each other.
'You're late,' I stated, starting the conversation as I slowly squeezed myself to reach her.
'Oh it's you. I don't know.' She suddenly stopped talking, raising her head from its initial lower position. Her words weren't complete and most of all, it didn't spark any conversation.
'Anyways, what did you say your name was? It's not like I want to know, I just need to considering the situation we're in. It's best to make the friends you can.'
She looked back at me, this time her eyes conveyed a different message. She was hesitant to tell me her name, but as shy as she was, she couldn't possibly deny me.
'Noelle, It's Noelle Mia. Just call me Noelle.' She quickly diverted her eyes, as I digested the information with an affirmative nod.
The receptionist quickly walked into the room in a speedy gait as she smiled evidently. She sat down on her chair in the loneliness of her office computer and told us to head outside.
We all walked out, although filled with anxiety. The journey to the door was quite strenuous, reminding me of the first time I came here—just a few hours ago. The large door didn't cease to amaze me, it's metallic finish was a dazzling sight enchanting anyone who dared to lay their eyes on it.
As we approached the door, it gradually opened, generating the familiar mechanic chime it did the first time. I looked around, taking in a deep breath of fresh air.
'Finally, I'm not being cramped inside a room. Come to think of it, here still looks empty.' I slowly scratched my head as I walked down the clear pathway.
I looked around in search of residents but even the shops were empty although those glimmering bottles were still exhibited.
'That's strange...' The entire area was deserted so I returned to the group that had already began dispersing. Noise was generated; the sound of chaotic voices and aggressive steps.
Soon, a man appeared seemingly out of nowhere as his skin shone as bright as the sun. He looked even more devious than previously, his smile a faint memory of my stay at the hospital.
It was that man, the same man that faced us with decisive thoughts, anxiety and left a sour taste of suspense in the hospital room.
'Listen up! There are 109 of you, totally. 90% of you are teenagers and the remaining 10% are young adults, specifically between the age bracket of 20-25. Well, try keeping up with these mischievous little teens.' A smile spread across his face as he gradually approached us lifting his arm.
I looked at the direction he pointed, and immediately, my heart was consumed in fear. I looked around, noticing the sudden change of expressions of the teenagers after seeing the darkness beyond the glass doors of the dome.
The dome wasn't as far as it was in my room, and it's size was even more devastating. It's walls were of glass and the large door was made of the most transparent glass I had seen. It was crystal clear.
He forced us all to the dome, a few of us resisting. However, my resolve outweighed my fears and I cooperatively walked to the building, although anxious.
'Now enter you worms and taste what you sought. The road to seeing a dragon isn't some rollercoaster; it's much worse than that. Look inside!' his voice thickening and deepening with much more quality, 'Look at that darkness swirling around. Don't you wonder what that is?'
'That's your future,' he whispered, his low voice like a roar of a lion.
Everyone took in a deep breath and stared into the darkness through the dome's doors as sweat flowed down our faces.
'Now enter!' We could hear the man, now our instructor, shout as we forced ourselves to enter although a few of us stood back, shrouded in fear and uncertainty.
In shorter terms, it was pandemonium. A state of complete crisis.