Jack followed Elisa as they weaved through the city streets, visiting faction branches scattered across their locality. The city buzzed with life, yet the tension in the air was undeniable. The factions' political games had spiraled into chaos at an alarming pace, leaving even the most informed residents in shock.
The factions had a unique method of recruitment: rigorous tests. Passing these tests granted candidates membership. Elisa, however, had a different plan. She wasn't interested in just joining any faction. She wanted one whose mission aligned with her goal of using her system's benefits to improve society.
Each faction approached the tests differently. Some conducted them immediately, testing candidates for system compatibility and intellectual problem-solving abilities. After finishing a test at the Blue Faction, Jack turned to Elisa as they stepped out of the building.
"Why don't you settle for this one?" he asked, holding up the results she had received minutes ago.
Elisa had passed with flying colors, but she wasn't swayed. "I'm not joining a faction just because I can pass their test," she replied, her voice firm. "It's about their vision and mission."
Jack sighed. "What now?"
"There's just one left," she said, scanning their surroundings.
"Which is?"
"The Red Faction." Elisa pointed to a tall building just a few blocks away. Its modern architecture stood out among the aging cityscape. "And before you start complaining, it's only a short walk."
Jack groaned but followed her.
"And do you know the best part?" Elisa added, a playful grin on her face. "This is their headquarters."
They approached the building, and Elisa's excitement grew. Inside, the lobby was sleek and professional, exuding an air of seriousness that immediately appealed to her. They approached the receptionist, a sharp-eyed woman who greeted them with a warm smile.
"Welcome. Are you here to join the Red Faction?"
"Yes, ma'am," Elisa said, her characteristic smile lighting up her face.
"You're just in time," the receptionist replied. "Today is the final day of recruitment."
"What about you?" She turned to Jack, who quickly shook his head.
"No, thank you," he said firmly.
"Alright, would you like to be interviewed by our leader?" the receptionist asked Elisa, who nodded eagerly. The suggestion only increased her anticipation. A leader who took interviews personally likely cared deeply about the faction's direction.
"Follow me," the receptionist said, gesturing toward a hallway. She glanced at Jack. "You can wait here."
Elisa gave Jack a reassuring smile before disappearing down the hallway with the receptionist. They entered an office where the faction leader sat behind a desk. Elisa froze momentarily. She recognized him—a passionate activist renowned for championing the rights of the poor. Her decision was solidified; this was the faction she wanted to join.
"Why don't we start with your name?" the man asked, picking up a pen and a blank sheet of paper.
---
Meanwhile, Jack sat by the window in the lobby, gazing outside. A sudden, resounding thud shook the ground. He leapt to his feet and scanned the area through the window, trying to pinpoint the source. The pedestrians outside were unfazed, likely dismissing it as industrial activity.
Before Jack could dismiss it himself, a notification from his system blinked in his vision:
**
**
Jack frowned. Across the street stood an old, abandoned warehouse. "Maybe I'll check it out after Elisa's done," he muttered, settling back into his seat.
The system was persistent.
**
Jack sighed in frustration. "Fine," he grumbled, rising to his feet. He exited the building and crossed the street. The warehouse loomed ahead, its rusted doors and shattered windows giving it an ominous aura. Stories of eerie abandoned warehouses flashed through Jack's mind, but he shook them off.
The compound was eerily quiet. Surprisingly, the warehouse door wasn't locked. Jack pushed it open cautiously, relieved he wouldn't have to climb through a window or sneak in.
**
As Jack stepped inside, voices echoed in the distance. Instinctively, he ducked behind a large barrel for cover. The voices grew louder.
"The king was satisfied with the success of the missile drop," one voice said, its tone cold and clipped. "He doesn't want any mistakes with the army's landing."
Jack peered from his hiding spot and froze. The speakers weren't human. Their skin was entirely blue, their features alien. His instincts screamed a warning: these were not Earth's inhabitants.
The aliens moved closer, their heavy boots echoing in the cavernous space. Jack held his breath as they passed by, their strange language interspersed with occasional English words. They locked the warehouse door before heading deeper inside.
As the voices faded, Jack's system activated again.
**
A surge of power coursed through him. Suddenly, he could hear the distant conversation clearly.
"The fleet of ships is expected to land at the North Pole," one alien said.
"Their attack will be a surprise," another added. "Earth's inhabitants won't know what hit them."
Jack's heart raced. This wasn't just a routine mission from his system. He had stumbled upon something catastrophic—a planned invasion. His mind raced as he weighed his options. Staying hidden was safe, but the information he'd just overheard could change everything.