*Alarm rings*
He slowly opened his tired eyes, sat up on the cardboard mat, and picked up his phone to turn off the alarm. He stays still for a moment, staring blankly into the distance, his eyes lifeless.
Turning his head, he looked at his little sister, still asleep. Gently, he touched her head and adjusted the blanket over her.
He then looked at his phone and checked his messages.
[07/17/2* - Received Message: Hey Sam Torres, just a reminder that you have an interview today at Allonica, located at Allonica Bldg, Floor 6, Room 204, Centris, Q.C., at 10 AM. Good luck!…]
[07/17/2* - Received Message: [Hi Sam Torres, your interview is scheduled for today at 2 PM. The location is 42 Intouch, UP Building, 2nd floor…]
[07/17/2* - Received Message: Dear Sam Torres, thank you for taking the time to interview with us. After careful consideration, we've decided to proceed with another candidate. We truly appreciate your interest in the position and wish you success in your job search.]
With the light from the screen reflecting in his eyes, he continued to read.
[7/16/2* - Received Message: Hello Sam Torres, this is a reminder that your interview with Azzenture is scheduled for tomorrow at 5 PM. The location is Bonifacio Building, Baclaran, Manila. …]
07/16/2* - Received Message: [Hi Sam Torres, I wanted to let you know that, unfortunately, we won't be moving forward with your application at this time. Thank you for your interest and effort during the interview process. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.]
Feeling disappointed, he turned off his phone.
It was Sam's day off from his night part-time job, so he started preparing for his scheduled interview. After choosing his outfit, he cooked breakfast for both himself and his little sister.
Before leaving the room, he used his sister's phone to record a voice message, reminding her to eat the breakfast he had left on the table and to use the allowance he had given her to buy food later.
_
While removing the chain from his bike, someone called out to him. A lady in her 40s, dressed in branded clothes that didn't quite match, "Hey, nephew, why are you leaving without saying goodbye to your aunt?" Sam clenched his fist tightly around the chain.
"I'm also reminding you about the rent for the room, as well as the water and electricity bills. It's been almost two months since you've paid. Be thankful you're my nephew; that's why I'm still letting it slide," she said with a smirk before walking away.
Before she could get too far, she called out, "Good luck with your interview. I know you really need it," she said sarcastically.
Sam gritted his teeth, 'Bastard! Bastard! This is my parents' house—why do I need to pay rent?! Good luck?! Bastard!' he thought angrily.
After that, he rode the bike and left, feeling disgusted.
_
Once he arrived at his destination, he parked his bike in a vacant spot in the parking lot and then walked to the entrance of the building. The guard asked him the purpose of his visit. After the guard understood, he directed Sam to go to the 6th floor, room 204, and wait for his turn.
While waiting, other applicants glanced at him, and he knew why. His suit was worn and frayed, and his shoes were old.
Feeling empty, he just stared at the floor, waiting for his turn.
After a while, the staff called him to enter the room and instructed him to sit in the chair in front of the interviewer. The interviewer glanced at him, eyes narrowing as they took in his appearance, a slight frown forming. 'Hmm...' With a skeptical look, the interview began.
_
The interview concluded. "Thank you for your interest in applying with us. We will be in touch once we have finalized our decision. Have a great day," the interviewer said without much emotion.
Sam understood what that meant-he didn't get the job. He forced to smile, stood up, and walked to the door. Quietly, he made his way to the parking lot, got on his bike, and headed to his next interview destination.
Since he had a lot of time before the next interview, he decided to grab something to eat. He went to the nearest street food stall to buy cheap food, having given most of his money to his little sister. He sat on a park bench to eat and rest, then stared at the sky sadly.
_
As the evening darkened, his two interviews were over, but he didn't like the outcome-he still hadn't landed a job.
Tired, angry, and feeling hopeless, he muttered, "Why can't they just tell me the truth that I didn't get the job instead of giving me false hope? Shit!"
Walking with his bike along the Pasig River bridge at night, he stopped and gazed at the river's horizon for a moment. He felt the night breeze caressing his skin and gazed at the glimmering lights beyond, a quiet sadness in his eyes.
—
He just stood there—then, without thinking, he climbed onto the bridge rail.
Standing on the Pasig River bridge rail, he whispered with guilt, "I'm sorry, sister. Your big brother… is so useless," as tears began to well up in his eyes, staring blankly at the horizon."
Just as he stepped to the edge of the rail, ready to end it all, a strange message flashed before his eyes:
[Your world has been invaded]
[You are Awakened]
Shocked, Sam tried to pull back his step, but his foot slipped. His head hit the rail, and he fell.
A loud splash echoed as he hit the water.
-
Embraced by the darkness and cold of the water, his consciousness slowly faded away.
[You received a new skill]
[Slow Regeneration (F - Passive)]
[Error]
[Error: Failed to transfer necessary features and data]
[Error]
[Error]
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