*alarm rings*
He slowly opens his tired eyes, then sits up on the cardboard mat. He stays still for a moment, staring blankly into the distance, his eyes lifeless.
*alarm automatically turns off*
Turning his head, he looks at his little sister, still asleep. He gently touches her head and adjusts the blanket over her.
He picks up his phone and checks his messages.
07/17/2* - Received Message: [Hey Sam Torres, just a reminder that you have an interview today at Allonica, located at Allonica Building, flr. 6 room 204, Centris, Q.C., at 10 AM. Good luck! Let me know how it goes.]
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.
07/17/2* - Received Message 3: [Hi Sam Torres, your interview is scheduled for today at 2 PM. The location is 42 Intouch, UP Building, 2nd floor, Q.C. Wishing you the best of luck!]
07/16/2* - Sent Message: [Hi Ma'am Abby, I just wanted to let you know that I won't be able to work tomorrow night as I have an interview scheduled. Apologies for the short notice, and thank you for understanding.]
7/16/2* - Received Message 4: [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. Please let us know if you need any further details. We look forward to meeting you!]
07/14/2* - Received Message 5: [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.]
"_"-he turns off his phone, then begins preparing for the interview.
_
Before leaving the room, he left a note: (Aya, eat your breakfast and save the allowance I gave you today because I'll be late.)
_
While removing the chain from his bike, someone called out to him. "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, and 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 his aunt 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?!' he thought angrily. 'Good luck?! Bastard.'
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 24, and wait for his turn.
While waiting, other applicants looked at him, and he knew why. His suit was almost ragged, 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 looked him up and down before he sat, 'Hmm...' Then 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.
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.
_
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.
"_"-then he thoughtlessly climbed onto the bridge rail.
Standing on the Pasig River bridge rail, he whispered, "I'm sorry, sister. Your big brother is useless," as he stared toward 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, "FUCK!"-his head hit the rail, and 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]
[Error: Failed to transfer necessary features and data]
[Error]
[Error]
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