"Ahh Haa… haa… God?"
The words came from the lips of a shaken man, his voice unsteady as he took a deep breath as he controlled his laughter.
"I am no God," came the firm response, a voice laced with authority—certainty his presence radiating an aura that demanded attention. His gaze was sharp, unyielding, and filled with an inexplicable power.
"I am Cole. Genesis of the Six."
The four individuals standing before him exchanged uncertain glances, confusion evident in their eyes. Their surroundings were unfamiliar, a void of uncertainty where time and reality blurred.
"You guys probably have a lot of questions," "But to keep things simple, I'll give you a summary of your situation."
He took a step forward, and though his movements fluid and calm like an owl.
"I am going to give you a task,"
he said, his eyes scanning the group as if measuring their resolve.
" And If you guys completed it, you can continue the life you've just been given—relive it, even."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
"And if we refuse? Or fail to complete the task?" The young boy among them asked.
"You will---die."
Cole's words carried no emotion, no hesitation. They were spoken as a simple fact, and yet, they struck like a blade. The four individuals felt it immediately—a killing intent so intense that their very souls recoiled from its presence. It was not the empty threat of a cruel man; it was an unshakable truth, an inevitability should they defy the task given to them.
Their bodies reacted instinctively, stiffening as a deep sense of dread crept over them. Their minds raced, trying to comprehend the situation, but no logical explanation surfaced.
What had they gotten themselves into?
What was this place?
Who was this man before them?
More importantly—was there truly a way out?
Despite the chaos in their minds, one thing became clear: whatever their circumstances, they did not want to waste the life they had just regained.
The elderly man, exhaled deeply and nodded. He had lived long enough to recognize an ultimatum when he saw one. If this was the only path forward, then so be it.
A woman, standing with a mix of grace and steel in her posture, studied Cole for a long moment before giving a slow nod. If playing along meant living another day, she would do it.
The young boy, though trembling, clenched his fists and swallowed his fear. A part of him wanted to scream, to refuse outright—but survival was instinctual. He couldn't throw away this chance, no matter how terrifying it seemed.
And finally, the fourth—the adult man who had just barely escaped death's grip—hesitated longer than the rest. He had believed himself doomed not long ago. To still be standing now, breathing.
"It looks like fate haf given me another chance?"
After a long silence, he exhaled and muttered, "Fine."
Cole observed them, his sharp eyes gleaming with something unreadable. Then, with a nod of satisfaction, he spoke again.
"So, what exactly is this task?" the old man asked, his voice steady despite the weight of the situation.
Cole smirked slightly, his next words causing the four to freeze in utter disbelief.
"From now on," he said, "you will live as a family."
A stunned silence followed.
"...What?" the woman finally spoke, her voice laced with skepticism.
"A family," Cole repeated, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
"A new name. A new identity. New relationships. From this moment on, the four of you are bound by blood—at least, as far as the world is concerned."
Their expressions ranged from confusion to outright disbelief.
"A family?" the boy spoke in silence.
"Yes," Cole affirmed.
He turned his gaze to the old man. "From now on, your name is Zephyrion. Or Zef, if you prefer. You are the grandfather of this family."
The old man furrowed his brows but remained silent.
Next, Cole faced the woman. "You will be Kaelen. The mother. The wife."
Kaelen crossed her arms, eyes narrowing in irritation, but she held her tongue.
Then, he turned to the adult man. "Zarek. You are the husband. The father."
Zarek clenched his jaw, but he didn't argue.
Lastly, Cole looked at the young boy. "And you, Orion. You are the son. The child of this family."
Orion flinched at hearing his new name.
"Together you guys are Eldridge Family"
"What kind of task requires us to pretend to be a family?" Orion asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
Cole's expression remained unreadable.
"The task," he said slowly, "is for you all to live a normal life."
A fresh wave of shock spread through the group.
"A… normal life?" Zarek repeated, as though he had misheard.
Cole nodded. "Yes. That is the task. Live as a family. Be a family."
A feeling of unease settled in their chests. This was not the answer they had expected. A normal life? What did that even mean in this context? And why them?
"But," Cole added, his voice dropping to a lower, more serious tone.
" But make sure to pay close attention to your surroundings."
Chills down their spines.
They had no idea what lay ahead. No idea what dangers lurked within this so-called 'normal life.' But if there was one thing they understood, it was this—this task was quite not for them.
But failure was not an option.