It was a bright, sunny day, and for a young man named Snail Avirock, it was a day he had anticipated for as long as he could remember. Today marked the moment he was finally old enough to participate in The Selection. Every ten years, only 100,000 individuals from across the world were chosen.
To some, The Selection was a curse. To others, it was an opportunity beyond imagination. A century ago, a mysterious gate had appeared—one that refused entry to anyone. For ten years, scientists studied it, until they made a startling discovery: 100,000 names were inscribed across its surface. When they gathered the individuals whose names were etched onto the gate, an immense surge of energy erupted, pulling them inside. By the next day, the names had vanished.
Only five people emerged. What they revealed to the world changed everything.
But over the years, something strange happened. Their identities were erased from history. Their names, once spoken in awe, were now forbidden to mention. Some claimed they were immortal, others whispered they were no longer human. Snail had spent his life trying to learn more, but every trace of them had been wiped from existence.
After finishing his meal, Snail made his way toward the gate, eager to check the list of candidates. Though he tried to keep his expectations in check, he couldn't suppress his excitement.
On his way, he noticed a girl around his age. She seemed anxious, her eyes darting nervously. Feeling a pang of curiosity, he approached her.
"Hey, you look pretty nervous. Mind if I ask why?"
"Why do you think?" she replied, her voice edged with tension. "It's The Selection."
"Relax," Snail said with a chuckle. "The chances of you being chosen are close to none."
She let out a small sigh. "I guess we'll see."
Their conversation ended as Snail reached the gate. Standing before it, he exhaled sharply before beginning to read through the endless list of names.
"This is going to take forever," he muttered under his breath.
An hour passed, and he had scanned through 50,000 names. Just as he was about to move on, a familiar name caught his eye—Athena. The girl he had spoken to earlier. A strange guilt settled over him, but he pressed forward.
Two hours later, he reached 90,000 names. His fingers trembled as he continued reading. Then, at number 90,569, his breath hitched.
His own name stared back at him.
Fear gripped him.
This was no longer just a possibility. It was real.
He had been chosen.