"I have just received word from Central Unity: they can no longer contain the demonic entities that have infiltrated our land. Additional reinforcements are required—two-thirds of the United Armies have already fallen to these monstrosities..."
The atmosphere in the classroom turned heavy. Students, including Sky, were visibly shaken. Fear flickered in their eyes, and a few were already beginning to panic. Across the State, viewers reacted similarly, their expressions mirroring the grim reality of the broadcast. It was never the right time to deliver bad news—but there was no such thing as a right time for news like this.
Camera flashes intensified, flooding the Oval Room with bursts of blinding white light. The translator in the room blinked rapidly, struggling to withstand the overwhelming brightness—it was as if a relentless barrage of light was hammering against his vision.
'So, in other words... we're doomed. Brilliant,' Sky thought bitterly. He shifted in his seat, pulling his leg off the table and resting his head on it instead. His heartbeat pounded violently against his ribs, so intense that he felt as if his chest might burst open at any moment.
For the first time, his fear was unmistakably written across his face.
Outside, Ms Airi, a teacher, paced anxiously, biting her nails as she desperately attempted to make a call. Her gaze remained fixed on the television screen in the hallway, her hands trembling so badly that she could barely think straight.
"Shit. Shit. Shit. This is bad—they'll be coming for the students soon... What about their upcoming major examinations? What about everything else?" she muttered under her breath, abruptly turning and hurrying down the corridor.
***
The announcement on the television continued:
"In response to this crisis, a new serum has been developed—one that may be our salvation against these creatures. This serum grants those injected with what we call 'Spectrums'—newly engineered cells that fuse with the existing ones in the human body, pushing us beyond natural limitations. And with that, I will conclude this statement..."
Immediately, the press erupted into a frenzy, hurling questions at the President.
"Mr President, can you provide further details on this serum?"
"Who developed it?"
"Does it truly offer us a fighting chance against these invaders?"
"Please elaborate..."
The President ignored the barrage of queries, offering a slight bow before stepping away.
At that moment, the Class President, Katie, reached for the remote and switched off the television.
"Huh?" Sky blinked in disbelief at the now-blank screen.
Meanwhile, Katie simply returned to her seat and resumed reading. It was a familiar habit of hers, one that many found unnerving. Despite the turmoil unfolding around her, she remained resolutely focused on her studies. With major examinations only five months away, her unwavering dedication irritated some of her classmates—many believed that, as Class President, she should be more engaged with them.
Speculation circulated that her wealthy background contributed to her detached demeanour, reinforcing the perception that she was aloof and indifferent.
The PA system crackled to life once more, the voice over the speaker booming with the weight of authority:
"You've all heard the announcement. That will be all for now. Further updates will be provided in due course. In the meantime, classes will continue as scheduled. Now, get back to your studies, you dim-witted fools!"
"Studying...? Are they serious!?" A blonde-haired student cried out in disbelief, his jaw dropping as his pupils shrank in shock.
***
The day passed in a tense haze, and as the final bell rang, students trickled out of the school grounds, their expressions clouded with unease. Some were visibly afraid; others appeared lost in thought, grappling with the weight of their uncertain futures.
Sky stood before a desolate house, nestled deep within the forest. The large structure, which bore a resemblance to an old rental home, had been his residence for the past five years. It was part of the Welfare Programme, a government initiative that provided for his basic needs.
His thoughts swirled in an overwhelming spiral, only to suddenly vanish into a blank void.
This wasn't unfamiliar to him. Those with ADHD often experience sudden lapses in thought, triggered by cognitive overload. The sheer effort of processing complex or stressful situations could lead to a temporary mental shutdown. Sustaining focus was a challenge—distractions, anxiety, and difficulties with emotional regulation made it all the more exhausting. Neurobiologically, ADHD was linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, essential for concentration and executive function. Structural differences in the brain only compounded the issue.
"God, I'm exhausted..."
Stepping forward, Sky placed his hand on the door. The weathered wood was rough beneath his fingers, its grain patterns worn down by time. He turned the rusted knob, wincing as the door groaned in protest. Once inside, he closed it behind him, allowing the darkness to envelop him entirely.
Meanwhile, outside, a shadow moved among the trees. A figure tiptoed through the undergrowth, then swiftly ducked behind a nearby trunk. Their face was concealed by a black cap and a nose mask, long black hair spilling from beneath the cap.
"This idiot," they muttered in irritation. "He broke the phone I spent so much time chipping. Unbelievable. And now I'm stuck with this moron..."
They slammed a palm against the tree, only to flinch in pain immediately afterward. Their hand—unusually soft, akin to a woman's—bore a fresh bruise and a shallow cut.
"Shit!"
Muttering curses under their breath, they turned away and strode off, cradling their injured hand.
It wasn't difficult to deduce the stalker's identity. Sky's therapist.
***
Thursday, 8th November.
Sky arrived at school earlier than usual, taking his usual spot and propping one leg up on the desk. The classroom buzzed with scattered conversation—no teachers had yet arrived to begin the lessons, and the disorderly atmosphere reflected the growing tension in the air.
Teachers moved hurriedly through the corridors, their nervous energy palpable as they made frantic calls. Some students, sensing something amiss, had begun to follow them in an attempt to uncover what was going on.
Moments later, two boys burst into the classroom, panting as if they had sprinted the entire way. Sweat clung to their jerseys, their faces flushed. One was thin, with messy brown curls; the other was slightly overweight, with cropped black hair.
The heavier boy raised his head, scanning the room.
"Guys, we have breaking news! You remember the President's announcement yesterday? Something big is happening. The teachers have been in a daze all morning, and—"
Before he could finish, another student cut in abruptly.
"Uhh... Why is the military here?"
A murmur rippled through the classroom. Several students rushed to the windows, their eyes widening at the sight outside.
Military vehicles—painted in white camouflage, the signature of the United Army—rolled into the school compound in pairs. Five in total. The last vehicle idled slightly apart from the others.
One by one, armed officers disembarked, their weapons at the ready. A moment later, a man emerged from the final vehicle. His crisp white military cap and sharp, tailored uniform marked him as someone of high rank. He was followed by more officers, all moving with the precision of trained soldiers.
In total, at least forty armed personnel had arrived.
Sky peered through the window, his gaze locking onto that of the commanding officer.
The man's deep blue eyes—strikingly pure, like the ocean—held an unreadable intensity. Unlike the hardened, battle-worn officers around him, he appeared almost unnervingly pristine. Athletic, refined, and commanding, he seemed too well-groomed to be a man forged through war.
Leaning towards an unarmed officer beside him, the Commander murmured something in a low voice. Then, without another glance, he and his subordinate strode towards the building, leaving the heavily armed soldiers stationed outside.