It was the beginning of the worst day of my life, and I had never expected or dreamt that things would ever go that way. Not in the slightest. The last thing I remembered before that day was simple: my parents had told me they would head over to Division One to see my brother, and that was it. Since they hadn't heard of him after he got recruited and since he didn't make the Elites as well, they were hoping to be at least able to hear from him, but I never saw them again. When I opened my eyes, the first thought that came into my head was that I was not at home, an unfamiliar ceiling with an unfamiliar scent lingering around. I knew something was wrong. I sat upright and came face to face with reality. My instinct was right. This was not my house. Bang! Bang!! Bang!!!"Everybody up!"The alarming sound of iron beating another came as a shock, but what was more shocking was the fact that I was not alone. I didn't realise it at first, probably because I was too busy trying to pro
The dimly lit corridor feels oppressive, the shadows casting an ominous pall over the scene. My mind races as I process Chris's startling revelation. His family was kidnapped and forced to work as weapons makers for the Elites - it's a discovery beyond my imagination.My gaze narrows, my typically calm demeanour giving way to outrage. "This is... unbelievable," I murmur, my brow furrowed. "How could they do something like this?" I hissed, my hands tightening into fists at my sides. I snarl, my eyes burning furiously, "Why would they do something like this?!"Chris's expression is grave, but his eyes reflect the same fire in mine. "That's how the world is Ande," he whispers, shrugging lazily, "there's a whole lot of cruelty in this world, evil, wicked humans, right until I left, I never saw my family, I heard the adults base on a different camp." He says sardonically."And you hope to find my father who could probably hold the secret of Division one?" I ask, confusion lacing my tone.C
The morning light filters through the barred windows, casting a dull glow over the cramped dormitory. My eyes flutter open, my mind still foggy with the remnants of a restless sleep.I sit up on my cot, the thin mattress creaking beneath me. Around me, the other students are beginning to stir, their voices hushed and expressions tense. I can feel the weight of their unease, the uncertainty of what the day holds.As I swing my legs over the side of the bed, my gaze drifts to the door, beyond which lies the unknown. My thoughts drift back to my conversation with Chris the previous night, his words still echoing."There's more going on here than they tell us, Ande. I've tried to piece it together, but they're always one step ahead."I frown, my brow furrowing as I try to understand it all. Chris had sounded so convinced, his eyes burning with a determination that I couldn't help but admire. But what if he's right? What if there's more to this twisted game than we've been led to believe?I
The air is thick with tension as I make my way through the bustling hall of the command centre. My keen eyes scan the faces of my fellow students, searching for any sign of the elusive Valerie. Finally, I spot her - a striking figure with fiery red hair and a mischievous glint in her eye. This must be Ethan's cousin, whom I've been tasked with working alongside the other helpers.I approach Valerie cautiously, unsure of what to expect. "Valerie," I say, my voice level and composed. "I'm Ande. It's a pleasure to meet you."Valerie turns to face me, a coy smile playing on her lips. "Well, well, if it isn't the infamous Ande," she purrs, circling me like a predator. "Ethan's told me all about you. I must say, I'm intrigued." She leans in closer, her breath tickling my ear. "I hope we can work well together."I nod in response. I have no interest in whatever game Valerie seems to be playing. Survival is my only concern.Valerie pouts, pulling back, her expression going sour, "You're no fu
As the crowd dispersed into chaos, I remained silent, my brow furrowed in thought. A few of the students notice my detachment and approach me cautiously.Ethan and Zane were among them, immediately separating from their group with the runners and making a beeline towards me."Hey, man," the redhead starts, his eyes shining as they stare at me. I nod at them. "What do you need?" I ask dryly.Ethan smiles sheepishly. "Well, it's nothing really, just- You were right last time about the risks of escaping, and you seem to know what you're doing, so…," Ethan says, pinning me with intelligent eyes. "What's your advice now?""I appreciate the sentiment," I say, my voice low and serious. "But I don't have a plan to escape. My goal is to reach the next base camp, nothing more."The others look at me, puzzled. "But don't you want to get out of here?" Zane asks, his brow furrowed.I shake my head. "I don't think it's that simple. This whole thing feels too easy, too straightforward. The school w
My desperate pleas fall on deaf ears as more and more students begin to slow, their resolve crumbling in the face of the daunting challenge."No, No, No! What are you doing?! Don't stop running!" I yell, my face flushing with frustration. I stop, panting as I stare helplessly at the fallen group.Valerie seems at a loss as she stares behind me, clearly indecisive about whether to follow my words or go with her team."Get up if you don't want to die out here!" I shout. Thankfully, a few of them rose to their feet, Ethan and Zane helping those who couldn't get up alone.I breathe a sigh of relief, turning to continue running.Suddenly, a few of them turn on me, moving in front of me and shoving me to the ground."Who do you think you are, trying to boss us around?" one of them spits, his eyes wild with fear and defiance.I grunt as I hit the unyielding earth, the air knocked from my lungs. "Listen to me, you fools!" I growl, my voice laced with frustration. "This is all part of their p
The horde of destitute surges todestitutetheir hollow eyes and twisted frames a nightmarish sight. Ethan and I stand our ground, weapons ready, as our group scrambles to safety. "We have to hold them off!" I shout, my voice strained to keep my fear at bay. "Ethan, keep moving. Guard the front - I'll cover you!"Ethan's face is ashen, but he nods grimly. "Be careful. We can't lose you too."I offer him a grim smile. "Don't worry, I'll be right behind you." As Ethan herds the terrified students away, I turn my attention to the approaching destitute. Their moans and guttural snarls send shivers down my spine, but I steel my resolve. I can't let them reach the others.With a primal roar, I charge into the fray, the discarded pipe I picked up breaking through flesh and bone. The destitute are relentless, clawing and snapping at me with their jagged teeth. I dodge their attacks, my heart pounding in my chest.One destitute lunges at me, its bony fingers grasping for my throat. I bring
As Ethan and Zane try to shut the doors, I peer through the narrow gap and see it…….It's other people; Everette, Dale and a few members of their rapidly dwindling group are surrounded by the few destitute that aren't trying to claw their way into where we are hiding, fighting against them. They're shooting and hacking, but the destitute are relentless - their twisted, inhuman forms surging forward in a nightmarish tide. Zane and Ethan struggle to shut the heavy doors, their faces etched with fear and desperation."Wait!" I cry, pointing to the door, " There are other people out there!" The students immediately move forward, peering through the space and exclaiming when they see them outside."It's true!""Is that Everett? Does that mean they didn't escape?!" one girl cries."They going to die," "We need to help them!" I shout, bringing the din to a quiet."They aren't going to make it much longer like this…," I say in a quieter voice, my heart pounding. The sounds of the battle ou