> July 30, 2024 - Los Angeles, California

"We have breaking news: thousands of people have simultaneously disappeared across the country," the anchor, Maria Sanchez, announced. "Reports are coming in from multiple states, but California appears to be the hardest hit. The government has released a statement saying the matter is under investigation and assures the public that there is no cause for concern. Officials are confident it will be resolved soon."

A pre-recorded segment played, showing a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security addressing the press. "We are aware of the reports of widespread disappearances. We have mobilized all necessary resources to investigate these incidents. We urge everyone to remain calm and follow the instructions of local authorities while we find the cause and resolve the matter."

Back in the studio, Maria continued, "Authorities are asking anyone with information about the disappearances to contact their local police department. Meanwhile, theories about the cause of these mysterious vanishings are rampant, ranging from alien abductions to government conspiracies."

The scene shifted to downtown Los Angeles, where protests had erupted. The camera panned over a large, angry crowd holding signs and chanting slogans. "No more immigrants!", "Stop the terrorists!", and "The judgment has arrived!" were among the cries echoing through the streets. People waved American flags and held up pictures of missing loved ones, their faces contorted with anger and fear.

"This is Sarah Stone, reporting live from the heart of downtown Los Angeles," the sounds of the crowd almost drowning her out. "Protesters have taken to the streets, blaming everything from potential terrorist groups to illegal immigrants to even aliens for the disappearances. Despite local authorities' reassurances, panic and fear are driving these demonstrations."

A protester, red-faced and shouting, pushed his way to the front of the camera. "So many mass disappearances, and what is the government doing? Fighting with the opposition over some fucking elections!? How I wish the aliens would just come and blow the whole fucking coun—" he yelled before being pulled back by another protester.

The field reporter's voice continued over the footage, "Tensions are high, and there's a heavy police presence here to prevent any violence. Many of these protesters believe that the government is either hiding the truth or not doing enough to protect its citizens."

The broadcast cut back to Maria Sanchez in the studio. "We have with us Dr. Linda Schmid, a sociologist from UCLA, to give us some insight into the social dynamics at play here. Dr. Schmid, what can you tell us about the public reaction to these disappearances?"

Dr. Schmid appeared on a split screen, looking composed and thoughtful. "What we're seeing is a classic response to fear and uncertainty. When people don't have answers, they look for someone to blame. Immigrants and minority groups often become scapegoats in these situations. It's a way for people to channel their fear and anger into something tangible, even if it's misdirected."

Maria continued, "Do you think this reaction will escalate?"

"It's possible. The government's message of reassurance is important, but if people don't feel they are getting answers quickly, the protests could grow and potentially become more violent. It's crucial for the authorities to maintain transparency and communicate effectively with the public."

"Thank you, Dr. Schmid. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. For now, we advise everyone to stay safe, stay informed, and avoid the protest areas if possible."

The screen shifted to a map of Los Angeles, highlighting areas with significant protest activity. "Traffic is being rerouted around downtown," Maria added. "Stay with KTLA for continuous updates on this developing story."

image [https://i.imgur.com/EPU265m.png]

> July 29, 2024 - First Floor, The Tower

In an instant, everything turned white for Lawrence.

He found himself abruptly teleported into a featureless, stark room—a transition so seamless and beyond the bounds of normal physics that he immediately recognized it as 'The Tower'.

‘It was true after all,’ he thought as he looked around. It was sudden and not the transition he expected, but it was what it was, and he would adapt to it.

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Prepared for this moment, Lawrence methodically surveyed his new environment, confirming his suspicion that this was indeed the otherworldly test he had been briefed about and had been preparing for during nearly two months of hellish training.

He tapped methodically on the cold walls, his calls echoing into silence. When no response came, he stilled himself, settling into a waiting game.

Hours morphed into an indeterminate stretch of time, the stark whiteness of the room challenging his mental fortitude. The thought that this could be 'The Tower'—a test for mankind as a whole, and that he had been selected for it—solidified in his mind as he settled into the role of a patient observer, his resolve unshaken.

As time became irrelevant, Lawrence's disciplined mind held strong against the encroaching hunger and thirst.

Time kept passing, and maintaining a calm mind became increasingly difficult. He had to take quick naps while trying to remain alert.

Then, breaking the monotony, as he woke up from a nap, his stomach growling and his mouth dry, he saw a knife in the center of the room. He was slightly shocked. ‘How did it get inside? Did someone or something put it there or was it some sort of advanced technology to teleport things?’

The appearance of the knife shifted the dynamics of his situation. Was this a tool, or was it the next phase of the test?

Approaching the knife, a realization chilled him to the bone. Picking up the knife, he understood that this might be the ultimate demand of the test.

For a moment, doubt crept into his mind. Even as a soldier trained to face death, the thought of ending his own life was terrifying. His heart pounded, and his hands trembled slightly as he weighed the knife in his grip. Memories of his comrades, his family, and the life he had lived flashed before his eyes. The instinct for self-preservation warred with his sense of duty and purpose.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. Every fiber of his being screamed against the act he was about to commit. He questioned whether this was truly necessary, whether there was another way to prove his worth in this test.

But as the minutes stretched into an eternity, he knew that hesitation would only prolong his suffering. The sterile, unchanging whiteness of the room pressed in on him, amplifying his isolation and fear. He had been chosen for this task, prepared through grueling training, and now he faced the ultimate test.

With a resolute heart, he directed the blade toward himself. The cold steel pressed against his skin, and he forced himself to push aside the panic rising within him. This was for the greater good, for humanity. He had to believe that his sacrifice would mean something, that it would fulfill the requirements of the test.

Closing his eyes, he took one last deep breath and thrust the knife into his chest. The pain was sharp and immediate, but a numbing release followed. As darkness closed in, he felt a strange sense of peace. ‘Would they remember me as a hero?’

***

Instantly, Lawrence found himself back at the base, as if no time had passed, surrounded by the familiar yet mundane elements of the military installation. A comrade caught sight of him, eyes widening in shock. "Lawrence?"

image [https://i.imgur.com/EPU265m.png]

Alonso had lost count of how many he had killed. He didn't care anymore. He needed more orbs, more power.

More creatures emerged, over a dozen filling the room. He welcomed them with a twisted grin, his movements fluid and deadly.

The first creature lunged; he sidestepped, driving his knife into its spine. As it collapsed, he moved to the next target. Bloodlust surged through him. His strikes were brutal, his attacks merciless. The creatures fell one after another, their bodies disintegrating into nothingness, leaving behind the precious orbs he coveted.

He scooped up the orbs greedily, feeling their energy merge with his own. The sensation was euphoric. His senses sharpened, his strength increased, and his mind buzzed with primal instincts and ambition.

The creatures, now more numerous, continued to come at him. But he was unstoppable. His body moved with unnatural grace, each motion a deadly ballet. He relished the feel of his knife slicing through flesh, the sound of bones breaking under his assault.

His laughter echoed through the chamber.

He couldn't get enough. With each new kill, he absorbed their essence, his power growing exponentially. The creatures kept coming, and he met them head-on, his attacks more savage with each moment. He reveled in the violence, the thrill of the fight, the ecstasy of the kill.

The room was a slaughterhouse, and he was the butcher.

In the brief moments of stillness, he clutched the orbs to his chest, feeling their energy seep into him. His eyes burned with a manic light. He was consumed by the power.

As the final creature fell, its body disintegrating into the void, he stood alone in the silent room for an instant. The countless orbs he had absorbed pulsed within him. He was no longer the man who had entered this place. He was something else, something far more dangerous.

He looked around the empty space, a hollow laugh escaping his lips.

He saw more creatures appearing. Dozens of them. He grinned.