Int. Bedroom - Morning
Sunlight gently filters into the room, casting a warm glow on the surroundings. A young man lies in slumber in his cozy haven.
The faint melody of his phone alarm permeates the tranquil atmosphere. With a stretch, he rouses from his sleep.
Johan
(Yawning)
Well... I should go now.
Johan Rhee, a 17-year-old boy, unfolds himself from the bed, his tall frame hinting at the promise of growth. His appearance is modest - with an average build and a face that possesses a subtle handsomeness that doesn't immediately draw attention. The wolf cut he sports speaks of a simple charm, and the dark strands of his hair accentuates the warmth of his dark-brown eyes.
Johan heads to the bathroom.
Johan (V.O)
(Looking at himself in the mirror)
Just another day in the cycle, I guess.
He fixes his hair and mutters something he has been wondering for a long time now.
Johan
I wonder what my reason to live is...
Ext. Outside of House - Moments Later
Johan emerges from his house, slinging his shoulder bag over his shoulder. The morning air fills his senses.
Johan
(Smelling the air)
Hmm...
He could tell that it was gonna rain later.
He fumbles for his phone, considering checking the weather. But realizes he's running late for the school bus. He starts bolting toward the bus stop.
Int. School Bus - Moments Later
Johan boards the bus, gasping for breath, desperately searching for a seat.
He settles near the front, peering out the window, and pops in his earphones, immersing himself in music.
A sudden burst of lightning electrifies the sky.
Johan (V.O)
Lightning at this hour?
Other passengers murmur in reaction to the unexpected flash.
Johan dismisses it, engrossed in his music.
Ext. High School - Moments Later
Johan arrives at his school's entrance.
It was not a huge school, but there were enough students to irritate Johan a little. He didn't like crowds.
He glances toward the cafeteria, spotting his group of friends.
He opts to pass them by though.
Johan isn't particularly sociable in the mornings, nor is he overly attached to his schoolmates. It's not that he dislikes them; he just isn't quick to form bonds. Besides, graduation is looming; soon, these faces will fade into memories.
He continues walking until he stops to look at someone. It's a girl he's interested in.
The girl's name is Yuna Ken. One of the smartest and kindest girls in the school. She's a cute short-haired girl with a petite frame. She got sick often and that always caught J's attention.
Johan (V.O)
And here I thought I forgot about her...
Johan had a crush on her for the longest time. However, recently he decided to forget about her.
The reason was simple. He was tired of this one-sided crush.
He never gained the courage to walk up to her and talk to her...
Johan continues walking until he reaches the school library. Which was located on the second floor of the school building.
Int. High School Library - Moments Later
Johan settles near a window, waiting for the bell to ring. But he slightly starts dozing off.
Johan (V.O)
Uh... I'm always like this in the morning...
He creates an arm pillow, intending to steal a quick nap. But before slumber takes him, he peers around the library, only to realize that everyone else is vanishing from his view.
Johan (V.O)
What-
Ext. Unknown Area - Moments Later
Johan awakens in an abyss of utter darkness.
Panic set in as he couldn't see anything.
Johan (V.O)
I-Is this a dream..?
But it's too vivid, too tangible to be a mere dream.
???
(Appearing out of nowhere)
HELLO, dear human!
Johan
WHAT THE HELL?
Johan stumbles backward, taken aback.
Before him stood a luminous, child-like figure, made entirely out of light.
It hovers in the air, regarding Johan with curiosity.
Its light made the room brighter and made Johan's eyes squint, but something was definitely off.
He wasn't in a room, but just an open space.
Johan couldn't see the end. He didn't even know what he was standing on.
???
(Laughing)
Don't be scared, human! You can call me Shin and I'm here to-
Johan started backing away more.
Johan (V.O)
T-This must be a dream...
Shin
Nope, it's not a dream!
The being that calls itself Shin had just read J's mind.
Johan
(Gasping)
What?! How-
Shin
I can listen to your thoughts! Now, pay attention and listen up!
Johan, not knowing what to do, decided to listen to the mysterious figure for now.
He sat down with his legs crossed. His heart still pounding from an unknown feeling. Could have been fear... Or simply curiosity.
Shin
Good! You're one of the smart ones! Now listen up!
The figure's hands came together in a sharp clap, and in an instant, the room was filled with ethereal, hologram-like images of Shin. Each projection showcased it wielding a myriad of powers, an enchanting display that enveloped the surroundings.
The images were a mesmerizing mosaic of abilities: it soared through the air with a grace, faded into near-invisibility, mended wounds with a touch, replicated itself into a kaleidoscope of figures, commanded flames with a flicker of thought, harnessed lightning's fury, molded the earth beneath its feet, controlled energy in dazzling hues, and much more - a symphony of powers that left Johan momentarily unable to identify them all.
Johan
(Amazed)
Whoa...
Shin
Cool, right? I'm not bragging, but I can do all of that!
(Giggles)
I know that you guys have thought these were all just figments of your imagination until now. But, look at it! These are all real. And, to make everything better!
Shin extends its arms out in excitement.
Shin
You all can have it! This spectacle I'll make won't be as fun unless you have them.
Johan wasn't paying attention at all.
He had started wondering if this whole experience was real.
Johan (V.O)
I was just in the library... How did I get here..?
Shin
You still thinking about that? Listen-
Johan started laughing.
Johan
A-Am I like dead or something? I mean this can't be real-
Shin appears in front of Johan's face in an instant.
Shin
(Smiles)
Listen, human... Where you are right now doesn't matter. Just listen. Now where was I?
Johan knew. It was as if all of his cells knew what to do.
He had to listen to this being or else... Something horrible will definitely happen to him.
Shin put its hand out on the front.
An image of a human-like creature who had charcoal-grey skin and an overall muscular build was shown. It had claws on all of its limbs and its eyes were crimson red.
Johan
What in the world is this now? What are you showing me..?
Shin
These are my most recent creations that I made just for you humans. I call them Giers.
Johan
Giers...
Shin
Yes! They are solely designed to fight you!
Johan
Why... Why are you showing me all this? How does this all relate to me?
Shin starts laughing.
It couldn't contain its excitement to tell the innocent human in front of it the news.
Shin
You see... I got bored...
Johan
Huh..?
Shin sat down on the ground and moved its head around.
It was as if it was reminiscing.
Shin
I guess I started observing more of you humans when the first war happened. Yeah... That's when it got fun. And I thought it was only gonna go up from that! But...
Shin crossed its arms.
Shin
You guys just had to make it boring. Unnecessary technologies kept getting made. Well some were fun to watch, but others... Especially guns... And the most hideous invention. Nuclear bombs... Gosh, I became so so bored after it was made... You all didn't know that, in the end, you will kill yourselves with it. Anyhow, I lost my interest after that. And soon realized that it's never gonna get better. That's why I decided to intervene a little! I mean, your kind will sooner or later come to an end, so- Eh, I talked too much.
Shin jumped up and stared at J.
Shin
You should be happy! You have been chosen for the greatest spectacle to ever happen in mankind's history.
Johan stood up and walked closer to Shin to ask a question.
Johan
And this spectacle is?
Shin
Well, I prefer documentaries to movies. The spectacle is entirely up to you. I have only created a systematized set for you to perform in. But I guess... You should start by fighting the Giers since that will be the biggest problem for everyone. Hence a common enemy for now. Yeah, for now...
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
Johan
Fight those creatures you showed me?
Shin
(Innocently)
Yes! Oh, don't worry though. I made it so that it's gonna be fair. But... When it all becomes too much for you to handle, I'll start helping! However... That's when everything will change though.
Johan
(Confused)
What? What do you mean?
Shin
Oh, I'm not gonna tell you everything! Where's the fun in that?
Johan backed away from Shin.
He paid attention to every word Shin, but still couldn't believe in anything.
Shin
You all just come to the same conclusion, huh?
Johan
What?
Shin
I am right now talking to every human that was chosen for the spectacle. And every single one of you doesn't think this is real... I guess it's enough for the explanation then...
Shin brought its hands closer to Johan and patted his shoulders.
Shin
I wanted a more ceremonial start, but whatever...
(Whispers in Johan's ear)
Good luck, Johan Rhee!
Johan
Huh?
Int. High School Library - Continuous
Johan wakes up, struggling to breathe.
He cannot believe what just happened.
Johan
What the FUCK?!
He looks around to find that he's the only one in the library.
Johan (V.O)
What... What in the world was that-
??? (O.S)
Johan?
A voice is heard behind one of the book shelves.
A guy walks out. A fellow classmate of J.
Johan
Holden?
Holden
Oh, it is you.
Holden starts walking to where Johan is.
Holden Finsley, 17 years old, was one of the popular kids in school. He played in a city-famous baseball team and was very athletic. Also quite handsome with his short blonde hair.
He didn't talk much, but was always friendly to everyone. He and Johan had few classes, but never became close.
Johan (V.O)
(Looking around more)
Is he the only one here?
Holden also looks around and realizes that he and Johan were the only two in the library.
Holden
Did you... Also meet the...
Johan was speechless. Holden met the thing as well?
Johan
Yeah... I did.
Holden had a shocked face, but quickly changed into a face of focus.
Holden
So, it wasn't a dream... And the fact that we are the only two in the library, when there were several others before we fell asleep means... What that thing was saying is all real.
Johan collapsed to the floor from hearing this.
Holden tried to help him up until Johan started laughing as if he went insane.
Johan
Yeah sure! Everything is actually happening right now, right? Of course of course. Suddenly a child made out of pure light reads my mind, shows me his super powers, and talks about war. Then I wake up to find everyone gone. Nowhere to be found! Come on, Holden! This is all just a sick prank!
Holden just looked at Johan, still with a serious face.
Holden
Maybe... But, I don't think we can come to any sort of conclusion yet. Let's get out of the library and try to find anyone else that's in the campus.
Holden offered his hand.
What Holden was saying was right. And Johan knew that.
Johan slowly started to gain his composure and took his hand to get up.
Int. Second Floor Hallway - Moments Later
Holden
(Coming out of a classroom)
No one here...
Johan and Holden were checking every classroom one by one.
Johan
No one here as well...
As they were reaching the end of the hallway, their nervousness and worry grew more.
Did everyone truly disappear?
Holden
What that thing said... He said that we were chosen. My question is how many were chosen? Are we the only two chosen in our school? Is this happening everywhere around the world?
Johan
You seriously still believe in all that, Holden? This is like a social experiment. You know, like the ones we learned about in our psychology class.
Holden
Johan...
Johan still wanted to believed in the lie he told himself.
Johan
(Going inside the last classroom)
There are probably cameras filming us right now. And the whole talking to that thing was done by making us fall asleep and moving us to like a special effects room.
No one was inside the room yet again.
Johan
I-I'm actually gonna sue the school for this...
Holden
Let's check downstair-
Holden froze.
Johan
What?
Holden, with a quick gesture, motioned for Johan to hush.
That's when Johan heard it too.
Near the stairway, someone was coming up.
Due to how quiet the school was, the footsteps were heard clearly.
Johan
Finally, another person.
Johan walked out the door and headed to the stairway.
Holden
(Catching up to Johan)
Wait, Johan!
Johan came to the stairway and looked down to see who it was.
Yuna
Johan?
It was Yuna.
Johan was overcome with different emotions.
Johan
Y-Yuna?
Holden also came to the stairway.
Holden
Johan! Who is it?
Yuna
Holden too.
Yuna reached the top and looked around to see if there were other people.
Yuna
Are you the only two here?
Holden
Yeah... Where were you?
Yuna
I was in the cafeteria and then...
(Pauses)
You guys met it too, right..?
Holden
(Nods)
Yeah...
Johan didn't respond. He had hundreds of thoughts going on in his mind.
Johan (V.O)
Yuna was also chosen? Is this even real? Are we the only three in this school? It's not an experiment, huh... The being's name was Shin, I remember now. It was too real to be fake. That's right, Gier... What was all that? We have to fight it? Are we gonna be okay-
Holden
(Interrupting)
Johan!
Johan
H-Huh?
Johan looked up to see Holden and Yuna staring at him.
Johan
I'm sorry, uh, did you ask me something?
Yuna
It's alright, we're all confused right now. We were trying to remember everything the thing told us.
Holden
And looks like no one else is in the school except the three of us... If there were, they would've already found us by now.
Johan
Yeah...
Johan (V.O)
So...
(Glancing towards the two)
This is real... It's not a dream or anything else. It all happened and what Shin told us... Wait, if what Shin said is all true.
Yuna
Do you guys have your phone by the way?
Holden
Oh, that's right!
Holden reached into his pocket.
Holden
Maybe we should call the police first-
It was empty.
Holden
What? I swear I had it right here.
Yuna
Mine was gone too. And I definitely brought it to school as well.
Johan
It must have disappeared before we woke up... And it's probably because of what Shin said.
Holden
Shin?
Yuna
Was that the thing's name?
Johan
Yeah and it said our technology unnecessarily evolved too much. And what he said towards the end, I just remembered.
Holden
What was it again?
Johan
I created a set for you to perform in. That means where we are right now isn't our world. We got transferred to somewhere else. One that Shin controls.
Holden and Yuna stayed quiet. They were both thinking that what Johan said is probably the answer and how terrifying it is if it's actually true...
Holden
Let's first get out of the school. I keep getting this hunch that we shouldn't stay here.
Yuna
Our f-family!
Holden
That's right!
That one word. Family. It was enough to make the three panic in fear.
Holden
Do you guys drive?
Yuna
No...
Johan shook his head side to side.
Holden
Alright, I can drive you to your houses. Let's go to the parking lot.
Yuna
Oh, okay. Thank you so much.
Johan
Thanks, Holden.
The three started heading down.
Ext. School Main Gate - Moments Later
Johan, Holden, and Yuna were approaching the main gate.
Holden
I parked my car close. It's over there-
Suddenly, Holden stopped running.
Johan
Holden? What's wrong?
Holden's eyes widened. Panting in fear, he pointed to the parking lot.
Johan
(Looking towards the direction)
What?
Johan's mind raced with panic and fear.
A menacing figure loomed over the cars in the parking lot.
It was a tall muscular human-like creature. Its height towering the sedan near it.
It had charcoal-grey skin, but it was more like an armor than skin.
It was sharply clawed on its hands and feet.
And even from the long distance, Johan saw it. The glowing crimson red eyes.
Johan
Gier...
The being's existence was enough for Johan to finally believe in what situation he was put in.
Yuna
Johan...
Johan looked behind to see Yuna and Holden backing out. It was as if they were doing it out of pure instinct.
Yuna
M-Move out slowly. We can't let it spot us.
Holden
We can't get to the parking lot right now. Let's first go back inside through the main door and think of what to-
An ear shattering scream pierced the air. The sound was nothing like what you would hear from a human being.
Johan
Oh shit...
The Gier slowly turned its head around until he spotted the three.
Its aura of malevolence froze the three on the spot.
Holden
Guys... Start running.
The Gier started closing the distance between it and them.
Looking more closely, Johan realized that he couldn't see its ears, nose, or mouth. Only its eyes were visible from afar.
Holden
RUN!
Johan snapped out of his initial shock as Holden's urgent word reverberated through his mind.
With adrenaline coursing through their veins, the three turned on their heels and started running as fast as they could back to the school building.
The Gier's thunderous footsteps echoed behind them, growing closer with each passing moment.
Its unearthly screams pierced the air, instilling a primal fear deep within their souls. They knew that their survival depended on outrunning this monstrous entity.
They were soon approaching the main door.
Holden who was closer, opened the door and motioned the other two to go inside.
Holden
HURRY!
Johan who was ahead of Yuna, started slowing down to let her go inside first.
Johan then looked behind and saw the creature closer to them than it was back in the parking lot. Its intent to capture them palpable in the air.
Holden
Johan, hurry!
Johan was the last one to enter and Holden quickly locked the door.
Yuna
(Catching her breath)
W-What should we do now?
Johan
(Panting)
There is another way to enter the school... The door near the stairwells.
After a second, the deafening sound of the Gier's pounding on the main entrance door reverberated through the school building. Shaking the walls which sent chills down the three scared teenagers.
Holden
(Panting)
We need to barricade it...
Johan
Wait... No, that door won't break that easily. We need to go close the other entrance first.
Holden
I'll go do that. You two go to the office and see if the phones are still there.
Holden, fueled by a surge of determination, quickly runs towards the other door to ensure it's closed securely.
The pounding on the main entrance door intensifies as the creature desperately tries to break through.
Johan, still catching his breath, stands up.
Johan
You think you can get up?
Yuna, her body trembling, nods in agreement.
Johan ponders on whether offering his hand to help her up.
Yuna
(Standing up by herself)
Yeah... Let's hurry.
Johan awkwardly puts his hand back in his pocket.
Johan
A-Alright then. Let's go.
Johan and Yuna hurriedly made their way through the school corridors, their footsteps echoing off the walls.
The monster was still pounding on the door, and unbeknownst to Johan and Yuna, had made a dent on the steel door.
Int. School Office - Moments Later
Johan and Yuna reach the school office and push open the door, entering a room filled with desks, filing cabinets, and a reception area.
Johan and Yuna frantically search for any working phones. They open drawers, scan the room, and go to every desk.
Johan's face contorts in frustration, and he slams a drawer shut.
Johan
They're all gone! How is this even possible?
Yuna's hands tremble as tears well up in her eyes. She can't comprehend the gravity of the situation.
Yuna
This can't be happening... This isn't real, right? Please tell me that it's just a nightmare... Please...
Her voice cracks, and she collapses on the office floor, burying her face in her hands. Silent sobs wrack her body as the weight of their predicament bears down on her.
Her reaction was normal.
Holden was just different. He assessed the situation inhumanly fast and thanks to him, Johan was able to do the same.
Johan's heart aches as he saw Yuna's despair.
The girl he liked throughout his high school year. The always smart and collected girl. Currently crying her heart out in front of him.
He rushed to her side, kneeled down and was about to gently place a hand on her shoulder.
But he stopped.
He, instead, stood up again and grabbed a tissue box from a desk.
Johan
(Handing the tissue box)
Here...
Yuna slowly grabbed the box and tried her best to calm herself down.
She was smart enough to know that crying won't get her anywhere.
Johan just remained silent and sat down next to her. Leaning on the desk leg.
Finally, Yuna spoke.
Yuna
I don't want to die, Johan... W-Why is this happening? I-I just want to go back...
Johan
I...
Johan didn't know what to say. What was he supposed to say? "It's gonna be all right?" He was scared as well.
However, the first girl he has ever started to like in his life was more scared and confused than he was.
Suddenly, the question he has been trying to answer for the longest time came up in his mind.
Johan (V.O)
What is my reason to live? Do I even need one right now? In a life or death situation, I desperately wanted to live. And if that wasn't enough, I need to get out of here to see my mom, dad, sister, and my dog.
(Looking at Yuna)
And even if I may be weak to do so, I at least want to help her.
Johan
(Standing up)
We won't die, don't worry. And we will go back. Everything will be returned back to normal. I... I promise.
Johan finally gained courage to offer his hand to Yuna.
Yuna looked up at him and wiped her tears with the ends of her sweater.
She then grabbed his hand and got up.
Yuna
(Still holding J's hand)
Thank you for saying that, Johan.
Johan
(Blushing)
I-I'll get you some water. Then, let's go check on the door.
Int. First Floor Hallway - Moments Later
Johan stands near the front door, his gaze fixated on the pounding steel door, the monster's screams growing increasingly deafening.
Johan
(Looking at the dent)
If this keeps going...
Yuna
Johan! Hurry!
Yuna, positioned further away, urges Johan to move away from the door.
Johan
Yeah.
Johan reluctantly tears his eyes away from the door and walks back towards Yuna, though his attention remains divided.
Yuna, holding three water bottles, gives one back to Johan.
Yuna
Now that my mind is a little clear, I remember what that thing is called... Gier, right? It's just like what that thing said.
Johan takes a few sips while trying to recall the creature's features.
Johan
Its whole body looked too organic for it to be a suit.
(Scoffs)
I guess I should stop suspecting if this is all fake...
Yuna
Yeah...
Footsteps echo down the hallway, and Holden approaches from the distance.
Johan
Holden!
The three meet halfway, and Yuna hands Holden a water bottle.
Holden
(Opening the bottle)
The whole building is secure. I checked the windows as well.
Johan
Yeah, the thing is... It's breaking the entrance door. There's already a dent to it... Should we barricade it?
Brief moment of silence occurs.
Yuna speaks up, voicing their collective concern.
Yuna
We can't stay here forever. We need to check what's happening outside.
The trio falls into contemplation, each lost in their thoughts.
Holden finishes the water bottle, takes a deep breath, and breaks the silence.
Holden
Actually, I have an idea. A classroom on the second floor have a window that has a dumpster directly beneath it. My friends used to throw their trash down it and got in trouble. If we can jump down on there, we'll be able to go to the parking lot without that monster noticing.
Yuna looks at Johan, her expression a mix of hope and uncertainty.
Yuna
What do you think, Johan?
Johan's mind races, weighing the options and the risks.
He then takes a deep breath, feeling a glimmer of hope stirring within him.
Johan
(Chuckles)
Well, hope there's enough trash there.
Yuna
Let's hurry then.
The three of them share a determined nod, their resolve solidifying.
Johan, Holden, and Yuna start making their way towards the staircase that leads to the second floor. Their footsteps echo through the empty hallway as they move swiftly, their hearts pounding with anticipation.
They reach the end of the hallway, their eyes fixed on the staircase just a few steps away. However, their progress is abruptly halted as a deafening crash echoes through the building.
The front door bursts open, and the Gier, with its imposing presence and glowing red eyes, enters the school.
They were too late...
The monster's entrance sends shockwaves of fear through Johan, Holden, and Yuna.
The Gier's red eyes froze the three teenagers from moving.
Johan's heart sinks, a mix of despair and determination flooding his being. The glimmer of hope that had flickered within him moments ago now threatened to extinguish.
Without even giving them a time to blink, the Gier starts running towards them. Using both of its long arms to go faster
Holden
(Urgently)
M-MOVE NOW!
With their hearts pounding and adrenaline surging through their veins, the three of them sprint towards the staircase, desperately trying to put distance between themselves and the approaching Gier.
The monster's footsteps reverberate behind them, closing in with alarming speed. Panic sets in as they reach the staircase, frantically ascending to the second floor.
Fear mingle in their eyes as they reach the top of the stairs.
Yuna
Holden! Which room!
Holden
Follow me!
Without wasting a moment, Holden starts darting down the hallway.
As Holden stopped in front of a room, he opened the door quickly to let the other two inside.
But he had forgotten. Yuna was a girl and Johan was not as fast as an athlete like him.
They were still far behind him. Near the start of the hallway, while he was at the end.
And a gut feeling told him that the Gier was getting closer to them.
Holden
GUYS! JUST HIDE IN ANY ROOM! HURRY!
Johan looked behind to see Yuna starting to fall behind. He could also tell that the Gier was getting close.
He ran to Yuna, grabbed her hand and went inside to the closest room.
A second after all of them went inside, Gier had come upstairs.
It looked around, confused.
But shortly after, it goes up to the room closest to it.
Int. Classroom 202 - Continuous
The classroom was a science laboratory, filled with rows of lab tables, beakers, test tubes, and various chemicals neatly arranged on the shelves.
Johan and Yuna were crouched near one of the lab tables, holding their breaths.
The classroom was filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the distant sounds of the Gier's heavy footsteps as it prowled through the hallway outside.
Johan's heart pounded in his chest, and he could feel Yuna trembling beside him. He glanced at her, her dark brown eyes reflecting the same fear he felt. He wanted to reassure her, to tell her everything would be okay, but the words caught in his throat.
They remained huddled together under the desk, their bodies pressed close in an attempt to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible.
Yuna's grip on his hand tightened, seeking comfort in the midst of the terror they were facing. Johan looked at her again, and this time, he found the strength to offer a small, reassuring smile.
And suddenly, a whole new sense of emotion took over him.
Johan (V.O)
W-What is this... What am I feeling..? I don't know what it is, b-but my mind is much more clear now. I gotta get out of here.
(Still holding Yuna's hand)
We need to escape this nightmare.
Johan's mind raced with thoughts of what they could do next, how they could possibly escape from this nightmare.
As he glanced around, Johan's eyes fell on the array of chemicals. An idea started to form in his mind.
But Johan's heart pounded in his ears when he heard the sound of doorknob turning, and the door creaking open.
He slowly turned his head to face the malevolence.