The Great Tower, also known as the Tower of Eternity or the Divine Tower, has been called by many names throughout the eons as it has stood tall since time immemorial. This enigmatic structure, steeped in myths and legends, has echoed through the annals of history. From its ancient foundations, countless warriors and heroes have emerged, their stories interwoven with the very fabric of the universe. For eons, the Tower has loomed over all creation, shrouded in mystery and wonder, captivating the imaginations of countless beings as it beckons them forth to explore its depths.
This monolithic structure stands as the ultimate challenge, drawing the curious and the brave from every corner of existence. Over the epochs, this enigmatic edifice has undergone a series of age-defining transformations, each more grand and awe-inspiring than the last, culminating in its present form: The Ten Dimensions. For ages, it has been a testing ground to give rise to the true and great. Many have come from all over the cosmos to test their mettle and might against the Tower's treacherous trials. The path to the top is fraught with peril, and it is not for the faint of heart, as many brave souls have lost their lives in their attempts to ascend.
Each of these Dimensions is a world unto itself, meticulously created by the Tower to test the mettle and ingenuity of those who dare to venture inside. These realms are as diverse as they are perilous, each harboring secrets and marvels that offer glimpses into the true facets of reality and the endless possibilities beyond.
But beware—for the Tower is a perilous place, fraught with trials and tribulations. Echoes of countless battles reverberate through its corridors, and the bones of mighty races and great champions lie strewn across the ground as grim reminders of the Tower's lethal challenges. Only the strongest and most cunning can hope to ascend to the pinnacle, where the rewards that await are beyond imagination.
However, as time wore on, the once noble and exalted purpose of the Tower devolved into a sadistic spectacle. It has become the playground for cruel and vicious beings who take pleasure in watching the suffering of those forced inside its labyrinthine walls. They observe from high above, watching as the valiant and daring are beaten down and broken by the trials of the Tower. It has become a place of despair, where hope has long been abandoned, and only the strongest survive.
* A Guide to the Tower by the Explorer, humanity’s greatest adventure and fortune seeker!
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"Next," called a heavy-set lady seated behind the folding table, and Lucian stepped forward, the weight of his purpose pressing upon him. "Application?" the woman asked as he handed over his completed forms, each part meticulously filled out. Plugging it into the massive machine set atop the table, the woman directed, "Please face the camera!"
Complying silently, he heard the mechanical snap of the camera, marking the capture of his image, followed by the rhythmic hum of the machine as his fingerprints were recorded and he even had his iris scanned by it. After that intricate process, the machine spat out his ID—a sleek, grey metallic card.
"Here you go," the woman said, passing him the card. "You are now registered in our system and can seek residency in the Sanctum. Keep this ID with you at all times; it is your sole form of valid identification at the moment."
Glancing over the card before tucking it away, he noticed a glaring detail that stuck out to him: Citizen Status: N/A.
"Now for your little sister," the woman gestured towards the young girl clutching tightly to Lucian's sleeve.
“N-no… she isn’t… What I mean to say is we aren’t related,” Lucian awkwardly clarified.
"I see," the woman said, her gaze assessing them. "In that case, we will have to place her in Child Protective Services. They will care for her and try to reunite her with her family if they're still alive."
Tapping on an intercom, the woman communicated with someone, leaving Lucian and the little girl momentarily alone. Lucian looked down at the child he had risked his life to rescue, feeling a whirlwind of emotions creep up on him.
Torn between his duty and his very real limitations, he knew he couldn't shoulder the responsibility of caring for her, especially with this sword of Damocles hanging over his head. Despite his rationalization, guilt and shame gnawed at his conscience. Adding to his anxiety, a representative from Child Protective Services arrived, engaging in conversation with the clerk.
After the man from Child Services finished speaking to the woman, he turned his attention to them, addressing the young child with a reassuring smile. "How are you doing, dear?"
Retreating further behind Lucian's frame, the young girl remained silent, seeking solace in his presence.
Undeterred, the man continued, "It's alright. You will be safe and well cared for, and you'll have the chance to meet other children your age," he intoned.
For the first time, the young girl spoke up. "I don't want to leave." Lucian felt a surge of relief hearing her voice, having worried when she didn't engage with anyone earlier.
Nevertheless, he knew what he had to do! Summoning his resolve, he knelt down to be eye level with the child. "It's going to be alright," he reassured her, mustering a comforting smile. "These people will take good care of you. Can you be brave for me?" In response, the little girl offered a slow, silent nod of affirmation.
“Can you tell me your name?” he gently prodded, realizing this whole time he never got her name.
“Emily,” she mumbled softly.
"Alright, Emily. I'll remember that," he promised, his heart heavy as he watched her being led away. Though he knew it was the best course for her, it didn't make the parting any easier to bear.
"You did the right thing," the woman said after a moment of silence.
"Yeah," Lucian replied, his shoulders sagging with the weight of his decision.
"Is there anything else, ma'am?" Lucian inquired, his voice tinged with dejection.
"No, that will be all. You can now proceed to the Employment Bureau. They will assign you a job and provide quarters in the Sanctuary," she informed him, pointing towards a tent where a crowd had gathered.
"However, if you fall within the Draft age bracket, it's your duty to report to the nearest Recruitment Center. Failure to do so will result in the army retrieving you," she added, gesturing towards a sparsely populated area where soldiers stood at the ready.
"Understood," Lucian acknowledged letting the gravity of her words sink in. "I do have one question, though," he interjected, his most pressing concern surfacing. "Do you know where I can get help finding people from previous waves?"
The woman sighed as if she had been asked this many times. "You’ll need to speak with a representative from the Missing Persons Office. But I must warn you, there is a long waitlist due to the overwhelming number of requests. Right now, without citizenship, you will be at the bottom of that list."
“What do you mean?” Lucian asked, his stomach slowly dropping.
“There are millions of people separated from their families, friends, and loved ones, all in need of assistance to be reunited. We do our best, but we are inundated with countless petitions, so we must prioritize the most important applicants."
Lucian understood clearly what she meant - they needed to separate the pleas of the riffraff from those of valued persons and high-status individuals. After all, he had been a beneficiary of his high social position all his life. Still, it left him disheartened and feeling helpless that he would have to wait indefinitely for the slim possibility of finding his family.
“To be put at the top of the waitlist you need to have citizenship. Right now, you are just a resident of the Sanctum. To achieve first-tier citizenship, you need to have worked for five years or served in the army for two. Otherwise, you will need to wait several months or even years before we can even get to you and start locating your family."
To be this close and yet so far. Lucian felt like all his dreams and hopes were being shattered right before his eyes. He knew this issue affected so many people like him who were separated from their loved ones by the Great Vanishing. Yet he had hoped… he really didn’t know what he wished for. Maybe everything would be smooth sailing and after all this time he would finally be reunited with his family just like that!
“Is there any way to speed up the process of finding my family?" he asked, more out of desperation than really expecting an answer.
“There is becoming… an Awaken!”
-
Coming out of the Missing Person office he was directed to Lucian got the same answer the woman gave him earlier. He still got on the waitlist, and a lottery that randomly drew applicants to the top of the queue.
Nonetheless, he felt lost as he wandered the camp, his only goal - finding his family - seeming to drift further away with each roadblock that appeared in his path. Yet, he couldn't give up hope; doing so would render his resolve meaningless, breaking the promise he made to his mother.
Thinking back to what the woman had said earlier, Lucian mulled over the concept of Awakening. It meant unlocking the gifts the angels had bestowed upon humanity. He didn’t know what that further entailed, but as the lady had put it, it was a long shot that rarely paid off, except for a fortunate few.
However, if he managed to Awaken, he would gain great accolades and honor, and his request would be pushed to the highest priority. Nevertheless, he had no idea where to begin, and neither did the woman. All she could suggest was trying to speak to a high-ranking official or a senior military personal.
Despite the lack of clear guidance, Lucian refused to give up. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was determined to find his father, brother, sister, and all the others he had been separated from. As he wandered, he found himself near the military recruitment area. A soldier's call snapped him out of his thoughts.
“What can I do for you, boy? You've been standing there for a while now."
Pulling himself out of his reverie, Lucian turned to address the soldier, mustering as much steel as he could put into his voice. “I am here to report for duty!”
-
As soon as Lucian announced himself, he was directed to join the convoy heading towards the Sanctum proper, where the recruitment center was situated, equipped with all the proper facilities to test and evaluate potential recruits.
Sitting in the vehicle on the way to the main entrance, Lucian found himself surrounded by individuals who shared the same deep resentment and resignation, each lost in their own thoughts as they kept to themselves.
Upon reaching the foot of the mesa where a massive caged elevator sat, they were asked to step out and underwent inspection using a peculiar device that blinked green, indicating their clearance.
Once the inspection was completed, they were allowed on the platform which took them up. Peering out into the desolate wasteland that spread out before him with the dark clouds on the horizon, Lucian wondered if this was where he would stay forever.
As they reached the summit, they came before colossal gates which were fit for giants to pass underneath. There was a long procession to enter the city from a much smaller side entrance. Joining the line it was a while after it was his turn to be checked in and searched by security who made him hand over his hunting rifle before he was permitted through.
image [https://i.pinimg.com/originals/93/08/b0/9308b0031a38e5a0ca90eff4b06be08d.png]
Walking through the long, dark passageway, Lucian finally got to lay his eyes upon what lay inside the massive black dome.
image [https://cdn.openart.ai/stable_diffusion/3d57a1f3e69aff63425f36e2880c7d252f921c35_2000x2000.webp]
A dark city sprawled before him in a breathtaking panorama, a testament to human ingenuity and ambition. The skyline was dominated by towering, jagged skyscrapers resembling massive, gothic spires made of concrete and steel, embodying a brutalist architectural style. These structures with their harsh geometric forms loomed over the city, casting long, ominous shadows across the densely packed metropolis below.
Lighting up the preferable belly of the beast were colossal megafactories dotting the city's landscape. These factories were reminiscent of ancient forges belching out plumes of black smoke. Their internal workings illuminated a fiery orange glow emanated by the molten metal and the relentless sparks of machinery. The factories operate around the clock, their mechanical hums and rhythmic clanging creating a constant industrial symphony that reverberates through the air.
Amidst the backdrop, “add more description here”
Criss-crossing the towers was a network of elevated walkways and bridges, creating an intricate web that hovered above the city streets. Down below, at ground level, the city was teeming with life. The streets were filled with a diverse array of people hurrying about in functional work attire and casual streetwear, navigating the maze-like alleyways and expansive plazas.
Autonomous vehicles glided smoothly along the roads, their sleek designs complementing the modern aesthetic of the city. Public transportation ranging from maglev trains zipping along their tracks overhead to buses ferrying people around. A myriad of drones buzzed through the air, delivering goods and closely surveilling.
The city as a whole was a labyrinth of interconnected buildings, factories, and infrastructure, lit up by mesmerizing neon lights and holographic displays reflecting off the grimy surfaces. This created a stark contrast against the otherwise dark and monochromatic palette of the environment, casting a vibrant glow over the cityscape.
Above it all, the ceiling was thick with a perpetual dark haze, a byproduct of the pollution being spewed out. Faint light fixtures barely pierced through, acting like dim stars above. Occasional flying cars passed overhead, their silhouettes barely visible through the smog.
Taking it all in, Lucian was blown away by the advanced engineering and cutting-edge technology on display, both awe-inspiring and intimidating. To think that all this had been built in just a mere decade, and how quickly technology had advanced, amazed him.
“Come along,” their recruiters called out, pulling Lucian out of his stupefaction as they hopped on small jeeps waiting for them.
Navigating the labyrinth of bustling streets, Lucian took in more of the Sanctuary and he couldn’t help feel how alien everything was. To build all this in just a mere decade and how quickly technology advanced amazed him.
Finally they arrived at their destination - a massive, imposing block-like building, stepping out of the vehicle, Lucian was taken aback by the sight of a gathered crowd of protesters just outside the building. They held signs and chanted slogans while standing behind a barrier, facing off against armed soldiers. It was evident that the discontent with the draft policy extended beyond the new arrivals.
Before any of them could make a comment, they were quickly ushered inside like prisoners heading toward their sentence. In the recruitment center, they were processed and told to sit in the waiting area until they were called. Taking a seat, Lucian did his best to make himself comfortable, his heart pounding in his chest, realizing that he was one step closer to joining the army.
The atmosphere in the recruitment center was charged with tension, a palpable blend of anxiety and fear permeating the air. As the potential recruits worried and fretted about their future, officers adorned in crisp, immaculate uniforms hurried about carrying out their tasks and issuing commands.
As the waiting room gradually emptied, Lucian fidgeted with his thumbs, nerves getting the best of him. Suddenly, his name echoed through the room, and he looked up to find a young woman with brown hair and a lab coat calling out to him. Rising from his seat, Lucian replied, "Yes?!"
"Please follow me," the woman gestured, leading him through a dimly lit corridor that opened up into a vast, stadium-sized area. The space buzzed with people in lab coats observing potential recruits engaging in various challenging tasks of countless, different varieties spanning the whole area.
image [https://i.pinimg.com/736x/c9/9a/7d/c99a7d6d03283c9c01e8c9d8aa86aa90.jpg]
"Alright, you'll need to change into these," the woman interrupted Lucian's observations as she handed him a tight form-fitting one-piece garment of strange material. "There's a locker room back there where you can change and store your belongings."
image [https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Z1GgtCkhUssiohdmPnBl0EQaRlmzzRN1gZO7dFqcCw6VFFiC7J01Q6AhruEtmtZkwkIMiSEAs6WOsIFVuxYY478JBdISUECleAwqJGqrecqB5Rwyz7om765z-WliCp-eBlI-tA54wJ8bkqoQtldh3ZQ]
Lucian glanced at the black nylon-like clothing, shrugged his shoulders, he followed the woman's instructions. Soon, he returned with the woman giving him an appreciative once-over then they moved on. They arrived at a peculiar machine that bore a resemblance to an MRI scanner. "Hop on," the woman instructed as she approached a nearby console.
image [https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/3mtTS9JYdcU8CG16iIannGD5OQ4-H6VmFG4aWtbzV6mpjK4W05F0ANVZf8az0WpckYyqvFJnOFQ_DvvUNFHP54YYIQUpFXl9f2T6D9OJuU7HEfojHTvficfqcwhXRUWbr05iRlDdnF8fe2JPthJvUXQ]
"What is that?" Lucian asked, unsure about getting on a machine he knew nothing about.
"It's called a Body Scan," the woman explained. "It will run a deep diagnostic on you, detecting any illnesses, measuring your vitals, and giving a complete health assessment."
Lucian was once more impressed by all the advanced technology on hand, and he had to ask as he lay on the warm, gelatinous bed. “How did medical technology advance so far under these circumstances?”
This was groundbreaking if what she said was true then it could save so many lives. The issue with most diseases is that they go undiscovered for so long, making catching it is half the battle, thus it can be either too late or more severe methods need to be resorted to.
“You would be surprised with what we have nowadays,” the woman answered somewhat mysteriously.
As the machine whirred to life, Lucian was quite surprised when metal latches sprung around his arms and legs. “What going on?” he inquired, trying not to panic.
Before he could utter another word, the spinning ring-like structure section began to pass over him. With its passage, he suddenly felt a jolt rendering his body rigid. It felt as if it was being laid bare as every atom was scrutinized, and each detail was noted.
The circular mechanism made several more passes before it slowed down and came to a stop back in its original position at the front. With that, the restraints came off, and Lucian was off the bed before the machine even powered down.
“What was that all about?” he demanded a bit too tersely, his tone tinged with irritation.
"Apologies, but we find it best not to disclose specifics to our potential recruits as it can be off-putting," the woman responded. A slight raise of his eyebrow conveyed Lucian's indignation, though he managed to regain some of his composure. Nonetheless, the invasive nature of the device still sent shivers down his spine.
"Moving on," the woman continued, picking up the printed results. "You appear to be in peak physical condition, albeit on the lower side of the ideal body mass range we would want. We did detect a potential development of eye melanoma down the line, but rest assured, it can be treated."
“Excuse me?!” Lucian exclaimed at that startling revelation, however the woman drifted off to the next place.
“Now then let’s go to your Physical examination.”
And so, the day wore on, with Lucian subjected to an array of tests ranging from the most mundane to downright bizarre. He tackled complex puzzles, pondered moral philosophical scenarios, poured out all his knowledge on exams, made to delve deep into his psyche, pushed his body to his limit, and so much more.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
Finally, Lucian found himself in an empty, white sterile room that was very reminiscent of an interrogation room. Every so often he couldn’t help stare at the hidden camera, wondering if this marked the end of all his tests, especially since he was allowed to change back to his regular clothing.
Just as Lucian resigned himself to a more prolonged stay, relief washed over him when the only door leading out of the room swung open. A man clad in military attire rolled in on a wheelchair, his lower limbs conspicuously absent.
“Greetings, you must be Lucian Arcades correct?” the man began, coming to settle across from him.
Nodding his head in response, Lucian asked. "And you are?"
“I’m Staff Sergeant George Burkley, a Career Counselor at this recruitment center.”
“So, I take it the tests concluded?” Lucian inquired.
"Indeed," the Counselor affirmed with a nod. "First and foremost, let me commend you. You have performed admirably on all your tests, and based on your results, you've been deemed fit for active military service. So congratulations, you are now a viable trainee for the army!”
"That's wonderful news," Lucian said as he couldn’t help wryly smiling.
The man offered a knowing smile in return. "Yes, one could say that. All your data and evaluation results have been thoroughly processed, allowing us to pinpoint the career path that best suits you."
"Alright, lay it on me," Lucian replied, his tone a mix of resignation and acceptance.
"Actually, you get to choose, son," Burkley revealed, sliding a folder with a stack of papers toward Lucian. "These are your potential career paths, ranked in order of compatibility."
“Really?!” Lucian said with a bit of surprise as he took the folder in hand.
“Absolutely, we’re not tyrants after all!”
Lucian said nothing to that effect, he started perusing the list taking in all the options he had.
Potential Career Paths
1. Scout(87%) - A Scout serves as a critical component of reconnaissance and surveillance operations. Scouts are well-trained soldiers who gather and relay essential information about enemy positions, terrain, and other relevant details. Their duties revolve around obtaining accurate and timely intelligence to support tactical decision-making.
Possible Advancements: Deep Reconnaissance Specialist, Army Ranger, Counterintelligence Agent, Army Pathfinder, etc…
2. Intelligence Analyst(79%) - An Intelligence Analyst is a skilled professional responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information to support military operations and decision-making. They play a vital role in assessing the enemy's capabilities, identifying potential threats, and providing valuable insights to military commanders.
Possible Advancements: Intelligence Officer, Psychological Operative, Data Researcher, Counterintelligence Agent, etc…
3. Army Technician(71%) - A Technician in the army is a skilled professional responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of various military equipment, systems, and machinery. They play a crucial role in ensuring the readiness and functionality of military assets.
Possible Advancements: Quality Control Manager, Research & Development Specialist, Inspector Officer, etc…
10. Diplomatic Attaché(45%)
….
19. Military Strategist(38%)
…
25. Sniper(30%)
…
33. Combat Engineer(22%)
…
38. Field Medic(15%)
…
45. Mech Pilot(8%)
…
Finishing reading the list, Lucian remarked. “There’s quite a large range to choose from, huh?”
“Yes, this list encompasses a comprehensive overview of occupations that match your profile. However, you're highly encouraged to choose from the top ten, as they are the best-suited options for you."
“Hmm,” Lucian hummed as he looked over his options again. What he noticed was that some positions were more clearly combat oriented while others were more support-like.
Turning to face the man, Lucian addressed him with a more serious tone. "Before we proceed, there's something I need to ask which is a bit out of the scope of this discussion.”
Gesturing to indicate his willingness, the man stated. “Feel free to ask me anything within reasonable limits.”
Hesitating for only a single moment, Lucian dived headfirst into it as he laid all his cards on the table. "I'm curious about becoming an Awaken. It's not for selfish reasons as you would imagine, but it's the only way I can quickly reunite with my family. I understand it is not some widely divulged knowledge, but it's crucial for me."
"Ah, that's what you're interested in. Well, it's not as strictly confidential as you might think. The Military actually wants to make it more public, but there are certain risks associated with that, especially given the nature of unlocking one's gifts."
Lucian did the best he could to mask his urgency and desperation as he politely asked. "I would greatly appreciate your honesty. I will make sure anything you tell me won’t leave this room today, and I will take full responsibility for anything that happens afterward.”
Seeing the warring feeling written all over the man’s face, Lucian could tell the man cracked when he sighed deeply and remarked to himself. “Who am I to separate someone from their family?!”
Looking Lucian in the eyes, the man began to reveal everything to him, though not before giving him a final warning. “You must know why I hesitate to tell you this. The lengths you will need to go to even attempt to fulfill the enigmatic requirements can be soul-crashing and very dangerous. And it is very likely in the end it won’t even work out! So only you can choose if it is worth it.”
“I appreciate that,” Lucian stated with a nod.
Silently acknowledging it, the man continued. “The process is simple - all you need is Stress. Just like diamonds need pressure and steel needs to be hammered, what a person is under enough strain, they can have a trigger event which unlocks their powers!
The challenge lies in determining how much stress is necessary. It varies for each individual; some only need a wounded pride or even a paper cut while others must risk their very lives or go through heartbreaking events! ”
Letting that sink in, Lucian could understand a bit of all the secrecy now. Such information as this could drive people to extreme lengths for power just like he was now thinking about all the way to push himself to the brink. All for good reasons of course, but he was still deliberating about bringing harm onto himself.
Yet that did nothing to slow him down in the least bit as he pressed the man further. “I need to know. What is the best way for me to try to unlock my gift?”
The reluctance on the man’s face was evident, but he had already damned himself and could only helplessly continue. "It is proven that putting yourself in danger is the most effective method. Opting for a front-line job would likely expose you to more dangerous and deadly situations where your limits are pushed near the edge!
Lucian contemplated his options, giving the list one final cursory glance. The only other career path besides Scout he saw that fit those criteria was Guardsman - who basically were the ones that protected the Sanctuary walls.
“I guess I will go with Scout,” Lucian stated, coming to his decision.
“Are you sure?” the counselor asked, his tone tinged with exasperation.
“Yes. As you said combat might be the best path forward, and if that is the case I will take it.” Lucian answered firmly.
“Yes, but this is a very slim margin,” the man argued.
“Anything is better than nothing,” Lucian smiled softly more than anything appreciating what the man was trying to do and he even said so. “I thank you for what you are trying to do, but I have set my mind to this, and I don’t think you can disway me from it.”
Watching as the man’s shoulders sagged a bit, Lucian felt a twinge of guilt. “Alright, if that is what you have set your mind to, let me enter your choice into the system and bring up your contract.”
Sitting silently as the man inputted stuff on the strange holographic tablet in his hand, Lucian contemplated to himself. He didn’t regret his choice, whatever brought him closer to finding his family was of great necessity for him. Yet he was putting himself at great risk, and he knew for certain they wouldn’t want that for him.
“Here you go. Make sure to sign on the dotted line,” the man stated, passing him the device.
Standard Enlistment
Service Length: 4 years
Benefits:
- Comprehensive military training
- Full-citizenship
- Higher education benefits
- Basic Medical Insurance
- Monthly Money Stipend
Skimmed through the contract, Lucian saw that it outlined a four-year commitment, with 2 years of active duty, and 2 of reserve, along with training. There were also benefits like a stipend, job security, citizenship, tuition assistance, and more.
None of that however interested Lucian, with hardly a second glance he signed away his freedom for the foreseeable future.
"Congratulations, and welcome to the army," Burkley intoned solemnly, extending his hand.
Shaking it, the man indicated behind him. “ You can go right ahead and get everything finalized, then you will be sworn in and shipped out!”
Surprised at how quickly everything was completed, Lucian stood up and thanked the man for one final time. Just as he was about to leave then, the man called out, “Be careful out there, son. It’s a cruel world out there that will have no mercy for you.”
Looking back, Lucian couldn’t help but pose the question that was nagging at him. “If you don’t mind me asking. What happened to your legs?”
The man’s expression shifted to one of long reflection. "It's a long tale, but the short version is they were chopped off by a Rot beast. Now I'm desk-bound until my new cybernetic legs arrive."
CDN media [https://preview.redd.it/2rxebycnpgma1.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=de6c21161345cca9f0b94150156bdb54efd6e570]
[A/N: Without the sword!]
Doubt momentarily seized Lucian, the looming danger of his decision becoming all too real. Yet, he quickly suppressed his uncertainty and clung to his resolve.
"Anything for family," Lucian silently reaffirmed the same mantra that kept him going all this time, opening the door into beyond.
-
As soon as Lucian came out of the room, he was put in the hands of people in medical smocks. He got subjected to a series of injections he had no idea what they were, then someone came at him with what could only be an electric razor in hand and he had to ask.
“What is that for?”
“You will need to be shaved,” came the succinct answer.
Though Lucian wasn't overly obsessed with his hair, he did take pride in his golden blonde locks and held a certain fondness for it which showed as he did take good care of it. Nonetheless, he begrudgingly acquiesced to be submitted to the humiliation of going bald.
Without further ado, he was shaved, and watching as his straight locks rained down onto the ground. Then before he could get over that offense, one of the medical staff rubbed a strange ointment at the back of his head which quickly numbed it until he could barely feel anything on that whole side.
Lucian didn’t like where this was going as soon as he saw the doctor bring out scalpels and other tools, laying them out neatly on a tray.
“What’s going on now?”
“Please hold still,” the doctor's voice filtered through his mask as Lucian felt a small prickling sensation on his neck. Seeing the man pull away with an empty needle, drowsiness overcame him as the world spun all around him.
He watched blearily as someone came and presented a case to the doctor, opening it, Lucian was left with the image of a computer chip of the sorts inside the box before it was lights out.
https://i.etsystatic.com/26753411/r/il/648725/2748523750/il_fullxfull.2748523750_mwkn.jpg [https://i.etsystatic.com/26753411/r/il/648725/2748523750/il_fullxfull.2748523750_mwkn.jpg]
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Upon awakening, Lucian felt as if no time had passed yet he felt a throbbing sensation around his neck. Reaching out towards the area, he pulled away with a wince of pain though he was now aware of the bandage wrapped around his neck.
Facing the only person left in the room, an assistant or nurse at his best guess who was clearing everything up. Lucian turned his question upon him, “What happened?”
“You had your final procedure successfully completed. You’re free to go and can head over to the main auditorium where the rest would be at!”
Feeling as if the man wasn’t telling him everything, Lucian could only think to himself ‘In for a penny in for a pound’ as he got off the operating table.
Heading in the direction given to him, Lucian came up to a large open chamber teeming with fellow new recruits. Overhearing some of the various conversations going as he stood off to the side by himself, he took it in.
“Wow, you’re really part of the new wave that arrived?!”
“I was able to secure a spot as an aerospace pilot!”
“They put the slave chip in us…”
“I’m heading straight to advance training after this.”
"ATTENTION!" A commanding voice cut through the hum of conversations. All eyes turned to the stage adorned with different flags with the American flag taking center stage. A stern man wearing a campaign hat ascended to the podium, behind him was a high-ranking officer standing silently.
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/39f4ec40-ead6-4568-a911-dd251937f9e7/d1649ne-95215032-e297-425e-b0ed-5b14ad1ff1bc.jpg/v1/fill/w_1024,h_725,q_75,strp/drill_sergeant_by_leycuervo_d1649ne-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NzI1IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvMzlmNGVjNDAtZWFkNi00NTY4LWE5MTEtZGQyNTE5MzdmOWU3XC9kMTY0OW5lLTk1MjE1MDMyLWUyOTctNDI1ZS1iMGVkLTViMTRhZDFmZjFiYy5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTAyNCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.Xx1WKerHIy5d3wzFR9RyVSu24DP4t8OFLLAxuAALGiY [https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/39f4ec40-ead6-4568-a911-dd251937f9e7/d1649ne-95215032-e297-425e-b0ed-5b14ad1ff1bc.jpg/v1/fill/w_1024,h_725,q_75,strp/drill_sergeant_by_leycuervo_d1649ne-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NzI1IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvMzlmNGVjNDAtZWFkNi00NTY4LWE5MTEtZGQyNTE5MzdmOWU3XC9kMTY0OW5lLTk1MjE1MDMyLWUyOTctNDI1ZS1iMGVkLTViMTRhZDFmZjFiYy5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTAyNCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.Xx1WKerHIy5d3wzFR9RyVSu24DP4t8OFLLAxuAALGiY]
“What a sorry lot we’re given today,” the man remarked as he saw how disarrayed they were. “But don’t worry, we’ll mold you into perfect shape and make fine soldiers out of you. Or else…”
None of them clearly knew what to make of that, and the man simply continued. “Fall into formation, stand in neat, orderly rows. It's time for you to take your oaths."
More shuffling followed though Lucian wasn’t sure if they were any better than before, but the Sergeant took what he could get as he instructed. “Right hands up and repeat after me.”
I, Lucian Arcades, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…
Lowering his hand once he finished taking the pledge, Lucian felt a sense of binding commitment tie him, for better or worse he was now irrevocably bound to this path till the very end.
"Congratulations, you are now part of the United States Military!" the Sergeant declared, prompting a few hesitant claps from the crowd. However, most remained silent, unaffected by their reactions, the Sergeant pressed on. "And now, I'll hand over the floor to First Lieutenant Adams Jones, who has a few words for you."
"Thank you, Sergeant," the Lieutenant acknowledged as he stepped forth onto the podium.
“Greetings, new recruits. I am proud to have each and every single one of you here today. This day marks a momentous occasion in your lives. You stand before me as you are about to embark on the greatest journey of your life, that will transform you to your core and make you into the finest soldiers this country has ever known. You have chosen to answer the call of duty, to serve something greater than yourselves, and for that, I commend all of you.”
Watching the impact the words had on the young, new recruits, Lucian had to say the man had a much better way with words than the gruff, no-nonsense Sergeant.
"Allow me to be direct with you all. We find ourselves in an unending conflict, one that has been fought since the arrival of the very first humans a century ago. This struggle isn't driven by territorial ambitions or greed for wealth, but rather the very survival of humanity."
As the Lieutenant’s speech picked up in intensity and he grew more impassioned, Lucian was snapped out of it when he heard something that made no sense.
“This adversary we face isn’t no ordinary foe. It is one that seeks to undermine the very foundations of our society, to snuff out the light of our civilization, and to extinguish all life that we hold dear. We are engaged in a struggle against an enemy that recognizes no boundaries, respects no laws or conventions, and thrives on chaos and destruction.”
While the others were captivated by the man’s speech, Lucian's mind remained preoccupied with doubt that he couldn’t shake off. It had to be slip since it couldn’t possibly make any sense…
"Our path is fraught with challenges, yet we must not forget that we are not alone in this fight. We stand united with allies who share our purpose: safeguarding all that is just and good in our world."
Watching as the man’s speech reached a fever pitch, and the recruits’ enthusiasm crescendoed. Lucian was sure they were all well on their way to being sold on everything as the man’s words worked wonders on everyone. However, he was too far removed as his mind was occupied with other things which he had to verify for his own sanity.
"Our fight has been marked by many victories and setbacks, moments of triumph and despair. But through it all, we have never lost sight of what we fight for. Our resolve has never wavered, and the righteousness of our cause continues to shine brighter than ever before, and in the end, victory shall be ours."
The cheers that erupted at the culmination of the bombastic diatribe were thunderous. Applause and shouts filled the air, taking a while to gradually settle down and through it all the Lieutenant maintained his smile, nodding with satisfaction at his work.
"Excuse me," Lucian interjected, raising his hand like he was a schoolboy. "What did you mean when you said it's been a century since the first humans arrived? Wasn't it only a decade?"
A hushed silence fell over the crowd, a touch eerie in its abruptness, but Lucian ignored it, focusing his gaze intently on the Lieutenant.
“You haven’t been told?”
“About what?” Lucian questioned, growing more perplexed and unsettled.
"I assume you're part of the new arrivals, the 10th wave?"
“Yes…” he responded hesitantly.
"Damn it," the Lieutenant muttered to which Lucian didn’t like that one bit. Then, the Sergeant tried to intervene, speaking into the mic, "That will be all for now recruits."
“It's alright,” the man reassured, holding up a hand. “Better to address it now rather than later.”
With a sigh, the Lieutenant faced not just Lucian but the entire assembly. "You need to understand that time operates differently here than in the outside world."
Pausing to let the revelation settle, he continued, "We call it Time Differential. While a decade has transpired on Earth, a century has passed since the first arrival. That's a ratio of 1:10. Thus, though it's the year 2050 on Earth, it's 2140 here," he stated matter-of-factly, his tone devoid of emotion.
Lucian recoiled as though he had been punched in the gut with the Lieutenant’s words. His world shattered into a million pieces as he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"No, no, no," he muttered, shaking his head, trying to reject the madness of all this. "This can't be true. It must be some kind of joke," he laughed, teetering on the edge of insanity.
He wasn’t alone as from far away he heard some cry out in disbelief, while a few even vomited or went faint.
The weight of all this felt too much to bear! Lucian felt the room spinning around him, his breathing growing shallow and erratic. His mind was unable to process all these unexpected blows, one after the other. He needed to rest, just for a moment, and try to parcel this.
It made no sense.
It couldn’t be true.
Then the last thing he heard was a shout from someone nearby before everything faded to black.
-
Deep underground in an undisclosed location, far from prying eyes and fortified against all threats was a black site. In the innermost chamber of the clandestine facility where an eerie ambiance exuded the place as dimly lit rows of monitors and computers illuminated the place with their soft blue glow. Amidst this scene teams of technicians and researchers worked tirelessly, bound by the gravity of the newest development.
The air was heavy with a mix of tension and anticipation. At the epicenter of the room stood a towering data tower, reminiscent of a massive, branching tree. Arranged in a circular formation around this imposing monolith, individuals sat, each encased in a helmet that enveloped their entire visage. These helmets were connected to the tower by long winding wires that raced across the room, as they processed a torrent of data streaming in from the outside world with just their minds alone.
image [https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dgJhW94GNo64rO7HH7RcaXFbJx9DxGwmRA-HbbWt8l76ivRZsp2fPw0NhP5wf29b_0Dss5v4qdj2qjTYWimxDsE80J4cRai7gl1E308Q4Tf6XLckfKuUWj7CFBjuy3uUSXBh228aQuy5AMx5CMl0eds]
Then a voice cut through the subdued hum of activity. “General on the floor,” an aide called out from the uppermost platform overlooking the area.
Two soldiers walked in, positioning themselves on either side of the entrance. The doors hissed open, and in strode a grizzled, weathered man. His face bore the rugged tale of many hard-fought battles along with hard-earned scars, the most prominent being a long mark etched from his eyebrow to his cheek. He was draped in formal military attire, his presence commanded respect and reverence. On top of his head for all to see with their chips were two lines!
Title: The Iron Blooded General, Chief of Staff of the Army
Rank: SS+
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/24/ee/30/24ee308d8069fdacd8a5a9aec2853179.jpg [https://i.pinimg.com/564x/24/ee/30/24ee308d8069fdacd8a5a9aec2853179.jpg]
The soldiers snapped to attention a salute punctuating their acknowledgment, and the Head of the facility who exuded a mixture of deference and fear, approached the General with deliberate steps. "Sir, it's a pleasure to have you here."
“Enough with the pleasantries. You sent out a Priority 1 alert. What’s the situation?”
“Yes, as you know sir we have been monitoring the situation closely at hand and all the recent developments that happened with the arrival of the latest wave. We have located many high-priority targets, but there is one that supersedes the rest and needs your personal oversight.”
“Show me,” the General ordered.
Up on the main screen, the image of a young man with blonde hair and green eyes appeared - one that was unmistakably of our young intrepid hero, Lucian Arcades.
“Well I’ll be damned,” the older man uttered as he processed the information. "So, he's that man's son and the brother of that monster! Have you attempted to contact them?"
"Yes, sir," the man affirmed. “Unfortunately, we are unable to get a hold of either of them. Mr. Arcades has recently embarked on an expedition to the Upper Dimensions and his brother as you know remains off the grid.”
“Where is he now?” the older man inquired.
"Currently, he has surfaced in our systems at the Chicago Sanctuary, and…" the man's voice wavered.
"And what?" the General prompted, his hard gaze boring into the man.
“It appears that he’s been conscripted into the army,” the man helplessly admitted. “However we can extract him at any time you want sir!”
“No,” the General stated with a shake of his head. “For now we keep him there until we can establish contact with either of his family members. We don’t want to draw too much attention by bringing him in. And as of now I’m making this a Top Level Classified Information, none of this leaves this room. If it does, I know whose head will be rolling. Am I clear?”
“Crystal clear, sir,” the poor man rapidly nodded his head as he took a big gulp of air.
“Good, both of them have amassed god only knows how many enemies. I don’t want any of them coming down on the poor boy and using him as a bargaining chip or a way to get at them. In the meanwhile, notified the personal staff of the Governor-General's office to keep an eye on him, and dispatch an agent to verify if it is truly him.”
“Yes sir,” the director replied with a salute, acknowledging his orders.
“Excellent. Now I best take this information up the food chain to the top.”
“You mean…” the man whispered with deep awe.
“Yes, I must inform the Commander-in-Chief!” The General declared, his tone resonating with the weight of the decision and the impending consequences that will ripple out to the floor and beyond.