A bright luminescence was casted on the world, the previously displayed countdown was not there anymore.

Yet… no change occurred?

Was the new chance a lie? If so, then who had the capabilities to display a screen on such an international level?

Quickly, the internet went wild.

‘Lmaooo billionaires be really gettin wild these days!’

‘Yo did anyone else see that countdown? It aint even new years yet lol’

‘Broooo i was excited and all i thought this 9-5 job was gonna disappear or smth!’

Words that mocked the countdown were numerous.

Those who read novels and books thought this was their time to shine as main characters with harems spanning in the thousands.

Before anyone else could mock the countdown, another message appeared to the world, its contents able to be understood by all, no matter the language or disability.

A simple poll: do you not like earth? yes/no

Many who doubted the screen as a trick by massive holograms to advertise new advancements were quickly surprised to see it was a touch screen.

After 5 seconds of shared shock that the world experienced, another thing appeared on the same message.

Do you not like earth? yes(1)/no(1)

Everyone understood what this meant, 2 people had answered this already.

Two young boys, their lives at complete other ends of the scale, immediately clicked the opposite buttons.

One wanted everything; one had everything.

As soon as the population of people saw the first two votes, many began voting rapidly.

Do you not like earth? yes(1,003,739)/no(5,037,826)

The votes showed that a lot seemed to like earth, votes from those high up, or those with families, stable jobs or a partner, but truly deep in their hearts… no one cared for this planet.

You don't like the planet, you like what's on the planet. If another planet that was identical to earth was available, every creature would go to it if they had the opportunity to.

Humans by their nature are selfish.

This isn't a bad trait, prioritising yourself is important, but to what extent?

Feed myself before feeding others, but I need to eat tomorrow too, and the day after that, and the day after that.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Eventually you feed no one, only thinking about yourself.

Your belly is filled today, everyone is starved and the food has molded due to you waiting for those days that will arrive that you will need food in.

The votes were specifically that, no one wanted to vote together, no one chose to debate.

The votes were shown to be an anonymous thing, pushing people to show their fangs.

Do you not like earth? yes(1,037,816,829)/no(826,826,957)

Eventually comments online began springing up, either calling the voters who voted against them stupid or uneducated.

Those who voted ‘yes’ were called ungrateful and greedy.

Those who voted ‘No’ were called trust fund brats and silver spoon kids.

Many didn’t care for the votes, thinking it was just another scheme for advertisement, many even actively avoided voting.

Eventually the numbers switched to percentages of the population.

Do you not like earth? yes(51%)/no(33%)

This meant that 16 % hadn’t voted, not like their vote mattered. Over half the population had picked that they did not like earth.

This information was later redirected through the announcements.

51.34% of the human population did not prefer earth, as a part of the new chance, a new homeworld will be provided for the human race.

Planet similarity to earth: 97.2%

Initiating transfer.

3…

2…

1…

Upon hearing this population split in half, some screamed and wailed in panic, believing the unique screen. The other people laughed, expecting it to be a fake just like the previous countdown that amounted to nothing.

After then countdown finalized, another eruption of light decended on humanity.

When the light finally dissipated many began looking around, but the fierce gaze of the sun blinded all once more.

Even those who were indoors or below ground were experiencing the sun, confusing many.

Once their pupils adjusted many began frantically looking around.

Grass as far as the eyes can see, trees so tall you would almost think they are clouds.

Sudden eruptions of screams and cries echoed, they were transferred to this region at their state when voting. Those dressed in formal attire remained in it, those with no attire remained that way.

Many tried running away from the crowd of the entire human population but a mysterious force field appeared, blocking all deserters.

Dear humanity, we have listened to your pleas and cries, we granted you a new world. restarting was the main wish upon your desire of a new chance. The majority of you did not favour your planet, therefore we granted you a new one.

Many were shocked to see the same screen that they witnessed on earth appear again, the one they called a liar, a fake mirage, turned out to be a power beyond imagination.

A bunch of emotions resonated, excitement, shock, confusion, and the most prevalent of all, fear.

Many began thinking about their great ancestors, they were made to hunt, made to discover and create with their bare hands. The Current population which was too used to the comfortable life of cozy houses and provided food could not survive the same way.

They needed strength.

Due to the whole of humanity acknowledging their need for strength to survive, strength will be provided to those who kill one living being, proving their worthiness.

Everyone was confused, was this a joke?

While some read the words, others contemplated if they should attempt it.

*BAM

A strong fist landed upon an old lady's head

Her body collapsed to the ground before the bulky man who hit her got on top of her and began slamming his knuckles into her temple again, and again, and again.

His knuckles darkened, being stained with the crimson. “yeah bitch, This is what you get for kicking me out my apartment!” He laughed, licking his teeth as he smiled.

As the old lady stopped moving, embracing the icy grip of death, a miraculous screen appeared in front of the man who killed her.

“Hahahaha! It seems that the weird screen wasn’t lying to us, this looks similar to a game,” he mused, clicking away at the screen in front of him.

The first ascender has been chosen by humanity.

realization struck the first ascender. “If killing one old lady gave me this power, and increased my level to level two, that must mean I am the strongest one in humanity right now!” A demonic smirk smeared his face, he looked around before launching at the closest woman, punching her, but unlike the old woman this man who had garnered the strength of the system was in the realms of superhuman, exploding her head on impact.

The difference in strength between those who were ascended and those who Weren’t was akin to the distance between the heavens and the earth.

While the differences between a level one and a level two was akin to an ant and a slightly stronger ant.

But due to no one in humanity being ascended aside from the blood thirsty man, he was a god amongst men.

Everyone dispersed, running as fast as they could, the previous barrier that didn’t allow anyone to pass suddenly disappearing.

Many ran, many failed, some even grew greed wanting their own power. The easiest targets were taken out first the disabled, the old, the young, those who weren’t privileged were at the other end of countless punches from a multitude of people, the one who delivered the killing blow was the one who ascended and received the system, they began quickly killing those who attempted to steal their kill.

The population split into 4 groups.

* those who sought to kill, focusing on the weak(such as the first ascender).

* Those who sought to survive, rounding up in groups and running away to survive(such as previous leaders and popular celebrities).

* Those who sought to survive, running away alone not trusting others or too confused to make contact with anyone( such as Midas and Alstair)

* Those who didn’t move, embracing their death or too busy with the mental overload.

The world was vastly new, the day length was different, the oxygen in the atmosphere was different, and the land to water mass was different, causing most people needing to adjust, unable to perform at their best physically.

No matter how different the land was, one thing didn’t change- the people- those who hid their true selves behind masks of money or friendships had their masks stripper, their true nature showing itself.

Those who once prayed for peace were now the bringers of chaos.

Those who donated to help the less fortunate were now slaughtering them.

Those who cried for orphans were now covered in the blood of parents.

How truly disgusting humanity is