The countdown echoed like the heartbeat of a giant, pulsing within the depths of a shapeless white void.
The sound came from nowhere — it simply existed, vibrating inside the head of everyone present.
00:00:45…
00:00:30…
Each number seemed to drain the air around, tightening lungs, stealing breath.
The tension grew like an invisible wave, ready to crash over all.
The white space began to twist, like a veil tearing from the inside. The ground — if it could even be called that — seemed made of solid light, pulsing softly beneath the feet of dozens of people floating in the void. There was no horizon; it was like standing inside an unfinished dream.
A low hum, almost imperceptible, grew stronger with every second.
And then — he appeared.
High above, floating with the calm of someone who had seen this performance a thousand times, Zeylor emerged.
He wore the same black and white pajamas that mocked the seriousness of the moment. His red hair flickered like flames in zero gravity. The strange light of that place reflected on it, casting golden hues — like living embers in the dark.
He opened a lazy smile — the kind that mixed charm with provocation.
Raising his arms, his voice echoed as if space itself bowed to listen.
— Now that you've chosen your classes… everything is ready for your embarkation to the world of Velerithon.
The words sliced through the silence like a blade.
A murmur rippled through the crowd — disbelief, fear, euphoria… all blended into one human sound.
Some looked around, searching for an exit.
Others exchanged glances, trying to decipher if this was still a game.
And there were those who simply smiled — eyes shining, hearts racing.
But Steve couldn't smile.
He was still on his knees, breathing heavily, his face drenched in sweat. Each drop burned on his cold skin.
His hands trembled. His chest rose and fell in an erratic rhythm.
His eyes wandered through the nothingness, trying to understand where he was.
"Mom… I promised I'd get you out of that hospital. I just wanted to help. Why… why did this happen to me?"
The image of his mother lying in that cold hospital bed, surrounded by machines, stabbed through him like a knife.
Memories of his siblings and everything he loved — even of his father, with whom he shared a broken relationship — flooded back. The promise he made to his mother, to protect them all, now shattered.
Steve clenched his fists so tightly that his nails cut into his skin.
But he didn't scream. He only lowered his head and let the tears fall silently.
Around him, others reacted in their own ways.
A girl with lilac hair spun slowly, laughing to herself — her eyes gleamed with a childlike glow, as if she stood inside a dream.
A boy in a black hoodie raised his arms and shouted:
— Finally! A real isekai! I've waited my whole life for this!
His energy was contagious — and completely insane.
A woman in a suit — a stern-looking executive — crossed her arms, her face expressionless.
— The sooner this ends, the better. I have a company to run in the real world.
Her voice trembled slightly, though she hid it well.
The contrast among them was palpable.
The air carried a mix of fear, excitement, and despair.
It was like watching humanity stripped bare — each revealing who they truly were when the mask of routine fell.
Among them was Julia.
Her eyes were fixed on something distant, invisible.
Her heart pounded in her chest like a drum.
It wasn't fear.
It was pure emotion.
A shiver ran down her spine — not from cold, but from anticipation.
She took a deep breath and let out a faint smile.
— So this is it… the beginning of everything.
Since childhood, Julia had felt out of place in the world.
People spoke of jobs, futures, stability…
But she dreamed of castles, swords, magic, and legendary journeys.
And now, she stood before a portal to exactly that.
The impossible had become real.
What was once a dream… now had scent, texture, and sound.
A little further away, Kuto watched everything in silence.
Arms crossed, expression neutral, gaze cold and sharp.
There was no fear, no excitement — only focus.
A focus bordering on obsession.
"If I want to see my mother and sister again, I have to win. No matter what it costs."
His determination was like steel forged by pain.
While others looked around trying to comprehend, Kuto was already calculating — who were the strong, the weak, the threats.
He didn't have the luxury of doubt.
He couldn't afford to dream.
All that remained was to survive.
Then, a voice broke through the collective murmur.
— Hey, Zeylor! — shouted a tall young man with light brown hair and steady eyes. — This world we're going to… what are the rules? Is it really like a game?
Zeylor rested his chin on his palm, thoughtful, as if savoring the question with theatrical flair.
— Hmm… good question, Semi.
Then he smiled — that same provocative grin that hid dangerous truths.
— It will be like a fantasy game… and much more.
He paused dramatically, his tone darkening.
— But don't be fooled. Try not to think of it as just a game. Inside, the consequences are real.
— And the surprises… many.
The air grew heavier.
The faint ticking sound intensified.
Some exchanged uneasy glances.
Others laughed nervously.
A skinny boy stepped forward, voice trembling:
— Surprises? Like… monsters?
Zeylor winked at him, lips curling into a dangerous smile.
— Monsters, gods… and perhaps, something worse.
The silence that followed was almost tangible.
Every word carried a weight no one dared to measure.
Then Zeylor raised his hands.
The sky — if there was one — began to shimmer with tiny golden sparks.
Glowing flakes descended, like ashes from dead stars.
— Each of you will receive a Spiritual Assistant, he announced, his voice soft, almost hypnotic.
— A mental guide that will inhabit your consciousness. It can manifest physically as a small battle fairy… or another form, depending on your affinity.
The unseen ground pulsed, radiating waves of golden light that spread like water.
Each throb felt like the heartbeat of the world itself calling them.
Zeylor looked satisfied.
— These guides will be your allies… and perhaps, your judges.
The lights brightened.
The sound intensified.
And then — it began.
One by one, their bodies began to glow.
Light rose from their feet, wrapping them in golden particles, as if they were dissolving.
Some screamed.
Others tried to run — in vain.
Those who still believed this was just a game… now began to doubt.
Steve tried to scream, but no sound came.
His throat locked.
His body trembled.
The light consumed him entirely.
"I don't want to die… please…"
The last thing he saw was his own hand disintegrating before his eyes.
Then — darkness.
In the corner, Zeylor watched calmly, as if witnessing the birth of a new world.
His serene expression contrasted with the chaos around him.
He then looked down, where Kuto still stood firm, emotionless.
— Impatient, aren't you? — Zeylor said, smiling. — Know this, boy… in Velerithon, time dances differently.
— Two worlds, two realities. Two hours out there… an entire day here.
For a brief moment, his expression darkened.
His crimson eyes reflected something indecipherable — pity? curiosity? or pleasure in what was to come?
— This isn't just a game, Kuto.
— Soon… all of you will understand.
Then he raised his arm, like a conductor ending a symphony.
— You stand on the border between worlds! — he declared.
His voice now roared like thunder.
The ground trembled. Space folded.
— When the countdown reaches zero, each of you will be sent to the destination chosen by the system.
— From now on… there's no "return to menu."
A cryptic smile crossed his face.
He snapped his fingers.
And the world began to crack.
Dispersal Sequence
00:00:10…
00:00:05…
00:00:01…
Space shattered like glass struck by a stone.
Rays of light split the air, and the ground opened into a vortex of energy.
People began to vanish — no pain, no sound, only the sensation of being swallowed by something greater than existence itself.
Julia closed her eyes. A soft, serene smile curved her lips.
Her body dissolved into dust of light, and she whispered:
— Velerithon… I'm ready.
Steve vanished amid silent tears and desperate pleas.
Kuto stood firm until the end, facing the final seconds like one staring into fate's eyes.
As his body began to fade, he whispered:
— Wait for me… Mom, Mana.
And he was gone.
Silence returned.
Zeylor remained alone in the void, watching the trails of energy fade away.
The white space was still again — calm, cold, lifeless.
He sighed, his eyes glowing once more in shades of red and gold.
— And thus begins another cycle…
The lazy, almost bored smile returned.
But beneath it, there was something else — something ancient, dark, and curious.
He extended his hand and snapped his fingers one last time.
The void closed like a curtain.
And in the air, a single phrase echoed — whispered by a thousand voices:
"Destination: Velerithon."