Standing in the empty Library of the most prestigious University of the current era , the IFU-short for inspire futures University . a Cliche and basic name but it lived up to it's name especially since being able to get in is extremely difficult where most of the students are those who have rich parents or like him - a scholarship through pure skill.
His white skin contrasted sharply against his black hair and eyes and especially with the clothes making him seem as if he was from a secret society - he had looks that was for sure but the blank almost emotionless expression made it quite easy to tell that he was not all that popular .
he held a book with one hand whilst the other held a sandwich leaning against the shelf pilar Jacksons glasses reflecting the pages on the book on mythologies taking small bites as he took small bites of the food
"i wonder why they call it mythology and not religions when they're as real as the Gods people worship today" - he whispered to himself . as someone who believed in the existence of all gods he always pondered over odd things like this
he continued slowly eating his sandwich and finished it after a while stopping at 1 specific page of the book. a almost indistinct shocked expression appeared on his face
"i could have sworn that goblins were just something authors made up for novels and manhwa who would've guessed that they were a european legend ..."
yes , despite being a person viewed as typically good looking he enjoyed 'nerdy' things like novels
closing the book he placed it gently into the bookshelf and walked towards a table sitting down placing his bag down , leaning it on the table leg . he sighed loudly and looked up at the roof closing his eyes
'i should just leave my job ... i have more than enough to live comfortably but what if someone finds out ... '
sighing again he opened his eyes and turned to bend down and get something from his backpack only to be faced with a boy making a freakishly ugly face , and yet not even changing his expression he looked up at him his face completely bored . clearly he was too used to this , a little angry even
"Alexander ... " he held his fist in the other hand cracking his knuckles
stepping back the boy held up his and in surrender a bead of sweat appearing . unfortunately there was no such mercy . he brought his fist down on the boy a small warning
yelping Alexander apologised moving to the chair opposite his friend . both Jackson and Alexander sat down both on opposite sides of the table - "my bad , my bad . It's just that you look like you had a whole mountain on your head Jacks"
the genuine concern his friend was showing caused Jackson to calm down , a soft smile gracing the usual blank face.
"it's nothing that much i just don't know if i should keep working my job at that petrol station i'm getting more and more tired each day "
shifting his signature goofy smile Alexanders face took on a more serious , worried expression
"Jacks ... you know my family is willing to take you in we're practically family anyway and were able to and besides if you don't want to work your par ..."
stopping quickly Alexander stopped and looked up at Jackson and looked at his friend currently biting his lip . regretting his words he tried to avoid any more issues but before he could Jackson spoke first
doing it far to often for a 21 year old Jackson sighed and tried to tell his friend it's okay -"Its fine Alex i know you didn't mean to "
looking back up at his friend he continued
" it's just that with university and taking care of the house and with Jasmine just starting school "
thinking of his little sister which he had been taking care of for roughly 3 years after ... everything , he couldn't help but feel burdened . with his studies and helping his sister during the day as well as working the night shift it was honestly too much.
Alex spoke again his voice soft , like a brother trying to help.
"my parents can help teach her and besides you have tons of cash sitting in that card ..."
"i don't want to burden them Alex and that money they gave is ... not something i want to use . "
the air of the conversation became heavy and in hopes to shift the uncomfortable conversation Alex attempted to change the topic quickly. popping out 2 cans from his backpack he cracked the energy drinks and handed one to his friend
"Anyway you must be proud huh . Jasmine came out first in her grade. and i heard the teachers saying you're such a good dad "
"i was happy ,yes but i wasn't really surprised . Jazz has always been a smart girl" - the smile slightly dimmed - "its nice that they mind their business and don't question why Jazz calls me dad and not like that lady at the restaurant who said i kidnapped her "
clicking his tongue he responded coldly - "Jasmine chose to call you her father out of her own will . even after you told her that you're biologically her brother . so it's not anyone else's business"
"how i wish everyone could mind their business - anyway classes are going to start in a few we should go" - he spoke standing up hand still on the chair
suddenly Jackson had to close his eyes shut the bright light that had been surrounding his body began to glow more
" JACKS WHATS HAPPENI ..." - Alex to was experiencing this strange event and tried to wake up from the chair and run to his friend , screaming but was cut off
in that singular moment everything had changed .
Jackson had just blinked his eyes before opening them to a yelp from his friend . opening them again he saw Alexander hand fallen on the floor . both the boys made eye contact a cold chill permeating their bodies .
they were no longer in the air conditioned library but rather they were standing in the middle of their city park. but what concerned them was not only the fact that they no longer stood where they were seconds ago but the fact that others were there too
roughly 600 other people .
panic set in his first thought looking around frantically . he was quite tall , well above average . of everyone there the only familiar face he saw was Alex
"what in the hell just happened" - Alex stumbled to his feet holding his stomach
The initial panic that set in quickly faded . He was still just 21 years old but from all the people on earth , he was one of the few unfortunate enough to experience the horrors of the world
holding his head Jackson immediately surveyed his surroundings . the area he was in was the large city park and he stood there with roughly , the only thing wrong was the semi translucent barrier made of purple hexagons that cut them off from the area outside
the concerning thing was that aside from him and the majority of the people now somehow standing in this park , some of them seemed more focused rather than worried
before he could attempt to speak to someone he felt someone roughly grab his shoulder - turning around he came face to face with the only person of his age that he cared for and currently the only person he knew here , Alexander
both of the friends looked at eachother , both seeing the mixture of confusion and worry reflected in each others eyes .
"Jacks where ... " Alexander had begun to speak but then he was interrupted by something that should be scientifically impossible.
a blinding white light erupted above the people causing them to look down and shut their eyes , many even covering them with their hands . the next moment the blinding light swirled around in a spiral and condensed into a single spot , the white light slowly turning blue before converging into a spinning ball
the ball eventually popped like a bubble little sparks falling around the being that formed from it .
its appearance was cute , its body a little larger than 60cm . it had a dark blue skin tone with large eyes . its 2 midnight black horns rising from its head and above those horns hovering was a halo . the creature looked like a adorable teddy bear
everyone looked up at the creature
"what is that ... " someone in the crowd spoke
the creature suddenly looked down and smiled its grin wolfish its sharp teeth betraying its adorable appearance. its cheery voice projecting the area
"HELLO FEEBLE HUMANS"
the booming voice echoed around its childish tone not complementing the expressions and general situation of the people
"Now that i have your attention i would like to congratulate you all for being chosen for the blessing of a early start"
worried and confused whispers began floating around . some believing that it's a hyper realistic movie trick , some just swearing and yelling and looking around Jackson noticed a few listening intently
some unlucky individual who seemed to be a combination of the first 2 began to scream
"what nonsense are you spouting let me go ! i have work to do you bast ..."
everyone in the area had suddenly placed their hands to their mouth and those near the man had already begun screaming and soon almost everyone was running in any direction from what was left of the man in any possible direction
"A lowly creature dares raise their tone at me . humph you all should know your place"
the blue being snapped it's finger and all the fleeing people were trapped in barriers similar to the the one enclosing them all.
"now as i was saying . you all are here for the chance to get a head start . as you all know the apocalypse has come and you all must survive ... hmm what is this ?"
the creature looked down ignoring all the cries of the people who tried to run now sealed in the barriers banging their hands on the walls some having the blood of the man that exploded
floating downwards the creature looked curiously at the boy who's hand was raised cautiously
Alexander had a horrified expression . whisper shouting insults at his friend whilst gripping onto his hand a little to tight
"You are polite enough to raise your hand and you did not run like a headless cockatrice speak you ... slightly less lower creature"
it looked at Jackson as if he were some rare animal. the boy in question seemed to muster hid courage he had and spoke his voice trying to keep his usual monotone
"if it is not disrespectful may i know how to address you"
tilting its head the blue creature smiled watching as Jackson bowed
"you may call me Miss Zarviel . i believe it's what your race calls a Nephillim ? and for your questions speak fast i have things to do"
Jackson knew well of Nephillim - he was a person who read novels and learnt about different legends so their power and temper was no secret to him
still bowing he spoke after having gotten the get go - " May i please know of what you mean by apocalypse and this thing of being chosen"
the being paused from eating the popcorn - that Jacks genuinely had no idea where it came from - and looked at at him , its cheeks puffed with the food . its face showing a confused expression
" I mean its exactly what it sounds like . The apocalypse has come and as i said you all here were chosen for the gift of a head start compared to the rest of your wor ... "
suddenly the creature stopped speaking and smiled before it began laughing .
after a few moments of laughter it began to speak again through gasps paying no attention to the scared expression of the people - especially Alexander right in the side of the creatures eye , his arm clinging on tightly to his friend
"your race clearly is flawed aren't they little lesser ."
Jacksons eye furrowed slightly , and noticing that the creature decided to elaborate
" Those people you call 'Presidents' were informed - by us the great Nephillim administrators , on behalf of the gods - of what was to happen but it seems that they kept it secret to keep you little gremlins in control and avoid riots"
the administrator , as it called itself continued to laugh realising that most of the people really had no idea
"well not that it matters anymore . you already understand what's happening so i don't really need to explain that bit anymore , though i will explain what you must do from now"
it clapped its hand together and started to explain .
"This world you are currently in is the actual Earth , the world you were in is a simple safe hold made so that a majority of the population could reach a decent age . and as the safe hold is being targete ..."
it seemed to hold its breath and stop for a moment as if realising what it said . it took in a deep breath and continued.
"your world will be destroyed and all humans will be brought here , to the true world . you will be given the opportunity to grow and ... survive"
its solemn tone shifted to happy
"and you humans were chosen to be given an advantage over the rest , what you do with that is not my concern but you are expected to ... entertain ... the gods"
while everyone started to panic and stress Jackson took a happy breath
'Jasmine is safe'
"now humans i will explain some crucial information . this world is exactly the same as your old one in terms of locations . the only difference would be the monsters - you will be transported to the location you were in the strong hold . You will be allowed to choose from the classes that you will be shown in this pre-tutorial , and you can choose another with the rest of your world . kill , survive and entertain ....NOW GET ON WITH IT"
And by snapping its finger , Zarviel teleported them to their places .
" Get stronger fast little humans .... or when it comes we all will be erased"