The announcer leaped from the platform as two massive guards flanked her, forcing a wide path through the crowd. She was a teenage girl with a delicate appearance, topped by a bizarre pink cat-slime headpiece that bobbed with every step. Her heels clicked a sharp rhythm against the stone while the camera crew trailed close behind.
The momentum of the crowd shifted instantly. Every lens and every eye was now fixed on a single person: Aedes.
The stench of Aedes hit the announcer first, causing her to subtly flinch but she instantly powered through, plastering a wide, professional smile on her face.
"W-Well, talk about unbelievable luck! The key literally fly into his hand, I never in all my years thought I'd see someone luckier than you… Uhm, sir."
The announcer exclaimed brightly, her smile slightly strained. She instantly regretted her thoughtless words as she registered Aedes's ragged state, awkwardly shifting the mic closer to him.
"But the rules are the rules! Since you, sir, were holding the magnificent Fantasy Key when the final countdown ended, you have won free, guaranteed entry into the next season of the Fantasy Tower! You now have a shot at winning the incredible… ONE BILLION DOLLAR PRIZE!"
This announcement sent the already chaotic crowd into a new frenzy, their shouting amplifying as they realized their single, life changing chance had been snatched by someone they considered utterly worthless.
"Miss Patricia, that's unfair!" a large man yelled, trying to push past security. "A nobody shouldn't have the key! I deserve it more!"
He continued shouting, "This is an insult! We fought for that key for an eternity, but he grabbed it at the last second! Please reconsider, Madam Patricia! My daughter is in the hospital. I need this more than he does... I have a loved one to lose, unlike him!"
Patricia, the announcer, immediately shouted over the chaos, her professional tone returning with force.
"Hold on, everyone! This is not your place to insult someone just because they are not as privileged as you! And The rules were simple and clearly stated! Anyone could enter the contest, and the person who possessed the key when the timer hit zero is the winner! No exceptions, no second chances!"
Her conviction was like a physical blow, forcing the crowd into a stunned, bitter silence. The spectators and failed competitors stared at the ground, their pride eaten away by the undeniable truth of her words.
Patricia turned back to the boy. "Now, sir, if you can hear me, the whole world is watching right now! We need to know your name and how you feel in this unbelievable moment!"
Aedes remained completely silent, his body stiff and unresponsive to the microphone shoved near his face. He simply stared at the ornate key glittering in his trembling palm, catching the morning sun's light as if it were an alien object.
Patricia hesitated, smile faltering. "Sir…? Are you… alright? Do you understand what you've won?"
Aedes didn't hear her. The thought of the one billion dollar prize echoed in his mind alongside the interview of the three conquerors and how it change their lives. Then, his mother's face surfaced in his memory… soft and warm. His chest tightened painfully.
The shouting crowd and the cameras faded into a dull hum. He felt the gnawing hunger and exhaustion, but the ache of the memory was deeper.
He kept staring at the key.
The silence stretched for an uncomfortably long making Patricia clearly growing frustrated with the dead air, offered an attempt at a final, professional explanation.
"Well, folks, it seems our winner is either in shock or… perhaps he's not just homeless but also a mute, which is a bit awkward for live television," she noted quickly, trying to diffuse the situation with a forced laugh. "Regardless, with that, we have found the final player for Fantasy Tower Season Two! To all those who participated so passionately in this event, better luck next time! Meow!"
She then turned to the camera, striking a signature, energetic pose.
"Don't forget to tune in tomorrow! The second season of the Fantasy Tower officially begins! This is Patricia Puuuurffeccion, your favorite host and actress, signing off! Get your popcorn and donations ready for tomorrow!"
As the camera light winked off, Patricia's practiced smile instantly vanished, replaced by an expression of sharp disgust. She leaned in close to her guard, whispering harshly,
"Finally, that absolute trash is over. Did you get that shot of me looking sympathetic? Good."
She glanced at Aedes with palpable revulsion. However, her attention was caught by a fresh surge of the mob, one man aggressively trying to grab Aedes's arm.
"Hey, street rat! I'll buy that key off you right now! Give it to me! You don't need a billion dollars!"
More people rushed forward, hands outstretched, and Aedes was beginning to be pulled in different directions. Patricia's calculated pity flared.
"Oh, for God's sake, he'll be torn apart by these devils just for the key! Bruno, get over here! Escort him immediately to the vehicle! I can't have a literal murder on my broadcast record!"
Bruno, tall and solid, grunted. "On it," and with effortless strength, he shoved the crowd back, clearing a path around Aedes in seconds.
Patricia turned to the guard at her side. "Go now… this heat from these low class people is making my makeup run." She shouted over the chaos, "Where the hell is Esterella? I need a retouch!"
Before she could wait for an answer, a new figure emerged: Esterella, a thin framed femboy with flawless makeup, long lashes, and a neat ponytail with a pink rose clip, carrying a large makeup box. He stepped up carefully, apologizing profusely.
"S-sorry Miss Patricia, I got s-shoved by the crowd…"
Patricia glared at him, incredulous. "Why is your makeup more extravagant than mine? Your blush is brighter than anything on my face. I should be the main attraction here, not your stupid face!"
Esterella froze, eyes wide, clearly terrified. "I… I'm sorry!"