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Starlit Survival

Caelis_8991
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The average realized release rate over the past 30 days is 14 chs / week.
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Synopsis
The Celestial Beings are bored, they summon one representative of different species. To play the games they created. If they lose, their planet will perish. And if they win, they will be granted one wish and their planet home lives.
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Chapter 1 - Chapter 1: The Chosen

On a very sunny day, in a round-down apartment filled with the sounds of video game music and the soft glow of screens, Rynax sat cross-legged on his worn-out couch, completely absorbed in his latest gaming adventure. The sun streamed through the window, casting warm rays that danced across the room, illuminating the posters of his favorite games plastered on the walls. He had been playing for hours, lost in a world where he was a hero, battling monsters and saving kingdoms. Outside, the world was alive with laughter and the sounds of children playing, but inside, Rynax was in his own universe, where time seemed to stand still.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The air grew heavy, and a low rumble echoed through the ground. Rynax paused his game, his heart racing as the tremors intensified. "What the heck?" he muttered, glancing around his apartment. The walls shook, and the lights flickered ominously. In a matter of seconds, the earth convulsed violently, sending a jolt through the building. Rynax's heart pounded in his chest as he clutched the edge of the couch, his mind racing. "Is this an earthquake?" he thought, panic creeping in. The tremors lasted only five seconds, but it felt like an eternity. When it finally stopped, Rynax's apartment was in ruins, debris scattered everywhere, but miraculously, he was unharmed.

As he stood up, brushing dust off his clothes, a blinding white light suddenly filled the room, illuminating the chaos around him. Rynax squinted against the brightness, shielding his eyes with his hand. Outside, he could hear the distant sounds of confusion and fear. He rushed to the window, and what he saw made his stomach drop. The streets were filled with people, all frozen in place, their faces a mix of shock and disbelief. It was as if time had stopped for everyone except him.

Then, a message appeared in the sky, glowing ominously: "Good Day Bugs." Rynax blinked, trying to comprehend the words. "What is this?" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the chaos outside. The message continued, "What you experienced is only a taste of what is about to happen." Rynax felt a chill run down his spine. He turned to the people outside, hoping for some sign of understanding, but they remained still, as if entranced by the glowing screen.

The next line sent a shiver through him: "As we are kind beings, we did not let anybody die, YET." Rynax's heart raced. "What does that mean?" he thought, fear gripping him. He glanced around, searching for someone to talk to, someone to make sense of this madness. A girl standing nearby finally broke the silence. "Is this a prank?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"Prank?" Rynax replied, incredulous. "Look at the surroundings! This is real!" He gestured to the wreckage of buildings and the stunned faces of people. A boy shouted, "What the hell is going on?" His voice was filled with panic, and Rynax could see the fear in his eyes. An old lady, clutching her phone, yelled, "Call the emergency hotline! Someone has to help us!"

But no one moved. They were all still processing the surreal situation, their minds racing with questions. Rynax felt a wave of frustration wash over him. "We can't just stand here!" he shouted, trying to rally the crowd. "We need to figure out what's happening!"

The message continued, "We, the kings of all kings, chose your planet to participate in a little game." Rynax's mind reeled. "A game? What kind of game?" he thought, his heart pounding. "In three hours, select the strongest representative of your planet. And if you don't, then say goodbye to each other."

The words hung in the air like a dark cloud, and Rynax felt a knot tighten in his stomach. "Three hours? That's not enough time!" he exclaimed, looking around at the frozen faces. "We need to act fast!"

As the sunny day returned, the brightness felt almost mocking against the backdrop of chaos. People began to stir, their expressions shifting from shock to panic. "What do we do?" someone cried out. "How can we choose a representative?"

Rynax took a deep breath, trying to calm himself as the chaos around him intensified. The streets were filled with frantic voices, people shouting over one another in a desperate attempt to make sense of the situation. "What just happened?" someone cried, their voice trembling. "Is everyone okay?"

A man nearby was frantically dialing his phone, his hands shaking. "I can't get through! The lines are down!" he shouted, frustration evident in his tone. "Someone needs to call the emergency hotline! We need help!"

"Help? What kind of help can they give us?" a woman yelled back, her eyes wide with fear. "We're in the middle of a disaster! They won't even know what's happening!"

A girl with bright blue hair stepped forward, her expression fierce despite the panic surrounding her. "We can't just stand here! We need to figure out what to do!" she shouted, trying to rally the crowd. "We need to find someone strong, someone who can fight for us!"

"Fight? For what?" a boy shouted, his voice cracking. "We don't even know what this is about!"

"Look around!" the girl replied, her voice rising above the chaos. "We can't let them take us! We have to fight back!"

People began to murmur among themselves, fear and uncertainty etched on their faces. "What if we don't choose someone?" an older man asked, his voice shaking. "What happens then?"

"I don't know!" the girl admitted, her determination faltering for a moment. "But we can't just wait for something worse to happen!"

As people fell into chaos, on a private island surrounded by crystal-clear waters, a fleet of private jets, helicopters, and boats arrived, bringing leaders from all corners of the globe. They gathered in a cave-like structure, descending into a vast chamber that resembled a stadium, where the fate of the world would be discussed. The United States President, the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Germany's Chancellor, Saudi Arabia's King, Iran's Supreme Leader, and many others took their seats, the weight of the situation pressing heavily upon them.

The chairperson of the meeting stood at the front, his voice steady but urgent. "We now have only two hours and twenty-five minutes to select our representative," he announced, glancing at the anxious faces before him.

"Is this not some kind of terrorist attack? Do we really think that this light show is true?" the Prime Minister of Canada questioned, skepticism lacing his tone.

"Terrorist attacks do not create a synchronous earthquake ALL AROUND THE WORLD!" the King of Sweden exclaimed, his voice rising in frustration.

"This is judgment day! We, the sinners of all, have reached God's wrath. We must repent!" Vatican's Pope

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, but it was quickly drowned out by bickering. "We can't just assume it's divine retribution!" the Chancellor of Germany interjected. "We need to focus on the facts, not on fear!"

"Facts? What facts do we have?" the Iranian Supreme Leader shot back. "All we know is that we're being threatened by an unknown force!"

"Enough!" the United States President commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos. "We've experienced a phenomenon that we cannot explain, and we only have one hour and fifty minutes left." He paused, looking around the room. "Since you called us here, there should be profiles of personnel that you have prepared beforehand."

The chairperson nodded, pulling up a digital display that illuminated the room with images and information. "We have five different profiles that seem to meet the criteria of being the strongest candidates. Please see the following."

The first profile appeared on the screen, showcasing a tall, muscular man with a ruggedly handsome face.

"Liam O'Connor," the chairperson began. "A former firefighter and rescue specialist, Liam has spent years saving lives in perilous situations. His bravery and quick thinking have earned him numerous accolades. He possesses exceptional physical strength, endurance, and crisis management skills. His ability to remain calm and decisive in life-threatening situations makes him a natural leader."

Liam stood at six feet tall, with broad shoulders and a powerful build that reflected his years of physical labor. His ruggedly handsome face featured a strong jawline and a slightly crooked nose from past injuries. His striking green eyes were full of warmth and determination, framed by short, sandy-blonde hair and a perpetual five o'clock shadow that added to his rugged charm.

"Next, we have Tariq Al-Farooq," the chairperson continued, switching to the next profile. The image showed a lean, athletic man with sharp features. "A renowned martial artist and former world champion, Tariq has dedicated his life to mastering various fighting styles. His discipline and focus are unmatched, making him a versatile and unpredictable fighter."

Tariq was of medium height, with a well-defined, athletic physique honed by years of martial arts training. His sharp, angular features included high cheekbones and a well-groomed beard that framed his strong jaw. His dark brown eyes were intense and focused, often reflecting his inner calm, while his short, black hair was neatly styled, giving him a confident, serene expression.

"Let's select Tariq," Egypt's President suggested. "He's a martial artist and strong; he can possibly fight everyone!"

"Wait," Japan's Prime Minister interjected, shaking his head. "We don't need someone who is just strong. The message said 'games.' We need someone who can adapt to anything."

The room erupted into debate. "But strength is crucial!" the King of Saudi Arabia argued. "We need a fighter who can protect us!"

"Strength alone won't win this," the German Chancellor countered. "We need strategy and intelligence. What if this is a test of wits as much as strength?"

"Exactly!" the Prime Minister of Canada chimed in. "We need someone who can think on their feet, not just throw punches."

"Let's not forget about Anya Petrova," the chairperson said, switching to the next profile. The image displayed a slender, agile woman with a determined expression. "A brilliant scientist and engineer, Anya developed advanced exoskeleton technology for military use. Her inventions enhance her abilities, giving her an edge in both strength and problem-solving."

Anya was of average height, with a wiry strength that belied her appearance. Her posture was upright and purposeful, reflecting her disciplined nature. She had delicate features with a sharp, intelligent gaze, her bright blue eyes often scanning her surroundings with curiosity. Her shoulder-length auburn hair was usually tied back in a practical style, and she wore a subtle, knowing smile that hinted at her confidence and intellect.

"Anya could outthink our opponents," the Chancellor of Germany added. "She's not just a fighter; she's a strategist."

"But can she handle the physical demands of combat?" the King of Sweden questioned. "We need someone who can hold their own in a fight."

Finally, the chairperson switched to the next profile. "And next, we have Diego Morales. A former intelligence operative with a knack for infiltration and espionage, Diego has operated in the shadows for years, gathering critical information for his government."

Diego was of medium height with a lithe, agile build, perfect for stealth and infiltration. He had handsome features with a charming, roguish appeal. His dark eyes were expressive and observant, capable of conveying both warmth and cunning. He sported short, curly black hair and a disarming smile that could put anyone at ease, making him a master of blending into any environment.

"Intelligence is important, but we need someone who can face the enemy directly," the Iranian Supreme Leader replied, crossing his arms. "We can't afford to be passive."

Finally, the chairperson switched to the last profile. "And last, we have Rynax Voss. Once an ordinary human, Rynax was transformed into a cyborg assassin after a near-fatal accident. His enhancements make him a formidable opponent, but he struggles with his humanity. His abilities include enhanced reflexes, precision targeting, and advanced combat skills."

Rynax was of average height with a lean, athletic build, enhanced by his cybernetic implants. His strikingly symmetrical features had a slightly otherworldly quality due to subtle enhancements. His piercing blue eyes had a faint glow that hinted at his augmented vision, and he had short, dark hair that framed his face. His expression was often reserved and introspective, reflecting the internal conflict he faced as he navigated his dual identity.

"Five normal human and one disabled human," one of the leaders laughed derisively.

The world leaders debated heatedly, voices rising and falling as they weighed the merits of each candidate. "What about Diego Morales?" someone suggested. "His skills in stealth and espionage could be invaluable. He can gather intelligence and adapt to any situation."

"Intelligence is important, but we need someone who can face the enemy directly," the Iranian Supreme Leader replied, crossing his arms. "We can't afford to be passive."

Finally, the chairperson switched to the last profile. "And last, we have Rynax Voss. Once an ordinary human, Rynax was transformed into a cyborg assassin after a near-fatal accident. His enhancements make him a formidable opponent, but he struggles with his humanity. His abilities include enhanced reflexes, precision targeting, and advanced combat skills."

"Cyborg? Really?" one leader scoffed. "We're considering a disabled human?"

"Rynax's combination of human intuition and cybernetic enhancements makes him a lethal competitor," the chairperson defended. "He can execute complex strategies with precision."

"Let's not dismiss him just because he's different," the Prime Minister of Canada said. "He might be our best chance."

After a lengthy debate, the room fell silent as the leaders exchanged glances, weighing their options. Finally, the United States President spoke up, his voice firm. "We need to make a decision. We can't afford to waste any more time. I propose we select Rynax Voss."

"Summon Rynax Voss to this island immediately," the United States President ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

As the leaders prepared for the arrival of their chosen representative, the tension in the air was palpable. The fate of the world rested on their decision, and they could only hope that Rynax would be the key to their survival.

As the leaders debated the fate of the world, Rynax sat in his apartment, feeling a sense of detachment from the chaos unfolding outside. The panic and confusion of the world seemed distant, almost like a bad dream he couldn't wake up from. "Let the government handle it," he thought, rolling his eyes at the absurdity of it all. He had never been one for politics or grand gestures; he preferred the simplicity of his video games, where the stakes were clear and the outcomes predictable.

With a sigh, Rynax stood up and made his way back to his apartment, determined to salvage what he could from the wreckage. As he entered, the sight of destruction hit him like a punch to the gut. His once-cozy sanctuary was now a chaotic mess of broken furniture and scattered debris. The sunlight streamed through the shattered window, illuminating the remnants of his gaming setup, but it felt more like a graveyard than a home.

He stepped carefully over the rubble, his heart sinking as he surveyed the damage. "Please, let my games be okay," he murmured, kneeling to sift through the wreckage. He found his console, miraculously intact, but the games were scattered, some crushed under fallen shelves. Rynax felt a pang of loss as he picked up a few cases, their discs scratched and useless. "Great. Just great," he muttered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

As he worked to clear the debris, memories flooded back, uninvited and painful. He remembered the day everything changed—the day he became a cyborg assassin. It had been a routine mission, or so he thought. He was part of a special operations team, tasked with taking down a terrorist cell that had been wreaking havoc across the globe. They were ruthless, and the intel suggested they were planning something catastrophic.

Rynax had been eager to prove himself, to show that he was more than just a cog in the machine. He had trained for years, honing his skills in combat and strategy, but nothing could prepare him for what happened next. During the operation, an explosion rocked the building they were raiding. He remembered the blinding light, the deafening roar, and the searing pain as debris rained down around him.

When he woke up, he was in a sterile hospital room, surrounded by machines and the sterile smell of antiseptic. His body felt foreign, heavy, and he quickly realized that he was no longer entirely human. The doctors explained that he had been critically injured, and to save his life, they had replaced much of his body with cybernetic enhancements. They had turned him into a weapon, a tool for the government to use in their never-ending war against terrorism.

At first, Rynax had been grateful to be alive, but that gratitude quickly turned to horror as he learned what his new life entailed. He was trained to be an assassin, sent on missions to eliminate threats with cold efficiency. The first time he pulled the trigger, he felt a rush of adrenaline mixed with a deep sense of dread. He was no longer just Rynax; he was a machine designed to kill.

The missions blurred together—each one a dark stain on his conscience. He had infiltrated enemy strongholds, taken out high-value targets, and gathered intelligence, all while grappling with the loss of his humanity. The more he killed, the more he felt like a ghost, haunting the shadows of his own life. He had become a weapon, a tool of the state, and the weight of that reality pressed heavily on him.

As he stood in the wreckage of his apartment, Rynax felt the familiar pang of regret. He had lost so much—his normal life, his friends, and even parts of himself. The games that once brought him joy now felt like a cruel reminder of what he had sacrificed. "What's the point?" he thought bitterly, tossing aside a broken game case. "I'm just a killer now."

But deep down, a flicker of defiance ignited within him. He had been given a second chance, even if it came with strings attached. Perhaps this chaos outside was an opportunity—a chance to reclaim his humanity, to fight for something greater than himself. He couldn't just sit back and let the world burn while he salvaged his games.

As Rynax stepped outside, a sleek white car came to a stop in front of him, its polished surface gleaming in the sunlight. The door swung open, revealing a woman dressed in a sharp black coat, her expression serious and focused. "Rynax Voss?" she asked, her voice steady.

Rynax nodded, a sense of unease creeping over him. As if on cue, the car door opened wider, inviting him in. "You have been called upon by the nations' leaders," the woman stated, her tone leaving no room for argument.

He hesitated for a moment, uncertainty gnawing at him. A single thought echoed in his mind: he would either be called to retrieve someone or to serve as the representative of Earth. The weight of that possibility settled heavily on his shoulders, but he climbed into the car, the door closing behind him with a soft click.

The ride to the private jet was silent, the tension palpable in the air. Rynax dared not ask questions; he simply sat back, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. The world outside the window blurred by, a mix of greens and blues, but he felt detached from it all, as if he were watching someone else's life unfold.

When the jet finally landed, Rynax stepped out onto the tarmac, the cool breeze brushing against his skin. He followed the woman into a cave-like structure, the entrance dark and foreboding. Inside, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. A massive clock loomed on the wall, its hands ticking down ominously. "0:00:00," the display flashed, and Rynax's heart raced.

Suddenly, the air shimmered, and a being unlike anything he had ever seen before materialized before him. It resembled a woman, but there was something otherworldly about her. The left side of her body was cloaked in black, while the right side glowed with a brilliant white light. One eye was pure white, the other a deep, inky black, and she wore a long dress that seemed to flow like fog, shifting and swirling around her as if it were alive.

"I am here to get your representative," the being stated, her voice echoing in the cavernous space.

"Rynax Voss, you have been chosen by all the world leaders to be the Earth representative. May you do your best and let our planet live," the chairperson announced, his voice steady but filled with gravity.

"Let God guide you," the Pope added, his hands clasped in prayer, his expression solemn.

Rynax stood frozen, a whirlwind of emotions crashing over him. He wanted to help, to be the hero everyone seemed to expect him to be, but the enormity of the burden weighed heavily on his heart. He realized the implications of what this meant—he was being thrust into a role he had never asked for, a role that could change everything.

In that moment of clarity, one thought crystallized in his mind: Let things be as they should be. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come.

A blinding light suddenly engulfed the entire chamber, illuminating every corner with an intensity that made Rynax squint. He felt a strange sensation, as if he were being pulled apart and reassembled at the same time. The light enveloped him completely, and when it faded, he was gone.

The leaders stood in stunned silence, their eyes wide with disbelief. Where Rynax had once stood, there was now only an empty space, the weight of his absence settling heavily in the air. The fate of the world rested on the shoulders of a young man who had once been just an ordinary gamer, now transformed into something far greater than himself.

As the leaders exchanged glances, a mix of hope and fear flickered in their eyes. They had chosen their representative, but the question remained: would he be able to rise to the challenge and save their planet from the impending doom? The clock had run out, and the game was about to begin.