October 17, 2024

24:00:00

"Twenty-four hours remain until the Second Ascent. Governments worldwide have declared a state of global pause."

In New York, UN Secretary-General Elena Morales addressed the world: "This is a moment that demands cooperation, not division. Let's remember the lessons of the First Ascent and avoid panic. Together, we are stronger."

21:00:00

"Reports indicate a rush on supply stores as families prepare for the unknown."

"Cape Town hospitals confirm that all elective procedures have been postponed."

"London imposes curfews starting at 18:00 local time to minimize disruptions during the teleportation event."

"Beijing announces that all vehicles without special authorization must remain parked starting six hours before the event."

15:00:00

"Mass gatherings in support of climbers are being held in cities like São Paulo, Cairo, and Seoul."

"If I get picked, that's it," says a 20-year-old bloke from Sydney. "Go to uni,' they said. Nah, stuff uni—I'll take The Tower, retire the whole family, and live the dream. White rooms? What's that, mate?"

"The Vatican holds an all-night vigil as church bells ring every hour, offering prayers for those chosen."

"In Berlin, a drone footage shows empty streets as residents comply with stay-at-home orders."

"Air traffic controllers in Dubai confirm that the last flight has landed. The skies are clear."

13:30:00

"Reports of heightened emotions worldwide as families gather for potential farewells."

"Mexico City streets fall silent as national broadcasts play a countdown overlay on every channel."

"Moscow confirms that all emergency services are on standby, with over 10,000 personnel ready to assist."

"In Johannesburg, a climber training facility broadcasts live footage of its trainees giving messages of hope."

12:00:00

In Tokyo, digital billboards flash brightly, the words looping like a chant: "Step by step, we climb so high! Reach the Tower, touch the sky!"

"Los Angeles announces that all highways will be completely shut down one hour before the event."

"Paris confirms that only emergency vehicles will be operational during the final hour."

10:00:00

"Singapore initiates lockdown protocols for all transportation hubs."

"This is it," says a self-proclaimed prophet during a live stream. "The Tower chooses, the Tower takes. Humanity stands at the precipice once more—just as they planned."

"Cairo confirms that its emergency responders will be stationed in open areas for immediate mobilization if required."

"In Rio de Janeiro, a young woman gives a thumbs-up on live TV: 'If I go, I go smiling.'"

8:00:00

In London, a charity distributes free meals to homeless young men and women, their voices echoing through the quiet streets: "The Tower doesn't care who you are—it might take any of us."

"The Australian Outback's climber base camp reports that all tests have been halted to focus on the upcoming event."

6:00:00

"India lights up the Taj Mahal with beams of blue light in solidarity with climbers."

"The United Nations announces a moment of silence to honor those who ascended before and those who will ascend now."

"Hong Kong confirms that medical drones are prepped and ready to assist with any emergencies post-event, particularly for the returnees."

"Effective immediately, all non-essential travel is suspended. Flights are grounded, public transportation will cease, and non-emergency personnel must remain indoors."

2:00:00

"The Tower is not just a trial—it is a call to courage. To those it takes, represent us with honor. To those left behind, hold steadfast. Japan is with you."

"Paris announces that all public transport has now ceased, and the city has entered its final lockdown phase."

"London officials confirm that emergency service vehicles will remain on standby, but all other vehicles must be parked by 05:30 local time."

In Mexico City, church bells ring across the city as families gather in squares, holding hands, whispering prayers. "Let them be safe," one woman says, clutching her rosary.

1:00:00

The final hour.

"All highways in Los Angeles are now fully shut down. The silence is surreal as citizens watch the countdown in hushed anticipation."

In Cairo, the pyramids are illuminated, and a young boy looks at his father: "If the Tower takes you, I'll climb one day too."

"In India, fireworks light up the skies over the Ganges River as chants of unity echo from temples."

In Hong Kong, the drones hover silently over the city, their red lights blinking steadily.

"In Moscow, the Red Square glows with the lights of hundreds of candles, as citizens gather in solemn vigils."

"No one knows what lies ahead, but we do know this—we are a species that endures, that adapts, that survives. For those chosen, remember you are not alone. You carry with you the spirit of humanity."

0:30:00

The countdown enters its final minutes.

In Hong Kong, the drones hover silently over the city, their red lights blinking steadily, ready for whatever chaos may follow.

"In London, Big Ben tolls every minute, its sound heavy with the weight of the moment."

"Families around the world hug tightly, whispering goodbyes that might be unnecessary but feel urgent nonetheless."

0:01:00

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The world holds its breath.

"Wherever the Tower takes you, go with courage and faith. You carry the strength of a billion hearts, the prayers of your ancestors, and the hope of generations yet to come. You are not alone."

Elena Morales is shown one last time on screen, her words steady: "Good luck to us all."

0:00:10

Jack sat on the floor, his eyes closed.

The clock ticked slowly, each second dragging on.

He couldn't suppress the intense pounding of his heart. Anxiety gripped him, nerves tightening in his chest. But… he was prepared.

He had trained harder than most. His scores were at the peak. He knew exactly what to do. He… he would make it. He would gain that power. He would prove his worth.

3

He took a deep breath.

2

He exhaled, steadying himself.

1

He opened his eyes.

0

And… nothing happened.

Jack's eyes widened. What… he… he wasn't chosen?

No…

His pulse quickened, his breathing uneven.

"MAI, what happened? What's the news?" he asked, his voice louder than he intended.

"Analyzing… Yes. I have confirmed the Second Ascent is now underway. You have not been selected."

What…

Jack clenched his fists, his teeth grinding together. After all that work… why? Why wasn't he chosen? He had given it everything—his time, his energy, his life. He was ready. He… he wanted it.

Then… why?

"There is one thing that may be of interest—or concern—for you, Jack," MAI's robotic voice cut through his spiraling thoughts.

Jack's head snapped up, an eyebrow raised. "What is it?"

"Your friend, Pablo Garcia…"

No…

"... has been sent to The Tower."

October 18, 2024 - ???, Russia

Viktor calmly sat on the ice-cold mountain, the jagged, frozen peaks of Siberia stretching endlessly around him. The air was razor-sharp, biting with every gust, a bitter cold that would have driven most people into hypothermia within minutes.

He sat cross-legged on the frost-covered ground, a casual white shirt clinging to his skin and military camouflage pants slightly dusted with ice crystals.

"Were there any changes?"

"Yes."

"List them out."

"Data gathering is currently underway, but current estimates put the number of climbers chosen for the Second Ascent at over 3.3 million. This number is expected to grow significantly, possibly doubling or more once collection is complete."

Viktor remained calm, his gaze fixed on the horizon, piercing through the thick white mist and relentless winds.

"More than six…" he chuckled softly, his breath forming a faint mist. "So, 7 million, likely. They really like that number. Though I suppose this will cause complications later on if the number keeps multiplying. What about the age range? And the visual access inside?"

"Age range has been expanded from the initial 20 to 40, to 20 to 54. As for the link connecting to visuals inside The Tower, it has restarted. Full access to all new climbers is available. Commands remain unchanged; however, initial testing shows that intent determines which climber is viewed when two climbers share the same name."

"Intent?" Viktor murmured. "I see. And what about those from the First Ascent?"

"Attempting to access any climber from the First Ascent results in the output: No Visuals Currently Available."

"Currently? Alright, set a loop to constantly monitor all of them and notify me immediately if there's any change."

"Understood."

"And what about the first test? Is it the same?"

"All climbers are currently in an empty white room, strongly suggesting the test could indeed be the same as before. However, confirmation will require further observation."

"What about old climbers? Were any of them reselected?"

"Yes. And current statistics indicate that returnees from the First Ascent were 2.29 times more likely to be chosen than non-climbers."

"Oh. That's interesting. Good news, in a way, I'd say. And they all start from the white room again?"

"No. Two of those reselected display: No Visuals Currently Available. Since they were the only two that reached the second tier, we have reason to believe returnees are brought back to the tier where they died."

"Likely. And I'd assume they're placed at the start of it. So, any names worth mentioning in those selected or reselected?"

"Yes."

Viktor raised an eyebrow.

"List them."

"What's this?"

"A mask," Lukas says, grinning.

A mask?

I turn the so-called mask over in my hands, inspecting it closely.

The surface feels smooth, a stark contrast to the rough texture of the wooden version I had before. It's sleek, black, and made from a tougher material—Arthropod shells? Screecher scales?

The antennae are longer, curved backward, and incredibly flexible, just as dark as the rest of the mask. "When did you make this?"

"Oh, yesterday," Lukas replies casually. "While Arjun's squad was busy taking down the king crab, I had the others gather some resources from the Arthropods. Then we swung back to the Molten Crest to craft. Turns out, with the boots, the Screechers don't bother us anymore. It worked out perfectly."

I keep inspecting it, trying to figure out how to wear it and where the slits for the eyes are. It feels… a bit off somehow. "It looks nice, but how does it work? How do I put it on?"

Lukas smiles, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Check it out with your waves. It has different compartments linked with conductive filaments."

I raise an eyebrow and send out my waves. My eyes widen.

What the hell?

The intricacy of the work is staggering. Just yesterday, he was showing off firearms, and now this? A device powered by our waves?

I chuckle, quickly piecing together how it works.

Instead of manually placing it on my face, I guide it with my waves, levitating it into position and clicking it into place. I focus on the inner mechanisms, and it adjusts, closing from behind to lock securely around my head.

Finally, I locate another mechanism and move the eye slides down, giving me a perfectly clear, unobstructed view of my surroundings.

I open my mouth to say something, but no words come out.

"Give it a go. How does the effect on wave amplification feel?"

Huh? There's more?!

I focus on my boots and gauntlets, channeling waves and increasing Overdrive to give me an edge.

And… steadily, I start to rise into the air.

Wait… this output. I can fly at just full-state! And with ease.

"I'm jealous," Lukas says with a grin. "You and Chiara can already fly, while us mere mortals are still stuck on the ground."

I drop back down, landing lightly.

"This is incredible. It's more than 40% amplification," I say, still amazed.

"Yeah, should be around 43%. Not a massive improvement, but it's something. I just hope it doesn't break as easily as the wooden ones—it's a bit harder to make."

"But how did you even make it? I mean, how do you even come up with this? A sudden idea, and bam, let's make these cool wave-controlled masks to revolutionize our tech, just days after you casually introduced firearms into the mix. Like… damn," I shake my head in disbelief. And here I thought Chiara was the only child prodigy.

"Well, not exactly out of thin air," Lukas replies with a grin. "I've had the blueprints in my head for days. Unfortunately, crafting the bullets and getting the squads in shape took up most of my time. But after watching you lose your mask mid-fight, I realized I'd screwed up by putting it off. Anyway, this new mask should be pretty resistant—unless it's attacked directly. The first model took a couple of hours to get it just right, but now I can craft the others in about 40 minutes. Still a bit long, but worth it, don't you think?"

"Worth it? Come on, that's not even a question. You're on a different level, man," I chuckle.

"Coming from the guy who soloed a dragon for a while, I can't tell if that's sarcasm or—"

Lukas suddenly stops, his gaze shifting past me to my back.

Ayu is approaching.

I turn around, my eyes meeting Ayu as she walks closer.

I smile, but then I remember—I'm still wearing the mask.

She stares at me, her eyes glued, her mouth slightly agape. A couple of seconds pass in awkward silence before she shifts her attention to Lukas.

"Where's mine?"

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