Guide
The ship finally shuddered to a halt, descending toward the glowing surface of the planet known as Xelyarius. A smooth voice echoed through the craft's main chamber:
"Dear passengers, please exercise caution while disembarking. Follow the guidance provided by your assigned AI assistant."
Just as the announcement ended, a metallic hum resonated through the air. Small, spherical drones, each gleaming with a soft blue light, zipped out of the walls and gently hovered in front of each contestant. One floated toward Zafer, stabilizing in the air before him.
I am your AI assistant. I will support and guide you until the trials begin. You may assign me a name.
Zafer blinked, still adjusting to the new world. After a moment's thought, he said, "Your name will be Maria. Do you like it?"
A faint pause, then a chirp of confirmation.
Yes I like it a lot.
Maria then drifted slightly ahead of him. "Please follow me. I will lead you out of the ship and escort you to your room."
As Zafer followed Maria out of the docking corridor, a wave of awe crashed over him. The moment his boots touched the ground outside, he froze in stunned silence. The sky overhead shimmered with hues he had never seen before. The air felt thinner, yet pure, and the landscape stretched out in alien curves and crystalline structures that defied Earth's laws of physics.
In the distance, three other massive spacecrafts stood docked, each unique in shape and texture. Zafer turned to Maria, curiosity ignited. "What are those other ships for? Who do they belong to?"
Maria hovered near his shoulder, her voice calm and informative. "Those vessels carry other intelligent species from across the known universe. You are not the only race participating in the Trials. Three of the eight major universal species will be joining humans in this cycle."
Zafer's eyes widened. "There are more species?"
"Yes," Maria answered. "Many. Countless lifeforms exist in this universe. However, only a few are regarded as ancient, powerful civilizations. Let me show you to your room, and I will explain more there."
They continued through sleek corridors, the architecture glowing softly beneath their feet. When Zafer reached his room, the door slid open with a soft hiss, revealing a space both simple and luxurious. Metallic walls shifted in tone depending on light, and the air held a subtle, calming aroma.
Zafer wasted no time. He stepped into the shower, washing off the tension of the journey. Moments later, he collapsed onto the large, plush bed, sinking into its softness with a sigh.
"Oh, bed I missed you so much, At least you haven't changed, no matter where I go."
Before long, exhaustion overtook him, and he drifted off to sleep.
Four Hours Later
When Zafer awoke, he stretched, feeling far more refreshed. After a quick rinse, he looked around and asked aloud, "Maria, where can I get food?"
Maria's voice answered without delay. "Simply inform me, and I will order the food for you."
A holographic menu projected in the air, filled with unfamiliar dishes labeled in strange glyphs, though some were translated beneath. Zafer frowned, squinting at the names. He had no idea what to choose.
Just order the best-tasting thing here
"Order placed," Maria replied. "Would you like assistance with anything else?"
Zafer thought for a moment. "Actually… yeah. Tell me—how many types of aliens are there in the universe? Tell me everything you can."
Maria paused briefly, as if accessing a vast archive. Then she spoke.
"There are countless lifeforms in the universe, but among them, eight species are considered the most ancient and powerful. Of those eight, three will be participating in this cycle of the Trials."
She continued:
1. Neraxi – The Crystal Minds
A telepathic race formed of crystalline structures. They store knowledge within their bodies and are renowned for their intelligence and memory.
2. Zyphorans – The Living Gardeners of Tech
Plant-based beings that evolve by merging with technology. They are adaptive and incredibly resourceful.
3. Xelyari – The Translucent Scholars
The original inhabitants of this planet. Ethereal and transparent, known for their deep philosophical insight and unparalleled data manipulation.
4. Myronyx – The Dimensional Oracles
Shrouded in mystery. They perceive time and space differently, capable of dimensional manipulation and prophecy.
5. Arqen – The Glacial Architects
Ice-born titans, builders of majestic cities on frozen worlds. Strategic, silent, and resilient.
6. Ravolyn – The Flame-Forged Thinkers
Forged in volcanic worlds, they combine brute strength with complex logic. A rare combination of warrior and philosopher.
7. Syntri – The Transparent Intellects
Most intelligent spieces in tec the whole universe.
8. Velumari – The Winged Strategists
Unkown ....
So many different species… all existing, all intelligent, all now gathering in one place for something greater.
"And which ones will be with us?" he asked.
"Arqen, Ravolyn, and Syntri will be participating in these Trials alongside humanity," Maria replied.
Zafer leaned back slightly, his mind racing. So many questions. So many possibilities. And the real challenge hadn't even begun.
But one thing was clear: he wasn't just fighting for revenge anymore—he was stepping into a universe far larger and stranger than he ever imagined.
Okay... so when's the food coming? I'm starving already."
Just two more minutes."
Zafer sighed, rubbing his stomach. "Fine… but while we wait, tell me more about these Trials. What are they really? And why are they held?"
"The Trials… are no simple contest. They're a brutal series of games created for both research and entertainment by Xelyarius. Five Trials in total. 500 living beings enter... only 10 walk away alive."
Zafer's eyes narrowed, his tone sharp. "So what exactly happens in these Trials?"
"I can't tell you about all of them. The future Trials haven't been finalized yet—they adapt, evolve. But I can tell you about the first one."
Zafer nodded slowly. "Alright."
Trial One is called the 'Hundred Day Survival'. All 500 participants will be teleported to a foreign, hostile world. Each will land at a different, randomized location. You'll be given a set of rules to follow but beyond that, you're on your own."
Zafer "And the goal?"
"Just survive," Maria replied. "But it's not that simple. After the first 20 days, a calamity will strike the world—something devastating. Then, 30 days later, another calamity, worse than the last. And finally, after another 40 days, the third and most brutal disaster will hit. The final 10 days… those are where most will die. You'll need strategy, strength, luck—everything. If you can survive the full hundred days, you pass."
Zafer leaned forward, his eyes intense. "And we go empty-handed?"
"No," Maria said. "Each participant will be allowed to choose one weapon—of their own design or selection. That will be the only thing you can rely on."
Zafer let out a long exhale. "Heh… sounds fun. His stomach growled loudly. "Where's that food already?" he grumbled.
As if on cue, a soft chime echoed through the room.
Maria perked up. "Oh, that's it!"
Zafer walked briskly to the door, opened it, and found the tray of hot food waiting outside. Without hesitation, he brought it in, sat down, and started digging in.
"At least it's better than those rotting corpses back on Earth," he muttered between mouthfuls. "This actually has flavor."
Suddenly, a piercing mechanical voice echoed across the hideout's chambers. A red light pulsed above them.
⟪ Attention: All participants. Please proceed to choose your weapons now. ⟫
Zafer froze, eyes locked with Maria.
"…It begins."
To be continued