Endless Evolution As A Skeleton In A Game-Like World

There was a thick tension in the air. One so noticeable that it caused the wind to still, and the air to turn frigid, even with the abundance of people present.

Although night had long descended upon Venaris, yet there was a crowd of people gathered in one of the great halls of Ryklys Academy.

Sitting on the podium of the hall, was the very cause of this palpable tension. The gate to Eden.

The blue portal stood unbothered by the worries of countless people, pulsing softly and bathing the room in a faint blue glow.

At first, it was just a few parents that came from time to time, but as days turned into weeks, and as the situation grew more desperate, a crowd soon gathered. And then the press, always itching for the new scoop, found their way into Ryklys.

”Today marks the end of the fourth week the students at Ryklys academy stepped into the tutorial, and yet there has been no word from them.” A reporter spoke to the camera, the angle capturing the crowd of worried parents and the portal.

”Now to put things in contrast, most top academies in Venaris completed their tutorials in the space of a couple of days, and regular academies in the space of one week. They have even returned to Eden to start their tasks as players.”

”Yet, Ryklys, the self proclaimed number one academy in the country has failed to produce sensible results.”

”Parents of these students worry for the safety of their children and have gathered to wait. But as the hours tick by, they can’t help but wonder; did something go wrong in the tower? Or is this just due to the gross incompetence of the institution.”

— Reporter Davidson. I understand your points. But it seems a good part of the academy is still being supported by the general public?

Came a voice from headquarters.

The reporter nodded.

”Yes, indeed many people have come up to voice their support for the academy, including very notable Players. It is important to note that prior to this, Ryklys has boasted of a remarkable 85% survival rate, which is greater than any in the country.”

”Because of this, many simply believe that this is a small stall, and that this set would boast of even higher survival rates....”

”But only time will tell. Reporter Davidson Santamore, The Awakener News Network.”

Tzzz—

The TV was suddenly turned off.

”These insensitive fools just say anything that will get a headline.” A man hissed as he stared at the black screen of the tv.

”Harrison, why did we even let the press into our school?” The man asked, his face hardening with disgust.

Principal Harrison waved his hands dismissively as he relaxed his back on his chair.

”No need to be so uptight, Simon. It would be more suspicious if we did not allow them inside.”

”Allow them to mouth off as much as they want. But as much as the public loves drama...”

His words drifted off. It seemed like the old man was lost in thought. He just stared at the space in front of him, silent.

”Harry...?”

The principal cleared his throat and smiled, but Simon noticed his hand shake. Harrison immediately tucked it under the table and broadened his smile.

”The portal is still open. The children are alive. I know they are...”

Simon stared at him for a second longer, before placing a hand on his shoulder. He had been assisting principal Harrison for as long as the academy was founded.

Right from the first set of awakeners, Harrison had always had this nervousness that he could never shake until the students walked out of the portal.

He was not suited for this type of work...

Simon had tried to tell him countless times, but his answer was always the same. ”I would much rather train them to improve their chances of survival, than run away for my own sanity....”

This trial was especially important, after all this is the first time—

Ring Ring!

Simon pulled out his phone and glanced at the caller ID before waking towards the door.

”Hang in there buddy, she is a brilliant girl, I am sure she will make it out alive.”

”I was never worried, not even for a second.” Harrison laughed. ”Now get out, you have a job to do don’t you?”

Simon smiled before closing the door behind him. Once he was alone, Harrison let out a deep sigh. A drop of sweat slid down his face, slipping underneath his glasses before arriving at his chin.

He pulled his drawer open and took out a bottle of whisky alongside a glass cup. Harrison then waved his hand over the glass, causing two ice cubes to fall into it.

Then with another wave of his hand, the whisky glass hovered over to the glass and tilted over, bathing it in the caramel coloured liquid.

Harrison brought the glass to his lips, then paused as he glanced at the picture on his table.

Although it was a still image, he could practically feel the girl’s stare on him.

”It’s just one glass, I’m a player for gods sake!”

Then he laughed. ”You don’t care do you?” Harrison placed the glass on his lips and drank it all in one go, before refilling the glass.

”Your old man is drinking. Make sure you come back to scold me.” He smiled. ”No matter how long it takes, I’ll be here waiting for you...”

”Vanessa.”

Just as Principal Harrison finished his glass of whiskey, he began to hear a loud noise, it was like the sound of a crowd screaming. It was the type of sound you would often hear at a music concert, or a party.

Why then was he hearing such noise in tbr academy—

Thwack!

His door suddenly burst open as Simon burst into his room, his eyes wide in shock.

”Simon?”

”They have returned!” He said almost breathlessly. ”Class A has returned from the trial—!”

Before he could complete his sentence, principal Harrison rushed past him, moving so fast that Simon was unable to keep track of his movements.

And because of this, he was unable to hear the words Simon had spoken after that...