Chapter 2:Wasteland

"Aris, wake up!!!!" A woman's voice echoed through the small apartment, pulling him from the depths of sleep.

The sound was both urgent and familiar, a call he had heard countless times before."Yes, Mum," Aris mumbled groggily as he pushed himself out of bed.

The room was dimly lit by the faint morning light seeping through the cracked window. He shuffled to the bathroom, his footsteps heavy with the weight of another day in their cramped and weary existence.

The bathroom was a small, claustrophobic space, barely big enough for the sink and a tiny shower. Aris turned on the faucet and let the cool water run, its refreshing touch a momentary escape from the oppressive reality outside.

He splashed his face, the chill invigorating him, if only for a moment. His reflection in the grimy mirror was a reminder of how far he had come from the dreams his mother once nurtured.As he finished washing up, Aris heard the distant clatter of dishes from the kitchen. His mother was already up, preparing what little they could afford for breakfast.

The sound was a comforting routine, a sign of life persisting despite the struggles.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Aris made his way to the kitchen. His mother, Maris, was busy at the stove, her hands expertly moving despite their rough, calloused appearance. She looked up and smiled when she saw him, her face lined with the exhaustion of a lifetime of labor but still radiating warmth."Morning, Aris," she said, her voice tinged with a quiet strength. "I managed to get a little extra today. It's not much, but it's something."Aris sat down at the small table, the worn wooden surface bearing the scars of years of use. On the table, there was a modest spread—scraps of bread, a few pieces of fruit, and a jug of water. It wasn't much, but it was more than he had expected.Maris placed a plate in front of him and took her seat across the table.

The morning routine unfolded in silence, a familiar rhythm that spoke of their unspoken bond and shared resilience. As Aris ate, he glanced at his mother, her eyes filled with a mixture of love and worry."You know," she began softly, breaking the silence, "today might be different. It's your sixteenth birthday. Maybe... maybe things will change."Aris looked at her, the weight of her words sinking in. Today marked the day he would be chosen, the day his life would irrevocably shift. His heart pounded with a mix of fear and anticipation. The idea of change was both exhilarating and terrifying."I hope so, Mum," he replied, his voice steady despite the storm brewing inside him. "I really do."After breakfast, Aris helped clean up, the mundane task grounding him in the present. The clock ticked on, each second bringing him closer to the unknown.

With a final hug and a promise to return soon, he stepped out of the apartment and into the gray, crumbling streets.As he walked through the desolate city, the familiar sights of his neighborhood took on a new significance. Every cracked pavement and faded building was a testament to his past, a world that had shaped him. The air was thick with anticipation and anxiety, the weight of his impending journey pressing down on him.He wandered aimlessly, lost in thought, until he found himself at the edge of a crumbling park.

The empty swings creaked in the wind, a haunting reminder of simpler times. He sat on a bench, gazing out at the desolate landscape, and wondered what lay ahead.The voice from the God echoed in his mind, a chilling reminder of the choice he had yet to make. Aris knew that whatever happened, his past would always be a part of him—a source of strength and a reminder of what he had left behind.As he prepared to step into the unknown, he drew comfort from the memory of his mother's unwavering support. Her strength was his anchor, and he carried it with him as he faced the daunting challenge ahead. The wasteland was harsh and unforgiving, but Aris was determined to forge a new path and honor the sacrifice that had shaped his life.With a deep breath, he rose from the bench, ready to embrace whatever the game had in store for him. The future was uncertain, but Aris was ready to confront it head-on, driven by the hope that change, no matter how distant, was within his reach.