The Unforeseen Command

A sudden, disembodied voice sliced through the silence:

"Attention, everyone!"

The command echoed off the blank, white walls. Shock rippled through the group. "WTF?" someone whispered, the incredulity hanging in the air like static.

Without missing a beat, the voice repeated its order in a calm, almost mechanical tone:

"We hereby command all of you to proceed through the hallway straight towards the hall room as we open your rooms—I repeat."

Ryo's temper flared, and he barked out, "Hey, who the hell do you think you are, ordering us around?" His anger was raw, each word slicing through the uncertainty.

Almost as if in response, one wall of the featureless white room—a wall with neither door nor window—shifted. A small panel slid back, revealing a narrow passage leading out.

Ishida's eyes widened in disbelief as fear mixed with curiosity. Around him, others exchanged nervous glances. The tension was palpable—but in a moment of absurdity, as if trying to lighten the mood, the quieter kid in the corner pushed himself up. With ano expression on his face. he walked confidently toward the newly opened door.

After a while.--

Ishida couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the absurdity of their predicament. "Let's go!" he echoed, and soon, the group followed him into the unknown.

Once outside, they found themselves in a long, stark passage lined with numerous doors. On either side, other individuals—dressed in identical white garments—ambled in hesitant clusters. Ryo's gaze darted around. "Why is everyone so silent?" he muttered, half to himself, half to the others.

As they advanced, Ishida noted that despite the uniform attire, the strangers spoke different languages and carried their own burdens of confusion and fear. Yet, something tugged at him—a nagging feeling that among these souls, someone important was missing. He scanned the crowd for Kazuki, but the elusive figure was nowhere in sight.

After a few tense minutes, the corridor opened into a grand hall. Its decor burst with vibrant hues, dominated by bold streaks of red. Rows of chairs faced a raised stage, arranged as though for a grand event, with the new arrivals slowly taking their seats.

Divya broke the silence as she strode confidently toward the front. "I think we can sit wherever we want,". The others follow her to the front—Divya, Hiromi, Ryo, and Ishida—settled into a row of seats as a team.

Sitting side by side, Hiromi's voice trembled as she confided in Ryo, "Big brother, I'm scared…"

Ryo placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his tone firm and protective, "Don't worry. Nothing's going to happen as long as I'm here, okay? Just chill out."

Ishida, meanwhile, surveyed the room. There were roughly 100 seats, and only half were occupied. Groups formed silently, each conversation in a different tongue. The air was heavy with confusion and fear—a stark contrast to the occasional bursts of lighthearted banter. He couldn't shake the feeling of isolation, especially since he hadn't seen Kazuki among them.

Suddenly, the chatter died down. The hall's lights dimmed, and a single spotlight bathed the stage in a harsh glow. A confident man emerged—a striking figure adorned in a sharp black suit, with shimmering embellishments along his shoulders, a stylish hat perched at a rakish angle, and polished black shoes that gleamed in the spotlight. He approached the microphone with an authoritative calm.

"Attention, everybody," he began, his voice resonating with both command and reassurance. "You might be frightened and confused right now, but I'm here to answer your questions and clear your doubts. Please, cooperate with me."

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing in a measured tone that shifted as if he were revealing a secret:

"You may not realize it yet, but every single one of you comes from a different planet—and even from different timelines. At first glance, you seem similar, but each of you is unique, with your own strengths and weaknesses. You're not here by chance. You've been gathered for a very specific purpose."

After a final enigmatic smile, he concluded, "For now, that's all. We will see you later."

Almost immediately, whispers and anxious chatter resumed. As groups reformed and seats shifted, Ishida's mind raced. He noted with concern that their team was now incomplete. " I think we have to compete with these guys and We only have four members now," he thought, his inner monologue darkening with worry. "One of us has vanished… and if more from Earth end up missing, we're at a disadvantage."

Before anyone could regroup, the commanding voice boomed again:

"Attention, everyone! All of you are requested to form groups of five—the groups that were assigned to you initially. Only then may you pass through the gate on your left."

The order repeated, clear and unyielding.

A massive door on the left wall slid open, unveiling a dark passage beyond. As the hall's lights flickered back on, the true contours of the space were revealed. With hesitant determination, everyone began to file into the passage in their groups.

Confusion reigned among Ishida, Divya, Hiromi, and Ryo. Divya, ever pragmatic, suggested, "Let's just wait here. He'll eventually show up. He wouldn't leave his group on his own." The team nodded, albeit with lingering unease.

Minutes passed, and as the hall emptied, a growing sense of urgency replaced the initial shock. Ishida's eyes darted about—where was the missing person? Ryo's irritation bubbled over. "Let's split up and search. That scaredy-cat can't have just vanished—he's probably hiding under a chair or something!"

The group divided. Ryo roamed the far end, calling out, "Hey! I don't know your name, but we can't move on without you. Come out now!"

Meanwhile, Hiromi, voice quivering with both fear and determination, asked with the other guys passersby, "Have you seen the black-haired guy? He's small—maybe around here?" The responses were cryptic, spoken in an unfamiliar language.

Divya scoured every nook—under desks, behind doors, even near the restrooms—while Ishida lingered in the shadows, observant and worried.

Then, amidst the murmuring crowd, Hiromi's voice rang out, "Hey, big brother, please come here!"

Ryo rushed over. "What is it?" he demanded.

Standing beside Hiromi was a young man with dark hair and fair skin, little very tall—maybe 5'11". In a calm, measured tone, Hiromi explained, "he said his group went through the door without him."

Ryo's eyes narrowed in disbelief. "What? That's not possible. Wait… which planet are you from?"

The young man replied simply, "I'm from Earth. And judging by our language, I assume the rest of you are too."

Before more could be said, Ishida stepped into the conversation from behind, his voice heavy with confusion and urgency, "Wait—what's happening here?"