Floating Colosseum

As I stood in line, waiting for my turn to step through the gigantic portal, the scene around me was anything but quiet. I watched as alien guards struck down any superhuman who dared to break the rules. Some were shoved, others dragged aside, and the unlucky ones endured brutal beatings.

The reason for their punishment was clear—chatting. From what I'd overheard, superhumans were strictly forbidden from talking to one another. We were expected to stand in absolute silence, our gazes fixed forward, as we waited for our turn to step into the portal.

It felt like the alien guards enjoyed enforcing this rule, relishing any excuse to show their authority. Watching it unfold, I couldn't help but wonder if this silence was meant to instill fear and discipline or simply to remind us who held the power here.

…

…

A few hours later…