Chapter 4 (The Union Protocol)
Good evening, and welcome to tonight's broadcast. We have an important update about the 100th Annual Union Protocol Lottery, a significant event in our society. Tomorrow, 100 individuals 50 men and 50 women will be selected based on their behavioral scores.
This marks the 100th year of the Union Protocol, a system that has shaped our society for over a century by determining unions based on behavior and compatibility. While the system has sparked some debate, it remains a vital part of our society, helping to maintain order and structure.
As always, the lottery raises questions: Does it truly bring happiness and harmony, or does it limit personal freedoms? The government insists that it is the best way to preserve social balance and well-being.
In Rylos, the selection process is based on a system of behavioral stages, with those in the Ruin, Crest, and Shift stages being excluded from participation. Citizens are selected from the Ash, Dust, Pulse, and Rise categories. Below is the breakdown of these stages:
• Ruin – Citizens who have completely declined and show no hope for improvement.
• Ash – Citizens who are near collapse, with minimal chance of recovery.
• Dust – Citizens who are struggling but still hold on to basic standards of society.
• Shift – Citizens in a transitional state. They can either improve or decline depending on their actions.
• Pulse – Citizens showing steady improvement, indicating potential for positive change.
• Rise – Citizens who have made significant progress and have reached a more stable and positive state.
• Crest – The highest stage where citizens are exemplary and eligible for union with anyone.
This year, the Union Protocol has specified that the selected individuals will come from the Ash, Dust, Pulse, and Rise categories. Each stage will contribute an equal number of citizens to the lottery 50 males and 50 females. The Union Protocol soldiers will personally deliver the results to each chosen individual's home address, ensuring that the process remains secure and confidential.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach tomorrow's lottery. This year, as we mark the 100th anniversary of the Union Protocol, the stakes are higher than ever. Thank you for joining us.
Nico stared at the TV in his living room, the announcement continuing to play in the background. Kira, appearing from behind him, spoke up suddenly, her voice tinged with curiosity.
"Do you agree with this? You might be chosen too," she said, her eyes scanning the screen before looking back at him. "Later, I checked. I'm right in the middle of the Shift, but you're in Dust Rank, Nico."
Nico turned toward her, his expression calm, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I will not be chosen," he said with certainty, his tone almost teasing.
Kira, still skeptical, moved closer to him. "How can you be so sure?" she asked, narrowing her eyes playfully as she stood a few inches away, studying his confident smile.
"I'm not that unlucky, I would say," Nico replied with a confident grin. He then reached out, gently pulling Kira closer by her waist. Kira responded to his kiss, her hands gently resting on his bare chest as she leaned in closer. She pulled back slightly, her eyes meeting his with a teasing smile. "You're confident, aren't you?" she whispered, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "I hope your luck holds out."
Odalis sat in her small yet cozy living room, the soft glow of the TV lighting the room as she curled up in a blanket, absorbed in her book. The television buzzed with talk about the Union Protocol, but she barely paid attention, her fingers turning the page of her book with a quiet rustle.
"The Union Protocol..." she whispered under her breath, her gaze not leaving the pages. She had heard it all before, and tonight, she wasn't in the mood to dwell on it. The world outside could go on with its endless chatter; she had her books to read.