Chapter 1: Chaotic Beginnings

Austin's POV

I was on my knees, in the middle of the chaos, surrounded by screams.

The ground was stained with blood and ash. My hands trembled, unable to bear the weight of it all.

My sword slipped from my grasp, clattering against the scarred earth, haunted by what I had done.

I thought I was going to save the world with my decision. But now I'm here watching the world on the brink of an apocalypse.

And then a light came.

It descended from the heavens, cutting through the darkness.

The glowing gem arrived in front of me.It was beautiful and terrifying.

It was hope.

I turned back to look at her. She was calm, smiling at me, like she knew it was coming.

“Be careful,” she said, her voice barely audible.

I reached for it until Leonardo’s voice startled me.

“No, Austin.” He approached me, his eyes fixed on the gem. “Do not touch it.”

“Why?” I asked.

“That gem belongs to me,” he said. “And not to you.”

He grabbed the gem before I could react, and the moment he touched it, a surge of energy exploded.

It's force knocking me backward, sending me sprawling onto the ground.

My ears rang from the deafening roar.

And I could feel the heat of the explosion as it consumed everything.

This is how it all started:

When I stepped into the Arizona airport terminal, the automatic doors slid shut behind me. The bright lights illuminated the bustling space, which was alive with the hum of conversations, rumbles of rolling suitcases, and the occasional announcements from the speakers.

Traveling can be overwhelming but also invigorating.

Scanning the crowd, I spotted a young woman behind the counter.

"Finally," I sighed in relief as I approached her.

"Good afternoon, sir! How may I assist you?" She asked with a bright smile.

"I'm flying to New York,” I said. “Could you confirm my flight details and direct me to the gate?"

She nodded, she collected my documents, and her fingers started moving swiftly across the keyboard.

"Of course. Your flight boards in an hour at Gate 67. Just head left down the corridor." She replied.

I thanked her and went to the waiting area, successfully finding a seat. I began to think about Pineapple Tech and the new job I had secured.

Pineapple Tech, a prestigious software company in New York, which could be really hard to secure a job at, is the place I just had a job in, like easy peasy. It wasn't that I was rich or had connections or something; in fact, I'm quite poor, and I'm an orphan.

Yep! My parents died in a car accident while I was still in my teenage years, and I have been doing everything to survive on my own. As I worked through different types of odd jobs, I found my way to university, and here I am now, luckily getting a job I applied for weeks ago.

I feel like this isn't just any job but a chance for me to rebuild after years of hard work and struggles.

“This is it.” I whispered to myself, “I can’t mess this up.”

A sharp voice over the intercom jolted me back to reality. "Passengers for Flight 445, please proceed to Gate 67."

Grabbing my bag, I joined the stream of travelers.

As the plane ascended, the Arizona landscape disappeared below. Bittersweet nostalgia crept in, but excitement for the new adventure ahead outweighed it.

Hours later, The plane landed at the airport. The chaos of New York City unfolded as I grabbed a taxi, skyscrapers and neon lights flashing past the car as it drove.

By the time I reached the hotel, exhaustion was beginning to set in. Still, I managed send a quick email to my new boss and his his reply came almost instantly.

"Glad to hear you have arrived, Austin! Get some rest, and I'll see you tomorrow."

The next morning, I dressed carefully, nerves and anticipation tightening my chest. Adjusting my tie in the mirror, I whispered to myself, "Everything will be better. I’m ready."

The sleek glass building of Pineapple Tech loomed ahead, its modern design both intimidating and inspiring.

I mean, what should I obviously expect?

And stepping into the exclusive lobby, I felt out of place. Everything seemed to shine; It was too perfect for someone like me.

The receptionist directed me to the 12th floor, and when the elevator doors opened, I was greeted by Marcus Walker—a middle-aged man with an easy smile and reading glasses perched on his nose.

"You must be Austin Moore," he said, extending a hand.

"Good morning, sir. It’s a pleasure to be here," I replied, shaking his hand firmly. I can't ruin anything now.

"Welcome to the firm," he said warmly. "Let’s have a quick chat in my office."

Marcus's office was sleek and modern like the rest of the building, but this room boasts multiple awards and framed certificates on the walls. We settled into our chairs, and sunlight flooded the room through the large window.

"First time in New York?" Marcus leaned back, a smile playing on his lips.

"Yes sir" I admitted. "It’s... overwhelming, but exciting too."

"It’s a city that grows on you," he said, stifling a yawn. "Oh, and before I forget, I’m not just the manager. I’m the CEO of Pineapple Tech."

My jaw nearly dropped. "Wait, you’re the CEO? I thought I’d be meeting someone else first."

He chuckled. "I like to keep people on their toes. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to me."

He picked up my resume and reviewed it. After a moment, he said, "I’m impressed with your qualifications. You’ll fit in perfectly here."

Introductions to the team followed, and by the end of the day, I found out that I have a lot of things to learn and catch up on, but I remain optimistic.

Returning to the hotel around 4pm, I collapsed onto the bed like a lazy man. Only to wake up at dusk and find a message on my phone from Pineapple Tech."We’re having a meeting on the rooftop at 8 p.m. We’ll be expecting you."

“But really? Why should I be at work again at late hours?” I asked myself a question I couldn't answer; I can't complain.

I glanced at the clock; it was around 6 pm, and it's about time I grab dinner. Eager to try something new, I avoided the hotel restaurant and ventured into another restaurant in the city.

Sliding into a booth, I scanned the menu, although my thoughts kept drifting to the rooftop meeting.

I headed to the counter to place my order, and with the tray in hand, I turned to head back to my seat but collided with someone.

“Shit!!”

Food tumbled from the tray, splattering onto her clothes. Her book hit the floor with a thud.

The restaurant fell silent, all eyes on us. My face burned with embarrassment.

"I’m so sorry! I didn’t see... you," I stammered, bending to retrieve the book.

As I stood and offered it to her, I finally looked at her properly and froze.

Her dark brown hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and her striking orange eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made the air around me seem heavier.

For a moment, I felt lost in her captivating beauty.