Chapter 1The deafening roar of machines echoed throughout the factory, filling every corner of the massive building. Metal clanged against metal while conveyor belts moved without rest.Outside, the sun had long disappeared beyond the horizon. Darkness covered the city as the moon silently took its place in the night sky.While most people were asleep in the comfort of their homes, Owen was still at work.His shoulders ached with every movement. Sweat soaked through the back of his faded uniform, and dark circles beneath his blue eyes made it obvious he hadn't slept properly in days. Strands of messy brown hair stuck to his forehead as he lifted another heavy crate onto the conveyor belt.He had worked the morning shift.Then the afternoon shift.Now he was halfway through the night shift. His body begged him to stop, yet his hands never slowed.A sharp vibration came from his pocket.Owen paused and wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his gloved hand before pulling ou

Chapter 3Beyond the skies. Beyond the heavens. Beyond the reach of mortal eyes. Silence ruled the Observation Tower. Darkness swallowed the vast chamber, broken only by the emerald glow of countless holographic screens suspended in the air. Streams of glowing symbols flowed across them like rivers of light, painting the room in shifting shades of green. Azaria stood alone before the largest display. Her long purple gown hugged her figure, the high slit revealing one toned leg whenever she shifted her weight. Golden bracelets rested around her wrists, their polished surfaces reflecting the green light. Her silver hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall. The streams of data moved with perfect rhythm. Until— BEEP! A crimson light flashed at the top of the central screen. Once. Twice. Again. Azaria's breath caught. "...No." The whisper escaped before she realized she'd spoken. The red light continued to pulse. BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. Her eyes widened as more crimson warni

Chapter 5The streets weren't the only places drowning in chaos.Across the world, government buildings buzzed with frantic activity. Officials rushed through hallways carrying stacks of documents while military officers barked orders over ringing phones. Giant monitors filled with maps, satellite feeds, and emergency reports covered the walls.The first priority was restoring communication.Teams worked around the clock to bring phone signals and internet services back online. As networks gradually stabilized, an emergency broadcast was pushed through every available television station, radio frequency, and mobile device.Everyone received the same message.Stay indoors. Avoid unnecessary travel. Wait for further instructions.Not long after, the President of the United Nations appeared on screen.His usually calm expression was heavy with exhaustion."Following the emergence of the Universal Trial System—which, from every report we have received, has appeared before every human bein

Somehow, it felt as if every zombie had disappeared. The silence was almost unnatural. Owen looked around, his fingers tightening around the crowbar still in his hand. Just moments ago, the streets had been filled with snarls, screams, and the sounds of people fighting for their lives. Now, nothing. It was as if the zombies could feel the weight of the rift hanging above them. Soon, they reached a wide-open field. The place was crowded. Hundreds of people had gathered there, civilians packed together while soldiers moved through the crowd, shouting instructions and trying to keep everyone organized. The noise was overwhelming. People were asking questions. Some were crying. Others were desperately looking around, wondering what they were supposed to do next. "Where are the weapons?" "Are we supposed to fight those things with our bare hands?" "I don't even know how to use a weapon!" Owen glanced around. The soldiers at the front were trying to coordinate everyone, but