Chapter 7: Training Center

Chapter 7: Training Center

The Apocalypse Game Training Center, known as AGTC, was a sprawling facility that once served as a renowned sports complex for athletes from across the nation.

However, with the advent of the Apocalypse Game, it had been repurposed into a highly advanced training center located just a few miles from downtown Manhattan.

The imposing structure now stood as a testament to the gravity of the challenges that awaited its participants.

On the fourth day of the training program, Alan and Daniel arrived at the AGTC, among the last group of recruits to join the rigorous preparation.

Two days ago, Alan had managed to persuade Daniel to accompany him to his secluded cabin before heading to the center. In the tranquil surroundings of the cabin, Alan had taken the opportunity to brief Daniel on his plan, revealing the secret information he had obtained about the upcoming game.

Recognizing Alan as his respected teacher while knowing nothing about the game and no one else joining, Daniel made the resolute decision to follow Alan's lead. Consequently, their arrival at the training center was delayed.

As Alan and Daniel reached their destination, they were swiftly directed to the administrative center, where their credentials would be processed. The administrative center, a six-story building previously designated as the medical facility of the sports complex, had now become the nerve center of the AGTC. Army personnel roamed the premises, clad in distinctive uniforms that signified their authority and expertise.

"Alan D Angello!"

When his name was called, Alan promptly made his way to the source of the commanding voice for identity verification. Once cleared, he was escorted to the adjacent medical center, where Alan underwent a series of thorough medical check-ups to ensure his physical fitness and readiness for the challenges ahead.

The medical staff diligently examined his vital signs, ensuring his overall well-being. Once satisfied with the results, they instructed him to lie down on a specially designed bed-like contraption that resembled an MRI machine.

His body was securely strapped in place and the machine, different from a conventional scanner, began a unique process specifically tailored to the Apocalypse Game. Metal arms, reminiscent of pincers, maneuvered with precision, delivering brief but intense jolts of pain to three distinct areas of Alan's body.

The first surge of discomfort emanated from his wrists as metallic bracelets, known as Gamelinks, were skillfully installed.

These advanced bracelets covered a significant portion of Alan's forearms, providing him with immediate access to vital information and updates about the Apocalypse Game. Essentially functioning as attached mobile devices, the Gamelinks would prove essential tools for survival.

The second burst of pain centered around Alan's chest, where a small, intricate metallic disk was embedded close to his heart. This complex sensory device served to continuously monitor and maintain the health of his cardiovascular system throughout the game. Its primary purpose was to ensure his heart's stability, providing real-time feedback and support.

Lastly, Alan experienced a sharp sensation on the top part of his right earlobe. Upon inspection, he discovered a metallic, coin-sized communication device seamlessly integrated into his ear. This sophisticated implant facilitated direct transmission of information and voices into his brain, enhancing communication capabilities and enabling swift decision-making in the face of imminent dangers.

The installation of these three essential devices was compulsory for every participant in the Apocalypse Game. Supplied by the enigmatic Aliens, they were meticulously attached to the bones, rendering their removal an arduous and intricate process.

The medical staff, fully aware of the devices' significance, stressed the importance of not tampering with them. Any attempt to meddle with the devices would result in severe consequences, including imprisonment or worse.

With the devices now securely in place, Alan was given time to acclimate to their presence on his body. The medical staff thanked him for his cooperation and wished him well in the upcoming game.

"Thank you for your service, Mr. Angelo"

After the medical procedures, Alan reunited with Daniel, and the two were promptly informed about the upcoming orientation session. Hundreds of new participants gathered in a large hall, where a high-ranking officer from the Department of Defense, none other than Colonel Weeber, delivered an opening speech.

Alan noticed a change in the colonel's demeanor since their last encounter. The colonel exuded a newfound sense of determination and resilience as he addressed the gathered recruits.

"You all share a common bond, whether it be your age, occupation, ethnicity, or gender. Regardless of your backgrounds, you are now heroes, and we express our gratitude for your service," Colonel Weeber declared, his voice echoing through the hall, instilling a sense of purpose and unity among the participants.

Following the opening speech, the recruits were led to engage in various training modules. The first module focused on survival training, encompassing a wide range of skills necessary to endure dangerous situations and thrive in harsh wilderness environments.

Alan couldn't help but smile, realizing that the colonel had taken his advice into account by including a segment on surviving in cold conditions.

The second module delved into game training, which involved studying past game scenarios and learning from the sacrifices of previous participants. Although no two games had ever been the same, the insights gleaned from the recorded footage proved invaluable, offering strategies and lessons that could enhance their chances of survival.

Combat training comprised the third module, encompassing hand-to-hand combat techniques and proficiency with various weapons. The recruits received comprehensive instruction, including firearm training. They were escorted to an open shooting practice field, equipped with a wide array of firearms ranging from handguns to powerful sniper rifles.

Under the guidance of expert instructors, they familiarized themselves with the weapons, honing their marksmanship skills.

At the same time, Alan took the opportunity to carefully observe the players. Among them were the 1,000 military personnel deployed to provide support to the civilian participants. Additionally, there were dozens of mercenaries and even a group of inmates enticed by the promise of freedom if they managed to survive the game.

However, the individuals who caught Alan's attention the most were the veteran players, those who had managed to survive the brutal challenges of previous games. They stood out from the rest, their improved stats and battle-hardened experience making them both formidable allies and dangerous adversaries.

Their presence could either be a blessing, as they could offer guidance and protection, or a curse, as their competitiveness could create fierce rivalries.

There were only a few faces that Alan recognized as most of these people died in the game. and Alan himself had been solely focused on his own survival.

With this in mind, Alan decided not to approach any of the players just yet. As a newcomer and seemingly insignificant in their eyes, he doubted they would pay him much attention or believe his words.

After two intense days of training, the long-awaited day of the Apocalypse Game finally arrived. With over 9,000 participants registered out of the initial 10,000 selected, the recruitment campaign was considered a success, particularly given the predominantly civilian background of the participants.

Buses lined up to transport the eager recruits to New York's Central Park, the designated starting point of the game.

As the convoy of buses arrived at the park, Alan gazed upon the sprawling crowds that had gathered in anticipation. Some came to cheer for the participants, celebrating their bravery, while others voiced their dissent, protesting the government's controversial new policy. The recruits disembarked from the buses and were directed towards a prominent pyramid-like structure within the park, which would serve as the entry point to the game.

Alan and Daniel parted ways, guided to different locations according to their designated numbers. Inside the pyramid, the interior radiated a pristine white glow, creating an atmosphere of both awe and trepidation.

Scattered throughout the vast space were human-sized game capsules, ready to receive their occupants. Meticulous androids, with multiple arms, moved tirelessly, ensuring the capsules remained in optimal condition and swiftly attending to any potential malfunctions.

Within this bustling environment, Alan noticed the wavering confidence of hundreds of participants, their nerves starting to fray under the weight of the impending challenge.

The army personnel present offered support and guidance, gently pushing the recruits to enter their designated capsules while maintaining an air of authority.

Having been well-informed of his destination, Alan navigated his way to the capsule he had occupied in his previous life. As he stepped inside, the door sealed shut behind him, enclosing him in a confined space.

Tubes emerged from the capsule's interior, connecting to the three devices attached to his body. With each connection established, Alan's consciousness began to fade gradually, surrendering to the impending game that awaited him.

[System Linked]

[Welcome to Apocalypse Game]