Prologue

As the council of the Galactic Games Committee gathered in the grand hall, the fate of humanity hung in the balance. Comprising 1003 different civilizations, with 10 holding the most influence. The council selected which planets and civilizations were worthy of participating in the prestigious Galactic Games.

Out of the countless planets teeming with life in the known universe, Earth had somehow caught their attention - although not for the reasons one might hope.

As a species on the brink of self-destruction in this universe, the humans had often brought themselves to extinction, never worthy of the council's time and resources.

But something about their resilience and potential had sparked the council's interest this time. As the council members debated the merits of including the humans in the Galactic Games, the future of an entire planet hung in the balance.

"This is outrageous!" Vented council member Solaria, her synapses flashing with anger. "The humans have brought themselves to the brink of destruction. They are not fit to take part in the galactic games!"

"Exactly!" Nexus chimed in, his voice dripping with contempt. "They are a barbaric and destructive species. We have no obligation to save them from themselves …"

"But perhaps there is more to them than meets the eye." Aurora hinted, her wings fluttering thoughtfully. "They have shown determination and resourcefulness in the face of their own self-inflicted crisis. Perhaps they could be a valuable addition to the Games."

"Value or not, they have brought this upon themselves," Terra rumbled, his stony face set in a grim line. "They had their chance, and they squandered it. I see no reason to waste our resources on a lost cause."

The council members debated back and forth, each one arguing for their own point of view. There were 1003 members of the committee, with 10 being the main major representatives. The decision they made would have far-reaching consequences.

But then, an 11th voice spoke up. It was the representative of one of the most enigmatic and mysterious races to exist, whose technology level and power were unknown and vast. Even though it was not part of the main council, his words carried weight equal to all 10 council members.

"I agree with council member Aurora," a representative suddenly spoke up. "The humans have something worth preserving. There is something about them that interests me. I propose we keep them in the galactic games." It was standing near the main corridor of the meeting hall.

The council members stared at the representative in shock. The council members were astonished to hear the representative's words, and they could not ignore the weight of authority they carried.

"Very well," said council member Solaria, grudgingly. "We will allow the humans to participate in the galactic games. But they will have to prove themselves worthy of our attention. Let us start the unifying challenge. It will force them to unite under one banner within 20 years or face a removal of all sponsorships. Only the selected leaders can save them from this. If they do not prove themselves worthy, we will exile them from the universal system."

The council members nodded in their various ways. In the end, it was one tiny race, barely a mark on the total being sent to the various planets created for the games.

This was the influence of the race known as the Voidwalkers, a shadowy group of beings with the ability to traverse the vast emptiness of space. As the mysterious member turned to leave the council chamber, they couldn't help but smile to themselves. How amusing it would be to watch one member of humanity, a young man who reminded them of their own youth. They ignored the rest of the council meeting as they walked away, already thinking about the fun to come.

Many representatives saw the representative's body dissolve as it disappeared while it walked away. This was their signature technology, capable of warping space anywhere they were, regardless of the attempted restrictions. Even a highly secure facility like their council hall was hopeless in front of their mysterious tech.

This was the influence and power of the race known as the Voidwalkers.

And so, with a flick of a switch, the aliens froze time, dissolving the missiles and transporting the humans to a new world, changing humanity's fate.

They would have their chance to prove themselves in the galactic games, but it would not be easy. The competition was fierce, and the humans would have to adapt and overcome if they wanted to survive.

The galactic games were about to begin, and the fate of humanity was a simple sideshow.