Chapter 1: Siblings

Life has consistently treated Lucas with in a rough way, in which he consistently went through difficult times without having time to adapt to any of it. His parents died young, only being 40, leaving himself and his two siblings behind: Aine and Gray.

Going through the foster system together was horrible. They were left behind by every family that they came into contact with. Well, who would blame them? Lucas, Aine and Gray were a package deal. They were never allowed to be separated, and with good reason. The bond these three have formed surpass any friends they have made throughout their lives. The struggles in life, the hurdles they have accomplished together amplified their bonds.

Aine, who could be considered quite a petite teenager at the age of 19, had lush blonde hair with piercing blue eyes. Her beauty could not be measured, however her personality was something to be considered. She was, and is a loud beauty who does not take no for an answer. She is stubborn, loud, and obnoxious. However her intentions are never what they seem. She will always have her siblings before her, they will eat before her, and she will gladly allow it to be that way. Her passion for flowers could be said to be an outlet for her loud persona, when she is surrounded by plants and nature, she becomes quiet - almost like she disappeared from the world.

Gray, being the youngest of three siblings could be said to be a fragile and an almost sheltered boy. Lucas and Aine in particular purposefully did not allow for harm to come his way. He is only 5"3 and does not show any signs of growing any taller despite only being 17. Despite him being fragile and keeping his voice to himself, he does not shy away from a challenge. He enjoys fencing and was amazing at it. Despite only being 17, he was playing at the top level. The way he acts on the field is completely different in how he acts in everyday life. His curly, light brown hair usually covers his eyes as he despises eye contact, but the minute he starts to fence - his hazel eyes glow with life.

Lucas, however was much older than these two, being aged 23. Due to this, the pressure when their parents died was immense. They had no relatives who would actively be involved in their lives, if anything they were subjected to constant ridicule. Lucas tried and tried and his efforts were fruitful. He became a Teacher and provided for both Aine and Gray, to the point that Gray could enjoy his expensive hobby, and Aine could experience being a Botanist. He was quite tall being 6"1, but due to his rough start in life and prioritising both his siblings, he didn't have a passion, nor did he even have much of a hobby. His life revolved around his siblings and work - and that was it. He has similar hair colour to Aine where has blonde hair, and follows Gray with his hazel eyes.

The year was 2040. Aine and Gray were in their garden planting all different kinds of flowers and plants. "Gray, can you atleast try to do it properly?". Aine smirked at her comment. She knew Gray just didn't have the talent nor was he that bothered about the garden. This was something they did everyday after school for an hour together. It was definitely something that bonded them together. Gray just rolled his eyes, they had been doing this for almost 3 years and he still could barely properly plant a sapling.

Lucas was sat to the side, reading a book with sunglasses on due to the harsh weather.

"Kids, don't forget your sunscreen". Just like usual Lucas was harping on about things that Aine and Gray just didn't see as important, like sunscreen.

Just like usual, they went back and forth, however this time it was cut short by the sudden shaking of the ground. It was visceral and harsh which didn't show any signs of stopping.

Lucas raised his voice instantaneously to get them inside, but before they could even move to safety, they found themselves staring at a tower in the sky, which seemed to be floating. It looked old, it had moss on the base - it looked like it came straight out of a fantasy world.

Before the three siblings could speak, they ended up in well lighten room, surrounded by others that seemed to be wearing nothing but light leather armour.

Before them seemed to be a message window that would be seen in video games stating: "Difficulty: Extreme".

Nobody could even comprehend the words before somebody with quite a large head and small body spoke. The boy could easily be mistaken for a toddler who for some reason had wings and a small crown on its head.

"Welcome to the Levelling Tower! Unfortunately, or fortunately, you have been placed in the difficulty of Extreme! I wish you well. Before you get transported, you have 5 minutes to ask me any questions!".

Before the baby even could finish speaking, a wave of voices spoke out all at once. It was abysmally loud, and before they could even finish. 6 people were decapitated, one being right in front of Gray, who was shivering in fright.

Aine and Lucas's eyes went wide and instantly grabbed onto Gray. They were huddled together, staring at the baby with the crown. Everyones heart trembling, not knowing what was happening.

Gray, stood there crying with his hands over his ears.

This was a new start to their life. Something that they had never wished for.