Beyond Senses: The Shades of Sensation

Chapter 1: The Selection

"In a world where senses intertwine and perception takes on extraordinary forms, a select few are deemed extraordinary, Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed citizens of Prismara Realm, a pleasant morning to all of you!" the Archon of Prismara Realm started.

Gumuguhit sa aking lalamunan ang boses ng mga tao. Puputok na yata ang ulo ko sa ingay at sa mga sumasayaw na kulay na nakikita ko kasabay ng hangin. Dumagdag pa ang maasim-asim na boses ni Archon Julian Magnus. Archon ang tawag sa may hawak ng pinakamataas na posisyon sa Realm na ito. Si Archon Magnus na ang namumuno sa buong Prismara Realm ngayon matapos siyang manalo noong eleksyon anim na buwan ang nakararaan.

Halos di mahulugang karayom ang Plaza Ascendia dahil ika-labing tatlo ng Hulyo ngayon. Ito ang pinakamahalagang araw para sa mga mamamayan ng buong Prismara Realm dahil dito nakasalalay ang kinabukasan nila. Mababakas ang iba't ibang uri ng emosyon sa kanilang mga mukha. Maging ako na narito sa pila ay mas nangingibabaw ang kaba na nagpapakalma sa senses ko kaya kahit papaano ay nakakayanan ko ang ingay.

"Today marks a momentous occasion, as we gather here in Plaza Ascendia for the 100th Annual Synesthetic Society Selection. This grand event serves as a testament to the unity and progress we strive to achieve within our beloved realm. I stand before you, not just as your Archon, but as a harbinger of change, dedicated to reshaping Prismara into a place where the inherent worth of every citizen is recognized and cherished." he continued.

Taon-taon ay nagsasagawa ang gobyerno ng Selection para sa mga edad dalampung taong gulang. This is to identify people with synesthesia- a fascinating neuropsychological trait that blurs the boundaries between senses. These are the individuals who can taste music, see colors in voices, or uncover hidden patterns in numbers. Once identified, the government takes the synesthetes to a special facility called The Core, but nobody knows its true purpose. Rumors circulate that The Core is where synesthetes learn to control their abilities, as if they possess extraordinary powers.

However, others claim that The Core is merely a facade for the government's sinister intentions which apparently serves as a place to eliminate people with synesthesia, as nobody has ever came back from it. From my instincts, there's something suspicious about all this, and the only way to uncover the truth is to be selected.

Kaya ito ako ngayon tinitiis ang iba't ibang uri ng ingay sa Plaza Ascendia kung saan gaganapin ang Selection. The collective sound of people's voices resembled a dreadful and dissonant symphony, leaving an awful lingering aftertaste in my mouth. It felt as if I had swallowed something repulsive, instilling a deep sense of sickness within me.

"But today, my dear citizens, I bring you hope. Hope for a future where every person, regardless of their region of birth, will be afforded equal opportunities and rights. It is time to dismantle the barriers that have divided us and forge a society built on principles of peace, prosperity, and above all, equality. To commemorate this centennial anniversary, I have made a groundbreaking decision, one that symbolizes the transformation we aspire to achieve. Luminaire Haven, together with the esteemed citizens of Elysian Cascade, shall now be included in the Selection process." the Archon proudly declared.

Napuno ng bulong-bulungan ang buong Plaza Ascendia. Hindi na ako nagulat. Maraming sabi-sabi sa rehiyon namin na ito nga ang magiging pagbabago ng Selection ngayon. Plaza Ascendia is composed of four regions- Luminaire Haven, Elysian Cascade, Celestia's Enclave and Astral Reach. Sa loob ng siyamnapu't siyam na taon ay tanging Celestials at kaming Astral commoners lamang ang sinasali sa selection dahil aminin na natin kami lang naman ang kayang utuin ng gobyerno gamit ang mga kumakalam naming sikmura. Once we are selected, the Vespera's Regime guarantees our families' place in Luminaire Haven, ensuring a life without worrying about a single meal. Nakapagtataka na isasama na ang dalawang rehiyon na 'yon sa Selection. Paniguradong may mababago sa rules at mga mapapanalunan ngayong taon.