As you stare at the box, your mind trying to process what is happening, you make your decision. This is the exciting life you always wanted. This is your chance. Of course you’re going to pick yes!

As you begin to act, your arm half raised towards the button, you see a number appear on the top right corner of the box and begin to count backwards: 30 – 29 – 28.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” the Voice adds as an afterthought, “those that do not choose will die.”

As if those words were a signal the pressure the Voice exerts increases and you feel yourself forced to the ground on all fours.

You try to fight against the pressure, to raise yourself up. You struggle to press the button, to live.

Looking at the countdown you feel as if your heart is going to burst open from the strain.

14 – 13 – 12.

You know instinctively that whatever this Voice is, its words are true. It can squish you like a bug if you don’t choose. But more than that you need to choose right. This is your chance, your chance to be more.

With fear and hope in your heart, you reach forward with one arm, intent on pressing yes. The struggle to move grows more intense as your finger gets closer to the box, but you’re almost there.

8 – 7 – 6.

Beads of sweat dot your forehead as you move a little closer, ever so slowly inching your way forward.

5 – 4.

One inch. Two inches. Three. Just a bit more and you’ll have it.

3 – 2.

With one last tremendous push you press the button.

1.

You can feel it against your fingers, the box cool to the touch as your face is flushed with success. You’ve done it, you’ve survived. Now your life is going to be one of interest, full of excitement and purpose!

“Congratulations,” you hear the Voice say mockingly, “to all those who have accomplished the simple feat of pressing a button. To those who have chosen not to accept my offer, goodbye.”

You watch in shock as a bright light shoots down from above, engulfing several people who cry out in horror and pain. The stench of burning flesh quickly fills the air and you begin to gag. Soon enough the screams die out and the squeezing pressure disappears.

Just in time for you to retch up your lunch and shudder in relief at having chosen yes.

“Now that the uninteresting mortals have disappeared,” the Voice above continues, “it is time for each of you to receive a gift."

Looking around the room you can see that a lot of people have died. What had to be well over a hundred people have been killed in an instant. People you were close to and had known for years are gone. To your right lies the charred remains of one of your best friends, their face now unrecognizable as they remain still forever.

“You must learn to rely on your gifts," says the Voice, "as they will be instrumental to your survival.”

You shudder at the words. You can tell that whatever the Voice intends to have you do will most definitely involve another brush with death.

A Box appears in front of you.

Congratulations! You may now pick one of the following

abilities to accompany you on your journey:

1) A Magical Education;

Learn to be the wizard you’ve always dreamed of!

2) The Perfect Body;

Faster, Stronger, Better!

3) Appraisal;

What is it and what is it worth? You know.

4) No ability;

You don’t believe in a free lunch.