Five Minutes before Filtration

One billion people in a world folding in on itself. Only ten million available spots in the next world prepared by Higher Humans. Only one way to earn a spot and ascend: surviving consecutive ruthless Filtrations overseen by The Threshold Holder: The Paladin. A tune resounded through the air. The giant screen, displaying a timer, reappeared above the sea, its edges bleeding into the fabric of the night. 5:00 Five minutes before the first Filtration. The three elevators gleamed coldly in the distance as the countdown began. Amidst the panicked crowd, Mei only lowered her hood further, her hand clutching what was impossible and hidden in her pocket...  What to Expect: 1) Immersive settings for each Filtration. Planned so far: Abandoned Orphanage, Auroral Woods, City of Tears, Calcified Forest, Caged Abyss, Pearly Banks. 2) Cast of unique characters with their diverse personalities, quirks, scars, and backgrounds. 3) Linear storytelling with twists. 4) Worldbuilding and world hierarchy established. 5) Tonal whiplash occasionally.