For a moment, Dan was too stunned to move or even think, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to comprehend what he'd just experienced. But as the seconds ticked by, he realized that whatever had just happened couldn't be a coincidence. It had to be connected to his prayers for Michael, a sign that someone or something was listening and perhaps even willing to help.
With a newfound determination, Dan stood up and approached his son's bedside. He took Michael's hand in his own, squeezing it gently as if to reassure himself and his son that they were in this together. "I don't know what's happening, Michael," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "But I promise you, I will find a way to make things right. I'll be the father you deserve and do whatever it takes to bring you back to me."
As Dan made his vow, he could feel the subtle hum of energy in the air, seeping into every room corner, invisible and mysterious. It wasn't long before he heard a faint ding, which confused him momentarily. He blinked and realized he now had a faint Heads-Up Display (HUD) at the edge of his vision, like from a video game. Focusing on a glowing button, he activated it which brought up two notifications and he discovered that he had a new quest:
*[New Quest Awarded] Find a way to heal your son*
Reward: Unknown
*Ability Gained* Polyglot (Common) – The races of the multiverse are varied, as are their languages. This ability allows you to speak and understand most of them.
That’s a pretty straightforward quest at least. Intrigued, Dan continued to explore the HUD. He found a status button and clicked it.
Status:
Name: Dan Jones
Class: NA
Level: NA
Race: Human (Unmodified)
Health: 46/50
Mana: 44/85
Stamina: 27/50
Sanity: 13/50
Stats:
Strength: 5
Agility: 6
Endurance: 5
Vitality: 5
Wisdom: 8
Intelligence: 9
Perception: 5
Willpower: 5
Resistances:
Physical: 5% | Cold: 5% | Fire: 0 | Electricity: 0
Psychic: 5% | Holy: 0 | Poison: 5% | Void: 0
Titles: NA
Skills: NA
Abilities:
Polyglot(Common)
Conditions:
Indebted
Currency:
It all looked very typical for a game, though sanity wasn’t usually in many games unless they were horror games, he thought with a chill. He wasn’t sure what the indebted condition was, and no additional information about it was presented. Ding! Another notification sounded. Checking his quest log he found another entry:
*[New Quest Awarded] Find out more about the debt you owe*
Reward: Knowledge
Another mysterious quest without any useful information on how to complete it. Great! Dan sighed internally. Might as well continue exploring the HUD. Highlighting the stats gave Dan brief explanations of how they worked.
Strength increases physical damage dealt, physical resistance, and maximum carry weight.
Agility increases movement speed, damage with ranged weapons, and the ability to dodge.
Endurance increases stamina and cold resistance and reduces the consumption of food, water, and air.
Vitality increases maximum hit points, hit point regeneration, and poison resistance.
Wisdom increases mana, mana regeneration, and scales the damage of holy spells.
Intelligence increases mana, cast speed, and scales the damage of arcane spells.
Perception increases eyesight, chance to find traps and secrets, and chance to discern lies.
Willpower increases sanity, psychic resistance, and scales psionic-based skills.
Wow. They all seem good. I guess there are no dump stats. He mused.
Dan's mind raced as he tried to make sense of this new information. Somehow, the arrival of mana had granted him access to a system seemingly designed for an RPG game. And now, it seemed, he had been given a quest that could lead him to a way to heal Michael. Though he didn't fully understand how it all worked, Dan couldn't deny the sense of hope that welled up within him. Perhaps, against all odds, he had been given a chance to save his son and redeem himself.
Feeling uncertain about what to do next, Dan explored the hospital, hoping to find answers. He couldn't help but wonder whether other people had experienced the same phenomenon with the HUD and mana. He needed to know if this was real or if he was somehow losing his mind in his grief and desperation. It didn’t help that his sanity stat was very low. Wonder what happens if it hits zero? I probably don’t want to find out.
As he wandered the hospital halls, he tried to appear casual, even though his heart was pounding with anxiety. He approached a young nurse at the nurses' station, hesitated momentarily, then decided to take a leap of faith. "Excuse me," he said, his voice low and urgent, "I know this is going to sound really strange, but have you... noticed anything unusual today? Anything that seems out of place or different from the norm?"
The nurse looked at him, her eyes widening in surprise. "You mean... like the HUD?" she whispered, glancing around to ensure no one was listening in on their conversation. Dan felt relief wash over him, knowing he wasn't alone in this experience. "Yes, exactly," he replied, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Do you have any idea what's going on?"
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
The nurse shook her head. "I don't know. But it's not just us. Other people are talking about it too. Some are scared, others excited. I've heard rumors about people discovering new abilities and powers because of the mana. It's like we're living in some... magical world now."
Dan listened intently, his mind racing with the possibilities. If others were experiencing the same thing and discovering new abilities, perhaps he could find someone to help him complete his quest to heal Michael.
"Thank you," he told the nurse, his voice filled with gratitude. "I appreciate your help."
As he continued his search through the hospital, Dan couldn't help but feel a mixture of trepidation and hope. The world had changed overnight, and there was no telling what the future held. But one thing was sure: he would stop at nothing to save his son, even if it meant navigating the unknown waters of this new, mana-infused reality.
As Dan continued to converse with various hospital staff, a voice suddenly echoed in his head. Startled, he glanced around to see that others appeared to be experiencing the same phenomenon. It was as if this mysterious voice connected them all. "I am Mea, the avatar of mana," the voice announced, her tone calm and soothing. "Your world and this portion of the universe have collided with the dimension of mana, a phenomenon that has occurred multiple times throughout your history. Mana will flow throughout your universe during this overlap, granting access to powers and abilities to those who learn to harness and control it."
Dan's eyes widened as he listened intently to Mea's words. Could this be the key to healing Michael? And if so, where should he start?
"However," Mea continued, her voice taking on a more somber tone, "this is also a double-edged sword. This convergence allows an influx of mana into every living being and object, fundamentally changing you and your surroundings. It will also enable invaders, demons, and beings from other realities to access your galaxy and world. You will need to be prepared. Earth's first portals will soon open in your most populous cities. These first portals, controlled by my System, will lead to the Nexus, a multiverse hub. You will be able to learn about mana, classes, and the broader universe and access a portion of the Grand Bazaar. Initially, your access to the Nexus will be limited and will remain so until you acquire your first class and then master it. Good luck, humans.”
A murmur of concern rippled through the hospital as people tried to process the information. In an instant, the world had become both more wondrous and more dangerous, and everyone would have to adapt to survive. Dan's determination only grew stronger as he absorbed Mea's words. He knew that he must learn to control mana to heal his son, and he would face any challenge, confront any danger, to make that happen.
As the initial shock of Mea's message faded, Dan realized he needed to start learning about this new world as quickly as possible. His search for knowledge and acquisition of a class, however that worked, would be the first step in his journey and in fulfilling the quest he had been given.
Another ding resonated in Dan's head, followed by the appearance of a new quest notification.
*[New Quest Awarded] Enter the Nexus and acquire a class*
Reward: Novice Nexus portal access and credits
At least it had a little more information on what to do next. It seemed that everyone around him had received the same message. Feeling slightly overwhelmed, Dan discussed the situation with others in the hospital. He initiated conversations with doctors, nurses, and fellow patients, seeing if they had any greater understanding of Mea, the Nexus, and the concept of classes.
As they exchanged their thoughts and ideas, they collectively began to construct a rough understanding of their new reality. The Nexus appeared to be a hub where different universes converged and could be accessed. On the other hand, the mention of classes suggested that individuals would have the opportunity to specialize in specific skills or abilities, much like in a role-playing game. Despite their growing comprehension, Dan and those around him couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. This new world was strange, unfamiliar, and dangerous, even if it hadn’t yet manifested. They wondered how they would navigate these uncharted waters and what it would mean for their day-to-day lives.
With the quest urging him to visit the Nexus and choose a class, Dan knew that he needed to take this step to have any hope of healing Michael. He also recognized that acquiring a class would likely give him valuable knowledge and abilities to survive in a world teeming with mana and mythical creatures. However, before setting out on this new adventure, Dan needed to ensure that Michael was cared for. He made arrangements with the hospital staff, ensuring his son would receive the best care in his absence. With everything in place, Dan steeled his resolve and prepared to embark on a journey into the unknown.
Exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster of the day, Dan decided to head home and get some rest before heading to the Nexus. He wasn’t sure if the portal was open yet, as the avatar had said they would open soon.
As he lay on his couch, his mind cycled through the events of the last 12 hours, trying to make sense of it all. So much had changed in so little time. So many questions were yet unanswered, like how did this happen? Did his prayer trigger this? Is that what caused this and led to the indebted condition? If so, what would he have to pay to clear that debt?
Unable to grasp any more answers, he turned on the news, which was abuzz with discussions about Mea and the mysterious portals that had begun appearing in major cities worldwide. The constant chatter of the news anchors provided a strange comfort, as it assured him that he was not alone in his confusion and uncertainty.
With his thoughts swirling, Dan eventually drifted to sleep, the news still playing in the background. As morning broke, he awoke feeling a renewed sense of determination. He knew that if he were to have any hope of helping Michael, he would have to venture into the unknown and face whatever dangers it might hold. With the news on as he prepped and packed, he learned that 12 portals had opened up worldwide, two in the US, one in New York, not unexpected, and the other in San Diego. Must be luck or fate, he equivocated, pondering the likelihood of the portal opening mere blocks from the hospital he was just at.
Dan grabbed a backpack and began to pack the essentials for his journey: food, water, a change of clothes, and survival gear. He also included a gun, not knowing what he might encounter on the other side of the portal. As he zipped up the bag and slung it over his shoulder, Dan took a deep breath and prepared himself for the challenges ahead. Taking a step back internally, he realized he hadn’t contacted his ex-wife yet and wondered if she had heard about Michael.
“Jenny, have you heard the news?” he inquired once the call connected.
“About the craziness in the world? I’ve been watching the news all morning. Do you know what’s going on?
Dan paused, steeling himself. “No, about Michael. He…was in an accident. I was at the hospital all night with him. I wasn’t thinking straight and forgot to call. I’m sorry.” He exhaled slowly and picked at the skin on his hand.
“WHAT!?! WHAT HAPPENED? WHERE IS HE?” screaming through the phone.
He took a deep breath, pausing a few seconds before responding. “He’s at Scripps Mercy—room 402. Jenny, I, I got a quest, you know from Mea or the System—a quest to heal him. I’m heading into the portal. I’ll find a way to save him.”
Her words were cutting but not entirely unexpected, “FIND IT, OR DON’T COME BACK.”
He sighed, suddenly aware of all of the anger brewing under the surface, his fists tight, “I will” as he ended the call.
He locked the door to his home, still heated but also feeling an odd mix of excitement and trepidation. The world had changed in the blink of an eye, and Dan was about to step into a new reality where the fate of his son and the future of their relationship rested squarely on his shoulders.
With the weight of the world on his mind, Dan made his way toward the location of the nearest portal, a small park several blocks from the hospital, determined to explore the Nexus and acquire a class that would give him the power to save Michael. He knew that he would face unknown dangers and perhaps even risk his own life, but he was willing to do whatever it took.
Dan's journey to the portal was fraught with obstacles. As he drove down the 5 from La Jolla, he was caught in a massive traffic jam. Everyone seemed to be headed towards the city to see the portal for themselves. He checked the maps app on his phone. Three hours to go six miles?, he thought, exasperated. With his patience running thin and anxiety mounting, Dan made the difficult decision to abandon his car and continue on foot.
As he walked the last few miles to the portal, Dan couldn't help but notice the strange changes in the environment. Bugs and birds, he encountered along the way were much larger than expected, some glittering or sparking with otherworldly energy. One of the little black lizards so common to SD skittered across the ground before him, leaving smoking footprints on the debris piled along the road's edge. Clearly, the influx of mana was already having a profound effect on the world around him.
After two long hours of walking, Dan finally arrived at the edge of the portal site, only to find an enormous crowd surrounding it. Thousands of people jockeyed for positions to get closer to the portal. The police and FBI had cordoned off the area, attempting to maintain some semblance of order amidst the chaos. With curiosity and trepidation, Dan joined the crowd of onlookers, trying to get closer to the mysterious portal that would potentially hold the key to advancing his quests and answering all of his outstanding questions.
As he pushed his way through the crowd, he pondered internally on what he would find on the other side of the portal. Maybe this was all an alien trick? Like the book To Serve Man, which he saw as a kid, where aliens lured people onto their ship to cook and eat them. He quickly dispelled that notion as aliens with the technology to create these portals and speak to all humans telepathically across the planet wouldn’t need to rely on tricks to get people.
He finally made it to the front of the crowd of onlookers, and his frustration reached a breaking point as the police turned him away. “No one is being allowed in,” said the sergeant, turning people away. Desperate and determined to find a way to save his son, Dan began to channel his frustration into action. Turning to the crowd, he began to passionately address them.
“Who do these cops think they are? We all got the message from Mea. This is our right!” The crowd began to cheer. They resonated with his words out of frustration, desire, and curiosity. Several police officers began pointing in his direction, but none stepped forward.
“If we let them close off the portal, regular people like us will never get in. The government will seal it off and it will be years if ever before we can access it. I say, we take the portal, here and now. There’s no way they can stop all of us.” The crowd's cheering reached a fever pitch, and soon, a palpable tension filled the air. Emboldened by Dan's rallying cry, the crowd began to riot, pushing back against the police barricades that separated them from the portal. The chaos spread rapidly, and the police began to panic and throw tear gas into the crowd. That was the last straw before the crowd rushed over the police barricades, trampling the officers. Shots rang out, and screams could be heard but were drowned out by the frenzied yelling and sounds of battle.
Dan found himself swept up in the rioters' surge, driven forward by the same sense of urgency that had fueled his impassioned speech. With the police line broken and the path to the portal now clear, he steeled himself and took a step forward, crossing the threshold into the unknown. As he passed through the portal, a sudden rush of energy surged, filling his body with an indescribable warmth. He knew, at that moment, that his life had changed irrevocably – and that his journey had truly begun.