Dungeon entrance? In my area? Were the bountiful fields of grass surrounding the apartment not suitable enough? No? Of course! Excuse me for being in your way!
While inspecting the unfamiliar panels in my vision, I wondered how to close them. If this ‘ [WORLDS] system’ wanted me to get out, I preferred to see where I was going. I reached out to touch the panel, expecting a solid surface, but my hand passed through it like a ghostly apparition, leaving me both perplexed and intrigued. Then what if…
Close.
The [WARNING] panel disappeared with my internal command. I took a quick look again at the first [TUTORIAL] panel. Before closing, I memorized the words. I got up from my embarrassing position. My hands moved towards the shower doors when I halted.
5 minutes... That's enough time for me to finish my shower...
People hurriedly gathered their belongings, their footsteps echoing in the empty hallways as they rushed to escape the looming threat of the dungeon.
Should I risk my life to complete my shower routine? I pondered the consequences, assessing the advantages of saving time versus the potential downside of a less thorough shower cleaning if I were to exit prematurely. I wouldn't risk it... Upon getting out of the shower, I took the towel and started drying myself.
Wait, how much time do I have left? System? SYSTEM!
Nothing appeared...
With a towel wrapped around my waist, I exited the bathroom; I got to my bedroom, taking clothes out of the closet, putting on whatever I grabbed. My life outweighed the significance of my valuable items and computer. Grabbing my phone, I headed down the stairs.
"ARILD!! AAAARILD!!! YOU HAVE TO GET OUT OF THERE NOW! HURRY!" shouted a female voice.
I could discern someone from the outside calling for me. The voice belonging to the nice middle-aged woman, Jennifer, who lived in one of the first floor apartments. That saved me the trouble of checking on her.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"I'm almost outside!"
The front door stood ajar. Everybody from the complex, except for Jennifer, gathered as a group outside, standing a distance away. I was thankful that everyone escaped unscathed. We didn't know what might happen next. What did it mean by a dungeon opening here? What even was a dungeon? I was familiar with the term in games, but outside of that, it shouldn't exist. Nothing of what was happening should. At least I wasn't going crazy. Others witnessed and heard the incident.
"Jennifer! Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm physically fine, but this thing is no joke! Let's go over to the others. It's not safe here!"
We headed to the rest with hurried steps. The tenants gathered outside wore expressions ranging from bewilderment to disbelief, their hushed conversations filled with anxiety and uncertainty. As I was studying their faces, I came to think of my expression. I didn't feel scared; I was worried, sure. However, the strongest emotion was of excitement. The world was changing, seemingly into a fantasy from books and games. I wanted something unrealistic. That was the best part about games and stories. Reality didn't matter. You could do magic, gain impossible strength, travel to different worlds.
Whatever was happening to our world, I would adapt. I reminisced about experiences where I embraced competition and made it my goal to be at the top. The current situation ignited my competitive instinct, motivating me to stay ahead. This new world would wipe the slate clean.
People in our group were discussing the situation. From its impossibility to its significance. I'm certain this occurred on a global scale. I looked at the news section on my phone.
"BREAKING NEWS: AN APOCALYPSE?"
"THE END IS NEAR!"
"ALIENS ARE ATTACKING. UNITE NOW!"
"Top 10 beauty products for perfect skin."
The news headlines on my phone painted a picture of chaos and confusion, with speculations ranging from an impending apocalypse to alien invasions, leaving me with more questions than answers. That wasn't a surprise. The only thing that had changed so far were the magical messages. Despite the chaos and danger, a glimmer of hope flickered within me. I yearned for the opportunity to experience the extraordinary and witness the impossible become possible. A moment passed during the discussion between tenants. The ground shook for only a second.
[COMPLETE]
- Placement of system architecture has been complete.
- Tower entrances and dungeon gates are now ready to be used.
- Please enter with caution. Monsters and the environment inside can cause loss of life.
We stood in silence, staring in the air. Was it over?
Close...