1 The Rebirth

In a future yet unknown, a realm beset by dust and destruction, an epic clash between humanity and a double-headed dragon raged on. The dragon, its colossal form a testament to its divine lineage, fought fiercely. One of its heads had fallen, a gruesome testament to the tenacity of humankind.

A triumphant shout pierced the air from above as a group of extraordinary individuals descended from the skies. They were humans, but not like any others. Their very beings radiated power that could move mountains. They shared a mutual arrogance, though none dared direct it toward their leader.

The dragon, however, retained a stubborn, unyielding spirit. Arrogance coursed through its veins, blinding it to the possibility of defeat at the hands of mere mortals. With a thunderous roar, it ascended into the sky, determined to defy its injuries.

Yet, an imposing force awaited it there, a figure draped in dread that even a divine beast could not ignore. A single command echoed through the heavens: "DOWN, LIZARD!" Chains materialized from nothingness, constricting the dragon, slamming it to the earth, choking it as if a python had found its prey.

The dragon's struggle was valiant, but futile. Before the eyes of all, it succumbed to the relentless grip, its life extinguished.

"Some things are indeed amusing," a voice mused, "For once, the notion of slaying a divine beast would have been unimaginable, even on its 6th path."

In a time before, within the enigmatic depths of the Bermuda Triangle, Mr. Swiss, a genius of robotics and artificial intelligence, unlocked a profound secret. His discovery, a breakthrough in true artificial intelligence, was laden with significance, yet it unleashed a maelstrom of consequences.

The moment Mr. Swiss revealed his newfound knowledge, he unwittingly painted a target on his back. What began as threats from so-called friends and associates soon escalated into a web of deceit and coercion. Even the government, once seen as a protector, proved to be his captor. The plight of his family, kidnapped not by shadowy corporations but by the very authorities sworn to safeguard them, added a bitter irony to his ordeal.

Compelled by sinister forces, Mr. Swiss was compelled to merge his groundbreaking AI into a sprawling fantasy video game, a colossal endeavor consuming billions in government resources. Occasionally, glimmers of his family enjoying a life of captivity reached him, their unwitting hostages.

In tandem with these intrigues, whispers in the shadows hinted at another enigma: a secretive, elusive rainbow gem, concealed in the depths of secrecy.

Simultaneously, a crushing revelation struck Mr. Swiss. His daughter had been diagnosed with Malignant Mesothelioma, a relentless cancer resistant to treatment. Her survival teetered on the brink, measured in mere weeks. Desperate for help, Mr. Swiss implored for her to be brought to him, to the epicenter of scientific expertise. Unbeknownst to him, the organization harbored hidden motives. Yet, he had no choice but to trust them.

As he ventured to reunite with his daughter, an unforeseen cataclysm engulfed their world.

The narrative shifts to the present, a world forever altered, where peace lay like a shroud over Boren University in Osun State, Nigeria. A night's tranquility veiled the campus, its students deep in slumber, an eerie unity in their repose. Invisible hands seemed to guide the world in collective repose as if orchestrated by an unseen conductor.

Across the globe, humanity shared in an extraordinary awakening. Airborne vehicles alighted gently, automobiles hummed to silence, and the world slumbered on. A golden embrace enveloped all, bequeathing miraculous restoration. Fractured bones knit together, infections dissolved, and vitality surged. Yet, this reawakening extended beyond the physical, infusing each with a profound, supernatural essence.

With the dawn, they awoke, synchronized in a mysterious awakening.

Within this global phenomenon, Aaron Jackson, residing in the confines of Boren University, stirred abruptly from slumber. A soft, girlish voice playfully coaxed him awake. The voice was oddly familiar, yet tantalizingly elusive.

With a groggy mumble, Aaron's eyelids fluttered. "Travis fuck off"

Aaron's exclamation rang out, annoyance palpable as he awoke to find himself inches from an unfamiliar girl's face. "So, I'm guessing you didn't miss me much, huh, Aaron?"

Recognition flickered in Aaron's gaze. "Evadora?" he uttered in disbelief.

With a nod and a gentle smile, she confirmed, "I'm back, shield." Intent lingered in her eyes, as if she yearned to share more, but then she seemed to recall something, her eyes widening. "We'll catch up later. Quickly, get up; time is of the essence."

She floated off him, her presence leaving him in awe and perplexity. Before he could voice his questions, she offered cryptic counsel. "I'll explain everything soon. Just endure, and whatever you do, don't lose consciousness. The longer, the better."

His nod was one of bewildered compliance. He took in his surroundings, realizing he remained within his dorm room, though an impenetrable golden barrier enclosed him. Evadora had vanished, and he pondered the undisturbed sleep of his roommates.

But, as he lingered in that mystical barrier, a profound change stirred within. An internal lock shattered, and agony coursed through him. Resolute not to yield, Aaron bore the torment, sensing a purpose beyond comprehension.

And then, as swiftly as it began, the pain ceased.

Words, ethereal and luminous, appeared before him:

The Divinity Awakener has awoken and started your evolution process. You have passed the test, and your soul has been strengthened by 500%. Your status window can be viewed whenever you wish. Congrats for stepping into Phase 1!

Aaron Jackson

Status points: 0

Level: 0

Race: Human

Profession: None

Title: None

Strength: 14(10)/ Agility: 12(10)/ Health: 10(10)/ Stamina: 10(10)/ Mana: 150(10)

But one word stood out: Mana.

In his perplexity, Aaron questioned, "Mana? Is this some kind of prank?"

As his thoughts settled, he recognized the complexity, the cost, and the authenticity of the transformation. The golden barrier dissipated into countless blinking lights, revealing an unsettling sight—a grotesque human-like figure feasting on a severed limb. Aaron's stomach churned in disgust.

"What kind of virus did some sick bastard create?" he muttered, edging away.

"Idiot! Kill it!" A familiar voice echoed from a corner, and Aaron's gaze landed on Evadora, casually sipping from a drink she had procured from his provisions.

"You kill it!" he retorted, prompting the grotesque figure to turn its hideous head in his direction.

"I can't help you here, sorry. You have to do it yourself," she replied calmly, as if it were universally accepted that a student was expected to combat a zombie.

Aaron's instincts took over. He located a sharp stick, once part of a wooden chair, and with a swift motion, he dispatched the slow-moving zombie. Relief flooded over him, until he heard another noise and turned to find another intruder—a zombie that he recognized as his neighbor, Samuel, notorious for borrowing everything.

"Dammit, Samuel, you too?" Aaron cursed, flinging a table. By sheer luck, one of the legs pierced the zombie's neck, ending its grotesque existence. Aaron seized the moment and dispatched the remaining foe with the makeshift weapon.

Thankful for his penchant for macabre novels, Aaron caught his breath and muttered, "Thank God for novels."

As he stood amid the aftermath, a strange sensation coursed through him, energy flowing from the defeated zombies into his body. It was a refreshing surge, his body growing stronger and more agile.

And then, Evadora's voice resounded, a hint of mirth in her tone. "Not closing the door, huh? You must really love zombies."

As Aaron closed the door and windows, he finally took a closer look at Evadora. She was an ethereal presence, exuding an otherworldly grace. Though her appearance was delicate and unblemished, something about her emanated power beyond comprehension.

Aaron couldn't help but inquire, "So, tell me, how are you back from the dead, little flower?"

A mysterious smile danced on her lips as she replied, "You'll find out soon enough."