Chapter 2 - A Calamity

The night sky lit up with a brilliant flash as a meteor streaked across the sky. A giant human-shaped rock monster materialized in the aftermath, towering tall as a 10-story building. Illuminated by a flight of helicopters hovering above, its head was unmistakably human-like, with eyes of red crystal that glittered in the light.

"What is that? It looks like a giant rock monster," one of the reporters asked, pointing at the meteorite-like object.

The giant lifted its upper body slowly, followed by a thunderous thud of its other limbs hitting the ground. It seemed almost impossible to discern how the massive being was able to bend its body.

The reporter was speechless as he watched the monster move. "It was clear that this meteor wasn't just an inanimate object but a living being that had seemingly come to Earth with an unknown purpose."

[Good night, people of Earth!]

A loud boom reverberated, startling Ethan. Instantly, he clapped his hands over his ears, and vivid green digital text blossomed before him, the words crystal clear and unmistakable.

"What in the world…."

He thrust out a hand, attempting to feel the green text, yet it remained intangible. He shifted his gaze, and the writing shifted as if it was tracking his eye movements.

"Could this be Virtual Reality?" he wondered.

"We all heard a voice purported to be emanating from the Rock Monster in front of us, followed by words written in mid-air visible to all. That's how the team and I perceived it," the TV reporter reported.

"No way!" Ethan thought, trying to make sense of the phenomenon he was witnessing, as he was neither drunk nor on drugs nor using any technology to read the writing. Yet, after the journalist on TV corroborated the same experience, Ethan started to accept the reality of what had happened to him.

[I am here to alert you of the impending danger that is coming your way.]

The strange voice continued.

"The words that came from the meteorite are written in green text, which appears on the screen before us. We're not sure what it means, but it seems that it is some sort of warning." the TV reporter continued.

[A few chosen individuals will be entrusted with the responsibility of protecting your world. They will be randomly granted power; make sure to use it wisely. I shall then administer four tests to ensure that your destruction will not come to pass. Any queries?]

Ethan wondered, "Threat? Strength? Chosen one? Tests? Why does this sound increasingly similar to a video game?" He lifted his right hand, hoping for something to occur, and the green text appeared:

[Would you like to ask a question?]

The digital system before him was incredibly interactive; it immediately responded to his thoughts. Then, he heard a distinct voice, unlike the Stone Monster's, that sounded like the chattering of children.

[Can you explain to me if it's similar to a video game? Are we able to gain special abilities, battle monsters, and progress to higher levels?]

The voice said.

Ethan paused, struck by the realization that someone had managed to articulate the absurd query he was thinking of: Could we gain special abilities, battle monsters, and level up like in a video game? It may have sounded ridiculous, but everything that was happening seemed to point to that conclusion, just like in a fantasy novel or video game. It was totally outlandish, yet unbelievably true.

[So smart!]

The golem's voice exclaimed.

[That's exactly it! Something like that!]

[I think all of you are smart enough to figure out all this for yourselves]

[Any other questions?]

Ethan shouted, "Who are you? What is your identity? And why should we follow the game you offer?" in haste, hoping that his questions would be heard by the mysterious system before him. As expected, his voice was soon answered in the form of a buzz, and green writing appeared with a newfound reply.

[I am your savior. My identity is yet to be revealed. And, this is no game.]

[Ignore my caution, and you will never get another opportunity to regret it.]

Subsequent comments and inquiries followed. [You claimed to be a savior. However, your coming has caused calamity for us. How can we trust your words?] 

[Is the existence of some people not worth more than your demise?]

Ethan felt a sudden surge of panic. "Wait, what does it mean?"

[I don't have much time.]

[In a few minutes, some of you will experience a transformation.]

[Take the four tests I will give, and you will obtain incredible powers, like superhuman strength, extreme speed, and whatever else you can think of.]

[I will return when you have accomplished all the tests.]

The piercing echo abruptly ceased, and the Rock Monster appeared on the TV, only to disintegrate into pieces of boulder and debris.

"What just happened?" Ethan asked, bewildered.

He was overwhelmed with a lot of questions. He tried to reach out to Sierra. He dialed her number, yet it was disconnected. He repeated the same action with his mother's number, but the same result occurred.

"This is weird," Ethan muttered.

Desperately, Ethan slumped onto the sofa while futilely searching the TV screen for answers. 'What happened? Siera? Mom?'

The reporter continued. "Reports from government and military sources suggest that a vast magnetic field encircles this city and several nearby towns, creating an impenetrable barrier that prevents anyone from entering or leaving. This dome also appears to be the cause of limited digital communication, as strange issues have been experienced with internet access outside of the dome."

Ethan attempted to access several international websites on his smartphone, but he was unable to access any of them. He then decided to try a local social media website, and he could access it with no issues. On the website, Ethan found a wealth of posts and images created by local people.

"I have read about such things in novels."

"Oh wow, a post-apocalyptic world, I thought this only existed in books!"

"Please, select me! Please, select me! I desire to be a Participant."

"I am terrified that my family is in the affected area, I am unable to reach them."

"The world has ended, God, pardon our sins, forgive our transgressions."

Numerous posts with pictures of the aftermath of the explosion were also widely circulated. The government was responsive this time, as many relief teams had reached the site.

Ethan continued to browse social media posts. His gaze paused on one post, about.

"At last, I was chosen! You won't believe it. I can really fly in the sky!"