Chapter 3 - Evolution

Several people reported about the chosen ones who had suddenly acquired capabilities beyond the scope of ordinary humans.

Some footage featured a person sprouting wings from their back before soaring into the sky, which was too realistic to be faked due to the video's quality and swiftness of its circulation online.

Ethan cast his gaze toward the TV. 

"We can verify that everyone is going through a similar experience. According to the anonymous being who warned us, there will be a calamity that will affect the planet."

"Random individuals are arbitrarily being given power that might avert the impending peril."

"We have been in contact with a person claiming to have received such power…."

Ethan stood and arose from the sofa where he had been sitting. He took a brief stroll around the tiny apartment and peered through the window blinds multiple times.

He was concerned about his family, he had thought of rescuing them, but it was not a simple decision since he was living far away from them.

Ethan lashed the wall several times, gritting his teeth, then ran his fingers through the thin beard on his chin before tousling his already disheveled short hair.

"Power? Games? Calamity? Rubbish! Rubbish! Is this real? I still can't believe it."

Ethan pondered deeply, feeling his panic rising under these dire circumstances. It was only natural. Struggling to find a solution to his problem, he threw open his apartment window. The night sky was illuminated with reflections of lights and car sirens on the streets, accompanied by screams and cries from nearby. His heart ached at the sound.

“IF THIS IS REAL!!! WHY DON'T YOU GIVE ME THE POWER YOU PROMISED!!!” he yelled with all his might until his throat was raw.

He shut his mouth and took several deep breaths.

Suddenly, a flash of light illuminated the ground in the distance, slowly crawling across the dark sky. Several seconds later, thunderous bangs created a loud chorus in the sky.

“What???” Ethan shouted in despair.

The ear-splitting thunder reverberated, causing Ethan to collapse to the ground, shielding his ears. Those who bear witness to such an intense sound several times over could risk their ears bursting.

The quake of the apartment where he resided intensified with each lightning strike, and other structures outside the window were evidently damaged.

“What the hell is that???”

Ethan stood up and gazed outside, only to witness multiple flashes of light descending toward him. The last one struck directly where he was standing, causing the mirrors in the room to shatter and scatter everywhere.

The force of the impact sent his body crashing against the wall and cupboard. Glass shards impaled his back, and the overwhelming pain immediately numbed his senses.

He tried to move his legs, but they were glued to the floor. He was dazed by the pain. He lay on the floor, desperately trying to endure the anguish.

“Please, help me....” he mumbled.

His body was wracked with pain. His skin seared and dissolved gradually, despite the fact that there was no apparent fire. His bones were suddenly fractured in multiple places, completely pulverized, making his body fragile and unable to resist anymore.

“I can't hold it!!!” he cried out.

The last cry he could manage, the last thing he experienced, was an emotion of powerlessness engulfed in agony that filled his whole being.

“AAAAAAAAAAAH!!”

Three minutes elapsed, and it seemed like an eternity to him, this anguish should have caused him to lose consciousness, yet his eyes remained wide open, suppressing the pain. Ruby-red veins protruded from his eyes, and a few tears of blood trickled down his cheeks.

[Congratulations! You have been selected to receive power. Do you accept it?]

He hesitated briefly but decided not to hesitate further as he wanted these powers so badly he could taste them on his tongue.

He, still in pain, managed to utter a "Yes!" in response.

The randomization begins and quickly stops at 'S'.

[You will acquire devastating powers.]

[Random bonus stats points ranging from 1 to 5.]

[You receive a 4-stats point bonus.]

[Please review the modifications you accept via your user profile.]

He also receives a random bonus of 4 status points. He can check the changes to his user profile to verify the new abilities.

After the stream of writings halted, his pain gradually diminished until it vanished entirely.

The skin on his body that had been charred slowly hardened and left scorch marks resembling cracks across his body. As he moved, some of the dry skin flaked off and fell to the ground, beneath which was a layer of skin that was cleaner and newer than his old skin.

Still, Ethan's body was stiff. The lingering pain was now gradually replaced by a surge of energy that raced through him. He could distinctly feel the flow of blood throughout his body, bringing a sensation of freshness and vigor.

A few minutes later, Ethan made an attempt to stand, brushing the dry skin from his hands and feet. He was astounded to find that the surfaces of his skin were now cleaner and more lively.

Instantly his gaze roved the room. His vision seemed brighter and keener now. He reached for the broken piece of the mirror on the floor and examined his face for any changes.

Ethan gasped in wonderment at the transformation before him. His face, now clean and bright, no longer had the layers of beard on his chin and jaw, and he appeared much thinner than before. He stood up, noticing that his area and range of vision were different. He ran to the window, raking his hands through his hair, and then moved to the wall lining.

“My body! It feels taller than it used to be.”

He slapped his cheeks with newfound strength, the blows harsher than before, yet his skin felt thicker and his bones sturdier.

"This is really happening? What was that writing?"

He tried to recall the words that had appeared during his ordeal.

“User Profile?”

Suddenly, a series of transparent green writing returned to his vision.