2 Chapter 2: The World
11 years have passed since the first exchange. The world went through a period of turmoil for a while, but through affirmative government action, the situation stabilized into something more manageable.
The Heavens Exchange was possible throughout anywhere in the world. However, it became clear that the same wish had a stronger effect with a lower risk in certain locations. The government quickly took control of those locations and placed them under guard from the public. In doing so, underground groups found locations that weren't under government control and opened them to the public. Of course, it wasn't free. Incredible amounts of money were required to even attempt to make an exchange.
The locations were divided by stars, with the increase in star count meaning the greater spiritual involvement and less risk. For example, a local park was known to have abnormally high spiritual involvement. A young college student made a wish for increased athleticism, as he was involved in his college sports team. In exchange, he only lost the feeling in the toes of his right foot. The same wish was made by a different man in similar circumstances, however he lost his voice, his emotions, and roughly half of his lifespan. The park was deemed 4 stars, as the exchanges provided minor inconveniences. Locations that where it costs the wisher too much were deemed 1 star. The most dangerous would be Starless locations, as it caused most wishes complete invalidation even if they are granted. They usually result in death.
In order to avoid needless sacrifices and the expansion of the criminal syndicates, the government created a rewards program. Government employees would be allowed to make wishes at 3-star locations. The higher-ups and important world figures were eligible for 4-star clearance. The public could use simple 1-star areas, and citizens that contributed enough to society or had outstanding achievements could use the 2-star areas.
Naturally, people flocked to the better areas in the beginning, making absurd and crazy wishes but losing everything in the process. After a few weeks of watching the horrible repercussions of the wishes, the hype died down. People still tried to make wishes, but the wishes became calmer, like knowledge needed for upcoming exams, or fisherman might ask for a larger haul. The costs weren't very destructive to peoples lives so many were still willing.
Of course, normal people still existed who preferred to live their lives normally, without making a wish. But many questions and doubts remained in society. Who decides on the value of the wish? Why are certain areas graced with a stronger spiritual connection? Where did the Exchange come from? Is this a curse? Or a blessing?
