Chapter 2

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Chapter 2: The Power of Wishes

Leo lay under the stars that night, staring at the dark canopy of the sky. The conversation with Raven replayed in his mind—the way she had sized him up, and the cautious respect that had finally softened her gaze after he fixed the communicator. A few hours ago, he would have sworn he was dreaming. Now, every sensation, every flicker of firelight, and every sound of the forest around him was proof enough that this was very real.

He sighed, running a hand over the rough earth beneath him. His memories were still a jumble, and it was hard to wrap his mind around how he had come to be here. But one thing he remembered clearly was a faint voice, like an echo across space and time, offering him three wishes for this new life. At the time, he'd barely understood what it meant, thinking he'd lost his mind entirely. Now, those words seemed monumental.

Sitting up, he whispered to himself, testing the limits of this strange new world. "System," he called out, feeling a little silly.

The translucent screen appeared before him, hovering in the air. The panels were empty, but somehow, the sight comforted him. He was not alone in this.

[WISH PANEL ACTIVATED]

You have been granted three wishes to aid you in this world. Please make your selections carefully.

The words were simple, but their impact was profound. Leo closed his eyes, considering his options. He didn't know the future, but he had watched the show; he knew this world was full of danger, a place where survival was hard-won. If he was going to make it here, he needed more than just luck. He needed abilities that would make him invaluable to the people around him—and keep him alive.

After a few deep breaths, he focused on his first wish.

Wish 1: Enhanced Mechanical Knowledge

With a soft hum, the screen acknowledged his choice, and almost immediately, he felt a rush of information flood his mind. Circuits, schematics, equations—things he barely understood in his previous life—now felt like second nature. It was as if he'd spent years studying and working in mechanics, though he hadn't touched a tool until now. His mind brimmed with ideas for repairs, constructions, and even weapons, if necessary. He smiled to himself. This would help him survive and give him a chance to earn a place with Raven and the others.

He moved on to his second wish.

Wish 2: Artistic Mastery

A different sensation washed over him, subtler but powerful. Memories of sketching in his old life came back to him, and now they were layered with skills he'd never imagined. Suddenly, he could picture the world in vivid detail, from the lines of a leaf to the vast landscapes he wanted to capture. Art had always been an outlet for him, a way to escape; here, it could be something more. Maybe in this harsh, post-apocalyptic world, his art could inspire, connect, even provide hope for those who needed it most.

He paused before his third wish, realizing that this was his last chance. He'd need something practical, something that would strengthen his chances in a world that demanded endurance.

Wish 3: Enhanced Physical Endurance

Once again, he felt the system acknowledge his wish. Almost immediately, a strange warmth flooded his muscles, a subtle change that left him feeling stronger and more resilient. He felt his heartbeat steady, the slight soreness in his limbs fading as his body adjusted to its new limits. Surviving on Earth, with its endless challenges and dangers, would be easier with these new physical capabilities.

When he opened his eyes, he felt like a different person, not just mentally but physically. His mind was sharper, his body stronger, and a sense of purpose filled him. The panel faded away, but its last message lingered in his vision.

Wishes Granted. Best of luck, Leo.

The words disappeared, leaving him with a sense of both exhilaration and gravity. This was real. He'd asked for skills that would set him apart, give him a fighting chance, and now it was up to him to use them wisely.

Just then, a familiar chime sounded, and a new screen popped up.

[NEW QUEST: FRIEND OR FOE?]

Objective: Meet and build a bond with other members of the 100 to establish alliances.

Reward: +5 Charisma, +10 Experience Points

He chuckled, the quest panel almost feeling like a nudge from the universe. With his new abilities, maybe it wouldn't be as hard to make allies. If anything, his knowledge of mechanics should give him a chance to prove himself, just as he had with Raven.

---

The next morning, Leo awoke to find Raven already busy, working on some machinery near the edge of the camp. He approached her, feeling the confidence that his first successful wish had given him.

"Need help?" he asked, kneeling beside her.

Raven glanced at him, eyeing him with a hint of skepticism. But after yesterday, she didn't seem entirely closed off to the idea. "If you're up for it, sure. This thing's been busted since we landed."

Leo took a closer look. It appeared to be a transmitter, heavily damaged but potentially salvageable. With his new mechanical knowledge, he recognized the problem almost immediately. "The capacitor's fried, and it's messing with the circuits. I think I can fix it."

She handed him a screwdriver without a word, watching as he worked. He carefully replaced the damaged parts with ones they had salvaged, his hands moving with a confidence that surprised even him. When he finished, he handed the transmitter back to her.

"Give it a try," he said, smiling a little.

Raven hesitated, but then she flipped the switch. A small red light blinked on, followed by a faint signal. Her eyes widened, a mixture of relief and disbelief on her face. "It's… it's working?"

He nodded. "It's not perfect, but it should hold for now."

For the first time, Raven looked genuinely impressed. "Not bad, Leo. Not bad at all." She nodded toward the rest of the camp. "You should meet Clarke. She could use someone who knows their way around tech, especially with everything falling apart."

Leo's heart raced at the mention of Clarke Griffin. She was the heart of the group, and if he could gain her trust, it would be a huge step forward. "Sure. Lead the way."

---

Raven introduced him to Clarke a short while later. She was just as he'd imagined—confident, strong, and exuding a natural authority. When she looked at him, her gaze was direct, assessing, as if she could see right through him.

"Leo, right?" she asked, her tone brisk but not unkind. "Raven tells me you're good with tech."

He nodded, trying to keep his excitement in check. "I've had a bit of practice, yeah. I just helped her get the transmitter working again."

Clarke's expression softened a little, her eyes gleaming with relief. "That's a start. We've had trouble with almost everything since landing, and any help we can get is welcome."

Leo couldn't resist the urge to make a small offer. "I can also help keep morale up. I'm… decent with art, if that helps."

Clarke raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Art, huh? Can't say that's high on the list out here. But I suppose we could all use a bit of hope now and then."

A small smile tugged at his lips. "That's what I'm here for."

The conversation might have been brief, but he could feel a connection forming, the first steps toward a friendship. As Clarke turned back to her work, Leo glanced around, realizing how deeply he had already integrated into this new life. He had his wishes, his system, and now, allies who might just help him survive. The challenges would only get harder from here, but with Raven and Clarke by his side, he was ready.

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And as he settled into his new role, another quest screen flashed:

Quest Complete: Friend or Foe?

Reward: +5 Charisma, +10 Experience Points

Leo grinned. This was only the beginning.