The Tower’s Emergence

I didn't expect things to turn out the way they did. None of us did. We all believed we were living in a world governed by politics, religion, science, and numbers. Then one day, everything changed—both for better and for worse. I no longer had cancer; the relentless worry about paying medical bills vanished. But in its place emerged an incalculable number of new problems.

It all began the day the continents magically rose hundreds of feet into the sky. There were no earthquakes, no tsunamis, no natural disasters—just a silent, surreal defiance of the laws of physics. Cities perched atop these elevated lands, their skylines suddenly stretching closer to the heavens.

Not long after, Earth began to expand, swelling to a size comparable to that of Saturn. The transformation didn't stop there. A colossal supercontinent emerged, a landmass that redefined the geography of our planet and irrevocably altered the course of human history.

With the new supercontinent, at its epicenter stood an awe-inspiring tower, dwarfing any structure in human history. This monolithic edifice reached into the sky, a beacon of mystery and transformation. Those who entered the tower experienced an astonishing metamorphosis: their bodies were restored to their physical prime, free of sickness and disability, though their heights remained unchanged.

Inside the tower, a gateway opened to other "levels," each a distinct realm brimming with challenges and adventures. It was as if reality had merged with a fantastical game world. People could undertake quests issued by the system and interact with NPCs—non-player characters—designed to guide and test them. Completing these quests allowed individuals to gain experience and "level up," enhancing their abilities and strengths.

At first, it seemed like a miraculous opportunity, a new frontier for humanity. But as time went on, we began to realize that the tower held secrets and dangers beyond our wildest imaginations. The administrators had painted a picture of endless possibilities, but the reality was far more complex and perilous than we could have ever anticipated. We were pawns—no, being a pawn implied we had a role to play. In the sick game of the Prime, the gods and demons were mere children. We lesser beings were toys...a source of entertainment.

________________________________________

I squinted at the TV screen mounted on the wall opposite my hospital bed, the news anchor's face a blur even with my glasses on. The brightness of the room, the sterile scent of antiseptic, and the quiet hum of machines filled the air. My head throbbed with a dull ache, a constant reminder of the stage 4 brain cancer that had taken over my life. At 29, I should have been out there living, not confined to this bed, struggling to see and do anything on my own.

The news was just background noise, something to distract me from my reality. I barely registered the stories being reported, my mind was too foggy to focus… Honestly, I didn't care about the news, or anything for that matter… I was dying. 

Before I could go into a mental self-deprivation rabbit hole, I heard a soft knock at the door which brought me back to the present.

"Alistair," a gentle voice called. I turned my head slowly, wincing at the effort. Stacy, my nurse, stood there with a warm smile on her face. She was a blonde woman, about 38 years old, and one of the few people who still treated me with kindness. In her hand, she held a cupcake—a chocolate one, my favorite.

"Happy birthday," she said, stepping into the room and closing the door behind her.

A bitter smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. "Thanks," I muttered, my voice rough from disuse. Birthdays had lost their meaning to me. Each year marked just another milestone of suffering. It was also a reminder that I was that much closer to death. Day by day, it got harder and harder for me, psychologically, and mentally… But Stacy… Help me with the pain in more ways than one.

"How are you feeling today?" Stacy asked, placing the cupcake on the small table beside my bed. She adjusted the pillow behind my head, her movements practiced and efficient.

"Would you believe me if I said better?" I asked with a bitter smile. 

"Alistair, your smile isn't even real right now. How could I believe the words coming out of it?"

"Ha… In that case, another year older, another year closer."

Stacy sighed softly, not chastising me for my negativity. She knew better than anyone the toll this illness had taken on me. "I brought you something special," she said, nodding towards the cupcake. "Chocolate, just how you like it."

"Thanks," I said again, softer this time. I looked at the cupcake but made no move to reach for it. My hands trembled too much these days, and I didn't want to make a mess.

Stacy noticed and, without a word, picked up the cupcake and held it out to me. "Here, let me help."

Reluctantly, I took a small bite. The rich flavor was a brief comfort, a momentary distraction from the pain. "It's good," I admitted, swallowing carefully.

Stacy smiled, pleased. "I'm glad you like it."

I stared at the cupcake, my mind drifting to the people I'd pushed away—friends, family, anyone who'd tried to care. I'd said things… Terrible fucking things. I drove them all away in a misguided attempt to spare them from watching me deteriorate. Now, on my birthday, I was alone with only Stacy's kindness to keep me company… I was surprised that she stayed by my side. I spat more venom at her than 10 cobras combined.

"Do you want to talk about anything?" Stacy asked gently, sensing my melancholy.

I shook my head with my lips trembling, thinking about all the people who could have been here celebrating with me. "No. Just...thanks for being here."

She nodded, understanding. "Anytime, Alistair. Anytime."

As she left the room, I turned my gaze back to the blurred images on the TV, the cupcake still in my hand. Alone with my thoughts, I wondered if I'd ever have the chance to make amends—or if it was already too late. 

I wasn't a people person by any means, but people had a habit of gravitating around me. Sometimes for the better or worse. In the case of all my friends and family members, they wanted nothing but the best of me… But, when I got sick, I sensed that they all changed a little. They all started looking at me and if I was a sick puppy.

They all looked at me like I was weak… I could sense that some of them looked at me like I was a hindrance to their lives… I-I felt wronged by them. When I was healthy, I did all I could for the betterment of other people. I would try to help them find strength within themselves whenever they were down. I looked at everybody as equals… But when I got sick, they looked at me like I was weak… I WASN'T WEAK! 

It… It hurt me; The look they had in their eyes. I didn't want anyone to see me deteriorating in a hospital bed. That wasn't how I wanted to be remembered. I wanted to be a beacon of hope for people who needed it, but the way people began to treat me, it was a constant reminder that I couldn't be… Not while I was in the battle with cancer.

As I was trapped in my thoughts, suddenly, the screen flickered and went dark. The hum of the machines around me ceased, plunging the room into an eerie silence. A nationwide power outage.

Through the thin walls of the hospital, I started to hear people panic. Muffled voices rose in alarm, confusion, and fear. I heard the distant sound of cars crashing outside, the chaotic noise filtering through the windows. My heart began to race, and I felt a wave of panic rising within me.

Before I could call out for Stacy, a strange blue aura began to wrap around my body. The panic subsided, replaced by a profound sense of calm. Warmth spread through me, and for the first time in 4 years, my mind felt clear.

"What is this?" I whispered, feeling the sensation wash over me.

The feeling was euphoric, unlike anything I had ever experienced. It-it actually looked like I was gaining muscle back. No, I was!

My vision… It was getting even more blurry, but not because my eyesight was getting worse, but because glasses weren't meant for people who could see clearly.

The aches and pains I felt, they were disappearing. The weakness, the fog—it all was fading away. 

Strength began to surge through my limbs, and I felt... rejuvenated! The aura around me grew brighter and brighter, illuminating the room in a soft, white light.

Just then, Stacy burst back into the room. Her jaw dropped as she saw me enveloped in the glowing aura. Before she or I could say anything, the light intensified, and in an instant, I was no longer in my hospital bed.

________________________________________

"Stacy!" I shouted, reaching my arm out to her, but before me wasn't Stacy, only random people I had never met before in my entire life. "Where…where am I?" I mumbled, looking around, but what caught my attention wasn't the people, but the fact that I could stand up straight without aid or getting light-headed.

"This… Did I get raptured?" I smiled in shock and disbelief. 

After analyzing my body, I quickly realized that that wasn't the case. I still had an IV needle hanging out of my arm. If I had gone to heaven, I was certain that it wouldn't have been there… I also wouldn't have had my ass exposed for everyone else to see while I was in a medical gown.

Looking around, I realized that I now stood in the midst of a vast, open city, surrounded by millions of strangers. The cityscape around me was breathtakingly futuristic, bordering on the line of magic. Towering skyscrapers twisted into the sky, their surfaces shimmering with iridescent light. Roads and walkways, suspended mid-air, wove intricately between the buildings. Everything was sleek, polished, imbued with a transcendental shine that made it seem like a scene from a dream, and strangely enough, was uninhabited.

As I looked around, I noticed that I wasn't the only one in shock. People of all ages stood frozen, their faces reflecting fear and confusion. Mothers clutched their children tightly, elderly folks looked around bewildered, and young adults exchanged panicked glances.

"What's going on? I-I can see!?" a man near me shouted in disbelief, his voice trembling.

"I was just at home," a woman said, her eyes wide with terror. "How did I get here?"

"I don't know," another voice chimed in. "One moment I was at work, and the next…I'm here."

"My leg grew back!" A man cried.

'Maybe… Maybe this is heaven,' I thought as I heard people talking about miracles all around me.)

As the crowd began to grow more restless, tensions flared. Arguments broke out, voices rising in anger and fear. Two men nearby shoved each other, their argument escalating into a scuffle. The people around them tried to pull them apart, but the chaos only seemed to spread.

"Calm down!" someone shouted, but their voice was lost in the growing cacophony.

Just as the situation seemed about to spiral out of control, a voice rang out above the din. "Look at that building!" A hush fell over the crowd as everyone turned to see what the person was pointing at.

In the distance stood a colossal tower, dwarfing even the tallest skyscrapers around it. Its structure was unlike anything I had ever seen. It had no windows, its surface smooth and unbroken, shimmering with a strange, otherworldly light. The architecture was alien, with intricate patterns and designs that seemed to pulse with energy.

"What is that?" someone whispered, awe and fear mingling in their tone.

"It's huge," another person said. "Bigger than anything I've ever seen."

As I stared at the tower, a sense of unease settled over me. This place, this city, and that tower—it all felt unreal, like a bizarre blend of advanced technology and magic. I had no idea where I was or how I had gotten here, but one thing was clear: this was only the beginning of something far beyond my understanding.

Seemingly confirming my suspicions, a semi-transparent purple screen popped up right in front of my face. Curious, I reached out to touch it, but my hand phased through as if it were made of smoke. Looking around, I noticed that everyone else seemed to be staring at similar screens, though I couldn't see theirs, and they couldn't see mine. Voices rose around me, people commenting on the strange phenomenon, confirming that I wasn't going crazy.

"What is this?"

"Is this some kind of hologram?"

"I can't touch it either!"

Before I could process it further, a man who looked to be in his late 40s appeared on my screen. He was strikingly handsome, with chiseled features, piercing blue eyes, and neatly combed silver hair that gave him an air of authority and wisdom. He wore a sharp, tailored suit that shimmered with a metallic sheen, the fabric seeming to shift colors subtly as he moved. The suit was adorned with intricate patterns that glowed faintly, adding an otherworldly elegance to his appearance.

"Hello everyone," the man said, his voice resonating in my head. "My name is Chronos. I am an administrator for the tower."

It was odd—he was speaking in a language I had never heard before, yet I understood every word perfectly. I glanced around and saw that others were reacting similarly, their expressions a mix of confusion, awe, and fear.

"What is this place?"

"Who are you?"

"Why can I understand him?"

Chronos continued, unperturbed by the growing chaos. "You have been chosen to participate in a grand trial within the tower. Your world has changed, and with it, so have you. This is an opportunity, a challenge, and for some, a rebirth."

The crowd's reactions varied wildly. Some people screamed, others cried, and a few stood in stunned silence. A group near me began to argue, their voices growing louder as fear took hold.

"This is fucking crazy!"

"Is this some kind of experiment?"

"We need to get out of here!"

Chronos's presence remained calm and composed. "I understand your confusion and fear. All will be explained in time. For now, know that you are not alone, and you have been given a chance to achieve greatness beyond your wildest dreams."

As his words sank in, I felt a strange mix of emotions—fear, hope, curiosity. The blue aura still surrounding me pulsed gently, a constant reminder of the power I had felt moments ago.

"Now, you all may be curious as to why you are here," Chronos said, his voice soothing yet authoritative. "Where you are may also be another concern. Allow me to answer."

The crowd grew quieter, hanging onto his every word. I could feel the tension in the air as everyone waited for an explanation.

"Humanity's struggle has always been internal, a constant battle against its own limitations and flaws. But now, thanks to your efforts, a new era dawns. Aetheria, once lost to the annals of time, has resurfaced on Earth, a testament to your resilience and determination. The tower, a symbol of hope and progress, has been born anew, its presence a beacon of change.

"In the past decade, you have defied the odds, turning the tide of your world's fate. Through your collective actions, you have not only halted the decline but propelled humanity towards a brighter future. And now, as the tower administrator, I stand before you to announce a momentous achievement: the awakening of mana.

"Mana, the essence of magic and power, now flows through your world, a testament to your evolution and growth. It is a reward for your perseverance and dedication, a sign that you are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The journey ahead will not be easy, but with mana at your disposal, you have the tools to shape your destiny and usher in a new era of prosperity and progress."

As Chronos concluded his explanation, a ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd, each voice expressing a mixture of confusion and skepticism.

"Mana? What does that even mean?" one person exclaimed, their voice tinged with disbelief.

"Did he just say we have mana now?" another chimed in, their tone incredulous.

"How exactly did we manage to halt a decline, whatever the fuck that means?" a third person demanded, their frustration evident.

The lack of clarity in Chronos' explanation only served to fuel the crowd's discontent, their frustration mounting with each passing moment.

Chronos waited for the crowd to settle before continuing. "Mana is a powerful energy source that can enhance your world in ways you cannot yet comprehend. It is both a gift and a responsibility. The tower you see before you is the gateway to understanding and mastering this new power. Each of you has been chosen to participate in the trials within the tower, to harness mana, and to ascend to new heights of human potential."

As the murmurs grew louder within the crowd, a sense of uncertainty and skepticism permeated the air.

"This sounds like something out of a fantasy novel," one person scoffed, their disbelief evident in their tone.

"Are we seriously supposed to believe this?" another questioned, their voice tinged with frustration and suspicion.

"And what happens if we fail?" a third voice interjected, echoing the concerns of many. The lack of concrete information from Chronos only fueled their skepticism and anger, leaving them feeling uneasy and distrustful of the situation.

Amidst the growing tension, a few voices rose in anger, their words laced with profanity. "This is absolute bullshit!" one person shouted, their frustration boiling over. "I didn't sign up for some goddamn fairy tale!"

Another person joined in, their voice trembling with rage. "I want answers, not this cryptic nonsense!" they yelled, their fists clenched in frustration.

The atmosphere crackled with discontent as more voices joined the chorus of anger and doubt, demanding clarity and accountability from Chronos.

Chronos raised a hand, and the crowd fell silent again. "You will face many challenges, and the path will not be easy. But the potential rewards are beyond your wildest dreams. You have the chance to achieve greatness, to become protectors and pioneers of this new world."

"Now, just because you have been summoned here first does not mean you are the only chosen," Chronos said, his tone serious yet encouraging. "The Tower is an opportunity for all. I can't stress it enough. If you have the will, there is a way. And it's the way of the tower."

The crowd buzzed with hums, some more curious than others. Chronos continued, undeterred. "Currently, there are about 1 billion of you in the first wave. Exactly one-tenth of your population, but all have access."

Suddenly, the screens in front of everyone flickered and displayed a live video feed of Earth. The familiar continents were no longer in their usual places. Instead, they had shifted, and a massive new landmass emerged. Gasps of surprise and disbelief echoed around me.

"Is that…?"

"A new continent?"

"What's happening to the Earth?"

Some people scoffed and made rude comments. "This is a joke, right?"

"Yeah, they've really gone all out with this prank."

Ignoring the skeptics, Chronos's voice resonated once more. "In order to prevent a great catastrophe with the introduction of mana, your home world has increased massively in size. Not only that, but to keep all continents intact, I've telekinetically lifted all seven of them temporarily."

As we watched, strange, ethereal bridges began forming on the live video, connecting the continents as they slowly descended to new locations. The bridges glowed with a soft, otherworldly light, weaving a complex network between the lands.

"This can't be real," someone near me whispered, awe-struck.

As the continents settled into their new positions, the implications of what we were seeing began to sink in. The Earth had been transformed, reshaped to accommodate the advent of mana.

My mind raced with thoughts. If Chronos has the power to alter the planet's geography so drastically, what else can he do? And why would an entity with such capabilities be interested in us? This tower, this entire scenario, seemed too orchestrated, too precise. What's the true purpose behind it all?

Was this a benevolent opportunity, or were we being manipulated? The answers, I realized, lay within the tower. As I glanced around at the confused and frightened faces, I knew that whatever awaited us, we had no choice but to face it together.

As Chronos's words echoed through the crowd, a man near me erupted in rage. "Hey! Fuck you, and fuck this tower!" he shouted, his face contorted with anger. "I don't care about any of this shit. Take me home!"

His outburst sparked a small rebellion, with others joining in, their voices rising in defiance. "Yeah, take us home!"

"This is bullshit!"

"I won't be your pawn!"

More people began to curse out Chronos, some in foreign languages I couldn't understand. "Je ne veux pas aller dans cette tour. J'ai des enfants et une famille!" One woman cried out in French.

Chronos, visibly stressed, took a deep breath, trying to regain control. "I was hoping I didn't have to make an example out of you," he said, his voice strained. "But you people really don't leave me with a choice."

His words only fueled the rebellion further. People shouted insults and threats, their fear and anger boiling over.

Then, suddenly, a gigantic holographic yellow clock appeared in the sky above us. Its presence sent a shiver down my spine. As the clock materialized, the small arm on it started moving rapidly, spinning faster and faster.

I watched in horror as the people in the uproar began to age before my eyes. It started slowly at first, lines appearing on their faces, hair turning gray. But then it accelerated, their bodies withering, skin sagging, and joints stiffening. Regardless of age or gender, they aged rapidly, decades passing in mere seconds.

The screams of terror filled the air as the aging continued, until finally, those who had rebelled were reduced to nothing but dust, swept away by an unseen force. The once lively crowd fell silent, stunned by the sudden and brutal punishment.

I stared in horror, unable to comprehend the sheer magnitude of what I had just witnessed. I could only watch as the dust of human remains began to sweep across the floor. Chronos's power was unfathomable, his actions merciless. The reality of our situation sank in. We were at the mercy of forces far beyond our understanding, and the consequences of defiance were grave indeed.

"I know you can't comprehend how or why I did this, so I'll explain—"

Before Chronos could finish his sentence, a figure burst through the crowd, shouting, "Run!" The person was tall and wiry, with wild, unkempt hair and eyes wide with panic. Their clothes were torn and dirty, a stark contrast to the sleek attire of the others. With urgency in their voice, they beckoned others to follow.

Chronos, his fingers pressed to the bridge of his nose in stress, watched as chaos erupted once again. With a snap of his fingers, the clock in the sky began to move once more, the sound echoing ominously through the air.

As people scrambled to escape, the crowd became a frenzied mass, trampling over each other in their panic. Those who had been running now found themselves transformed into dust by Chronos's power.

As the chaos subsided and people began to stiffen, Chronos spoke again, his voice carrying a weight of regret and determination. "I do this for the benefit of humanity," he said, his words measured and elegant. "The tower... There are beings as powerful as I on the higher floors. There is a possibility that they may come."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, his body language betraying a mix of regret and resolve. "The people that I've killed... Many more of them will end up just like them if you don't listen to what I have to say. Perhaps one day your planet will be in jeopardy..."

His words hung heavy in the air, a somber reminder of the stakes at hand. Despite his regret, Chronos's determination remained unwavering.

The disarray unfolded before me like a nightmare I couldn't wake from. After Chronos's power swept through the crowd, turning people to dust, I stood frozen, unable to comprehend the cruelty unfolding before my eyes.

Then, with a sickening realization, I stumbled backward and fell to the ground. But it wasn't until my hand landed in a pile of dust that I fully understood the extent of what had happened. I looked down, my heart sinking as I realized that the dust beneath me was all that remained of a mother and daughter, who had been standing there only moments ago.

My shaky hands reached out and grabbed a handful of the powdery substance, feeling it slip through my fingers like the sands of time. The weight of the loss pressed down on me, a heavy burden that I couldn't shake off.

"This destruction... The future demise of humanity... All of it could and can be prevented," Chronos began, his voice devoid of emotion but with a hint of sadness behind his eyes. "Your world... Your lives are in your hands. All of your questions will be answered as you climb."

"Some of you may have noticed," he continued, "that the tower has cured your physical ailments. It has taken away cancers, diseases, and all illnesses with the introduction of the system. You will only know truth when you step through its gates."

"To do that, you'll first need to be informed," Chronos stated, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "And for one to know another, one must know himself."

"You'll all understand the deeper meaning of these words after you say the word STATUS," he instructed, his tone unwavering. "You can voice it internally or externally. Either way is fine."

"Once you do," Chronos continued, "an individual will receive a bloodline, innate skill, or bonus skill points. You'll also receive your first quest, just like in video games. How strong you get is dependent on the user."

"In the world of the tower," he concluded, "you'll grow to know that the comparison I've just made is remarkably accurate. That is all for now."

With those final words, Chronos's demeanor remained stoic, but the sadness in his eyes betrayed the weight of his words. And as he spoke, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his story, more to the tower, than he was letting on. But for now, all we could do was follow his instructions and embark on this uncertain journey.