Chapter 1: Unveiling Realms

The storm outside Newton High School mirrored the tempest churning within Jake Thompson. Alone in his room, he clutched his phone, its once ordinary screen now pulsating with an ethereal glow. The thunder outside seemed to accentuate the surreal nature of the moment.Hesitant but intrigued, Jake tapped the screen, unwittingly opening a portal to a chat group that transcended mortal comprehension. Names that resonated with ancient power flooded his vision: Zeus, Anubis, Freyja, and others whose stories had only lived in the pages of myth.In the luminous interface, the gods regarded him with a mix of curiosity and scrutiny. Jake's voice wavered as he questioned the cosmic anomaly that had enveloped him, "How... how am I here?"Zeus, the mighty ruler of Olympus, fixed his gaze upon the mortal. "You tread where mortals aren't meant to. Lightning, an ancient force, chose you. We gods must know why."Unease settled in Jake's chest, a weighty acknowledgment of the divine attention thrust upon him. "I didn't choose this. It chose me. What do you want?"Anubis, the jackal-headed god of the afterlife, spoke with a voice as ancient as eternity, "There is potential in the unexpected. Mortal, we propose a trade. Offer something from your world, and in return, we shall bestow artifacts of divine origin upon you."The room seemed to hold its breath as Jake contemplated the proposition. The gods, their eyes pools of cosmic wisdom, awaited his response. What could he offer that would satisfy beings beyond mortal comprehension?The storm outside intensified, echoing the turbulent uncertainty within Jake's mind. In that moment, the bridge between worlds had been forged, and a journey into the unknown lay ahead.