The Echo Effect
The meeting with Lia took place at a cozy virtual café, nestled within the digital landscape. The café's warm ambiance provided a comforting contrast to the uncertainty that had been brewing within Alex since his visions. As he entered the virtual space, he found Lia sitting at a corner table, a holographic menu floating before her.
Lia looked up, her eyes lighting up as she spotted Alex. "Hey there! I'm glad you could make it."
"Hey, Lia. Thanks for inviting me," Alex replied, taking a seat across from her.
She waved her hand dismissively. "Of course! You sounded intrigued by the Echo Effect, so I thought we could dive into it together."
Alex nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Absolutely. What have you found?"
Lia accessed her augmented reality interface and projected a holographic news article between them. The headline read, "Unexplained Phenomenon Rocks Neo-City: The Echo Effect." The article went on to describe a series of incidents where individuals reported experiencing strange visions and sensations, similar to what Alex had encountered.
"People are saying that they're seeing glimpses of alternate realities," Lia explained, her expression thoughtful. "It's as if they're catching echoes of different timelines. Some even claim to have foreseen events that came true."
Alex's heart raced as he absorbed the information. The description of the phenomenon resonated with his own experiences. He leaned forward, his voice laced with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. "This sounds eerily familiar. I've been having similar visions."
Lia's eyes widened. "Wait, seriously? You too?"
Alex nodded, his gaze fixed on the holographic article. "It started after our visit to the gallery. I saw glimpses of people I don't recognize, places I've never been. It's like I'm peering into different timelines."
Lia leaned in, her expression earnest. "Alex, this could be connected to your ability to access the Future System. Maybe you're tapping into parallel futures, seeing the echoes of choices that lead down different paths."
His mind raced, connecting the dots between his experiences and the Echo Effect. It was as if the threads of destiny were weaving a tapestry before him, a tapestry that he was only just beginning to comprehend. "It's... overwhelming. I don't know what to make of it."
Lia placed a reassuring hand on his. "We're in this together, Alex. Maybe we can figure out what's going on and how to control it."
Alex's gaze met Lia's, and he felt a sense of gratitude for her unwavering support. He nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "You're right. We should investigate further, try to understand the connection between my ability and the Echo Effect."
Lia smiled warmly. "Great! Let's start by gathering more information. We can interview people who've experienced the phenomenon and see if there are any patterns."
As they continued to discuss their plan, Alex's uncertainty began to wane. Lia's presence and her willingness to face the unknown with him provided a sense of clarity amidst the chaos. Together, they forged a path forward, seeking answers to questions that had the potential to reshape their understanding of reality itself.