《Towers of the Universe: Awakening》
Chapter 1: The Awakening
The Programmer sat back in his chair, a subdued snap from his lower back echoing throughout the room. Pushing the chair back, he stood up and quickly glanced around the room. The walls glimmered with the light of a million stars. The screen in front of him was filled with code that no mortal could ever decipher.
¡°It¡¯s finally finished, Universe 2.0 is ready for launch¡± he exclaimed. Reaching forward he pressed ENTER and the Universe changed. A wave expanded from the room and went forth. The wave passed through worlds without count. In the wake of the shock-wave, each world was left forever changed. The very laws of the Universe were forever altered. ¡°It¡¯s complete, now to watch the show.¡±
Stretching my hand out, I fumbled for my phone to silence the default ringtone of my alarm. Slipping out of the warm blankets without waking my partner, I made my way to the restroom. Looking back at the bed, I got a glimpse of his form. He was just shy of six feet, with skin the shade of midnight and a firm athletic body from a lifetime of sports. While I did not have enough time to start another round, I was content with memories. I headed to the restroom to continue my morning routine with a slight smile on my lips.
As I quickly finished the shower, with a longing glance at the hot water, I stepped out and dried off. Getting my shaver and toothbrush from my travel bag, I trimmed my goatee and brushed my teeth.
With my morning routine over, I finished dressing for the day, in a black polo and dress pants. We had a deadline at work to get a project finished, as such my boss had been breathing down our necks to ensure it was completed on time. On the bed, a leg pushed from underneath the sheets and a head moved from the pillow. Walking over to Jeremy, I lightly brushed my hand over his body and leaned down to give him a kiss. ¡°See you later, thanks for last night. I needed that.¡±
Jeremy looked up at me and completed the kiss, his eyes where still glazed over from being half asleep. He mumbled to me ¡°You¡¯re welcome, I had a fun time as well. I only wish you would stay longer.¡± Resting his head back down, he covered himself back up with the blankets.
Grabbing my bag, I headed over to the window and took a quick look out. Seeing the coast was clear, I hustled to the garage and started the car. Pulling out of the garage, I saw the streets where crowded as only those in larger cities can be. Dodging cars and flinging words of filth, I finally made it to my office building. A 30-story tower in the sprawling downtown area of the city. I worked for a small engineering company to produce a computer-human interface. The tech was advancing quickly. It would make the company a world-wide name, if we could get it to work. I was a Senior Programmer, responsible for creating code and herding the Junior Programmers along.
I reached my desk with minutes to spare and plopped down into my office chair. Grabbing my laptop out of the drawer, I flipped the screen open and entered my login information to boot it up. As I was preparing to start my workday, a figure appeared in front of me, the back of my chair sprung backward as I stood up. The hairs on my arm were raised and with a slight hesitation in my voice I asked, ¡°Can I help you?¡±A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
The figure was wrapped in shadow of the deepest sort, yet clearly visible. Standing at least seven feet tall, it wore a robe of violet, the same shade as an Eggplant. The robe covered him from his neck all the way to the floor. The eyes of the figure glowed a gold so intense, the Sun itself was put to shame. The figure was humanoid, though its face was not clearly discerned.
In a voice that could be heard in the loudest bar the figure boomed, ¡°Greetings, I come before you today to announce that the laws of the Universe have been changed. Through tireless effort I have finished my greatest creation. In the coming days, all beings will be put through the greatest test of their lives. Each world will have a Tower placed forth; this tower will present both opportunities as well as difficulties. Those who rise to the challenge and successfully complete the Final Floor, will unlock access to all other worlds for their race. Be warned, the tower is not the only challenge that will be presented. Each world will now have access to Mana, and creatures will be born. These creatures will reap the weak and reward the strong. Those who defeat the creatures will absorb their Mana and be strengthened for it. Those who are reaped, will in turn strengthen the creatures.¡±
As the figure spoke, I glanced around the office to see how the others were reacting. This had to be a practical joke of some kind, an office prank by one of the new programmers. Someone fresh out of college who had not left behind their childhood. What I saw, was even more confusing, the figure was not only in front of me. It stood behind every person in the office. Glancing back at the figure, it began to speak once more.
¡°With the launch of Universe 2.0, I will be leaving you with a manual. Inside you will find more information to aid your survival. This is no game, your very life will be put on the line. Those who prove themselves worthy will have the chance to speak to me once more. Those who fall will strengthen those who come after. You must unlock the abilities that will guide you on your path to greatness. Each being will have a different path, yet all paths lead to the Tower and the Tower will lead you to the stars.¡±
Once the last syllable had left its lips, the being disappeared. At the same time a shock-wave affected the building and the foundation itself seems to rumble. My body trembled, as a foreign presence invaded. In its wake, nothing was the same. Through my arteries, a river of lava gushed. My heart beat with the force of a jack hammer, the blood flowing like a white rapid. My skin withered away and was reborn, the invader reached my brain, and an explosive force rocked my skull.
Falling to my knees, my lungs released a screech that would do a banshee justice. As quick as it started, it was over. Taking a gasping breath, I rose from the familiar position and looked around the office. Everywhere I looked the same scene was played out. Not all my fellow coworkers were able to get back to their feet, at least a dozen, had passed out from the pain. Others stood looking around the same as I, trying to understand what had happened. Some even shouting their frustration and anger to the world.
I placed my hand on the back of my chair, the familiar equipment acting as an anchor to steady my body, while my mind was in turmoil. At my feet was a book I had never laid eyes on before. The cover had a golden sunburst on it. The cover material was unknown to me. I reached down and picked it up. It felt like old leather, though there was no wrinkle seen. The book felt weightless, my eyes glanced at unfamiliar symbols, and they quickly morphed into words that I could understand. An Instructional Guide to Universe 2.0.
Flipping to the first page I began to read. Mana is the building block of the Universe. Now that Mana has been restored, all beings and creatures will be able to use Mana in one form or another. Mana may be infused in beings, creatures, or objects to increase the body, mind, and power. It may also be used to control the world around you. There is no limit to what Mana can do, the possibilities are what you can imagine.
At that moment I heard a crash off to the side of the room.
Chapter Two: Flock Together
The sound of glass clinking off the tiles on the floor. The book slipping from my fingers. The world¡¯s largest Pigeon flew through the window, landing on a coworker. With talons the size of daggers, it tears into her shoulders. Pieces of flesh flying from the scene. The white wings of death, reaching almost sixty inches wide, wrapping her head. The Pigeon¡¯s beak was as hard as diamond. With a rapid thrust forward, the beak is impaled into the women. With a crash, she falls to the floor. The Pigeon taking wing once more.
The results were gruesome, leaving a faint copper smell lingering. Quickly turning my head away. I take in the rest of the floor. The Pigeon was not the only attacker. All the windows in my immediate area were shattered. All around were Pigeons, most engaging with those closest to the windows. ¡°Well glad, I didn¡¯t take that promotion with a corner office,¡± I quip.
Of to my right, another Pigeon is wielding lighting from their wings. It channels it into the person they have landed upon. At this sight, my already overwhelmed mind cracks, the world around me has gone insane, or I have. My vision closes in on the Thunder Pigeon closest to me. With all other sights and sounds fading.
Taking in the scene before me, the hairs on my arms raise. While my feet feel as if they weigh a thousand pounds. With the effort of the gods, I pull one foot up and set it down. At the speed of a glacier, my other foot comes up. Suddenly, my movements pick up speed. Before I realize it, I am halfway towards the elevator. The screaming returns to my ears during my mad dash to safety. A safety as real as the mirage in the desert.
A few steps short of the elevator, a wing clips my shoulder. My balance is lost as I am sent soaring towards a nearby desk. The desk impacts into my back, the sweet fire of pain rushes through my back. As I try to rise, my legs have the stability of jelly. Forcing me to collapse back to the floor. The end approaches in the form of a winged avenger. Determination erupts into being as I reach down inside myself for pure will. To my surprise, it answers back.
In the center of my chest, I feel a pool of power. The power surges throughout my body. My mind straining, while my body is invigorated. The pain fades into the background as I hasten to my feet. Behind me a golden glow ignites, the Guide shining as bright as the sun. The glow fades to a more tolerable luminosity. Without a thought, a bolt of pure electricity arcs to the encroaching bird. The Thunder Pigeon seizes up, it¡¯s wings no longer flapping. A splat echoes before it crashes to the floor, burnt feathers falling from the corpse. I catch a brief whiff of fried chicken.
The pool inside me drains five percent after the outburst. The tiniest tether of pure energy flies into me from the dead Pigeon. The force flows into my body, slightly adjusting the molecules in a way I do not yet understand. Pushing aside this distraction, I focus on the other Thunder Pigeons in the area.
Now that my terror has withdrawn just a slither, I see a half dozen more birds on the floor. Blood pools beneath the bodies of the fallen. My feet move on their own accord, towards the closest winged demon.
¡°Everyone run towards the stairwell¡± I shout. As the words leave my mouth, I reach for the pool of power once again with killing intent. I feel the electricity building up. I hold onto the power with pure willpower. The buildup of static intensifies, as the energy contained increases. With a grunt of pain, I release the Lightning Bolt. The bolt flies true, crashing into the enemy. As the bolt connects, a massive arc of electricity detonates into the Pigeon. The creature drops from the sky, feathers cascading to the ground. This time I feel a tether of energy, connected to the bolt as it leaves my body. The tether disappears after the bolt is discharged.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Another jolt of energy pierces into me, causing more changes internally. The pool of energy inside of me, drops yet again. With a glance internally at the pool, I notice a slight increase of power. A small but constant trickle. I file this away, with more immediate concerns to focus on.
As my coworkers flocked towards the door, I looked around at the closest Pigeons. The five remaining Thunder Pigeons all lock their gaze onto me. Their eyes piercing me with malice. I begin gathering the power once more, keeping a greater hold on the lightning. The crackle of the electricity intensifies. I feel a pulse of electricity pass through my body. I thrust my arm out towards the nearest Thunder Pigeon and release the Lightning Bolt. As the bolt flashes outward, I feel the tendril of my power connecting to it. At the last moment, I channel more power through the spell.
The bolt connects to the Pigeon. The channeling creates another bolt, which arcs towards the next Pigeon as well. Within seconds of each other, both Pigeons are each hit. The bodies crash to the floor, wings twitching, the light in their eyes faded away. At that moment, two more tethers crash into me. I only notice this in passing as my focus returns to the creatures still around me.
The pool of power is gushing out at this point. A waterfall that rapidly dissipates. Three more Thunder Pigeons fly towards me. I sweep my arms out once more. The lightning sweeps towards all three and connects. The bolts blast into the Pigeons, once more cascading through muscles and nerves. Their very breath ceases from the chaos reigning inside.
I drop to the ground, my limbs not responding. Unable to look up and see the outcome of my attack. As the sweat drips from my face, the air flows into my lungs in rapid gulps.
After a minute I finally catch my breath. Looking over the devastation in front of me, I see the fallen birds. The sight forces the contents of my stomach to violently expel. One Pigeon, is a hand-span away, blackened from the blast. Within ten feet of my surroundings, the ground is covered in feathers. A half dozen fried and still sizzling bodies, proof that it was not a dream. The silence is piercing, having tuned out the squawks of the Thunder Pigeons, the lack of which is now noticeable.
My internal reserve is barely above empty after a full minute of rest. My mind reels from the forces that I have unleashed upon the creatures. As well as the chaos the office has become. My body convulses from the ordeal I have been through. Collecting myself, I finally take notice of the golden glow. Looking back at the source, the glow is emitting from the mysterious book the being had left behind.
I rise, gathering my strength. I can still feel the power flowing through my body. Where before the power raged like the rapids of a river, now it flows with a tranquil grace throughout my body. The power is still there, almost aching to be released. The small amount of power being refilled is slowly filling the gaping hole.
Glancing around I don¡¯t see any further enemies, the remains of the flock of Pigeons has exited this floor to harass easier prey. I head back towards where the nightmare began, swiftly covering the distance. My feet barely touching the floor before lifting. As I reach down and grasp the book, the glow fades. Standing back up, I open the book and notice words were none had been before. Not even ten minutes have passed since the strange being left, and my world would never be the same.
Chapter Three: The Guide
The first words that I notice, are highlighted in bold print. Congratulations on Unlocking the following spells: Mana Control Novice 1 and Lightning Bolt Novice 3. You have also unlocked Mana Aspect: Lightning. The words consume me as I continue to read. The pages review more information on what Mana is and what it can be used for. The following passage sticks out to me. As you have slain your first foe, a part of their Mana is now yours. The Mana will be first used to upgrade your body beyond the mortal realm. When you reach the next tier, nothing on the Mortal Tier can harm you. A word of caution, all creatures and beings will also advance.
Truth be told, I had only the smallest idea of what the book was talking about. As much as I would like to pretend this wasn¡¯t happening. The corpses around me, the lightning that flew from my fingers, was something that couldn¡¯t be denied. The stench of blood and gore was wafting throughout the floor. This was real life, not a video game or a waking nightmare. I have to find a way to survive, no matter the cost.
Going back to the book, I glanced at the information on the spells I had unlocked. Mana Control, Novice 1: You have reached inside yourself and awoken the pool of Mana. This ability allows you to move the Mana to any part of your body. Higher levels will unlock more abilities.
Lightning Bolt, Novice 3: The ability to harness the power of lightning. At this level the spell will deal up to twenty points of damage to a single target. At Novice 2, you unlock the ability to target multiple enemies for an added Mana cost. Novice 3 allows you to keep the spell active after it has released, by channeling more Mana beyond the activation cost, this spell can deal extra damage to multiple targets or to a single target. The spell collapses once you stop channeling Mana or your Mana Pool is empty.
Mana Aspect, Lightning: Mana has the ability to do all, you do not. For greater control over a force, you can choose, or be given, the ability to specialize your Mana control. You can take on a variety of Aspects. Lightning Aspect allows you to wield this force of nature. Lightning is countered by Earth and enhanced by Water.
After digesting that information, I closed the flaps of the book and take a look around. Everyone in the vicinity had already made it to the stairwells and were rapidly making their descent. Taking a deep breath, my eyes sweeping back and forth, I moved towards the stairwell. The bounding echoes of the floundering feet assault me as I entered the stairwell. A war cry, that would do Ares proud, reverberates through my eardrums. I glance down the stairwell and behold a vision of the goddess herself at battle.
A women with golden locks, that would put Rapunzel to shame, stood on the Landing. She was no more than 5 foot 6 inches tall. Her body curved in all the right places, and for a brief moment, time stopped. In her arms, she wielded a baseball bat like the hammer of Thor. Each time the bat swung, a Thunder Pigeon wished they had never been born. Upon impact the Thunder Pigeon¡¯s chest caves in, blood splashing upon the walls, bystanders and her.
I increase my speed down the steps, taking two or three at a time. I close in enough to have a clear shot, reaching inside and pull the Mana forth once more. It comes easier to me now, as if we are approaching first name basis. I don¡¯t hold the Mana in my grasp long, there are three other Pigeons making their way towards the enraged women. Spraying my fingers wide and thrusting my arm out. The electrical current arcs down my arm as I release one Lightning Bolt and then a second. My Mana pool drops to zero, my feet no longer able to hold me up. As the thud of my body hits the floor, the bolts connect with their targets.
Two Pigeons are hit, the crackle of electricity flashing through their bodies. A sizzle and snap occur, and the Pigeons both arrest their flight. In the meantime, the blonde Amazonian winds up and hammers the remaining Thunder Pigeon. The force of the blow sends the bird smashing into the concrete walls, leaving a smattering of blood and yet another corpse sliding down the walls.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
The women look¡¯s over at my gasping and prone form. ¡°Thanks for the help, but I had it under control.¡± Looking down, she glares at me, her lips curled in a slight snarl. ¡°Just because you see a women under attack doesn¡¯t mean we need a man to assist.¡±
As my ragged breathing slows to a more normal pace and the Mana in my pool has recovered slightly. I look her in the eye and reply, ¡°Look, I was just passing through, idk what is going on, but I am not staying here.¡± Lowering my gaze, a bit. ¡°This world has gone insane, if you know what is going on, please let us know. If not let¡¯s just try to stay alive, yeh?¡±
Sweeping my eyes around, I see a crowd of people from above looking down at us. One man stood with his hands shaking, his eyes moving around wildly. His foot lifts and then drops back down in the same spot, his lips trembling as he speaks, ¡°Excuse me, do you have any idea what is going on? Is it the Communists?¡±
Once he has finished speaking, I clasp my jaw shut and take a deep breath before responding, ¡°Not even a President could conjure this forth. Did you all see the dollar brand Reaper?¡±
The man steps back quickly, his arms raising as if to ward off a punch. He hesitantly nods at my last words. The others crowd around do likewise.
¡°In that case, you know he said something about Mana and creatures, right?¡± More nods go around the group. ¡°Then look in your book and see what it has to say.¡±
This causes the group to look around in surprise. Shouts of confusion and regret fill the air. The spokesperson for the frail, speaks once more, ¡°What book, you and the blood covered women over there are the only ones I see holding a book?¡±
¡°The Guide book, you didn¡¯t grab the book that appeared right after Mr. Gloom and Doom left?¡± I look around and most of the people are shaking their heads, a few look back up the stairwells before shaking their heads and looking forward once more. The blond-haired woman is the only one I see nodding her head. ¡°The book is a guide, and it seems to keep updating itself whenever something new happens to you. The Mana the figure was talking about can be used to defend yourself.¡±
At the empty looks I received from the crowd, I shake my head and turn to head down the stairs. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t have time for this, I don¡¯t know what is happening outside these walls, and I need to get to my friends.¡±
For all that is good in the world, please let Jeremy be ok, I know I¡¯m not one for prayer, but if it helps, I¡¯ll do it. Shaking the thought away, I begin my descent of the stairs. The lingering shadow from the group causes a slight hesitation in my step. One after another the rest of the group follows. The blonde warrior pauses for a moment before quickly catching up to me.
¡°Let me lead, I can deal with anything that comes close.¡± She says as she passes me in the stairwell. Her shoulders are raised as she holds the bat out in a firm but comfortable grip. Her eyes are sweeping back and forth even as she says the words.
¡°Be my guest¡± I say. ¡°I am not sure, how I am throwing Lightning around like this, I¡¯m more of a glass canon right now anyway.¡± After she passes, I take a quick look behind me at the others. Their eyes are mostly downcast, just plodding one foot in front of the other. Dismissing them from my mind as useless in a fight. I continue down the stairs. My Mana pool slowly refilling as we march on to the unknown.
The fifteen or so flights we go down are the longest of my life. With each step I take, my body is strained. My fingers are curled in my hand, a tension hangs in the air. Breath after breath is taken and then expelled. I really should have done more cardio. At this rate, these killer birds won¡¯t be the one to get me.
We finally make it to the bottom of the flight of stairs, with no further attacks. The blonde warrior pauses at the exit to the stairwell and looks over at me. ¡°Be ready, anything could be on the other side of this door.¡± Her expels the air in her lungs and takes a quick gulp of air before pushing the door open before I can respond.
Taking in the lobby floor, I see debris all over the place. The scene would look right at home with news images of a looting spree. I don¡¯t see any Thunder Pigeons waiting to swoop down and attack us. Taking a few steps towards the looming building exit, I place my steps with care. ¡°This floor looks empty, I don¡¯t see anything dangerous at the moment thankfully. Let¡¯s head towards the exit and get out of here.¡±