"Luck is a fickle force, manifesting in countless forms—be it a sudden turn of events, a missed arrow, or a chance encounter. It weaves through the fabric of fate, often unseen, yet powerful enough to shape destinies and keep you alive when all seems lost." – Excerpt from "Book of Elara"

  Maverick sat on campus resting on a bench that overlooked the calm ocean. It had been several hours since he and Emily wiped in the trial. But not before they set the first place record, they had advanced all the way to wave ninety five. As it turned out, after the hydra, the waves became of a quality over quantity type of deal so less opponents really let their team shine. There didn’t seem to be a definitive first place team as of yet, another team having tied exactly with them.

  They had wiped on a wave consisting of gorgon like creatures that only slowed your movement and true elder red dragon. To this day, no one in TVO had ever slayed a true Dragon, their powers and level were above level twenty, while everyone was barred at level ten.

  Emily had received a call from her mom that they needed to meet, thus leaving him all alone. But that was okay, Maverick never minded spending some time just taking in the beautiful world around him. At this point, he was as stress free as one could be, exams were done, he had the night off from any responsibilities, and best of all there was a full moon that night.

  “I should probably get some kind of pick me up for Em later. Those meetings with her mom never go well…” Maverick said as drank from an ice cold beer, which by the way, absolutely not allowed on this part of the campus.

  Eventually the dreaded time came, as media outlets all over the world reported. For the first time since The Veil Online had gone public and players entered its world, the PODs System and game were set offline for the games full release update.

  Maverick new it was coming, with the final event and all. But it felt surreal, as for a decade most peoples lives revolved around the PODs or TVO in one way or another. But now at this moment, every human being was back in the real world all at once. The idea of it kind of made him laugh, he wasn’t any better than anyone else and maybe guilty of it himself but the world could be ending and people would still be logged into TVO, not caring for out here. For many Prometheus Games forcibly keeping them out might as well be the end of the world.

  But to Maverick, this was all part of their plan, to improve and truly push the bounds of what was capable. So he raised his slightly illegal beer to Prometheus Games and toasted them for greater success and a wonderful new world.

  Meanwhile at a remote military base in Antartica, Camila watched on a monitor as a two headed dinosaur like monster clawed at the mana barrier, keeping Tenroo Island separate from the rest of the world.

  “So this is what we have to look forward to tomorrow morning?” Camila’s voice wavered slightly, an unusual tremor of uncertainty mixed with fear flashing in her eyes.

  “Yes, I tried my best to keep it hidden from the world as part of my deal. But now, with this little amount of time left, I can speak of what’s to come, truly explain the secrets Ive kept to a select few.” Alexander spoke, his voice reaching eight other individuals.

  “Come tomorrow morning, a message will be sent out to every person over the age of sixteen. What the message says I have no idea, but it will scare many, most likely cause mass panic if not outright riots.”

  “And how do yo know this? Seems a little odd for you to have some answers but not the important ones.” A tall fair skinned man spoke with a thick French Accent.

  “Like I said earlier Jean, I made a deal with someone known as a caretaker. They allowed us to even have a fighting chance, before all of this happened.” Alexander finished, his tone becoming annoyed.

  Camila walked out of the briefing room, unsure of what to do. She wanted to call her son, and tell him everything, but she knew if what Alexander said was true, that call would never make it. The mysterious caretaker as Alexander called them was watching, and keeping the agreed upon deal enforced. All she could do is meet with the others, and prepare for their mission, one separate from the rest of the human race. A contingent plan, Alexander assured them that would allow the Earth to survive even if the masses failed in their trials.

  A shiver ran down Camilas back at the thought of it all. Their world would soon be thrown into chaos that no one is prepared for, game or not. She was just glad her late husband wasn’t around to see things turn out as they are. But her son, Maverick had no idea… He was just a boy, at least in her eyes. But Alexander had assured her, that if anything Maverick and his friend Emily would be able to take care of themselves, hed seen their TVO data.

  For now all the could do was get to her room and prepare for tomorrow. Boots on the ground, bright and early, she had VIPs to protect.

  Maverick walked along the beach, shoes long forgotten. He didn’t really know what to do with himself now that his mom was gone, and Emily had texted him she’d be out for dinner with her mom. Yeah, he had other friends, but with another two days of exams, they’d likely be studying and not up for a long romantic walk on the beach.

  So instead he meandered along the shoreline, the cool waves lapping at his ankles. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow that danced on the water's surface. The gentle roar of the ocean filled the air, punctuated by the occasional call of a seagull. He watched as the sky shifted from hues of orange to deep purples and blues, the first stars beginning to peek through the twilight.

  Spotting a cluster of rocks that jutted out into the sea, Maverick decided to explore. Climbing carefully over the slippery stones, he found a secluded spot where he could sit and take in the view. From this vantage point, the university's lights began to twinkle behind him, while the vast expanse of the ocean stretched endlessly ahead.

  Reaching into his backpack, he pulled out a fresh journal journal and a pen. Writing had been his therapists idea on how to process thoughts and memories. He began to scribble down snippets of poetry inspired by the serene beauty around him:

  *"Endless horizon meets the sky,

  Waves whisper tales as they pass by.

  Alone I sit, between sea and land,

  Tracing dreams upon the sand."*

  He chuckled softly at his own musings, knowing he'd probably cringe at them later. But for now, it felt good to let the words flow. As he wrote, a cool breeze rustled through his hair, carrying with it the salty scent of the ocean.

  After a while, the growl of his stomach reminded him that he'd skipped lunch. Packing away his journal, he made his way back to the main promenade where a row of food stalls and shops lined the boardwalk. The enticing aroma of grilled seafood and spices beckoned him closer.

  He approached a brightly lit food truck with a sign that read "Captain's Catch." The owner, a jovial man with a bushy beard and a sailor's cap, greeted him warmly.

  "Evening, lad! What can I get for you?" the man asked.

  Maverick glanced over the menu. "I'll have the fish tacos, extra sauce, and a side of fries, please."

  "Excellent choice! Fresh catch of the day," the owner replied, quickly assembling the order.

  While waiting, Maverick noticed a small crowd gathering near a makeshift stage on the beach. Curious, he took his food and wandered over. A group of local performers was putting on a fire dancing show. Flames twirled and spun in intricate patterns, eliciting gasps and applause from the audience.

  He sat on the sand, engrossed by the performance. The combination of the fiery spectacle against the backdrop of the darkening sea was mesmerizing. The performers moved with grace and precision, their faces illuminated by the glow of the flames.

  As the show concluded, Maverick joined in the enthusiastic applause. Feeling inspired, he decided to continue his stroll down the boardwalk. He passed by street artists showcasing their work—paintings of seascapes, handcrafted jewelry, and sculptures made from driftwood.

  One artist, an elderly woman with silver hair tied in a braid, caught his eye. She was painting a vivid depiction of the northern lights over an ocean scene. The colors were vibrant, almost pulsating with life.

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  "That's incredible," he remarked, stepping closer.

  She looked up with a gentle smile. "Thank you. The sea holds many wonders, doesn't it?"

  "It does. I've never seen the northern lights in person, but your painting makes me feel like I'm there," he said.

  She nodded thoughtfully. "Art has a way of bridging distances. Would you like to try?" She offered him a small canvas and a brush.

  "Oh, I'm not much of a painter," he hesitated.

  "Nonsense. Everyone has creativity within them. Besides, it's not about perfection—it's about expression."

  Encouraged, Maverick took the brush. For the next half hour, he lost himself in colors and strokes, creating his own interpretation of the evening sky. The artist offered gentle guidance, and together they chatted about art, life, and the beauty of spontaneous moments.

  As he finished, he stepped back to admire his work. It was rough around the edges, but there was something satisfying about seeing his emotions captured on canvas.

  "Not bad for a first attempt," she said kindly. "Keep it as a reminder of tonight."

  "Thank you," he replied sincerely. "I will."

  Glancing at his watch, he realized it was almost time to meet Emily. He bid farewell to the artist and made his way back up the beach, the painting carefully tucked under his arm.

  The night air was crisp, and the stars now dotted the sky like scattered diamonds. The sounds of laughter and music filled the atmosphere as the nightlife began to stir.

  His phone buzzed with a message from Emily: "Just finished dinner. Meet you at the usual spot?"

  "On my way," he texted back, a smile tugging at his lips.

  Feeling content from his evening of unexpected adventures, Maverick quickened his pace. He couldn't wait to share his experiences with her—the fire dancers, the painting, the tranquility of the ocean at dusk.

  As he approached their meeting place—a quaint bench overlooking the sea—he saw Emily waving at him, her silhouette framed by the soft glow of nearby lanterns.

  "Hey you," she called out as he drew near.

  "Hey," he replied, holding up the canvas. "You won't believe the evening I've had."

  "Tell me all about it," she said, eyes sparkling with interest.

  They sat together, the rhythmic sound of the waves providing a soothing backdrop as Maverick recounted his adventures. The hours he had spent filling time had turned into memories he wouldn't soon forget. But unknown to him and everyone else on the planet aside from a handful of individuals, with he coming morning sun, nothing would ever be the same again.

  Maverick and Emily rode the very last trolley back to their apartment building, still talking about their afternoons and the awkward situation Emily had been placed in.

  Apparently her mother was moving off the island, as she transferred to another branch in Canada, and her father was moving back home to Oklahoma. So at the end of the month the home shed lived in for so long, and the walls she shared with Maverick would be gone.

  “You can just stay with us Em, you know mom won’t care. If anything, I think she secretly wanted it to happen months ago. We have a spare room, and plenty of space, just think about it…” Mavericks words trailed off as he finished.

  “You really think id leave you all alone? You’d shrivel up and die from lack of social interactions if not for me. Come on Mav, I'll probably get a place of my own eventually but living with you two wouldn’t be such a bad idea. I guess we can start moving stuff over in the morning.”

  “Mom will really be in for a surprise when she comes back.” Maverick finished as he watched the stars pass overhead, the full moons light guiding their ride home. After arriving home, Emily decided to just stay over at Mavericks place as shed be living their soon enough. Maverick picked up the already tidy guest room, and got it comfortable for Emily. She was honestly a tomboy at times when around him, but when it came to her sleeping space, it had to be perfect, but most importantly comfortable. As she came back with an armful of stuff, blankets, clothes and stuffed animals, Maverick realized she had not brought a pillow and gave her an extra of his.

  “Just take it, no sense in going all the way back over when I have an extra. Don’t be a pain, or else ill turn the hot water heater off.” Maverick joked as he threw the pillow at her face.

  Emily dodging like her in game avatar replied, “You wouldn’t dare. Try it and don’t be surprised when you wake up hanging from the balcony by your toes.”

  They laughed and continued talking into the night, eventually each making their way bed. It was odd knowing Em would soon be staying here regularly and seeing her every morning in her loose.. over sized pjs… Mavericks mind wandered off before he caught himself. “Don’t be that guy, be better than some creeper staring at her.” Meanwhile Emily one room over, pulled the pillow of lavender close to her face, a smile on her face. She never actually expected to be in this situation but hey it all happens for a reason.

  Time quickly passed around the world as many slept or started their days. But the peace and tranquillity came to an end when they clock struck the fate full moment.

  Everyone across the globe felt the tremor, the feeling of the very earth under their feet shake violently as if they were no longer welcome. Buildings and untouched wonders in nature came crashing down causing panic and hysteria. All in the matter of seconds.

  Unknown to the masses, the barrier on Tenroo had exploded violently sending a shockwave at the speed of light around the globe, and with it the building mana of forty years rushed out like a tidal wave, infusing every molecule, grain of sand, plant, the living and unliving, nothing was free of the manas touched.

  Mavericks bed shook violently, the sliding glass door shattered sending shards of death in all directions. Before he could get out bed to find cover, he felt a body wrapped around him. Looking down it was Emily, curled up and somehow still asleep. “Great now I have to carry her, at least she’s light” Maverick complained as he scooped up the intruder.

  “Emily wake up, something happened. Im not sure what but it wasn’t anything good.” Outside alarms blarred, the tsunami warning sirens screamed into the morning sky, signaling evacuations. Emily opened her eyes sleepily, the feeling of weightlessness an odd sensation. “Maverick, pancakes, I want extra chocolate chips. Oh with loads of butter. Please and thank you.”

  “Nows not the time for food wake up already.”

  Hearing the intensity in his voice, Emilys brain shot into performance mode. “What’s happening? Is that the tsunami siren?”

  “I don’t know, everything was shaking a moment ago. But now it stopped. Go get dressed, wear some decent shoes incase we have to run.”

  Scared but believing Maverick Emily ran to her room and did exactly that. She tried her phone but service was blacked out, no wifi or cellular data. Even the emergency line that always worked went dead. Trying not to freak out she rushed back out to the living room looking for Maverick.

  “Maverick where did…” But before she could finish speaking the world around her began to shake once again. “An earthquake, no way we aren’t near any fault lines.”

  “Emily lets go,” Maverick shouted as he grabbed her hand and pulled a large duffle back tight onto his back. They avoided the elevator as basic safety told them it was a bad idea, so they ran down the stairs hands laced together as to not let go and lose the other. Fires had broken out in the building as some emergency exit doors billowed dark smoke into the stairwell, and electrical wires hung freely.

  They exited on the ground floor seeing the destruction in ints entirety. The once-familiar city skyline was now marred by collapsed buildings, twisted metal, and plumes of smoke rising into the sky. Streetlights flickered erratically, some casting eerie glows over the debris-strewn streets while others sputtered and died. The air thick with dust and the acrid scent of burning materials.

  The ground beneath them trembled intermittently, aftershocks causing the earth to groan like a wounded beast. Maverick tightened his grip on Emily's hand, his knuckles white. "We need to find safer ground," he said, scanning the horizon for any sign of stability.

  Emily nodded, her eyes wide as she took in the devastation. "Look!" she pointed toward the harbor where the ocean was receding unnaturally, the water pulling back to reveal the muddy seabed littered with stranded boats and flopping fish.

  "A tsunami," Maverick realized with dawning horror. "We have to get to higher ground—now!"

  They broke into a sprint, weaving through clusters of panicked people who were shouting and pointing, their faces masks of fear. The city's emergency sirens continued to wail, the sound mingling with security alarms and the distant rumble of collapsing structures.

  As they navigated the chaotic streets, strange phenomena began to unfold around them. Plants sprouted from cracks in the pavement, growing at an impossible rate. Vines snaked up the sides of buildings, and flowers bloomed in a raindbow of colors, their petals shimmering with an otherworldly glow. Street animals—cats, dogs, even pigeons—darted about with unusual agility, their eyes reflecting an unnatural intelligence.

  "What the hell is happening?" Emily gasped, quickly sidestepping a fissure that split open in the sidewalk beneath her. A faint blue light pulsed from its depths, casting an eerie glow on her face. "This wasn't on the agenda today!”

  “I have no idea, just keep running! The observatory should be safe enough, it’s not far.” Maverick tightened his grip on Emilys hand as they picked up the pace, both breathing hard.

  They reached a park at the base of a hill that led up to the old observatory—a relic from the city's past and the highest point nearby. “Hope you’re ready to burn some calories, it’s about three hundred steps up tot he top.”

  They began the arduous climb, the incline steep and the path littered with fallen branches and chunks of concrete. The earth shook again, more violently this time, causing Emily to lose her footing. Maverick caught her just in time, pulling her close as a nearby tree toppled over, its roots tearing free from the ground.

  “Thanks,” Emily breathed, clutching onto Maverick’s arm as she steadied herself, her heart pounding from the near fall. “Guess I owe you one… again,” she added with a shaky smile, glancing up at him.

  "Don't mention it," he replied, his eyes fixed ahead. "We're almost there."

  Reaching the summit, they found a crowd had already gathered outside the observatory. People huddled together, some wrapped in blankets, others clutching personal belongings. The atmosphere thick with tension and disbelief.

  Suddenly, a brilliant flash lit up the sky. They turned to see an enormous wave cresting on the horizon, a massive wall of water that seemed to reach up and touch the heavens. Sporadic bursts of lightning illuminated its towering form, but instead of the usual white or blue, the lightning crackled in vivid hues of emerald and violet, casting an otherworldly glow.

  Emily's grip on Maverick's arm tightened, her knuckles turning white. “That—there’s no way that’s real,” she whispered.

  As they watched, the wave began to slow, its movement becoming almost graceful. Tendrils of water raced away from it, swirling upward to form intricate patterns before dissipating into mist.From behind them, an elderly man spoke. "My wife used to tell me stories about this—the tales from Tenroo Island."

  Maverick turned to face him. "You know about this?"

  The man nodded solemnly. "She worked for Prometheus Technologies, part of the expeditions they sent into Tenroo Island. The island is surrounded by a barrier, magic she called it. According to her it keep something called mana and dangers locked inside. No one lives there—only those brave or foolish enough to venture in for the company. She'd come home with incredible stories about the island's secrets, the mana sealed within, the threats that lurked just beyond the barrier. I always thought they were just stories, fairy tales. But now... I believe every word she said.”

  “Tenroo Island…” Maverick spoke, the words sounding incredibly familiar to him but unsure from where. But before he could ponder the words more, the massive tidal wave began crashing down onto the island. The force of its waters pushed everything aside, trees, buildings, and even smaller mountains were swallowed. Those not yet in the observatory, rushed in, sealing its heavy steel doors behind them. If they weren’t safe here, then nowhere on the island would be.