Sitting on the floor at the center of the room, Ethan's eyelids slowly closed.

  For the first time in the last few days he actually has no plans, no places to run to, no fights to survive.

  A deep breathing session was needed to fix his thoughts and emotions after the intense last days he had been through.

  Going back to the moment he sat down and pondered about it all back at Leah's house, the moment he touched the fields of mediation, soul, mana, and mystical cultures.

  Recreating this sense of self reflection, he dived deeper to the inside of mind and body.

  Finding a proper meditation or cultivation techniques that will not cause backlash like back then was in order.

  Doing a task that takes the form of a relaxing task like meditation was more than a welcome change.

  ‘Diving right in a rush is not the way, I can only assume that’s what caused me backlash back then’, he concludes from the pain he felt from rushing the process, shaking his head at the thought of the sharp migraine that struck him back then.

  ‘Slow and steady makes the race’ Ethan reminds himself.

  Imagining a white space in his mind, not letting intrusive thoughts any leeway in the process, he focuses on breathing and keeping the mental image stay clean and simple.

  The walls of the mental images are straight, color and lighting are mellow and consistent, keeping the mental image as clean and dull as it can to avoid distractions.

  After stabilizing this mental state, he takes note of the simulations happening outside of his body - The faint breeze brushing against his skin, a weak stagnant air breeze of the closed room, and the soothing coldness of the ground.

  His heartbeat echoed in his ears and reverberated all over his person, a steady rhythm grounding him in the present - the low two paced beat rhythm repeating.

  This was Ethan’s first time trying to meditate but he felt like he would go ‘all in’ on the option that meditation shouldn’t feel so deep and profound.

  The presence of the Mana in the world alone, took this simple action to the next level so naturally it shocked Ethan out of his meditative state.

  Taking a moment he stabilized his feelings and returned to his peak mental state, regrouping all of the inner and outer simulations, and imbued them to the mental image of the white space he focused on.

  The weak breeze shifted the white walls causing small ripples, and the beating rhythm of his heart integrated in the room-like mental space in a manner of sudden two steps expansion and contraction of its size.

  Repeating the process going in and out of it, he waits for this state to feel natural and easy to maintain.

  ‘It suddenly feels easy to gather more readings from my surroundings, the floor’s coldness felt as if digging deeper and easier, The still air of the room, although as weak as when he began meditating, felt more noticeable on his skin, even my own heart beat feels like a weakly reverberating bass’.

  Trying to get it to the next level he tries to imprint the sensory he receives from more sensitive and hard to control body parts, the uncontrollable movement of the eyes under the eyelids, the fidgeting of his fingertips.

  Intrusive thoughts find a way in with him speaking to himself, ‘everything is more…’

  Stumbling on his own words, looking for words or a way to describe the deeper sensation he feels, his focus breaks, the white room slowly crumbles.

  Every thrum of his nerves and movement of his body, they felt more intense and more fine tuned. Every breath felt deeper.

  The external stimulations felt more intertwined with Ethan's being but holding onto that focus was like holding a heavy weight in the worst position possible, like a new climber forced to take the harder path of a climbing Wall.

  Trying to grasp the mental image whole in its already shaky state, he fails.

  The now endless stream of mental pictures and thoughts he held burst out.

  The wonder, the awe and the complex emotional landscape in his mind caused Ethan to feel a pang of unease, physical minor inconvenience attacks him, ‘this is…new’, he narrows his eyes at the new manner one can have a physical backlash in.

  With his eyes open he brainstormed the situation a bit deeper, his mind clear and free for some more active thinking.

  He most definitely felt a wave of energy and strength injected in him by his bloodline talent and the feeling wasn’t external, Ethan was certain it.

  He also managed to use strength he physically didn’t have when he broke the rails of the crumbling staircase and with the time stopping before he got hit by the bullet - backlashes are also a part of this boon.

  Trying to delve too deeply and straightforwardly on the subjects of soul and mystic inside him a quite noticeable barrier is protecting it making it somewhat unreachable - a key component is missing.

  Trying a different approach he threw in his mind a few associative words to help him get grasp on things, maybe some light bulb would lit up in his mind.

  ‘Mana, system, game-like interface, meditation, monsters, gates, other planes…legendary beings, legends, myth, stories…adapted to comics, adapted to games…?’

  ‘Is it possible that rumors and information from other planes of existence found its way in and got insinuated in forms in the myths, legends and got adapted into the modern fantasy and fiction content throughout the many media? Is that why there is such a striking resemblance?’

  Comically he squinted his eyes looking around as if someone will pop out of the wall and give him a sign.

  [Ding! Mind increased by 1!]

  Dumbstruck he stares at the notification of the system window, as if it's replying to his crazy assumption.

  A moment of shock passed by slowly.

  Ethan stands up abruptly, he walks excitedly in circles trying to calm his mind.

  ‘I must not be the only one figuring this all out’, A sense of urgency crashes onto him like a tidal wave, ‘I need to pull this out slowly and surely, I am walking on some very thin ice right now’, he reminded himself.

  Walking out of the room to wash his face, his face is about to get knocked on by Dana’s knuckles, he jumps back quickly.

  “What are you doing here?” his whole person brims with ecstasy, basically discovering a universal secret, and with such a simple logic behind it.

  “It’s time to move to the meeting, It’s time” she informed him, worry and confusion can’t be missed in her voice seeing him unusually excited, “Are you okay?”

  Looking extremely torn in his mind, he decided to speak honestly “I figured out something absolutely mind boggling, I haven’t even noticed how time flew by”, his emotions are all over the place, ‘How deep and accurate do the legends and knowledge of other worlds are?’

  With the last conversation in his mind he offers, “Let's move, let’s walk and talk”, He moves forward making her spring behind to catch up to his sudden pace.

  Leaving ‘his designated living room’, his family is visible far ahead, almost in the halls that lead to the offices, the coast is clear, and there is not much time to speak.

  “This thing I am about to tell you shall be my greatest revelation yet. I am always establishing assumptions of the current situation using fiction stories, myths, legends and novels. Every time I manage to build up a solid enough assumption the system rewards me with Mind stats, I thought it’s because I am working my brain. I am now more and more drawn to believe the fact that I'm receiving these stats for correctly revealing these universal truths with my thinking process and assumptions. The last brainstorming I had with myself right now was a wild one. Coming to think of it encounter and solving complex social situation gained me a few charisma points as well”

  Keeping a straight face she adds, “I had the same thing, multiple people noticed and made known that the harsh workout in the last three days earned them Strength stat. someone who even got beaten up quite roughly told us he gained a constitution stats, there is also a couple who did a tough stretching exercises gained agility stat, but this was told to me by them at secret, that’s fitting the pattern you just spoke of, It will be wise to make this known among our elite and councilmen to strength our vanguards. I was about to talk with you about it, actually”

  “Indeed, let’s head in, if what you said is true, telling everyone what I figured would be something very beneficial to us all” He moves in the corridor that branches into 3 office rooms and the meeting room. They moved straight to the meeting office.

  Heading in, everyone is already present.

  Zoe, looking at the contemplating faces of her brother and his new roommate, trying to break the ice, she comments, “Even the world apocalypse won't make you show up on time to the table”.

  This notion manages to make everyone laugh, but then they notice Ethan’s cold face, hyper focusing on how to deal with this entire thing, polishing his words, it makes him barely register Zoe’s words - The laughter dies down slowly.

  “Listen up”, he stands up after just sitting, his sense of urgency almost exudes from every word he speaks, “I am going to tell you something that I think is very much possible, no one, and I insist, not even your children and family are allowed to know of it, I want everyone approval, anyone who can’t do it, leave now”

  His heavy words kill the meeting room’s final embers of chatter, all the eyes are locked on him, no one walks out.

  “I will now begin, my family knows I am a big fan of theology, mythology, fantasy and adventure content, may it be video games or novels or whatever. basing most of my knowledge and assumption on the situation we are all in I am often correct. Not only do I intuitively succeed in many guesses, the system itself rewards me with Mind stats for working my mind around it. that’s how I discovered everything we spoke of in the last meeting” pausing he let them soak it all in.

  “This time I will bring difficult news. Legends, myth, creatures and monsters from games and stories, most of the fiction content we took in as entertainment - I think it is all knowledge smuggled or somehow made its way to this plane from other planes of existence. And what we know of is but the tip of the iceberg, from goblins to gods…the possibilities of what will happens to us or whom we will meet next is endless”

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Rob stands up abruptly, his hand thumping the table scaring the hell out of them being too engrossed in Ethan's great reveal.

  “This is ridiculous! Do you suggest that god…gods, as in many gods and monsters exist?”. Jessica slumps in her chair, her face is unreadable.

  Sarah and John looked concerned almost as if coordinated, they crossed their fingers and leaned forward on their forearm, their eyes screening their gears grinding on full power.

  Ethan’s sisters’ faces are moving between excitement and confusion.

  Leah and Guy hold their hands, moving to sit closer to one another they whisper between themselves, most likely doubting this assumption by the way they look at Ethan.

  Rob then speaks up everyone's thoughts, “God? Satan? Dragons? Olympic gods? Ghosts? Heaven? Hell? Do they all possibly exist? Is that what you are saying?”

  “I was never a believer, but calling out for entities by names, especially in times like this is a very bad idea, be advised” Ethan warns calmly as if a situation in which answering ’yes’ is normal, heck, a bit of excitement uncontrollably escapes his voice.

  “Even if I am correct, names and concepts, stories and legends might not be accurate. no one promises you will get a helping hand even if it’s a god, let’s stay in our current pay grade - goblins and weird birds with sharp wings…It would be for the best for now” Ethan tried to diffuse the situation grasping onto manageable cases.

  Dana speaks up, “I am far from being knowledgeable in this field, but this sounds about right with what I know of many stories and talks of my friends. This seems to sit perfectly with the situation we are in” She slumps in the chair as well, “I let the small things and resemblances noticed by Ethan go by, but this…”

  Chaos and mayhem finds its place, both in the room, and in the present people's minds, they start to speak up and almost argue with one another of how to act next.

  “This can not be hidden from the people, they have the right to know this!” Rob, who is yet to be back seated, leans forward on the wooden table even more.

  A dangerous glint appears in Ethan’s eyes, but not being in eye contact with him, Rob misses it.

  “Hi, I think my son was very clear with his introduction on this subject, how irresponsible and unreliable can you be? Do we think this council is here to speak of human rights and free speech?!” John speaks slowly, losing his cool but stays seated emanating undisputable confidence, his words are Ethan’s thoughts.

  “And what will happen when gods, aliens and ghosts will start to appear?!” Rob retorted, his voice cracking up slightly.

  “Shut up!” Dana suddenly stands up, making the room plunge into a loud silence “Speak, please” she turns to Ethan, his eyes still looking with a deadpan gaze straight at bob.

  It was then that Rob notices Ethan's stares, a deep sense and palpable sense of eerie foreboding cause him to sit back down, still noticeably agitated.

  "Look around you," Ethan says, his voice full with disappointment, "The world we knew is gone. We're in a fight for survival, a struggle against forces we barely understand. But here's the thing: we've been given a chance. A chance to evolve, to become better, to reach heights we never dreamed possible”

  “That chance, however, comes with a price. We can't afford to be naive, to cling to the old ways. We need to be smart, strategic, and yes, even ruthless. Because in this new world, those who hesitate, those who cling to weak concepts of old have no place here in this room” He sends a dirty look to everyone present, a sign that his words are not for Rob alone.

  “We need to forge our own destiny, carve our own path to power. And we need to do it together. I am taking the helm, anyone who won’t join my cause and follow my lead will be discarded, unless you can prove more powerful and more knowledgeable than I am, If you think you have the capability ask a duel with me for my role” His eyes goes back to Rob, he stand up and walk closer to him

  “The last thing that I need…we need…is that a post traumatic survivor will wake up in the morning believing he is the messiah or create groups amongst ourselves. You want to call it lying or being dishonest, I am fine with it, but I dare you…I warn you, don’t fuck this up because of your inability to hold your role and emotions"

  “This is practically a declaration of tyranny” Rob speaks up, The death glare from Ethan is a grip reminder of his abilities and decisiveness.

  “It is, Mind me, do you need me to remind you of the situation your family were in when we saved them? Do you wish to let everyone present know what would have happened hadn’t we acted like we did?” Ethan replay, his words cause Rob to shudder, rage added to the storm of emotions he feels.

  Alas, Ethan’s glare is more that effective in keeping this rage in control, sensing his anger flare on so unchained, Rob realises his seriousness regarding this manner.

  “I understand my mistake” Rob sits down, trying to calm down and figure things out for himself.

  “Don’t want to be the one to add fuel on this bonfire but it came to my attention that a group of few dozens, almost half out size, is eyeing our supermarket, planning to make contact in a day and a half”

  “Dana? Did the guards notice any survivors or was approached by any?” Ethan asks Dana, now wearing the hat of the head of inner security.

  “There were a few encounters, and a few small groups were sent away due to a sense of hostility towards us, unclear intentions or suspicious behavior. They were told by me and Leah that we are willing to conduct trading relations, since food is currently not lacking, wood, metal and knowledge were offered as viable goods we wish to trade for food. I suggest making the monster cores known and actively ask for them as tradable resources as well” She answers.

  “Jessica, report on your situation with the residence of the first floor” Ethan asks.

  Still baffled by everything she straightens back up and speaks up, “Moral is high, housing is going steady, with the increase of working hands the pace speeds up exponentially. With the workshop and construction room found, privacy increased, and increasing living area is very much possible in a week time. Food is currently sufficient. 2 deputies has been recruited to work for me, a very useful and enthused couple”

  “Jamey, second floor, report” Ethan moves on, ‘Feels like real life tycoon game’ he chuckles internally keeping a cool demeanor, adding a layer of self humor for him to enjoy.

  “More people choose to pick the path of a guard and a few craftsmen were also added to the second floor. Their compartments are a hybrid of light manual tools, workstation and sleeping area. their family received more private compartments on the first floor. Currently, functional bags and durable clothes with combative features are now being tested and created as we speak. Jeans and jackets or straight up plastic sheets are layered with extra material to increase durability, the product is inspired by a motorcycle's safety jacket with flexibility as main consideration. Bags with various compartments, different sizes and multiple designations are being studied. The music store had the best prospects to become the new training area, the sound isolation and soft ground mattress does the job just nicely, no problem on the second floor. Currently we have 47 guards in both inner and outer units.”

  “Guy. Leah. logistical report” He looks expectantly to hear of the new workshop.

  “Food, tools, Improvised weapons, workshops, light work tools, books and now with the construction and maintenance room discovered, we have wood planks and metal plates in many sizes and shapes. We are not currently lacking anything for about two weeks of expansion. Also all external glasses were covered but binds of the stores increased the defences. current project is creating farm lands using dirt and sands from the many new expanded patches were plants grows”

  “Father, Mother, how is the supermarket and food distribution?” Ethan asks his parents, to their sides both Rown and Rina.

  “No problems on our end, people sometimes are a bit...Wishful with their demands but Dana always sends 2 guards fully armed to keep the supermarket a top guarded asset. The brother-sister duo also helps us so much!”

  “Little imps, numbers? Professions? What are we working with?” Ethan speaks, his tone significantly softer.

  Embarrassed by the attention they answer like a presentation pitch, completing and fixing each other sentences, “most of the people are qualified and capable to do light works, first aid is also known by many, lots of manual laborers, one architect, a few green thumbs, there is that plastic doctor. He insists he is no E.R, but he can do some tricks and the old weapon crafter, Zevik, started making some real weapons”

  “Dana. Internal defense unit report” Ethan asks the last person.

  “No problems, two guards at the entrance and two squads of two are patrolling all over the shopping area, the rest either rest, workout or train with weapons” Dana concludes.

  “Anyone have anything to add? It seems like we are good and on track” Ethan leaned forward, everything going surprisingly smooth.

  No one speaks up, hearing everyone doing fine on their ends causing a wave mutual relief wash over the room.

  “Hear me out, I would start by stating that your grasp on the situation is truly incredible, this place is ticking like a well oiled machine. Secondly, I will now state what every one is doing next”

  Leah and Guy, are to create a list of future requirements in terms of building and collecting new project ideas, “prioritize, water and food, write for now, rain and humidity collector, and try to open the other basements tomorrow”, Ethan concludes.

  Jessica will work with Zoe and Lily, “give the architect whatever he needs to build more sleeping areas around the first floor parameter, make sure people exchange knowledge and improving existing skill sets”

  “The rest keep on with your stuff as you were, we shall speak later on, everyone is to help in the building process, with so many hands, our ability to add more people increases”

  “Before we call it a day. Dana and Rob, Inner and External defense units heads, first ‘Guards’ are no more, from today onwards, they shall be referred to as warriors”

  “I want every single warrior to be under the schedule Dana created for her unit. Increase the guarding shifts teams to 3 member squad, each shift is 5 hours”, His eyes turns cold for a moment, “A big group is expected to make it presence known, I will wait here tomorrow and wait for them, I need the rescue searches to be led by rob in a decreased in parameter from the base. I want you and your six companions available, do we have 5 close-by locations to reach with the rescue project?” he addresses Rob.

  “We have 3 more close-by locations, the rest are almost an hour away, only for one way direction” Rob explains a difficult situation.

  “Start with the three locations for now, when you are done with them let me know, and based on the situation here we shall improvise” Ethan concludes.

  “Dana, tomorrow I will be in the training room for three hours and help all of our gua…warriors to train weapon mastery”

  Standing up about to call it a day, Ethan speaks once more, “Almost forgot, A way to get stronger and increase all stats have been discovered,” this announcement again plunged the room into chaos, “This is not a fast or easy methods, but working out and physical effort increase Strength, stretching and dexterous workout seems to increase Agility, complex Social situations solving increase Charisma. This one must be achieved by some of you”

  A few nods of agreement take place as he continues, ”Getting beaten and recovering from a dire health situation increases Constitution.” Guy nods to this.

  Ethan concludes, “We are now going to call it a day, we meet tomorrow at first lights, we will gather at the communal area and start our day, questions? Objections?”

  “What are we to do with what you told us about? Other planes? Magic energies? Monsters and creatures from stories and games? Are we to act as if nothing happened?” Rob asks, clearly still uneasy about it.

  “Yes, fighting birds with swords for wings was not a clear enough heads up?” Ethan asks with a laugh, “Out of everyone you should be the last one to act like that, get a grip on yourself, only and if you are alone, and completely alone, speak with your wife. Be advised, this is not a simple information to go around, chaos will assume and people will freak out for nothing. I am currently researching it, so stay patient” looking contemplating, his eyes turned serious.

  “All of you, I was never hiding anything from you and i won’t start now” Ethan States, “I am going to try and cook the leg wolf i brought two days ago, it’s suppose to be ready now, i marinated it and put it in the fridge before leaving to the rescue runs, This is a test for alternative food source I came up with. If anyone wants to see if i die from eating bad meat come watch” he concludes the meeting with a bit of dark humor.