Alternate Realities: Maniversal Exploration - Part 4

Location: New Nigeria

Alternate Reality: Maniverse 2077 - Earth D19 - Multiverse - Universe 69652

War was never a good experience. It divided our nation, our country, our homeland. On July 6, 1967, the Nigerian civil war began, also known as the Nigerian-Biafran war or the Biafran war. It was a civil war fought between Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra, a secessionist state that had declared its independence from Nigeria in 1967.

Then, on January 15th, 1970, during the final days of the war, something unexpected happened that would forever change the course of history. Being an underdeveloped country at that time, Nigeria experienced a miracle from the sky. A tiny piece of a glowing orb descended to Earth in our homeland. This mysterious object brought an end to the war and transformed and developed our country. Even after 107 years, we are still unable to determine its source from outer space. The orb provided us with an immense source of energy, which we used to cure cancer and other deadly viruses known to man. It blessed our resources, and our economy grew exponentially. It granted us advanced technology beyond anything imaginable, with limitless potential yet to be fully explored.

However, that was not the end of the story. The rich and powerful seized control of the government, effectively becoming the ruling class. They were aware of the capabilities and secrets of the orb, which were kept hidden from the rest of the world. Every country and individual sought to uncover the secret behind Nigeria's resources.

We became a world-leading power, but the cost was unjust for our people and society. The government turned a blind eye to the needs of the underprivileged, and only the wealthy and powerful could afford almost anything at their fingertips. The peaceful Nigeria we once knew, characterized by harmony, was gone. Our country became divided into two factions: the rich elites, known as the New Nigeria, and the underprivileged, referred to as the Old Nigeria.

A new city and civilization were built, and a boundary was established to shield the New Nigeria from the Old Nigeria. Anything deemed unnecessary in the new civilization was discarded into the scavenger world of the Old Nigeria. Fortunately for us, Mr. Belo, a former researcher from the New Nigeria, was fired under mysterious circumstances. It is believed that he possesses personal information that, when revealed at the right time, will expose hidden truths.

My name is Ibrahim Adewale, and I am fifteen years old. Welcome to October 20, 2077, possibly my birth month. This is my story, and what I am about to share with you will blow your mind. Most of what you have heard from me happened before my time. Just stick around, and I will narrate the events that unfolded during my lifetime.

I live in an orphanage home on Tafawa Balewa Street, located near the border with a bunch of other kids. Life here isn't as pretty as it may seem; it's more like survival of the fittest. The people in charge don't show much care for us, except for Sister Margaret. Maybe God bless that lady, by the way. Just to clarify, she's still alive, so don't worry too much. Most kids who leave the orphanage never return or are heard from again. It's a tough life, you know. I've made some friends, but they never really stick around for long.

You see, the so-called New Nigeria is about to host a special occasion for kids called "The Brightest Minds." It sounds quite strange, doesn't it? They don't really care about us, yet they're organizing an event for children. It all seems suspicious to me, don't you think? Supposedly, if you're chosen, you get to be in the spotlight, and all your dreams come true—or so they say. But I'm tired of that kind of life. I want a better Nigeria where everyone can live in unity without being divided.

People in the Old Nigeria don't seem to receive enough favor from the New Nigeria. To obtain something valuable, you have to trade something of even greater value. It could be for special treatment, highly advanced tech cars, a fancy house or apartment with all the technological support, or even marriage. That's the extent to which things have escalated. People are willing to do crazy things just to escape from the Old Nigeria and enter the new civilization, instead of finding a solution for the greater good. I guess everyone is a bit self-centered, don't you think?

I visit Mr. Belo more often, even skipping school sometimes. Let's face it, school isn't really my thing. Maybe someday it will be. Mr. Belo inspires me with his wisdom and advice, and I often lend him a helping hand with his chores.

"Shouldn't you consider the Brightest Mind program?" Mr. Belo asked.

I hesitated for a moment before responding, "You know that program isn't entirely pure."

"It depends on how you define purity," Mr. Belo replied. "Not all kids your age get the opportunity to participate."

"And then what?" I asked. "It's not like I would be recognized or anything."

"Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone and try something different when you feel the need," Mr. Belo replied. "There's more to life than what you can imagine. And yes, you will be recognized."

Mr. Belo and I spent the day fixing things, doing plumbing work, providing medical treatment, and more. He is a multi-skilled man, after all. Once we were done, we sat down and had a conversation, mostly discussing how Nigeria could become better again through unity. We finished around 9:30 PM, and I sneaked back into the orphanage home. Unfortunately, Sister Margaret was already waiting for me. It seemed my disguise hadn't fooled her this time as I entered through the window.

"Ibrahim Adewale, for God's sake, where are you coming from at this hour?" Margaret asked as I accidentally hit my head against the window in shock. She approached me and gently massaged the swollen side of my head with her hand, providing relief from the pain.

Sister Margaret has always been like a mother to me, the kind that anyone would appreciate having. She is loving, caring, and full of affection. She is a lady with a heart of gold.

"You know you shouldn't stay out late," Margaret said. "It's dangerous at night."

"I know... I'm sorry," I replied.

"But I was with Mr. Belo the whole time," I said with a smile. She gave me a stern look, something I would never forget. It seemed like I had exposed myself for skipping school. However, today was different as she didn't complain about it. She just rolled her eyes and kissed me on the cheek. Before leaving, she said, "What's worth doing is worth doing well."

I didn't fully understand her words as I pondered over them until I fell asleep. The next day, Sister Margaret made sure I didn't skip school this time. She took me and dropped me off at the bus junction. From there, we could see the New Nigeria, where the elite were enjoying their extravagant lifestyles while flaunting their wealth in front of us in the old Nigeria. Power was constantly in their hands, and life seemed effortless for them. No one dared to cross the borders due to a powerful electromagnetic force field that could even vaporize intruders if unauthorized.

After school, we were taught very little, mostly about the New Nigeria, who served as gods over us. Not all teachers were happy about the situation, and some would boast about their plans to escape to the other side of pleasure.

I made my way to Mr. Belos' place, as usual, and enjoyed each other's company. Returning home late at night once again, I pondered what sister Margaret had in store for me. However, on my way, I noticed a glowing light affecting the border. It was intensifying, but curiosity got the best of me, and I wanted to know what it was. As I approached the light, it felt as if someone or something was trying to force their way through, and eventually, they succeeded.

To my surprise, I found a girl around my age on the other side. Just as I was about to speak, she shushed me and pulled me close, rendering us both invisible to the people who were pursuing her. They began searching the area after noticing the cracks on the border. Some thought it was a distraction and reported it to their headquarters, while others continued the search. Once they had moved further away, we became visible again and made our way to my home.

However, upon arriving, sister Margaret wasn't waiting for us this time. Perhaps she had grown tired of waiting. I led Amara to my room, where she became engrossed in her advanced technology.

"So... You never told me your name," I asked.

"Uh!" she replied. "It's Amara."

"You're from New Nigeria," I said. "But why are you here?"

Amara proceeded to explain some terrifying things about the New Nigeria and what they had planned for the old Nigeria.

"olorun ma je" I said, snapping my fingers above my head. Amara stared at me as if I had committed a taboo.

"What did you just say and do?" Amara asked, and I proceeded to explain the meaning of my words and gesture to her.

Amara laughed, dismissing it as "obsolete," as she couldn't recall when those words were still in use. In the New Nigeria, they now spoke a unified language called "AANL" which stood for "All African Nigeria Language."

"What does that mean?" I asked.

"It means all languages in Nigeria have merged," replied Amara.

"But that's not fair," I said.

"Well, it's fair over there," Amara replied. "That's just how life is."

"So our country is now divided against itself, like the Terminator, but this time it's us against us," I remarked, and Amara chuckled.

"Have you ever heard the saying or read a book called 'The Rich Also Cry'?" Amara asked.

"Yeah, by Amaechi Nzekwe," I replied.

"Exactly! That's exactly what's happening over there," Amara said with a serious tone. "Not everyone in New Nigeria is bad. Some want to reunite the old Nigeria with the New, to share its advanced technology and become one nation again. But the government and the rich elites in power don't want that. Instead, they plan to use the so-called brightest minds as a way to gain trust from the old Nigeria, only to enslave them in poverty while they continue to develop their own societies. The kids chosen as the brightest minds don't get the spotlight; they work tirelessly as slaves, following the orders they've been educated to execute. In short, the New Nigeria wants to get rid of the Old Nigeria."

I was stunned by Amara's shocking revelation. I wondered what would become of those who still struggled to earn a living in the old Nigeria. Would they be driven out of our fatherland?

"We need to put an end to this," Amara said with determination. "Luckily, I have allies in high places who sent me here to warn your people," she added, pointing her finger close to my chest.

"Ibrahim Adewale," Amara called out my name. "You need to gather your people."

Ibrahim Adewale listened intently to Amara's words, feeling a mixture of excitement and fear. The weight of the information she had shared with him pressed upon his young shoulders. He knew that he couldn't ignore the call to action. The fate of the old Nigeria and its people hung in the balance, and it was up to him to make a difference.

Taking a deep breath, Ibrahim looked at Amara and said, "I'm in. I'll gather my people and do whatever it takes to expose the truth and unite our country once again."

Amara nodded approvingly. "Good. But remember, we have to be careful. The powerful elites of the New Nigeria won't hesitate to crush any resistance. We need a plan—a strategy to overthrow their oppressive rule."

Ibrahim's mind raced as he thought about the best way to approach the situation. He knew he couldn't do it alone; he needed allies. He thought about the friends he had made in the orphanage—brave and resourceful kids who had also experienced the hardships of the old Nigeria. He knew they would be willing to join the cause.

"I have friends," Ibrahim said, determination gleaming in his eyes. "We may be young, but we won't stand by and watch our country be torn apart. We'll fight for a better future."

Amara smiled, impressed by Ibrahim's resolve. "That's the spirit. Together, we can make a difference. But we'll need more than just determination. We'll need a plan, intelligence, and support."

Ibrahim nodded, understanding the magnitude of their task. "I have an idea. There's a secret resistance group in the old Nigeria. They've been trying to uncover the truth about the New Nigeria and find a way to reunite our country. I've heard whispers about them, and I believe they can help us."

Amara's eyes widened with hope. "That's exactly what we need. Do you know how to contact them?"

Ibrahim thought for a moment, trying to recall the rumors he had heard. "Yes, there's a hidden message board online. They call it 'The Unity Network.' I can try to reach out to them and see if they're willing to join our cause."

Amara nodded in agreement. "Excellent. Gather your friends and contact the Unity Network. We'll need their expertise and guidance. Meanwhile, I'll use my connections to gather support from within the New Nigeria. There are those who oppose the current regime but are too afraid to speak out."

As Ibrahim and Amara devised their plan, a spark of hope ignited within them. They knew that the road ahead would be treacherous, filled with dangers and obstacles. But they also knew that they couldn't turn a blind eye to the injustice and division that plagued their homeland.

Days turned into weeks as Ibrahim and his friends worked tirelessly to recruit members for their cause. They reached out to the Unity Network and formed an alliance with the underground resistance. Together, they gathered information, strategized, and planned their next move.

Meanwhile, Amara used her connections within the New Nigeria to spread awareness about the corrupt government and their ulterior motives. She unveiled the truth behind the Brightest Minds program, exposing it as a tool for exploitation rather than a platform for the children's dreams to come true. Her words resonated with those who had begun to question the status quo.

The movement gained momentum, and people from both the old and the new Nigeria started to rally behind Ibrahim and Amara's cause. It wasn't an easy journey—there were risks, betrayals, and moments of doubt. But their unwavering determination and the support of the people kept them going.

Finally, the day of reckoning arrived. Ibrahim and his allies planned a massive protest at the border between the old and the new Nigeria. People from all walks of life, tired of the division and inequality, flooded the streets, demanding unity and justice.

The government, caught off guard by the sheer magnitude of the protest, tried to suppress it with force. But they underestimated the power of a united people fighting for a just cause. The protesters stood their ground, their voices echoing through the air, demanding change.

In the face of the people's unwavering resolve, the government's grip on power began to weaken. The elites of the New Nigeria saw the shifting tide and realized that their oppressive regime was on the verge of collapse.

Negotiations began, led by Ibrahim, Amara, and the representatives of the resistance movement. They demanded a new government, one that would prioritize the welfare of all Nigerians and work towards reunification. The elites, cornered and with no other choice, reluctantly agreed.

And so, a new era dawned on Nigeria. The corrupt regime crumbled, and a transitional government, formed by representatives from both the old and the new Nigeria, took its place. Rebuilding the nation would be a long and arduous process, but the people were filled with hope.

Ibrahim and Amara became symbols of unity and resilience. Their bravery and leadership inspired the nation, and their names became etched in the history books. Together, they worked tirelessly to heal the wounds of the past and forge a brighter future for all Nigerians.

As the years passed, Nigeria emerged stronger than ever. The divisions that once tore the nation apart were replaced by unity and progress. The advancements in technology and resources that were once exclusive to the New Nigeria were now shared equitably across the country, benefiting every citizen.

Ibrahim Adewale and Amara continued their friendship, working side by side to ensure that the mistakes of the past would never be repeated. They became the architects of a new Nigeria, where justice, equality, and opportunity prevailed.

And amidst it all, Sister Margaret, the caring nun who had raised Ibrahim, watched with pride as her once lost and troubled young charge grew into a remarkable leader, playing a pivotal role in reshaping their beloved homeland.

Together, they proved that the power to change a nation lies not only in the hands of the wealthy and powerful but in the hearts and minds of everyday people who dare to dream of a better future.

Months after the successful reunification of Nigeria, a united and hopeful atmosphere prevailed across the nation. The transitional government had taken significant steps towards healing the wounds of the past and rebuilding the country. In the midst of this progress, Mr. Belo had reclaimed his position as a respected researcher, entrusted with crucial knowledge and secrets that had been concealed for far too long.

Gathered in a secure underground facility, Mr. Belo sat with his trusted team of researchers, including Ibrahim, Amara, and Sister Margaret. The room hummed with anticipation as they prepared to hear Mr. Belo's shocking revelation about the multiverse.

"Thank you all for being here today," Mr. Belo began, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and trepidation. "What I am about to share with you is not only groundbreaking but also a matter of utmost importance for the future of our world."

Eyes widened and hearts raced as his words hung in the air. The researchers leaned forward, eager to grasp the magnitude of what they were about to learn.

"You see," Mr. Belo continued, his voice filled with wonder, "the glowing orb that descended to Earth all those years ago, the one that brought an end to the war and bestowed upon us incredible advancements—it is not of this world. It is a gateway to the vast expanse of the multiverse."

Gasps filled the room as the researchers exchanged bewildered glances. Ibrahim's mind whirled with questions, and Amara's eyes sparkled with a newfound sense of curiosity.

Sister Margaret, though taken aback, maintained her calm demeanor. "Mr. Belo, are you saying that our world is just one among countless others? That there are alternate realities, alternate versions of ourselves?"

Mr. Belo nodded. "Exactly, Sister Margaret. The orb's origins lie beyond our comprehension. It possesses the power to access different universes, each with its own set of possibilities and realities. Our journey to reunite Nigeria and fight for justice has only been the beginning. The multiverse holds infinite potential, and we must explore it to unlock the secrets it holds."

Amara leaned forward, her voice filled with awe. "So, you're saying there are other Earths out there, each with its own version of Nigeria, its own struggles, and triumphs?"

Mr. Belo smiled. "Indeed, Amara. Our quest for unity and justice has taken on an entirely new dimension. Together, we will not only shape our own world but also explore the vastness of the multiverse, bringing hope and change to countless others."

The researchers absorbed the weight of Mr. Belo's revelation, their minds spinning with the possibilities. As they began to discuss the next steps, their excitement mixed with a sense of responsibility. They knew that the fate of their own world and the multitude of alternate realities now rested in their hands.

Little did they know that their journey had just begun. The exploration of the multiverse, the understanding of different Earths and civilizations, would take them on an adventure beyond anything they could have imagined. The glowing orb, a beacon of discovery, would guide them through the mysteries of the maniverse, revealing astonishing truths and confronting unimaginable challenges.

And as Ibrahim, Amara, Sister Margaret, and their trusted team prepared to embark on this extraordinary journey, they understood that their united efforts would not only shape the destiny of Nigeria but also reverberate across the expanse of the multiverse, forever altering the course of countless worlds.