Vision or Dream (2)

Alex closely observed what the void creatures were doing, and just as he had guessed, they were attempting to consume it. However, it appeared they were struggling to even approach it.

The void creatures closer to the piece of that object were larger than the ones further away. While their attempt failed, the energy that piece was releasing was still being absorbed.

He continued to observe to see if anything would change, but nothing did.

'Is it the energy they are after? But if they can't get too close to it, how did the missing portion look like it was bitten off?'

With no explanation or such, he was left with his own speculations. Although what he had deduced earlier was also his deductions about the universe, he was sure that was the case.

His point of view was slightly directed upwards, and that was when he saw it.

'!'

'What is that?!' He exclaimed internally, his heart skipping a beat in the process.

He might have missed it earlier because he was focused on the void creatures absorbing the residual energy emitted by the small object, but above him loomed what he could only describe as the mother of all void creatures!

The void monstrosity he saw was unlike anything encountered in his universe. The creature looked like a fusion between an octopus and a desert worm.

It had long, writhing and numerous tentacles, a massive, tooth-filled maw that seemed to be constantly opening and closing. Its eyes were closed as it looked to be sleeping.

However, the visual effect of its presence sent shivers down his spine.

Then, as if it could notice his gaze, the void monstrosity opened its eyes, the act alone shaving off several years Alex didn't know he had.

Red met brown eyes, and the intensity of the creature's gaze was enough to drive anyone insane.

Alex was paralysed with fear like a deer caught in headlights. The fear was extremely overwhelming. He could not think of anything at all. It was as if his brain had refused to function.

Fortunately for him, the force that had been guiding him all this while acted once again and pushed him back, back into one of the oceans of universes, where his body disappeared within, being directed to one universe in particular.

The void monstrosity observed all this with no response whatsoever. It cast a glance down at the void creatures absorbing the energy from the small piece of the core from which it had taken a bite.

Like a parent watching its young ones eat their fill, it closed its eyes and went back to slumber.

What Alex did not know at the time was that he was not the only one shown all this. One candidate from every existing universe in that space experienced the same things he did. 

For what purpose they were shown what they did was up to them to deduce.

...

Alex suddenly awakened from his slumber, eyes wide as he gasped for breath. The sight had taken the medics by surprise, with some screaming at the top of their lungs.

He looked around nervously, his heart racing and sweat on his brow, taking in everything.

He was initially confused about where he was, but his breathing gradually slowed, and he soon recognised his location before lying back down.

The medics were unsure of what to do. The boy was supposed to be dying very soon, and no one expected him to wake up the way he did. Still, one of the medics did what they were meant to do.

Gathering their courage, they moved towards Alex to check up on him. Another medic also promptly exited to call for the head doctor.

"Hey, are you alright?" When the question was posed to him, Alex opened his eyes and looked at the medic standing by his bedside.

He simply nodded with his right hand placed on his forehead. The memory of what he experienced was still fresh in his mind. He was unsure whether it was a dream or a vision. 

'I don't think anyone would believe me either.' He was sceptical as to whether what he saw was even true or merely a figment of his imagination.

As he was mulling over what to do, the medic asked another question that reminded him of how and why he was there.

"Are you sure? You're the only one to have woken up after experiencing a Cosmic Mana Wave."

"What..."

The memories of the field trip they were on and what happened when they almost arrived on Mars returned. At this point, he felt overwhelmed and tired.

He turned his head around and saw the other beds with students lying on them. Some of them he knew from his school.

'James, Monica, Gue'ner…' As he recalled the names of some of his schoolmates, he wondered how he was still alive. He had pretty much accepted his death as an absolute certainty.

'How am I still alive?'

The question evoked memories of what he had experienced in that dark space, and almost as if by instinct, his body shivered.

The experience was surreal, to say the least. As he continued to process the experience, the doors leading outside opened, and several people rushed in, heading straight for his bedside.

The head doctors, some of the instructors and a few others he did not recognise arrived at his bed.

"Alexander Gray, correct?" One of the doctors asked, and he nodded in response. "My name is Felix Uniz."

"Is it okay to perform a quick diagnostic? I understand if this seems rushed and you'd want to rest." He asked for permission, to which Alex just sighed.

He was puzzled as to how he was still alive. By all accounts, he should be a goner, yet here he was, not feeling any different, except for the cold sweat on his back.

The doctor nodded and stretched his right hand towards him. The others stood back and observed everything with curiosity.

Sha'ang Yuruff was equally perplexed. He had been preparing for how he would deliver the news to the parents.

The parents would have already been notified, as the children's smartwatches were linked to their families. These devices instantly notified the families when something unfortunate happened to their loved ones.

Placing his hand on Alex's chest, the doctor activated his skill, enabling him to perform a scan on living organisms to identify areas of damage and guide healers on where to concentrate their healing. 

Alex felt a wave of warm energy enter his body, spreading all over. After completing the scan, the doctor exhaled and turned to the others, nodding his head.

Turning back to Alex, he said, "Looks like everything is normal. There is no hidden damage or anything of the sort. We'd have to keep you here for a few days to make sure nothing happens."

Alex nodded in understanding. This much was expected, as he was also curious about why he had survived. But he had a feeling it might be due to whatever he witnessed.

He was tempted to tell them what he saw, but decided to wait. He needed to make sense of what he saw, as he didn't want to come off as delusional.

'I need to make sure my parents are alright too.' He looked at his wrist to find his watch taken away.

Noticing his actions, Dr. Uniz replied, "The medics took your smartwatch. It would be returned to you very soon."

"What about my family? Are they already aware of what happened?" He asked, and the doctor turned to Sha'ang Yuruff.

Stepping forward, Alex's teacher responded, "Your parents have not been made aware as of now. You did not officially die before your watch was taken."

Hearing what his teacher said, Alex nodded in understanding. He would personally call them and make them aware of his status.

He was certain that news of what had occurred had already spread throughout the empire, and his survival would only exacerbate the situation.

'Hopefully, I don't become a celebrity.'