Bookwormd

Ethan, a boy who has always preferred the quiet of his books to the crowd, is unexpectedly plunged into an unfamiliar reality. After waking up in a hospital, he finds himself surrounded by a new truth that forces him to interact with people, confronting what he never imagined existed.

The streets he once walked in peace are now overrun by dungeons that spring up without warning, monstrous creatures that emerge from the shadows, and supernatural abilities that alter the course of the lives of those who possess them.

Now, Ethan must learn to survive in a world where the rules have changed. As he struggles to adapt to this dangerous environment, he discovers that his existence is linked to an ancient artifact, a relic of forgotten times.

This artifact gives him the ability to read minds, but at the same time connects him to a world of hidden secrets, dark dangers and endless possibilities. The weight of this power may crush him... or perhaps, it will give him the strength to forge his own destiny.

Will he succeed in unraveling the truth behind the past and the origin of this artifact?

The Heart of a Hero in Multiple Worlds

A sunny coffee shop. The golden evening light filtered through the large windows, creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Ethan, Laura and Miguel, seated at a table near the window, were enjoying their drinks after leaving school. It had been a week since the incident with Aiden, and the idea of joining a hunters' guild was still haunting Ethan's mind. But there was something else, something he had discovered that caused him great unease: Laura and Miguel's hidden potential, and their strong desire to keep it a secret.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries mingled with the sound of low conversations and the clinking of cups. Ethan, a little nervously, broke the silence. "Guys, we need to talk. About what happened that night...about Aiden."

Laura looked away, uncomfortable. Her teacup trembled slightly in her hands. "I don't want to talk about it again, Ethan. It was scary."

Miguel nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, it was a shocking experience. Let's just forget about it." His fingers drummed nervously on the table.

Ethan sighed, frustrated. "But...I can't forget it. What I saw... Aiden's ability... it got me thinking. it got me thinking. What if...what if we had that potential too?"

Laura let out a small laugh, a little forced. "Potential for what, to be attacked by a madman with a switchblade? No, thank you."

Miguel, with a sarcastic tone, added: "Yes, I prefer to go on with my normal life. No monsters or razors." He glanced toward the street, as if looking for a distraction.

Ethan persisted, his tone softer. "I don't just mean that. I mean... Being hunters. To protecting others. To using our abilities to do good."

At that moment, Ethan looked at Laura and Miguel. The statistics of both appeared in his mind, bright and clear. Simultaneously, he heard their thoughts.

Favorability: 85 (High Friendship)

Magic Abilities: Fire (Level 1), Temperature Control (Level 1).

Thoughts: I don't think I can lie to my best friend anymore...

Favorability: 70 (Friendliness low)

I knew it! Ethan thought. They have potential, and they don't want me to know it.

Ethan tried to phrase his words carefully, trying not to reveal that he knew his thoughts. "It's just... I've been thinking about the Shining Sword Guild. They're awesome. And I was wondering... what if we could be part of something like that too? If we could help others?" Her voice sounded more uncertain than before, aware of the tension that had built up.

Laura quickly changed the subject. "Have you seen the new movie premiere? They say it looks amazing."

Miguel nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, we have to go see it!"

Ethan, frustrated, tried one more time. "But... guys... doesn't it strike you what happened? The possibility of.... Of being more than normal people?"

Laura and Miguel exchanged a nervous glance. Laura responded evasively. "Ethan, I don't understand you, what are you talking about?"

Miguel concurred. "Yeah, let's better talk about something else. How about we go play video games?"

Ethan realized he wasn't going to be able to convince them that day. His friends were keeping a secret, and for some reason, they didn't want him to know. He would have to wait for the right time.

Ethan sighed, resigned. "Okay, we'll take a rain check. But think about it, okay?"

Laura and Miguel nodded, relieved that Ethan had dropped the subject.

Chapter 7: One step back