The Start of the Calamity

The air crackled like static as the world hung in an uneasy balance. It was a day like any other, filled with the mundane worries of daily life. But in the deepest recesses of the cosmos, an unimaginable event was brewing—a convergence of malevolent forces. Unbeknownst to humanity, cruel gods from far-off realms stared down from their thrones, amusement dancing in their eyes like flickering flames. They had grown bored, and mortal lives were mere toys to them.

With a collective gesture, the malignant deities unleashed their angelic enforcers, each one shimmering with ethereal light but carrying the burden of their masters' dark whims. In a flash that eclipsed the sun, the entire world shifted, blurring reality until everything that had once been familiar evaporated into a void of nothingness.

Ethan Carter was in his basement, engrossed in a video game—his sanctuary from the trials of teenage life. The adventure before him required his full attention, but suddenly, the screen flickered violently. The ground shook beneath him, the walls of his room warped and twisted, and a blinding light enveloped him. Searing pain shot through his body; a pulse of energy surged around him like waves of a tempest. With a final breath of disbelief, the world he knew vanished.

When the light faded, Ethan found himself sprawled on grass, the coolness beneath him a stark contrast to the anguish still rippling through his limbs. He blinked against the vibrant, alien sky, which blazed with swirling colors that resembled the hues of a stormy sunset. Towering trees fringed with bioluminescent leaves surrounded him—every inch of this new world screamed of unnatural beauty.

Confusion gripped him tightly as he stumbled to his feet. Shadows danced at the edge of the forest, and a guttural roar echoed. He turned just in time to see an enormous creature emerge—a colossal beast with scales like molten rock and eyes that gleamed with predatory intelligence. Heart racing, Ethan rushed back, adrenaline fueling his movements.

Suddenly, the air parted with a melodious chime. A translucent screen unfolded before him, glittering with symbols and stats.

**[Welcome to the Velarion Realm]**

**[Ethan Carter]**

**[Class: None - Awaiting System Initialization]**

The screen flickered again, and words materialized, bathing him in a glow that was both warm and commanding.

**[System Initialized]**

**[Congratulations! You have received the "Unlimited Mana" & "Accelerated x9 XP" abilities!]**

Ethan's eyes widened as the implications sank in. "Unlimited Mana"? He wasn't just another player in a game—he was something different, something profound. An unbidden rush of power surged through him, filling every fiber of his being with new purpose.

But that was only the beginning. As he struggled to comprehend the reality of his situation, more notifications appeared:

**[Special Skill Unlocked: Chosen One – Your system will create unknown skills as you level up.]**

He grinned, heart racing with possibilities. This was beyond any game ever designed. The gods had dumped him—along with billions of others—into a cruel world filled with overpowered monsters, yet, he was equipped with a unique advantage. With his accelerated experience gain, he would grow exponentially faster than those around him.

Ethan took a deep breath, feeling the pulse of his newfound abilities coursing through him. It was time to adapt, to understand this world that had seemed so hostile just moments ago. The monstrous creature, now closing in, seemed a fitting first challenge.

With a newfound resolve, Ethan stepped forward, his mind racing with strategies that raced like lightning. Shadows slithered through his thoughts, whispering tantalizing ideas and inspirations. This world, filled with danger and darkness, now felt like an opportunity—a place where he could rise, a Chosen One striving for mastery.

He spread his arms wide, a smile creeping across his face. This was only the beginning.

"Bring it on!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the eerie nature surrounding him.

The creature lunged, but Ethan was no longer the boy who had cowered in front of a screen. He was Ethan Carter, the bearer of unlimited potential, and the world was about to witness his rise.