Alex walked through the crowded city streets, his thoughts racing. The world he returned to was filled with dungeons and monsters, just like the magical realm he had left. He needed answers, and he believed Dr. Ethan Lee, the top scientist studying these phenomena, could provide them.
He arrived at a tall building labeled "Central Research Institute." Alex entered, and the sleek, modern lobby greeted him with cold efficiency. He approached the receptionist.
"I need to see Dr. Ethan Lee," Alex said.
"Do you have an appointment?" the receptionist asked, not looking up from her computer.
"No, but it's urgent," Alex insisted.
The receptionist glanced at him, her expression skeptical. "Dr. Lee is very busy. If you don't have an appointment—"
A voice interrupted. "It's alright, Sarah. I'll see him."
Alex turned to see a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a lab coat approaching. "I'm Dr. Ethan Lee. How can I help you?"
They moved to Dr. Lee's office, a room cluttered with papers, books, and strange devices. Dr. Lee sat behind his desk, studying Alex carefully.
"So, what's so urgent?" Dr. Lee asked.
Alex took a deep breath. "I've been in another world for the past fifteen years. A world filled with magic and monsters. When I came back, I found Earth had changed, too. Dungeons, monsters… I need to know what's going on."
Dr. Lee's eyes widened with interest. "Another world? Fascinating. Tell me more."
Alex explained his journey, his battles, and his return. Dr. Lee listened intently, nodding occasionally.
"When did these changes start happening here?" Alex asked when he finished his story.
Dr. Lee leaned back, his face thoughtful. "About ten years ago, strange phenomena began. At first, it was minor—unexplained disappearances, odd sightings. But then, dungeons started appearing, along with monsters. Governments around the world tried to control it, but it's only gotten worse."
"Do you know why this is happening?" Alex asked.
Dr. Lee sighed. "We have theories. One is that our world and others are converging, merging in some way. Another is that someone or something is causing these rifts."
Alex frowned. "What about people with powers? Are there others like me?"
"Yes," Dr. Lee confirmed. "Some people have gained abilities, similar to those found in your world. We call them Awakened. They're our best hope in fighting these threats."
Just then, the office door burst open, and a young woman stormed in. She had short hair, fierce eyes, and a bow slung over her shoulder.
"Dr. Lee, we have a problem. Another dungeon opened downtown," she said urgently.
Dr. Lee nodded. "Alex, this is Lina Park, one of our best Awakened. Lina, this is Alex Kim. He's… special."
Lina gave Alex a once-over, her gaze sharp. "Nice to meet you, Alex. Can you fight?"
Alex smiled slightly. "I've been doing nothing but fighting for fifteen years. Lead the way."
They rushed out of the building and into the streets. The city was in chaos, people running in every direction. In the distance, a swirling vortex marked the location of the new dungeon.
As they approached, Alex could see monsters spilling out of the vortex—hideous, twisted creatures that brought back memories of his battles in the other world.
Lina notched an arrow and took aim. "Ready?"
Alex nodded, summoning a fireball in his hand. "Let's do this."
They charged into the fray, Lina's arrows flying with deadly accuracy, and Alex's spells burning through the monsters. It felt like old times, but this was his world, and he fought with renewed determination.
The battle was fierce, but together, they managed to push the monsters back towards the dungeon. Alex cast a powerful spell, sealing the vortex and preventing more creatures from emerging.
As the last monster fell, Alex and Lina stood amidst the wreckage, breathing heavily.
"Not bad, Alex," Lina said, a hint of a smile on her face. "We could use someone like you."
Alex looked around at the city, his city, and nodded. "I'm here to help."
Dr. Lee approached, his face a mix of relief and concern. "Good work, both of you. But this is just the beginning. We have a long fight ahead of us."
Alex looked at the setting sun, determination in his eyes. "Then let's get to it."