"I guess I should check in on Joe to make sure he's okay," I thought, my anxiety tightening around my chest like a vise. I made my way back to the living room, my eyes scanning the cluttered floor for my cell phone. After a few tense moments, I finally spotted it lying among the debris, its screen completely black. I picked it up and plugged it into the charger, hoping to see some flicker of life. But the screen remained dark and unresponsive, a void of nothingness.
Panic surged through me, a tidal wave of worst-case scenarios crashing over my thoughts. I snatched the TV remote from the coffee table and hammered the power button repeatedly. The TV remained stubbornly dark, its screen mocking my desperation. Frustration mounting, I turned my attention to the light switch, flipping it up and down with increasing urgency. "Don't tell me... the power's out too?" I muttered, my voice trembling with a mix of disbelief and fear.
Desperate for answers, I called out to the System. "Hey System, what's going on with the power outages?"
**[ The mana wave has obliterated all electrical components. Your civilization will need to integrate mana into your technology for it to function properly in the future. ]**
"Seriously? So, nothing works, and we have to reinvent all our technology from scratch?" I felt a deep frustration boiling over, my disbelief echoing in my voice.
**[ Mana-infused technology represents an upgrade. Your current technology is outdated compared to the advancements elsewhere in the universe. Incorporating mana will facilitate significant scientific progress. ]**
"Fantastic. And what about the water? Don't tell me we can't drink it either?" My voice carried an edge of worry, mingled with the remnants of my anxiety.
**[ The water is safe to drink as long as it has not been tainted by the Incompatible's blood. Due to mana infusion, the water is actually now healthier and more beneficial for humans and animals alike. It will enhance the vitality and growth of both plants and animals and help restore the ecosystem your kind has damaged with its excess usage. ]**
"Well, at least there's that," I said, feeling a slight relief but still deeply on edge. "I guess I need to clean up before heading out to find Joe."
I scanned the room, taking in the chaos that had erupted in just a short span of time. The overturned furniture, the scattered papers, and broken picture frames told a story of a world upended. I grabbed a broom and started clearing a path through the mess, my mind racing with plans and worries. Each sweep of the broom felt like a futile attempt to impose order on the chaos that had taken over not just my living room, but the entire world.
As I worked, my thoughts drifted to Joe. He was out there somewhere, possibly facing the same uncertainties and dangers. We had always looked out for each other, and I knew that finding him was a top priority. My movements became more purposeful, the act of cleaning serving as a way to calm my nerves and focus my energy.
Once the floor was cleared enough to move around without tripping, I gathered a few essential items—some food, a first-aid kit, a map, and water. I stored all the items into my Space Pendant to reduce my load for my travels.
I decided to change into something more practical. I slipped into a black jogger set with red stripes and laced up my black J***** 11s. I grabbed my pistol from the closet and my katana, feeling a mix of reassurance and dread as I prepared myself for the unknown. Crystal, my loyal white husky, padded beside me, her presence a small comfort amidst the chaos. As I approached the front door, another thought struck me.
I took one last look around the room, my eyes lingering on the family photos that still hung on the walls. They seemed to belong to a different time, a different world. With a deep breath, I steeled myself, looked at Crystal to confirm her acknowledgment, and we stepped out into the night.
The stale air of the apartment greeted us, carrying with it the sounds of a city that had fallen silent. Every creak and rustle seemed amplified, setting my nerves on edge. Each step felt like a journey into the unknown, but I knew that I had to keep moving. Joe was out there, and he needed me. Together, we would find a way to survive in this new reality.
As I made my way through the deserted halls of the apartment, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of fear and determination. The world had changed in an instant, and it was up to us to adapt and overcome. With each step, I reminded myself that we had faced challenges before and come out stronger. This time would be no different. We would find a way to not just survive but thrive in this mana-infused world.
"System, how do I acquire skills? I received general information on how to use my elements, but it didn't provide specific details on how to attack or defend."
**[ Each host must explore and develop their own skills. The System will generate skills based on your understanding and application of the elements. Skill creation is unique to each user, meaning no two people's skills will be the same. ]**
"More work, and this God calls it 'helping us out'? This is getting ridiculous."
"Crystal, let's go. No barking—today's already chaotic enough."
With my resolve steeled, I stepped out into the tumultuous world beyond. Ready to clear our building and find Joe, I braced myself for the upheaval that had engulfed our lives.