"Breaking news this morning: Ten colossal lightning bolts have struck various locations around the globe in a phenomenon scientists are calling unprecedented and inexplicable. These bolts, unlike any previously recorded, descended simultaneously in a coordinated pattern, baffling experts worldwide."

"Authorities are urging the public to remain calm as investigations continue. So far, there are no reports of casualties, but the mysterious nature of these events has left many questioning what could be causing such anomalies."

In every news channel, similar reports were coming in. However, unbeknownst to everyone there was an 11th lightning bolt.

Ethan was lying on the pavement, half alive, and half dead on a random road in downtown Dallas. He was panting heavily with his face haggard and throat parched even in the midst of heavy rainfall.

His entire body felt as if it was on fire. Millions of tiny ants were crawling all over his body.

Ethan winced in pain one more time and wondered why he was even alive at this point. Or was he so unlucky that even after almost tasting the sweet relief of death, he was still forced to remain alive, probably as an invalid or as a vegetable?

He couldn't help but laugh, a laugh filled with madness. 

He was not someone who is new to pain and suffering. In fact, his entire life had been one misery after another. Shuffled between a bunch of foster homes, now he was finally out of the foster system, only to work from morning to evening in dead end menial jobs.

Still, he persevered. He needed to save up some money to do a 2 year course work in a local college. After that, there would be more doors opening up in his future. He had a meticulous mind and a hard working nature. He was determined to make something better with his life.

But when life repeatedly beats you down, without giving a single chance to even stand up for a second, who wouldn't give up?

And that included today's beat down.

It was his birthday today and God decided to hand him his birthday present with a personal touch. A freaking lightning bolt!

Just how many people are unfortunate enough to be hit by a god damn lightning bolt?

And yet, Ethan made the list!

He laid flat on the ground, struck by lightning, twitching in pain, with his food delivery orders sprawled on the ground next to him.

His entire pathetic life flashed across his eyes. His closed eyes trembled and tears seeped out. He did not want to die just yet.

Unwilling to accept his impending end, he balled his fist and grit his teeth. Maybe in another life, his fate could finally change...

However, contrary to his expectations, huge siren noises invaded his ears, followed by muffled voices. He tried to open his eyes, but only to end up falling unconscious.

After what seemed like an eternity, Ethan woke up in a hospital bed with a splitting headache. His weak eyelids trembled and opened, exposing him to the harsh sunlight flirting with the curtain.

A beautiful nurse was kindly tending to him, giving him a warm sponge bath. A pleasant sensation permeated throughout his body, involuntarily putting a smile on his face, which barely lasted for a second.

"Oh! Shit! I am in a hospital. How am I supposed to pay these ridiculous bills now?"

Not even concerned about his health, worry, and panic surfaced on Ethan's face, as his mind directly went to the bill payment part of his recovery.

Noticing his expressions, the nurse gently asked, "Are you okay? Do you feel any pain or discomfort in your body?"

Ethan stared at her face, finally remembering why he was at the hospital. He anxiously checked his body and after a few seconds sighed in relief.

Everything so far seemed to be intact and uninjured.

"Yes... I am okay." His hoarse and feeble voice sounded.

The nurse then informed him about all the tests they had run the previous day and that he was completely fine, ready to be discharged.

She further advised him to sleep more and eat more nutritious food. He looked very underweight and malnourished for a guy of his age.

Finishing up all the procedures, she asked if he had any immediate relatives he needed help contacting.

Ethan wryly nodded his head. Relatives? He had no one.

The nurse exclaimed in surprise and asked him not to worry. She then left the room for about fifteen minutes, before returning with some forms. She explained how their hospital had a special program for the orphanage and underprivileged kids.

Apparently, some rich guy was diagnosed with cancer that very same morning and out of sheer fear, he decided to improve his karma by starting this new generous charity trust.

Ethan was in fact the very first recipient of this goodwill!

As he left the hospital, the nurse pointed at him and spoke to her colleague, "Hey that's the guy. The one who was struck by lightning and survived scot-free."

The other nurse replied, "Wow, he must be really lucky. I have never heard of something like that happening. What a miracle!"

Ethan heard them and a chill ran down his spine. What happened? How was he fine and walking already? He was one hundred percent struck by lightning. Oh, yes. The pain still made him tremble. All of that was very real and definitely happened. 

But somehow everything was fine now?

Not only that it was this feeling he had inside. He had never felt better in his life.

As he walked out, snippets of conversations reached his ears.

"Did you hear about those ten lightning bolts?"

"Yeah, global phenomenon or something. Scientists are baffled."

"At least no one got hurt."

Ethan frowned. Ten lightning bolts? Was it one of them that hit him?

Passing by an electronics store, he paused in front of a wall of televisions all tuned to the news.

"Breaking news: Ten colossal lightning bolts have struck various locations around the globe in a phenomenon scientists are calling unprecedented and inexplicable. Authorities are urging the public to remain calm as investigations continue. So far, there are no reports of casualties, but the mysterious nature of these events has left many questioning what could be causing such anomalies."

Ethan's heart raced. An uneasy feeling settled in his stomach. Was he really fine? Lost in thought, he continued walking home. 

Reaching his small apartment, he unlocked the door and stepped inside. The familiar sight of his meager belongings greeted him—a worn couch, a second-hand table, and his cherished collection of books.

He collapsed onto the couch, rubbing his temples. The day's events were overwhelming. He closed his eyes for a moment but he couldn't fall asleep. Letting out a sigh, he decided to borrow his room mate's prized possession, a gaming capsule.

His roommate was in no better financial condition than him but the guy had somehow managed to get his hands on a hand me down gaming capsule. The dude was very easy going and did not mind sharing with him for which Ethan was thankful.

The few minutes he logged in was his escape from reality that he desperately needed. The video game he liked playing was 'Blood Battle'. It was already 4pm and he decided to play for an hour before starting his night shift routine, back to back food delivery jobs.

Ethan took a deep breath, entered the game capsule, feeling a tad bit claustrophobic like he always did. He switched it off and the machine whirred.

Almost immediately, a bloody sword, thick red blood dripping from the edges, appeared in front of him. "Welcome to Blood Battle. This…"

A robotic male voice started announcing but before it even finished the first line, the voice cracked, the image distorted and the bloody sword completely disappeared.

Instead, in the pitch-black space, a small gift box appeared and Beethoven's Fur Elise started loudly playing.

"Welcome to Evolution Online, earthling. I am Eleana. I will be your guide for today." A little fairy with two shiny pink wings on her back buzzed up and down, naturally flying in the air.