The next morning, Alex woke before the sun peeked over the horizon. He packed his belongings, preparing for the long drive to the ranch.
High school had not been hassle-free, as Alex had worked tirelessly to honor his father's wishes. Charles had attended Alex's graduation in a wheelchair, his face glowing with relief and pride. His passing just weeks later left Alex devastated, prompting him to plan a long vacation before deciding his next steps.
Bzzt! Bzzt!
Alex's phone vibrated in his pocket as he loaded the final piece of luggage into his car.
"Hello, Uncle Clyde," Alex answered hurriedly.
"Brat! I heard from your Aunt Helen that you're on your way here," came a gruff, slightly tired voice on the other end.
"Yes, Uncle. I plan on driving alone," Alex replied.
"Are you sure you'll be fine driving alone? Why not hire a temporary driver?" Clyde asked, his concern evident.
"No, Uncle. I'll be fine. Besides, it's not my first time driving alone," Alex insisted, grateful for the worry but determined to travel solo.
"Well, take care, boy. Call me if something's up, and don't forget to message your Aunt Helen, she worries about you a lot."
"Thanks, Uncle. I will."
"One more thing, don't forget to carry a sidearm, just in case. Your car might attract attention."
"Got it," Alex responded firmly.
He double-checked everything before climbing into his sleek black Rezvani Tank X. The engine roared to life as he sped off into the distance.
The trip spanned roughly 1,300 miles. Alex planned to take breaks every three to four hours, staying overnight in major cities. Since he was traveling alone, he had the freedom to manage his time comfortably.
As the Tank merged onto I-15 North toward Las Vegas, the sun rose higher in the sky. Alex had been driving for nearly three hours and planned to stop in Barstow, California, for a short stretch, snack, and refuel. He would then drive another 2.5 hours to Las Vegas for an overnight stay.
As he drove, he noticed only a few vehicles heading in the opposite direction and a handful on his side of the road, likely traveling similar routes. The glaring sun and scorching heat created shimmering mirages on the road ahead.
"I wish it would stay cloudy all the way. It's so hot outside," Alex muttered to himself.
Just then, clouds began rolling in from the distance, shading the sun and casting an overcast veil over the road. Alex blinked, stunned, as the clouds spread ahead of him, seemingly clearing a path.
"Wow, God really favors me, huh?" Alex joked to himself, shaking his head in disbelief.
He soon reached Barstow, where he refueled his car and parked at a small Mexican diner for a quick meal.
"Can I have a taco and chips with mildly spicy salsa, please?" Alex asked the waiter.
"Sure, sir. Be right up."
"Oh! Also, a cold glass of cola," Alex added.
"Okay, sir."
As Alex glanced around, he noticed animal mounts decorating the walls, likely from hunts by the diner's owner. They reminded him of the rabbit mount in his villa, the first animal he had hunted with his father.
The food arrived shortly after, looking appetizing. Alex ate quickly, paid the bill, and returned to his car.
The sky remained cloudy, obscuring the sun. Though the heat lingered, it was far milder under the overcast.
"Well, I wish it would drizzle, that'd make it even cooler."
As soon as the words left his mouth, a drop of rain splashed onto his outstretched arm. Another followed, and then more.
"Holy shit!" Alex exclaimed, hurrying into his car as the drizzle became steadier.
"What the hell is happening? Once is a coincidence, but twice is definitely not!"
Ding!
[No, host, you are not favored. There is no God in this universe.]
A mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
"What the..." Startled, Alex glanced around.
"Hello?" he called out hesitantly.
Ding!
[Hello, host.]
"What the hell are you?" Alex asked cautiously.
[I'm a system. Host, don't you read web novels or comics online?]
"Uh, sorry, no."
[…]
The voice paused, then added with a teasing tone, [I see. What a miserable child.]
"Hey! I was busy studying and reading schoolbooks, okay? I'm sick of reading. I'd rather watch movies."
[Oh?] The voice trailed off playfully.
"Well, what are you anyway?" Alex asked as he re-entered I-15, continuing toward Las Vegas.
[I am the sentient core of the 'source' that sparked the creation of the multiverse.]
"Wait, so the multiverse theory is real?"
[Yes, that's real.]
"The bubble theory, where universes are bubbles?"
[Exactly.]
"Holy sh*t, you are the source?" Alex asked in disbelief.
[That is correct.] The voice replied smugly.
" Are you a quantum soap perhaps?" Alex teased.
[What! You can't compare me to that!] the voice retorted indignantly.
"Okay, okay. If you're here, doesn't that mean the multiverse has no source anymore?"
[No, the main body remains. I am merely the consciousness core. The ring on your hand is me.]
"Really? It's ugly." Alex glanced at the ring on his middle finger as he gripped the wheel.
[Hey!]
The ring suddenly burst into specks of light, transforming into a bead glowing with multiple hues.
"Wow... It looks slightly better now," Alex mused.
With a swish, the bead sank into Alex's forehead.
Startled, Alex slammed on the brakes and swerved to the side of the road before stopping. Fortunately, no other vehicles were nearby.