Stanley woke up the next day feeling different. The air around him felt heavier, charged with a faint energy that seemed to cling to him like a second skin. He sat up, staring at his hands, which briefly pulsed with a golden glow before dimming again.
"What's happening to me?" he muttered.
He quickly got ready for school, shaking off the unease. But the sensation lingered throughout the morning everywhere he went, he could feel the flow of energy around him as though Earth's magic was reaching out to him.
At school, things seemed relatively normal until Mia and a few others called him over to the courtyard for their usual lunch gathering.
"You okay, Stanley? You look a little… spaced out," Mia said, her brow furrowed with concern.
"I'm fine," Stanley replied with a forced smile. "Just didn't sleep much last night."
"You better not bail on our project again," Mia teased, though her tone held a hint of genuine worry.
Stanley chuckled, but before he could respond, a loud crack echoed through the air. Everyone in the courtyard froze.
The ground trembled beneath their feet.
"What's going on?" someone shouted.
The Attack
From the edge of the school grounds, a fissure split open, and dark smoke billowed out. A shadowy figure emerged from the crack tall, humanoid, and glowing with crimson energy. It let out a guttural roar that shook the air.
"Everyone, run!" a teacher yelled, ushering students toward the main building.
Stanley instinctively stepped forward. His heart raced, and he could feel the golden energy within him responding to the threat.
"Stanley, are you crazy? Come on!" Mia grabbed his arm, trying to pull him back, but he gently pushed her hand away.
"Go inside. I'll handle this," he said calmly.
Mia stared at him, confused. "Handle this? What do you mean"
Another tremor interrupted her, and the creature advanced, its eyes locking onto Stanley. It raised an arm, dark energy swirling around its claws.
Stanley took a deep breath. He didn't want to reveal his powers, but there was no choice now. As the creature attacked, Stanley raised a hand, and a golden barrier materialized, absorbing the impact.
The students who hadn't yet evacuated screamed in shock, their eyes fixed on Stanley and the glowing shield.
"What the…?" Mia whispered.
The creature roared again, launching another attack, but Stanley was ready. He pushed forward, the energy within him surging to life. With a flick of his wrist, golden tendrils shot out, wrapping around the creature and immobilizing it.
"Leave this place," Stanley commanded, his voice echoing with a power he had suppressed for years.
The creature struggled, but Stanley tightened his grip, and it began to disintegrate, dissolving into the air like dust.
The courtyard fell silent, save for the whispers of the remaining students.
Aftermath
Stanley turned to see dozens of pairs of eyes staring at him in shock and fear.
"What… was that?" Mia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Stanley hesitated. "I… can't explain right now," he said, avoiding her gaze.
Before anyone could ask further questions, the same hooded man from the park appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.
"Nice display," the man said. "But you've revealed too much."
Stanley glared at him. "What do you mean?"
"Word travels fast in magical circles. That creature was a scout, sent to confirm your presence. Now they know for sure that the rumors are true you're here, Stanley, and they'll send more after you."
Stanley clenched his fists. "Then I'll deal with them."
The man shook his head. "It's not that simple. Earth's magic is awakening, and you're connected to it. The more you use your powers, the stronger their response will be."
Mia, still standing nearby, took a step forward. "Who are you? And what's going on?"
The man ignored her, turning back to Stanley. "We need to talk. Privately."
Stanley sighed, glancing at Mia. "Go back inside. I'll explain everything later."
"Stanley…" she started, but his serious expression stopped her. Reluctantly, she nodded and walked away.
A New Mission
The man led Stanley to a secluded spot on the school grounds.
"You can't keep pretending to be normal," the man said. "The events that are unfolding they're bigger than you, bigger than this planet. The forces at play won't stop until they've claimed Earth's magic for themselves."
Stanley frowned. "Why Earth? What's so special about it?"
"Earth is the last anchor," the man replied. "The final piece of a once-universal magic that kept balance across the cosmos. Destroy it, and chaos will reign."
"And I'm supposed to stop that?" Stanley asked, his voice laced with skepticism.
"Not just stop it you're the only one who can. Your presence here is no accident, Stanley. Whether you accept it or not, you're tied to Earth's fate. And so are all its inhabitants."
The weight of the man's words sank in, and Stanley felt a mix of frustration and responsibility. He hadn't asked for this, but it seemed the choice wasn't his to make.
The man handed Stanley another glowing crystal, its light pulsing brighter than the first.
"Take this. It's a map a guide to the first of many challenges you'll face. Use it wisely, and you might just have a chance."
Stanley stared at the crystal, his mind racing with questions. But one thing was certain: his quiet life on Earth was over.