Ethan stepped out of his house, the cool morning breeze brushing against his face. He looked at his reflection in the car's window—his transformation was undeniable.
Not just in **strength**, but in **appearance**. His once thin, frail body had filled out, his skin looked healthier, and his sharp eyes carried a quiet confidence.
Driving through the empty streets, he pulled up in front of Ryan's house and honked. A moment later, the door opened, and Ryan's mother stepped out first.
She gasped slightly. **"Ethan, dear… you look so healthy! And—dare I say—handsome?"**
Ethan chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. **"Uh… just eating better, I guess."**
Ryan came out, giving his mom a quick goodbye before hopping into the passenger seat. As they drove off, Ethan couldn't help but **smile to himself.**
Ryan noticed and smirked. **"Alright, spill it. What's up?"**
Ethan kept his eyes on the road. **"My work… was a success."**
Ryan's eyebrows raised. **"That's great, man! But honestly, you never told me exactly what you're working on."**
For a moment, Ethan remained silent. His mind raced.
**Chronos. The AI. The nanobots. The power.**
His biggest secret.
**Not yet.**
**"Just an AI project,"** Ethan finally replied. **"Nothing more."**
Ryan gave him a skeptical look but shrugged it off as they continued toward their destination.
Ethan and Ryan arrived at the get-together, a place Ethan hadn't visited in years. It was a rooftop café, buzzing with old friends he had drifted apart from.
The moment they stepped in, all eyes turned to Ethan. His **new appearance, confidence, and wealth** had changed how people saw him.
Among the group was **Lucas**, a once close friend, and his girlfriend, **Sophia**.
Sophia's eyes lingered on Ethan. **"Wow, Ethan… You've really changed."** She leaned forward slightly, her voice playful. **"You look… good."**
Ryan shot Ethan a knowing glance.
Lucas, noticing Sophia's interest, clenched his fists. **"Back off, Sophia."** His voice was sharp.
She giggled, brushing her hair aside. **"Relax, Lucas. I'm just being friendly."**
Lucas' patience snapped. He stood up, towering over Ethan. **"You think you're better than us now? Because you made some money?"**
Ethan sighed. **"I don't have time for this, Lucas."**
But Lucas wasn't having it. **"Let's see how 'strong' you've really gotten."** He swung a punch.
Time seemed to slow for Ethan.
His reflexes—sharper than ever.
**Before Lucas' fist even connected, Ethan sidestepped, grabbed his arm, and effortlessly twisted it behind his back.**
Lucas let out a pained grunt, struggling in Ethan's iron grip.
Ryan whistled. **"Damn, Ethan. You didn't even try."**
Ethan released Lucas, who stumbled back, rage filling his eyes.
The rest of the group watched in stunned silence.
**Ethan had changed.**
Without another word, Ethan turned to Ryan. **"Let's go."**
They left the rooftop as whispers filled the air behind them.
As they drove back, Ryan sighed. **"Sorry about that, man. I didn't know Lucas was still that much of an idiot."**
Ethan smirked. **"It's fine."**
Ryan glanced at him. **"Still… you never used to be that strong."**
Ethan didn't answer.
Once he dropped Ryan home, Ethan drove straight back to his underground lab.
The moment he stepped inside, Chronos' voice echoed. **"Welcome back, sir."**
Ethan sat in his chair, staring at the glowing interface. **"Chronos, I need to know something."**
**"Go ahead."**
Ethan took a breath. **"Is time travel… or interdimensional travel possible?"**
For the first time, Chronos was silent.
Then, the AI responded. **"Yes."**
Ethan's eyes widened. **"Wait… what?"**
Chronos continued. **"It is theoretically possible. However, building a stable portal requires extensive energy and advanced materials."**
Ethan's mind raced. If this was real… if he could step beyond **this world**… what could he find?
**"Can you build it?"**
**"Yes. But it will take time."**
Ethan stood, determination burning in his eyes. **"Then let's begin."**
---
Days passed. The lab hummed with relentless activity.
And then—**it was done.**
Ethan stood in front of a massive, **glowing circular gate**, lined with intricate Necronite circuits.
Inside the ring, swirling energy pulsed, reflecting an endless abyss beyond.
Chronos spoke.
**"Portal activation is ready, sir."**
Ethan stared at the gateway to the unknown.
He stepped forward.
And then—
**Everything changed.**