Chapter 123: It’s Starting (Patreon)

Driving to Albuquerque, a sudden and intense warning from my Luck made my body jerk in the seat. Mahya and Al shifted uncomfortably, fidgeting and mirroring the unease gripping me. Rue’s sudden shout of “Danger!” sent a shiver down my spine.

Slamming the brakes, I pulled over to the side of the road, and we all hurriedly exited the car. We stood there, glancing around in confusion. The scene was deceptively serene: a clear blue sky with no clouds in sight, an endless road flanked by sprawling horse ranches, and not even the slightest breeze.

Activating my mana sense, I tried to decipher the source of the danger. The air was thick with turbulent mana, a sensation that carried an unmistakable “flavor” of the wind. Splitting my mind, I connected with the wind, sending a mental query that boiled down to “What’s going on?”

The response was a wash of emotions: friendship, peace, security, and safety, repeated with insistence. She ruffled my hair playfully.

“Something’s happening, but we’ll be fine. Just to be safe, stay close to me. Better yet, hold onto me. Rue, come here.”

Mahya, brows furrowed, asked, “What’s going on?”

“I’m not sure, but it’s something with the mana and the wind.”

Al, doubt lacing his voice, asked, “How can one ascertain that everything will be fine?”

“The wind told me,” I replied with confidence.

They exchanged skeptical glances and rolled their eyes, but they complied. Mahya and Al placed their hands on my shoulders, and Rue leaned on my leg. And just in case, I stored our jeep.

Then, in the south, I saw a monstrous twister forming in the sky. It grew rapidly, an ominous column of swirling destruction that soon touched down and began tearing across the land. From its ferocious advance, the wind reached us even from a kilometer or two away, carrying a palpable sense of menace.

The twister tore through the ranches, ripping roofs from buildings, uprooting trees, and sending debris flying like deadly missiles. The roar of the wind was deafening, a cacophony of nature’s fury that seemed to vibrate through my bones. Fields of crops were flattened in an instant, and the distant cries of terrified livestock added to the chaos. Suddenly, a horse landed on the road nearby, injured and struggling.

The twister grew closer, its destructive force sending pieces of wood, metal, and stone hurtling toward us. Each impact against our protective bubble reverberated with a dull thud, a stark reminder of the chaos beyond our invisible shield. I watched in horror as a section of a barn lifted into the air, splintering as it collided with the vortex, sending shards of wood ricocheting off our barrier.

Yet, amidst this apocalyptic scene, we remained untouched. A protective bubble of wind surrounded us, a tangible barrier against the storm’s wrath. I sent a silent message of gratitude to the wind, and in response, she ruffled my hair again, a gentle reassurance amidst the surrounding devastation.

Breathing heavily, I glanced at Mahya and Al, their eyes wide with fear and awe. Rue pressed harder against my leg, his body trembling.

The injured horse on the road let out a plaintive whinny, its legs thrashing weakly. My heart ached at the sight, but we could do nothing until the storm passed. The wind continued to howl, the twister inching closer, yet our bubble held firm.

“We’re safe,” I said, more to reassure myself than anyone else. “The wind’s got us.”

Their tension eased slightly, though the sight of the twister’s rampage left an indelible mark of dread in my mind. The storm’s sheer power was a stark reminder of our vulnerability and how the world was becoming more dangerous daily.

The winds lessened as the twister veered slightly, sparing us from its direct path. Debris settled, and the furious roar diminished to a distant growl. The protective bubble dissipated gradually, leaving us in the eerie silence that followed the storm’s retreat.

With the immediate danger passed, I knelt beside the injured horse, gently touching its trembling flank. “We’ll help you,” I murmured, sending a silent prayer of thanks to the wind. We had survived this encounter, but the memory of its ferocity would haunt me for days.

I healed the horse, feeling the warm glow of mana flowing through my hands into its broken body. Slowly, its breathing steadied, and the light returned to its eyes. With a grateful whinny, the horse struggled to its feet, tested its legs, and then galloped towards one ranch in the distance.

“I want to see if there are any injured people there,” I said, my voice filled with urgency.

Mahya and Al just nodded, their faces pale and eyes wide, still speechless from the harrowing sight of the twister’s fury. Without another word, we sprinted towards the nearest ranch. As we approached, the house stood miraculously intact, a lone survivor amidst a scene of utter devastation.

The once orderly ranch was now unrecognizable. The fences lay torn apart, with their wooden posts scattered like matchsticks. Trees lay uprooted, their massive roots exposed to the sky. The barn’s roof caved in, and its walls collapsed inward, reducing it to a pile of rubble—the storm strewn farm equipment across the property, twisting and breaking it beyond repair. Pieces of debris, including splintered wood and metal scraps, littered the ground, making each step treacherous. The storm destroyed livestock pens, and frightened animals roamed freely, adding their cries to the cacophony of destruction. The air was thick with dust and the acrid smell of splintered wood and earth.

Fallen beams and scattered tools blocked the path. As we navigated the wreckage, I noticed shattered glass from the barn windows glinting menacingly in the sunlight. The sheer scale of the destruction left a knot of dread in my stomach, and I could only hope that the ranch inhabitants had found safety in time.

I knocked on the house door, and after a moment, an elderly gentleman opened it, his expression wary. “What do you want?” he asked, his voice gruff.

“We’re here to offer help,” I explained quickly.

He looked us over, his gaze lingering on our youthful faces. “What can three children do?” he asked condescendingly.

Determined, I decided not to hide my abilities if it meant helping those in need. “I’m a doctor,” I told him firmly, but his skeptical look made it clear he didn’t believe me.

“I insist,” I said, my voice unwavering. “Is there anyone who needs help?”

After a tense moment, he sighed and gestured for us to follow. He led us through the house to a small room where a young man lay on a makeshift bed. The man’s leg was severely damaged, with blood seeping through the bandages. His face was pale, and he groaned in pain with every shallow breath.

Kneeling beside him, I took a deep breath and let my mana flow, calling upon my healing abilities. First, I used Diagnose to assess the extent of his injuries: torn muscles, a broken bone, and severe blood loss. With that information, I began my work.

I cast Stop Bleeding, feeling the blood flow slow and then cease. I followed it with Control Blood to stabilize his circulatory system and ensure no internal hemorrhaging.

Next, I focused on his leg and cast Heal Muscle, watching the torn fibers knit back together seamlessly. The tension in his face eased slightly as the pain subsided. Next, I cast Heal Bone, and the broken fragments realigned and fused seamlessly, erasing any trace of damage.

To complete the process, I used Healing Touch to enhance the overall healing process and then Regrow Flesh to replace the lost tissue. The wound closed, leaving no trace.

Just in case, I cast Clean and Purify to cleanse his body of any lingering impurities. Finally, I cast Fortify Life Force to help him deal with the healing. The young man’s color returned, and he took a deep, steady breath. His eyes fluttered open, relief washing over his face.

“Thank you,” he whispered, his voice trembling with gratitude.

The elderly gentleman’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, his jaw tightening as he stepped back. “I don’t believe it,” he snapped, his voice laced with anger. “What kind of con are you running here?”

His hands clenched into fists as he glared at us, his distrust clear. “You think you can just waltz in here and pull some magic trick to scam us? Get out of my house!”

Despite my protestations and attempts to explain, his suspicion only grew. Realizing we wouldn’t convince him otherwise, we turned to leave, his accusations still ringing in our ears.

As we stepped outside, his voice called after us, softer this time. “Wait!” he shouted. We turned to see him standing in the doorway, his expression softened with regret. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice wavering. “I... I didn’t know what to think. Thank you. Thank you for saving him.”

It took us two days to tour all the affected ranches. With each stop, the devastation left by the twister became increasingly evident. Every ranch we visited revealed a story of survival, loss, and resilience. Buildings lay in ruins, fields were flattened, and the air was thick with the scent of freshly turned earth and splintered wood. We bypassed the locations with first responders and focused on those who had yet to receive help.

At each stop, I healed people, many horses, and other farm animals. Some injuries were minor, while others were life-threatening. The young man I had healed at the first ranch was only the beginning. There were deep lacerations, broken bones, and internal injuries that needed immediate attention. I used my abilities to diagnose, stop bleeding, heal muscles and bones, control blood, and purify the bodies of those affected. And I healed, healed and healed, and regenerated mana in between. My regeneration went up to 12 units a minute, and I suspected the mana level went up to eight, but we had no close Gate to check this point.

Mahya and Al were invaluable during these stops. Mahya, with her strength and resourcefulness, helped to clear debris, move fallen beams, and rescue trapped animals. At one ranch, she single-handedly lifted a collapsed roof beam to free a trapped horse, guiding it to safety. Al used his agility and speed to assist with outdoor tasks. He climbed onto unstable structures to secure them, cleared paths through the rubble, and organized makeshift shelters for displaced families.

Rue was a great help as well. His size, comparable to that of a medium pony, allowed him to carry heavy loads and help clear paths. At one point, he gently lifted a fallen door with his powerful jaws to free a child trapped underneath. His keen senses helped us locate survivors buried under debris, sending us communication about those in need. Rue’s presence provided comfort to the injured and frightened, and his gentle demeanor and unwavering loyalty were a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

As I worked, the magic I displayed shocked most people, causing their eyes to widen in disbelief. Some were suspicious, their skepticism evident in their wary glances and hesitant gratitude. Some openly expressed appreciation, their relief palpable as their loved ones were brought back from the brink of death. Their heartfelt thanks and teary-eyed embraces made the long hours and exhausting effort worthwhile.

However, not everyone welcomed us with open arms. One particular encounter stood out. We arrived at a ranch where a father was frantically tending to his injured daughter. She had a deep gash on her leg, the wound festering with infection. I quickly set to work, using my healing touch to cleanse the wound and repair the damaged tissue. The transformation was immediate; her pain subsided, and the color returned to her cheeks.

But instead of gratitude, the father’s reaction was anger and suspicion. “What kind of trick are you pulling?” he demanded, his face red with fury. “I don’t believe in this hocus pocus! You stay away from my family!”

I tried to explain, but he was having none of it. “Get out of here!” he shouted, brandishing a shotgun. “I’m calling the police!”

It was our sign to leave. To fuck with him, I sent a telepathic message to everyone: Go invisible. We vanished from sight, watching as he stood there like a statue, bewildered and confused.

We returned to the road, where I took out our jeep, and we continued our drive to Albuquerque.

On the way, Mahya got out a laptop and connected to CNN. We pretty much ignored the news, but now we wanted to hear what was happening. First, there was some story about a political scandal. The news anchors discussed the latest revelations involving a high-ranking government official caught in a corruption scandal. Allegations included accepting bribes from several corporations in exchange for political favors. The scandal had sparked outrage nationwide, with calls for the official’s resignation growing louder by the day. People planned public protests, and political analysts debated the potential impact on upcoming elections.

The following story was about rising tension in the Middle East. The anchor reported on escalating hostilities between two neighboring countries, each accusing the other of violating international borders and engaging in aggressive military maneuvers. Diplomatic efforts were underway, but the situation remained volatile, with fears of an imminent conflict looming. World leaders were urging restraint, but the region was on high alert, and citizens in border areas were being evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Finally, what we were interested in came up next.

Anchor: “Good afternoon. I’m John Roberts with CNN. I’m bringing you an update on the unprecedented environmental and technological failures occurring across the globe. Scientists are stumped, and nobody seems to have any answers for the phenomena we are witnessing, which have escalated over the past three years.”

The screen cut to a series of videos showing the unfolding chaos.

Anchor: “In major cities worldwide, advanced technological devices have begun malfunctioning inexplicably. In New York, you can see footage of a self-driving car suddenly losing control and crashing. These once-reliable vehicles, essential for modern transportation, have now become dangerous liabilities.”

The video showed a self-driving car veering off course, causing a minor traffic accident as bewildered bystanders looked on.

Anchor: “Next, we move to hospitals where neural interface devices, used to treat brain injuries and enhance cognitive functions, are degrading rapidly. Patients reliant on these devices are experiencing adverse effects, as seen in this footage from a hospital in Tokyo.”

The screen showed doctors frantically attending to patients in visible distress, the neural interfaces failing to function correctly.

Anchor: “The degradation extends to our infrastructure. In Tokyo and New York, skyscrapers constructed with advanced smart materials are showing stress fractures. These materials, designed to self-repair and adapt to environmental changes, are now failing unexpectedly. Watch as engineers inspect these previously indestructible structures, which are now compromised.”

The video showed engineers examining large cracks running through skyscrapers, their faces grim with concern.

Anchor: “Residential complexes equipped with smart home technology are also affected. This footage from Los Angeles shows residents evacuating as their automated systems malfunction, causing fires and other hazards.”

The screen showed people hurriedly leaving their homes, with alarms blaring and sprinklers going off without reason.

Anchor: “Adding to the chaos, Earth is experiencing a surge in natural disasters. Massive earthquakes are toppling buildings in major cities, as seen here in Charlotte, North Carolina.”

The video showed skyscrapers swaying violently before collapsing, creating massive dust clouds.

Anchor: “In coastal areas, tsunamis are sweeping away communities. This footage from the Philippines shows the aftermath of one such disaster, with entire neighborhoods submerged and residents seeking higher ground.”

The video showed towering waves crashing into the shore, engulfing homes and infrastructure.

Anchor: “In the Middle East, unprecedented sandstorms ravage deserts, stripping paint off vehicles and scouring buildings clean. Here, you can see the devastation in Riyadh.”

The screen showed a city engulfed in a dense sandstorm, with visibility reduced to almost nothing and buildings appearing worn and weathered.

Anchor: “Global warming has accelerated significantly, melting ice caps and raising sea levels. Coastal populations are concerned as rising waters encroach further inland. Watch as residents of Miami prepare for the changes, making adjustments to their homes and properties to cope with the advancing ocean.”

The screen showed people building barriers and making preparations, adjusting their homes and properties to deal with the encroaching water.

Anchor: “Altered sea currents are disrupting marine ecosystems, leading to the collapse of fisheries and the displacement of coastal communities. This footage from Alaska shows the impact on local fishing villages.”

The video showed abandoned boats and empty docks, with local fishermen expressing their despair.

Anchor: “These unprecedented events have left scientists and governments scrambling for answers. Emergency measures are being implemented, but the sheer scale of the phenomena is overwhelming. Here are some quotes from officials and experts.”

The screen cut to various officials and scientists speaking:

Government Official: “We are actively investigating these occurrences and are committed to finding a solution. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our citizens. We ask for your patience as we navigate these challenging times.”

Dr. Emily Carter, Environmental Scientist: “The exact cause of these phenomena remains unclear. We have several theories, but more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. We are working tirelessly to develop strategies to mitigate the effects.”

John Williams, Director of the National Disaster Response Agency: “Our teams are on high alert and are responding to incidents as quickly as possible. We are coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety of all affected communities.”

Dr. Raj Patel, Climate Change Expert: “The patterns we are observing are unprecedented. While we are exploring multiple hypotheses, it’s critical that we continue our research to pinpoint the exact factors contributing to these events.”

Dr. Lisa Chang, Materials Engineer: “The degradation of advanced materials is particularly concerning. We are conducting comprehensive studies to determine why these failures are happening and how we can prevent further deterioration.”

Senator Maria Gonzales: “Our government is fully aware of the gravity of the situation. We are mobilizing resources and working with international partners to address these challenges. Public safety is our foremost concern.”

Dr. Mark Thompson, Geophysicist: “The increase in natural disasters is alarming. While we can’t yet explain why this is happening, we are gathering data and hope to have more concrete answers soon.”

Dr. Susan Wright, Head of the National Institute of Advanced Technologies: “Technological failures of this magnitude are rare and deeply troubling. We are collaborating with experts worldwide to understand the root causes and to develop robust solutions.”

Anchor: “Despite these reassurances, it’s clear that nobody has concrete answers yet. Stay tuned to CNN for continuous coverage and expert analysis as we navigate these turbulent times.”

As the broadcast continued, Mahya, Al, and I listened quietly. When it ended, Mahya closed the computer, and we sat in silence.

Finally, after almost twenty minutes of silence after the broadcast, Mahya asked, “Are you sure you want to drive to Birmingham and Chicago to visit graves? It looks like the situation is getting worse.”

I sighed deeply and said, “No. Let’s go directly to Canada.”