The Quantum Games

Chapter Nine

“The deeper you progress in the Games, the more you lose touch with who you once were.” - The Reckoner, Former Champion.

“It happens… When you push yourself relentlessly, trouble is inevitable in the quest for power.” Williams surveyed the battered group in the strategy room just an hour before the 48-hour window of the 4th intermission cycle closed and Level Five began.

“Yes, Emy fell, and yes, Tuck got hurt too. This isn’t how I wanted to spend my last hour before the next level, but here we are, and we need to make the most of it.”

Since the incident, Nadia had diligently worked to heal Emy and Tuck. Emy was relatively easy to handle once she regained consciousness, but Tuck was a different story. Piecing together shattered legs and hips on someone Tuck’s size required immense concentration and time. Not to mention, Tuck kept squirming as Nadia worked, isolating ligaments, tendons, and other natural formations in both legs.

“Emy, what went wrong?” Williams asked.

“I lost control.”

“More, please,” Williams prompted.

“I let a shift throw off my balance. I overcorrected, causing my talent and skills to remove the atmosphere around me. My body and power went out of sync,” Emy said, frustration evident in her voice. “I’m sorry, everyone.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about,” Coach Williams said, continuing, “We train to prepare for real events, but what happened is preventable.” As his words hung in the air, a collective sigh escaped the group, bracing themselves for another lecture on risk management.

“But not in the way everyone is thinking. Upper-echelon heroes can create their own ecosystems. Take the bubble you formed earlier today, for example. You created a natural barrier that separated two distinct spaces—inside and outside. The challenge was that everything you did inside the bubble also affected you. The lack of air and the pressure were like stepping outside a spaceship. Your natural energy shield can protect you from some harm, but without the proper training and willpower, your body was soon overwhelmed by the atmosphere—or the lack thereof.”

“A second bubble…” Emy mused from across the table.

“Exactly. Your body is your most precious commodity, aside from your energy. A, B, and C-Class Heroes can create a functioning ecosystem to survive any external atmospheric threat. But take it a step further—what happens when you puncture a lung or take a strike to the heart? Can you still push air and blood through your body? Can you isolate the impacted area and use your energy to facilitate lost bodily functions until you find a healer, or your body naturally repairs itself? Nadia might be on the verge of this already, but for the rest of you, it will be a challenge, especially for those like Tuck, who emotionally influence their energy.”

“Is that what you did to Emy earlier?” James asked. “I saw your energy merge into hers while she was unconscious.”

“Good observation, James. I was pushing my energy into Emy’s to kickstart her natural processes. It’s similar to Nadia’s method, but mine isn’t corrective. I was stimulating Emy’s blood flow and organs to reestablish their functions, allowing her body to regain functionality across other core areas.”

Williams sighed and shifted his stance, his eyes scanning the room. “But remember, this is merely a teaching moment. I don’t expect you all to master this immediately. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Every attempt brings you closer to understanding and control.”

He paused, offering a reassuring smile as he changed topics. “We are minutes away from the next level, and I need you all to approach this with an open mindset. You could be thrown into another event on Earth… There’s no limit to how many times you’ll be pressed to defend your home. But also know that you could be sent… elsewhere.”

Williams’ tone grew more serious. “The System is designed to test you in ways you can’t predict. It’s not just about defending your home. It’s about adaptability, resilience, and thinking on your feet. You might face scenarios that challenge your very understanding of reality. But remember, each challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger, learn, and prove your worth as heroes.”

“Outside of the first level, you’ve all faced real events on Earth requiring your intervention. This isn’t the case for all heroes. Statistically, most heroes are tested in other ways—simulators, competitions, dungeons, and even other worlds. The System places the team in the best scenario to test them, so don’t limit what it can do.”

“Why? If the System is preparing us to defend our Galaxy, why would it take us away from it?” Will asked, his usual joking manner absent.

“It’s all about opportunities. Your world has hundreds, maybe thousands of void breaks happening right now. Let’s round it to 5 trillion scenarios in your universe. Add the known Cosmos and areas on the brink of integration; the opportunities are almost limitless. Risk is the only factor that increases the chance of staying in your world. Heroes push themselves harder in scenarios affecting their homes, families, and places they love. Don’t doubt for a second that love and intrinsic interest aren’t factors the System considers in placement.”

Williams’ tone softened as he addressed the team. “Now, Will, address your team, but I'll leave you with this. Do your best, thrive, adapt, and protect one another. I’ll be here when you get back. Good luck.”

Will stood and moved to the side of the room, his demeanor lacking the usual heroism seen when they first started Nex's “nesting” before a big event.

“Hands in, everyone,” Will called out as the team, along with Williams, placed their hands on the wrist of the person next to them.

“I know I’m not the only one still trying to wrap my head around everything that’s happened today. Grimbletooth, Weavers, a giant snake, and that massive vine creature—we’ve faced a lot and adapted. These moments in the Hangar bring me back to life, but even these quieter times are starting to push us to our limits. I can’t imagine this getting easier, and I’m sure our growth expectations aren’t lowering from a System perspective. That means we have to get stronger. Stronger in our power and stronger in maintaining our sense of self. I promise always to be me, and I want you all to promise the same. Don’t change who you are and what you represent. We are united. We are friends. And we are about to kick the bloody shit out of whatever the System throws our way.”

“Fly as One.”

“Succeed as One.”

***

Earth - Secret Bunker

“Everyone, it’s been my honor to serve alongside you all. Whatever happens next, should we fall, we must believe that Earth will still thrive,” the President of the United States said, his voice steady despite the chaos around him. He took a moment to look into each and every eye around him—eyes filled with sadness, despair, and a lack of hope—feelings he himself shared but knew would be futile after his death.

Minutes had passed since those protecting the exterior of the secret bunker had been eliminated. The once steady stream of updates had gone silent, leaving them in a void of uncertainty. All communication with the outside world was lost, and all that stood between them and the alien robotic invaders was a thick metal block locked from the inside. The door rattled and dented, losing stability with each passing moment, the sound echoing like a death knell in the confined space.

“The honor is ours, sir. I believe our world will endure through the growth of these newfound heroes. Once the radio dead zone lifts, our final message will rally people to unite under these local heroes. We must stand undivided in the face of pressure. Our survivors will adapt. We will win this war,” the Vice President said, her voice filled with a determined resolve.

The President nodded, giving the Vice President a soft, candid smile. “Those who wish to pray, do so now,” he said, his last words barely audible over the ear-rattling pounding on the door. Everyone in the room huddled together, the last defense of what remained of the capital. With guns in hand, they knew survival was limited as even the peak of military training failed to defend the area.

BOOM! The latest rattle shook the door as a hinge burst, rocking the large sealed entryway, folding it in on itself in one corner. The metallic groan of the door echoed through the bunker, a grim reminder of their impending fate. BOOM! Another corner gave way to the relentless impact on the other side, the door barely holding on.

As the final projected thrust to the door arrived, the President and his cabinet braced for the unknown. Moments passed, each second stretching into an eternity, but the last impact didn’t come. Instead, voices were heard on the other side—human voices, filled with urgency and command.

THUD! The door rattled once more, but this time, it was the sound of something or someone hitting it with purpose. The door then folded and bent in on itself, and through the gap, a group of citizens emerged, their faces determined and resolute.

Hope had arrived.