Multiversal Ascension

Mikael reappeared in what seemed to be an abandoned city. The silence was absolute, and there were no humans or zombies in sight. The buildings around him were old and decrepit, with nature reclaiming its ground; cracks ran along the walls, and vines covered almost every surface, giving the whole place a desolate feel.

Looking around, he thought, 'It looks like the start of a horror movie. Silent and empty until zombies suddenly spring up from nowhere and swarm me.'

He continued scanning his surroundings carefully. 'Nothing? I thought I'd jinxed myself by thinking that, but it seems I'm in the clear.'

At that instant, he sensed a danger approaching his torso. He swiftly dodged, though he made it look as if he'd been struck by the projectile, sending him flying. Feigning injury, he fell to the ground.

Five hundred meters away, a team of five men dressed in military gear observed him.

"Got it," said one man, putting away his sniper rifle.

Another, peering through binoculars at Mikael's 'body,' remarked, "Hey, James, I think you just hit a human, not a zombie."

James groaned. "Again? What's with these idiots not wearing the green clothes they're supposed to? It's to help us tell them apart from zombies."

The other man shrugged. "Who knows? Probably some desperate survivor trying to scavenge for food outside the Bastion."

James grabbed another pair of binoculars to confirm if Mikael was truly a human. After a few seconds, he muttered in confusion, "Uh, Victor, I can't find the body."

Victor shot him an incredulous look. "Open your eyes—it's right there."