Chapter 3: A Chosen?
Fifteen years ago, the world as humanity knew it changed forever.
It happened without warning—a global event that defied all scientific explanation. Millions of people across the planet vanished in an instant, only for a small fraction of them to return weeks later. These survivors came back... different. Changed. Each bore incredible tales of journeys through strange realms beyond our reality and, more importantly, returned wielding abilities that could only be described as magical.
Society named these altered humans "the Chosen."
Not long after their return, the first Gate appeared—a tear in the fabric of reality that allowed grotesque creatures from some dark dimension to pour through. These nightmarish beings seemed driven by a singular purpose: to destroy and corrupt everything in their path. Had it not been for the Chosen and their newfound powers, humanity might have perished that day.
Since then more and more people were Chosen and developed realm cores, and gates would randomly appear across the world. Each time, the Chosen would mobilize to battle back the monstrous hordes until, for reasons unknown, the Gates would eventually close on their own.
Over the fifteen years that followed, the Chosen established themselves as humanity's protectors. They formed organizations, made incredible discoveries about their powers, and attained heights of ability that normal humans could scarcely comprehend. The development of a "Realm Core"—the source of their power—became the most coveted and revered achievement possible.
Yet for all their glory, becoming Chosen remained exceedingly rare. Out of approximately seven billion people on Earth, only around 100,000 people possessed Realm Cores. The selection process—if there even was one—remained a complete mystery.
Arthur had never been particularly interested in the Chosen or their affairs so he didn't know too terribly much about them but what he did know was that they were exceedingly rare.
Sitting in the hospital bed with a stupid look on his face Arthur spoke.