Chapter 1: Glitched into the Multiverse
The stale air of my basement apartment hung heavy, a familiar accomplice to my late-night gaming sessions. Tonight's adventure was a Marvel crossover, pitting Captain America against a horde of Thanos' intergalactic goons. My fingers danced over the controller, a triumphant smirk forming as Cap delivered a final, shield-wielding blow.
Suddenly, the screen flickered with a burst of static. The familiar living room dissolved into a swirling vortex of colours, the sound of crackling energy replacing the roar of the battle. Panic clawed at my throat as I tumbled through the chaotic portal, my trusty controller clattering uselessly to the floor.
When the world solidified again, I found myself sprawled on a cold, metallic surface. Disorientation washed over me as I took in the scene: a stark, futuristic room filled with blinking consoles and unfamiliar holographic displays. My heart hammered against my ribs. This wasn't a dream.
A soft blue light emanated from the corner, revealing a sleek, humanoid figure clad in silver armor. Their helmet concealed their features, but a pair of piercing blue eyes shone from behind the visor.
"Welcome, Player," a voice boomed, echoing strangely within the metallic chamber. "Designation: Unknown. Mission Parameters: Pending. Please identify yourself."
Player? Mission? My brain struggled to catch up. "Astro," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "What's going on? Where am I?"
The figure remained motionless, their gaze unwavering. A holographic display flickered to life beside them, revealing glimpses of a fantastical battlefield – Iron Man soaring through the sky, Jedi wielding glowing lightsabers in a fierce duel. A jolt of recognition shot through me. This wasn't just some video game glitch – this was a crossover of epic proportions.
"You are currently onboard the Axiom," the voice continued, "flagship of the Nova Corps. You have been pulled from your world due to a detected anomaly in the Multiverse."
Multiverse? My mind reeled. Did that mean... other universes were real?
"Anomaly," I repeated, trying to process the situation. "What kind of anomaly?"
The figure gestured to the holographic screen. It flickered again, this time displaying a digital representation of myself, surrounded by pulsing red and blue energy signatures.
"Your presence appears to be the catalyst," the voice explained. "The barrier separating realities has weakened due to... unexplained energy fluctuations within you."
Energy fluctuations within me? Had my late-night gaming sessions somehow turned me into a walking dimensional anomaly?
"So, I'm basically a cosmic glitch?" I asked, a nervous laugh escaping my lips.
The figure remained silent, their metallic body radiating a sense of stoic professionalism. A part of me wished they'd elaborate, wished this annoying system could actually explain what was happening and how I could fix it. But apparently, in this bizarre cosmic game, I was on my own.
Despite the fear and confusion, a spark of excitement ignited within me. Maybe this wasn't a complete disaster. Here I was, an ordinary gamer, thrust into the heart of a multiversal crisis. It was terrifying, yes, but also strangely exhilarating.
Taking a deep breath, I met the figure's gaze. "Astro," I repeated, my voice firming with resolve. "And I'm here to help."
The figure tilted its head slightly, the blue eyes seeming to scrutinize me. A flicker of something that might have been surprise crossed their features.
"Very well," the voice finally spoke. "Initiating Mission Briefing. Primary Objective: Assist in stabilizing the Multiverse. Secondary Objective: Investigate the source of the energy fluctuations within you."