MMORPG: Rebirth as an Alchemist

  Ren strolled through the streets of upper town, a luxurious district in Zone A. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of his impending meeting with Joker and Angelica. It had been ages since their last encounter, and initially, Ren had been hesitant to agree to this rendezvous, citing his busy schedule. However, upon hearing that it was urgent, he had little choice but to oblige.

As he made his way, Ren couldn't help but notice the peculiar sight of many people donning sunglasses, carrying umbrellas, and sporting hats. Beads of sweat glistened on their uncomfortable faces, a testament to the oppressive heat they were enduring. It was evident from their flushed cheeks and furrowed brows that they were struggling against the sweltering conditions.

The air was thick with humidity, making each breath feel like a laborious task. Despite their attempts to maintain composure, the relentless sun beat down upon them, sapping their energy and leaving them visibly drained.

Was the weather truly that bad?

It wasn't even summer yet, Ren pondered, pausing momentarily as the news blared the temperature from a nearby billboard. "The weather is currently 55 degrees Celsius. People are advised to stay at home and keep themselves hydrated." Ren was taken aback by the news. 55 degrees?!

How had he not felt the heat? Was it possible that his evolving abilities were shielding him from its effects?

Not only had his hair begun to turn white, necessitating frequent dyeing, but he had also noticed an increase in strength and agility. Perhaps, he mused, his defensive capabilities were also on the rise. The thought amused him momentarily, linking his experience to a game. Shaking his head to dispel such notions, Ren continued on his path, finally arriving at the café.

Entering the private room where Joker and Angelica awaited him, Ren was greeted by Joker's familiar grin. "Hey Ren, glad you could make it," he said, gesturing for Ren to take a seat beside him.

"I'm pressed for time, so if this is urgent, let's get to it," Ren started as he settled into his chair.

Joker and Angelica exchanged a glance before the latter licked her lips, her gaze intense. "Ren, Joker and I have decided it's time to reveal the truth of what's to come," she began.

"We believe it's crucial for you to be prepared," Joker added, his tone serious. "Given that you've already undergone evolution like us," Angelica began, her voice carrying a note of contemplation, "I believe there's ample opportunity for us to establish a mutually beneficial partnership through cooperation." She paused, her eyes locking with Ren's as she waited for his response. The potential for collaboration, she implied, could offer them all significant advantages in navigating the inevitable that lay ahead.

Ren raised an eyebrow. "Is this about the evolution thing?" he inquired. "Because I believe that I already knew what's happening here."

"Do you truly understand what's happening?" Angelica challenged.

Ren found himself at a loss for words. Was he missing something here? Were they still talking about evolve humans here? As he searched their faces for any hint of jest, Angelica exchanged a significant glance with Joker, who raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, deferring the explanation to her. "Don't look at me. It's your idea to recruit him in the first place," he said. Taking a deep breath, Angelica fixed her gaze firmly on Ren, her expression grave with urgency.

"Ren . . . the END is coming," she stated, her voice carrying a solemn tone that brooked no argument.

Ren's brows furrowed in confusion. The end? What were they talking about? Before he could voice his incredulity, Angelica interjected, sensing his skepticism.

"Before you dismiss us entirely, let me elaborate," she implored, her tone steady despite the seriousness of her words. "You're likely aware of the changes occurring within your body. This evolution is, in fact, humanity's adaptation to the impending calamity — the end of the world. Some might evolve, some don't, and some will take time."

Ren's mind whirled, didn't know where to begin with his questions. The end of the world? It seemed so unbelievable, yet Angelica's solemn demeanor left little room for doubt. Ren struggled to reconcile the enormity of her words with the reality before him.

"The rising temperatures, the escalating heat strokes, the melting icebergs leading to rising sea levels," Joker added, his tone somber. "It's a cascade of events signaling the impending catastrophe. And that's not even the worst part."

Ren's head spun with the weight of their revelation. Not the worst part? He couldn't fathom anything more dire than the impending destruction of the world as he knew it.

What could be worse than that?

"We'll explain more, but for now, heed this: don't remain complacent. When the time comes, meet us at Zone A's tower," Angelica urged and pointed at the tower.

"Wait, wait," Ren protested, his voice trembling with disbelief. "You're telling me . . . the world is ending?"

He couldn't quite grasped that concept. "It's difficult to believe, I know," Angelica acknowledged, her tone sympathetic yet resolute. "But trust us, Ren. This isn't the first parallel world we've been too."

Ren's confusion only deepened. "Parallel worlds?"

Angelica and Joker exchanged a knowing look before nodding in unison.

"There are countless parallel worlds within the multiverse," Angelica explained patiently. "And when one world reaches its end, it makes way for the emergence of another. It's a delicate balance, ensuring the continuity of life across the multiverse."

"It's like this," Joker interjected. "Parallel worlds are inevitable. When one person makes a different choice, paths diverge, ultimately leading to the creation of another world which was parallel to the original but a little different. "So, picture countless individuals making different choices in life. These myriad decisions spawn countless worlds. To prevent overloading the multiverse and risking a catastrophic rift, these worlds must inevitably reach their conclusion."

Ren's mind raced with the implications of their words, his perception of reality shifting in the face of such staggering revelation. As their words sank in, he realized that his world was on the brink of an unprecedented upheaval — one that would annihilate everything completely.