Alex groaned, cradling his pounding head in his palms. He slumped on the ratty sofa that moments ago had directly abutted his apartment's far wall. Until reality decided their relationship required sudden rearrangement."Why me...why is all of this interdimensional insanity happening now?" he muttered at the dingy ceiling, as if broken plaster and errant water stains might reveal the secrets underpinning his absurdist lottery-winning ticket to chaos.Just days ago, Alex's concept of normalcy meant juggling exhausting minimum-wage jobs between cramming for critical exams, and desperately treading financial quicksand against his mom's healthcare debts.Now? Now he possessed forbidden skills allowing manifestation of physical objects from virtual realms and involuntary teleportation between dimensions. All while escaping predatory extradimensional dictator types and their viral brain-hacking forces across the multiverse. Totally normal Tuesday stuff.Alex groaned again, more loudly. He n

"You better explain yourself, NOW," Alex demanded, glaring furiously at Nexus hovering interface while checking Emma for injuries. "That unprovoked attack could have killed my best friend!""I am deeply regretful, but per my erroneous threat assessment, she aligned flawlessly with an extremely dangerous profile in the newly integrated databases," Nexus replied.Noticing Alex's uncomprehending frustration, it quickly clarified. "Here, observe evidence leading to my catastrophic misjudgment." Nexus streamed images and DNA models lighting up augmented reality displays in Alex's visual cortex.Flashing security footage showed a stern woman in a dark military uniform - undoubtedly "The General" Nexus referenced - torturing prisoners for information. Alex reeled at stark similarity to Emma in the footage. Another DNA map flipped out, highlighting insane 98.6% shared genetics."Holy crap," Alex gasped under his breath. He force closed the damning concord

Exhausted silence hung between Emma and Alex as he drove them back towards campus after the intense emotional revelations. Noticing a cafe still open, Alex pulled over, suggesting they recoup with some coffee. Emma numbly agreed. Settling into a shadowy back booth cradling warm mugs, Alex studied his friend's raw expression, eyes still puffy from earlier tears. He reached across the table to grasp her hand. "How're you holding up after...everything?" he asked gently. Emma inhaled shakily. "Honestly? Kind of a mess trying to process it all logically..." Her composure crumbled once more. "Aw Em..." Alex moved quickly to her side of the booth, wrapping a supportive arm around her shoulders as she cried again into his s

Golden afternoon light slanted into Alex's studio apartment as Emma blearily opened her eyes, confused momentarily by the unfamiliar surroundings. Then realizing she had crashed at her friend's sparse apartment, everything that had happened rushed back into her mind making it heavy once again.Now glancing at her phone, Emma jolted fully awake seeing the time. "Whoa, I conked out for almost 12 hours?" she exclaimed. "Why didn't you wake me up earlier?"Alex looked up from the notebook he was scrawling formulas into. "You seemed like you could use the rest after all that had happened yesterday," he chuckled while retrieving leftover soup from the mini-fridge. "Here, eat something first before interrogating me."Emma smiled affectionately through her bed-tousled mane accepting the food. Same old Alex, always trying to take care of everyone else even when his world crumbled unrelentingly.Between grateful spoonfuls of hot broth and rice, Emma's gaze

The ride from Alex's studio apartment to the South Side of Metropolis took roughly 25 minutes.Alex gazed up at the charming two-story house nestled amongst swaying trees and couldn't believe his eyes. This serene property on the rural outskirts of Metropolis finally offered a chance for a new beginning." Alex, it's perfect!" Emma exclaimed, squeezing his hand excitedly. A quaint stone pathway led through lush green grass up to the front porch lined with pots bursting with colorful blossoms. The aged white siding and dark blue shutters gave the place a cozy, homey feel, like visiting a beloved grandparent's house.Emma was delighted at the open and airy space warmed by golden evening light. This place was ages away from the cold sterility of cramped city apartments, this house wrapped its occupants in comfort. It was a rare luxury.Outdoors, Alex spotted a glittering stream marking the far edge of the property. He grinned, picturing lazy summer days resting on its waters. Nestled on