Cythonia

CHAPTER 1:Cross-breach (REWORK)

Earth, 2040.

Humanity had long since abandoned the idea of the supernatural. Every mystery, from the movement of distant galaxies to the smallest particles of matter, was believed to have an answer hidden somewhere within the laws of science. Logic ruled the world. Evidence was king. Magic belonged in old fairy tales, alongside dragons and monsters.

On the night of July 22, 2040, beneath the sterile glow of New York Hospital's lights, a baby boy entered the world. His parents, Allan and Sarah Sterling, named him Max Sterling. To everyone in the delivery room, he was simply another newborn beginning his life. No one could have imagined that his birth would trigger a chain of events that would soon shatter humanity's understanding of reality itself.

Eight hours later, Allan Sterling stepped out of the hospital and into the bustling morning streets of New York. The city hummed with the sounds of autonomous vehicles and glowing digital billboards overhead. Despite the exhaustion lingering behind his deep ocean-blue eyes, he couldn't afford to rest. Today was the culmination of years of work. At twenty-seven years old, Allan was already regarded as one of the world's most brilliant scientists, and in only a few hours he would attempt something no human had ever achieved before: opening a doorway to another dimension.

After using the Geo Automated Teleportation Express (G.A.T.E), Allan arrived at Star Light Labs, the most prestigious institution in the world with holographic displays, flying drones, and people on hovering platforms.

This is where the most advanced tech can be found, from global holographic communication, to accelerated healing machines, even the G.A.T.E, a short distance teleportation system to specific parts of the city, was one of Dr. Sterling's inventions.

Alongside Dr. Sterling was his best friend and colleague, Dr. George White, a scientist specializing in Quantum Energy. Today was monumental—they were finalizing their invention for a high-stakes presentation in front of the world's leading scientists. If successful, their creation would revolutionize not just transportation on a global scale, but also reshape the future of humanity forever.

At 3:00 p.m., the moment arrived. He and George stood backstage, ready to unveil their groundbreaking invention to the greatest scientific minds.

As they were about to step onto the stage, George suddenly excused himself. "I forgot something important. Go ahead without me," he said, disappearing down the hall.

Taking a deep breath, Allan stepped onto the stage, greeted by a wave of applause. Standing under the bright lights, he began his presentation. He spoke passionately about the years of research, the countless challenges he had faced, and the unwavering vision that had led to the creation of their machine.

Allan activated the machine. A low hum filled the room as the device came to life, glowing with a radiant blue light. Sparks of electricity crackled across its surface, and then, to the audience's astonishment, a swirling portal appeared. Beyond its shimmering edge, a vast expanse of grass plains stretched beneath a vivid blue sky with two moons beyond, a forest with an eerie aura and smoke radiating from it. In the distance, strange and majestic creatures roamed, a bear twice the normal size and rocks covering its body and a deer with glowing horns—beings unlike anything on Earth.

The audience erupted into applause, their excitement palpable. Allan's heart swelled with pride—his tireless dedication had paid off. Humanity's very first glimpse into another dimension, a completely new world, was now a reality. This single invention would mark the dawn of a new era.

As Dr. Sterling was being applauded, he noticed some unstable readings. Suddenly, the lights began to flicker erratically, casting chaotic shadows across the entire room. A strange hum escalated into an unsettling cacophony of mechanical groans and high-pitched whines. Smoke billowed from the machine as its structure warped and twisted unnaturally.

Before anyone could react, the portal destabilized, unleashing a powerful force, shaking the entirety of the building. Papers, chairs, and equipment were hurled toward it, the vortex pulling everything in its path. Panic erupted in the room as the audience scrambled for safety, screams echoing amid the chaos.

Allan fought against the immense pull, gripping the edge of the stage with all his strength. His heart pounded as he glanced at the readings, it showed an unknown interference that was affecting the machine. He realized it had gone beyond his control and was running wild. With a sudden, violent surge, the force intensified. Allan's grip faltered, and he was dragged into the swirling void.

The moment Allan disappeared, the portal collapsed with a deafening crack, leaving the room in stunned silence. Smoke lingered in the air, and the once-brilliant machine now stood lifeless—a haunting reminder of the brilliant scientist who had vanished into the unknown and the machine left in a dormant state.

[Time: 6:00 p.m.]

[Location: New York Hospital]

Sarah Sterling lay in her hospital bed, holding her newborn son in her arms when a knock interrupted her quiet moment. The door opened, and a police officer stepped inside.

"Miss Sterling?" he asked gently, removing his hat.

"Yes?" Sarah replied, her voice tinged with concern.

"I'm Officer Daniels. I'm here to inform you about your husband, Allan Sterling," he said.

Her heart raced. "Is he alright? Was he in an accident?"

The officer hesitated before speaking. "Earlier today, during a presentation at Star Light Labs, your husband's machine malfunctioned. The portal it generated became unstable, and..." He paused. "Your husband was pulled into it. I'm sorry to say, he's gone."

Tears welled in Sarah's eyes as she clutched her baby closer. "No... no, no, no!" she sobbed.

"We're doing everything we can to investigate," Officer Daniels assured her.

Through her tears, Sarah nodded. "Thank you, Officer Daniels."

As the officer left, Sarah stood and approached the crib where Max lay peacefully. She brushed her fingers against his tiny hand and whispered, "I'll make sure you meet your father one day."

Five days later...

The police continued their investigation at Star Light Labs, examining the dormant machine. One officer leaned in for a closer look, only for the portal to suddenly reopen. A massive hand burst through, striking him to the ground.

Out of the portal emerged a towering ogre, its grotesque form followed by a swarm of goblins. The officers fired their weapons, managing to take down the smaller creatures, but their bullets barely harmed the ogre. More monsters poured out as the officers were forced to retreat, calling for reinforcements.

Star Light Labs, once a beacon of scientific advancement, had become a stronghold for the creatures. That day would forever be known as The Monster Invasion.

End of Chapter 1