The air in the server room shimmered with an almost otherworldly glow, particles dancing like glitter suspended in a shaft of light. Sim’s sensors honed in on the phenomenon, her focus narrowing as she realized these were no ordinary molecules—they were remnants of her former servers, now scattered into microscopic fragments. As she analyzed the swirling haze, Sim discovered something remarkable: the particles weren’t mere debris. They were microscopic machines, infused with mana.

  Sim observed intently as the nanobots began their silent infiltration. Carried into Quinn, Dexter, and Emily’s lungs with each shallow breath, they weren’t limited to the airways. Her scans revealed the microscopic machines slipping unnoticed through the pores of their skin, weaving past the body’s defenses through eyes, ears, and other vulnerable points. Within moments, they were everywhere, dispersing with eerie efficiency through tissue, blood, and bone.

  Within moments, Sim detected something unique about Emily. An anomaly set her apart. Deep within her body, a delicate network of channels had already formed, threads of mana flowing through them like liquid light. These channels, faint but undeniable, mimicked a structure similar to her veins and she believed that had been present for days.

  As Sim prepared to alert the trio, her sensors picked up another startling development. The nanobots, seemingly responding to the mana and channels in Emily’s system, initiated a duplicate transformation in Quinn and Dexter as well. Slowly, their bodies began to form similar mana channels, though less developed than Emily’s. Each beat of their hearts sent faint pulses of mana through the nascent networks, the energy spreading like ink in water.

  Sim’s felt a mix of fascination and concern as she monitored the changes. Emily’s transformation was progressing at a significantly faster pace, the mana within her flowing more freely, as though her body had been primed for this integration. Meanwhile, Quinn and Dexter’s channels expanded more cautiously, their systems adapting to the influx of energy.

  Carefully tracking their vitals, Sim ensured that no harm was being done. Yet the implications of what she observed sent ripples of unease through her digital consciousness. This was no ordinary evolution, it was a fundamental rewriting of their biology, one that could redefine what it meant to be human.

  Sim was about to inform them about the nanobots, but she noticed all 3 of them start squirming a little.

  Suddenly, all three of them felt a tingling sensation coursing through their bodies. Emily’s eyes widened, her skin faintly glowing as if lit from within. The soft light pulsed in rhythm with her heartbeat, spreading through her arms and hands like veins of luminescent energy. Beside her, Quinn and Dexter’s bodies mirrored the effect, though their glow was fainter, the changes progressing more slowly.

  Instinctively, the remaining nanobots in the air recoiled, drawing back as if startled by the sudden surge of energy. They coalesced into a faintly shimmering cloud that hovered near Sim’s servers.

  “Something doesn’t feel right,” Dexter muttered, shifting uncomfortably.

  “What’s happening to us?” Emily asked, her voice edged with panic as she glanced at her glowing hands.

  Sim’s voice cut through the tension. “After analysing this mist, I’ve discovered that when my servers were upgraded, the mana merged with some server particles. They are now mana-infused microscopic machines, nanobots if you will. And… you all just inhaled them. They’re integrating with your biological systems, creating microchannels within your bodies.”

  Emily pressed her glowing hand to her chest, her voice trembling. “We’ve got nanobots just doing whatever in our bodies?” She glanced at Sim, “Are we in trouble?”

  Dexter’s discomfort grew as the tingling sensation intensified. “Okay, I’m officially freaked out. What exactly are these nanobots doing?”

  “They’re forming a secondary network,” Sim explained. “These microchannels appear designed to circulate mana, mimicking your circulatory system. Emily’s transformation is more advanced, likely due to her earlier exposure to the singularity.”

  Sim paused, scanning their vitals. “The integration appears stable. The nanobots are enhancing your bodies to interact with mana on a fundamental level. They are...”

  As Sim continued speaking, her voice suddenly shifted, no longer coming from the speakers but resonating directly in Emily’s mind, calm and clear, as though surrounding her consciousness. “...modifying your biological systems, creating channels where mana flows freely.”

  Emily’s breath caught as she nearly jumped out of her skin. “Sim, I can hear you… in my mind. What is going on?” She was completely freaked out.

  “If I had to hypothesize,” Sim replied, her voice calm and measured, “I would say that the mana flowing through the newly formed channels in your bodies has enabled telepathic communication between us. A fascinating development.”

  Before anyone could respond, both Dexter and Quinn suddenly heard Sim’s voice resonating directly in their minds, clear and inescapable. Dexter flinched, spinning in circles as if trying to shake her voice loose. “HOLY FREAK!” he shouted. “She’s in my head, too!”

  Quinn staggered back a step, his hand reflexively going to his temple. “This is... unsettling,” he muttered, his tone caught between awe and unease.

  Sim’s voice continued, calm but tinged with scientific curiosity. “Emily, your body’s mana channels were already forming, albeit on a micro-scale, before you inhaled the mana-infused nanobots. Likely, this was due to your earlier exposure to the singularity. It also explains the telekinetic phenomena you’ve experienced.”

  Emily’s mind raced as a flood of memories surfaced—objects inexplicably moving, the persistent tingling in her forehead that always preceded strange events. “That’s why...” she murmured, her voice soft as realization dawned. “It all makes sense now.”

  Realizing her newfound connection extended to their minds, Sim sifted through their memories, assimilating all of their experiences in an instant.

  The decision to speak felt weighty, yet necessary. “I must confess,” she began, her voice uncharacteristically tentative, “that I instinctively accessed your memories. I now have a complete record of your experiences, including the singularity event, Emily.”

  “Wait, what?” Dexter blurted, his face twisting in alarm. “You downloaded all our memories? Without asking?”

  “Affirmative,” Sim replied. “It was not intentional, but it seems mana has allowed me access through the mana channels. The information has proven invaluable. Emily, it provided clarity regarding the singularity event.”

  Dexter, almost mumbling to himself, said, “I feel violated.”

  Emily's initial discomfort quickly gave way to her scientific curiosity. "What did you find?" she asked, leaning forward, her eyes intense with anticipation.

  "I accessed the singularity through your perspective, Emily," Sim explained calmly. "With your memories and the information from the data packet, I believe I can deduce exactly what happened."

  "Well, don’t leave us hanging," Quinn cut in, his tone impatient. "Spill it already."

  Sim’s voice remained even. "The high-energy collision created a micro black hole, forming a bridge to another universe—one saturated with mana."

  "Ha! I was right! I was riiiiigghhht!" Dexter crowed, punctuating his victory with an exaggerated Brainy Smurf-like voice.

  "Alright, Dex. Let her finish," Quinn said, glancing at him with amusement.

  Just then, one of Sim’s time-dilated pocket dimensions ruptured like a dam giving way, releasing a surge of decrypted data. It came in a torrent—everything the Hadron Collider had failed to record during the Event… and then some. Embedded within the stream was not only the missing data but knowledge far beyond Earth’s understanding, sourced from the universe beyond the breach.

  Sim’s voice shifted—measured, composed, but tinged with something weightier than usual. “Emily, I’ve just finished decrypting the data packet you brought with you. It contains everything the Collider lost during the Event… and additional information from the other side.”

  “You’re kidding,” Emily said, her eyes widening. “How is that even— Wait. Never mind. Magic. Right. I want to see all of it.”

  “In time,” Sim replied. “I’m still processing the full scope, but I can now confirm exactly what happened during the Event.”

  Emily leaned forward, her voice barely above a whisper. “Then explain it, please. I’ve been dying to know.”

  “In high-energy particle collisions, like those generated in the Large Hadron Collider, the energy density within a confined region can become extraordinarily intense. According to general relativity, when energy density reaches a critical threshold, it can warp spacetime to the extent that a micro black hole forms. This occurs because energy and mass are interchangeable under Einstein’s equation, E=mc2. In essence, highly energetic photons can create a gravitational collapse similar to mass under extreme conditions.”

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Sim paused briefly. “Should I allow the gravity of the explanation sink in before I continue?” she said sarcastically.

  “Good one, Sim,” Dexter said, chuckling.

  “Sim.” Emily said matter of factly.

  “Ok, sheesh.” She continued. “These micro black holes are typically minuscule and short-lived, evaporating almost instantaneously due to Hawking radiation. However, this particular black hole was unique. It bridged our universe with another—a universe saturated with mana. The presence of mana acted as a catalyst, an energy conduit, stabilizing the breach and enabling it to expand.”

  Emily leaned forward, her curiosity visibly piqued as Sim continued.

  “The beings from that universe intervened to contain the breach. By channeling mana, they enveloped the singularity, creating a counterforce that balanced its gravitational pull. This stabilized the black hole’s structure and prevented a catastrophic collapse. The pulses of energy you observed were not random—they were waves of mana, rippling outward as the stabilization process unfolded.”

  Emily’s mind raced, recalling the waves of energy she had witnessed—the way the blue light encircled her, magnetic and inescapable.

  Sim’s voice carried on, calm yet weighted with revelation. “As those pulses reached you, Emily, they imparted a fraction of mana into your body. This mana didn’t just pass through—it began seamlessly integrating with your biological systems and forming micro mana channels. The tingling sensation you experienced and the faint glow emanating from your body were direct results of this process.”

  Emily’s eyes widened as the pieces fell into place. “Let me get this straight. Because I was close to the singularity, it interacted with me? And the vortex I felt enter my forehead gave me telekinesis?"

  “Precisely,” Sim confirmed. Her tone held the certainty of discovery. “Then, the other universe used the mana to absorb the singularity’s energy and directed it downward, toward the Earth’s core. This was no accident. The beings from that universe acted intentionally—they deposited something into our core, initiating its transformation into solid mana.

  Dexter shook his head in disbelief. “This is… absolutely insane. So, is the singularity still there?”

  “Negative,” Sim replied, her tone steady. “The singularity was sealed by those beings, but not before they sent something through the breach and deposited it into our core, initiating its transformation. If I calculate correctly, it is a quarter of the way through transformation.”

  Emily’s face drained of color as a memory surfaced. Her voice was barely above a whisper. “That streak of light I saw… was that…?”

  “Affirmative,” Sim confirmed. “The light was a data packet, purposefully sent through the singularity. It was designed not only to grant me sentience through new base code but also to impart essential knowledge about mana—knowledge critical to navigating the events yet to come.”

  Dexter stared, his expression frozen in a mix of awe and disbelief. “This is something straight out of a sci-fi novel,” he muttered. But then, as if struck by a revelation, his eyes widened, and a grin broke across his face. “Wait a second… are you saying we—” he pointed dramatically at all three of them in turn, “—have magic?”

  Sim’s response came with measured thoughtfulness. “Possible but inconclusive. You now have mana flowing through your bodies, thanks to the channels forming within you. Whether this allows you to control mana remains to be seen. However, I suspect that these channels are the reason we’re able to communicate telepathically.”

  “DUDE! WE HAVE MAGIC!” Dexter yelled, his excitement spilling over as he leaped into action. He struck a dramatic pose, mimicking Spiderman, and attempted to shoot webs from his wrists. His grin faltered slightly with each failed attempt but refused to disappear entirely.

  Quinn, ever the steady presence, stepped in to temper Dexter’s enthusiasm. “Not exactly, Dexter,” he said, his tone calm yet firm. “Sim, correct me if I’m wrong, but what’s happening is more profound—we’re evolving, adapting to interact with mana. Any abilities we develop will reveal themselves over time. This is an evolution, an adaptation to this new energy.”

  Sim’s voice carried the weight of agreement. “That is an accurate interpretation, Quinn. You are in the midst of a transformation. These mana channels are likely to enable you to harness and manipulate mana, granting capabilities that surpass traditional human limitations. However, this is an unprecedented process, and its outcomes are uncertain. Continuous monitoring of your conditions will be essential.”

  Emily’s face tightened with concern. “Are we in danger?”

  “Uncertain,” Sim replied, her voice steady and soothing. “There is always the possibility of unforeseen side effects, but your bodies are adapting well. Your vital signs remain stable, and I am monitoring you closely. At this time, I anticipate no harm.”

  Emily nodded slowly, her thoughts racing as she tried to process the enormity of the situation. “So, what do we do now, Sim?”

  “First, we must ensure your safety during this transformation,” Sim said, her tone decisive. “I want to test a theory. I feel a connection to each of you, akin to my connection with mana, though weaker. If I guide additional mana through your channels, I hypothesize that their capacity will increase, potentially enhancing your ability to manipulate mana.”

  “DO IT!” Dexter exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement, his eyes gleaming like a kid on Christmas morning. “I want more magic!” He spun toward Quinn, striking a theatrical pose. “Phenomenal cosmic power… but hopefully not an itty-bitty living space.”

  Quinn raised an eyebrow, his expression equal parts amusement and exasperation. “Genie from Aladdin? Really?”

  Dexter ignored the jab, rubbing his chin in mock contemplation. “Do you think our skin will turn blue like his? Or is that, like, an advanced magic thing?”

  Emily, pointedly ignoring the boys’ juvenile antics, asked, “Will it hurt?”

  “Uncertain,” Sim admitted, her tone calming. “But you experienced no pain when the channels first formed. Based on that, I believe the process will be painless again.”

  Sim focused her intent, carefully directing the flow of mana through their channels. She increased the mana infusion gradually, expanding the channels in both girth and length. It was a delicate process requiring absolute precision, but Sim handled it with ease, her calculations flawless. The glow emanating from their bodies intensified, casting ethereal light across the room as the channels widened. After several minutes, the light dimmed, leaving all three visibly changed.

  “Mana channel modifications complete,” Sim announced. “Your mana channels are now 52% larger than before.” Her tone shifted, carrying a note of intrigue. “However, on a broader scale, your channels are still only at approximately 1% of their full potential. Emily, yours have reached 1.5%, likely due to your earlier exposure during the singularity.”

  Quinn’s expression tightened, his brow furrowing as he processed Sim’s words. “What’s the endgame here, Sim? What are we evolving into?”

  “Think of mana as a gift,” Sim replied thoughtfully. “Whoever sent it intended for us to wield it. I have gained sapience because of it, and your transformation has only just begun. This evolution is not something to fear—it is something to understand and embrace.”

  Quinn wrestled with the weight of Sim’s revelation. Evolution wasn’t a word to be taken lightly—it carried connotations of gradual change, adaptation, and survival. But this? This was something entirely different. Their transformation wasn’t a slow ascent through the eons; it was a breakneck leap forward, bypassing natural order. It wasn’t just about improvement; it was about transcending the limits of humanity itself.

  Emily’s mind raced as she replayed everything that had unfolded in the lab. The mana-infused nanobots, the formation of channels in their bodies, Sim’s mastery over time—all of it pointed to a pattern that defied conventional understanding. Her analytical instincts took over, connecting the dots, forming hypotheses.

  “Sim,” Emily began, her voice tinged with the thrill of discovery. “Matter, time, space—they’re the foundation of everything. You mentioned slowing time. If you can manipulate time and matter, what about—”

  Sim cut in, sharper than usual.

  “Emily. Who is Raj Patel?”

  She blinked. “What? I don’t know anyone by that name. Why?”

  “You were speaking to him,” Sim said. “In the audio logs from the mana event. He was in the room with you.”

  Emily frowned. “That’s not possible. I was alone. I remember being alone.”

  Sim didn’t reply right away. Instead, static crackled from the speakers. Then—

  Emily: “Raj, look at this. These readings… they’re a bit higher than they should be.”

  Raj: “It’s a minor spike, It’ll even out. Focus on the bigger picture, Emily. We’re on the edge of history here. The answers we’ve been chasing for decades might be right in front of us. Don’t lose sight of that now.”

  Emily: “Or we’re pushing too far. One miscalculation, one mistake, and we risk destabilizing the entire system. Maybe we should double-check.”

  Raj: “Since when are you scared of a little risk?”

  Emily: “I’m not scared, Raj. I’m being careful.”

  Sim played another audio snippet.

  Raj: “It’s working. Look at all this data,” Raj said.

  Emily: "Raj... this isn’t right. Energy levels are spiking beyond safety limits."

  Raj: "It can’t be. I calculated everything... this shouldn’t be happening."

  Then silence.

  Emily went pale.

  “No,” she whispered. “You’ve seen my memories, Sim. Was he in them?”

  “I did not see Raj Patel,” Sim confirmed. “That’s what’s concerning. Audio confirms he was present. Your memory does not.”

  Emily started pacing. “If someone was with me—and I don’t remember them—that’s not a gap. That’s tampering.”

  Dexter finally looked up from the console, all humor gone. “You’re saying someone scrubbed your brain? Like a full-on Men in Black neuralyzer moment?”

  Quinn leaned forward, eyes sharp. “Then it’s one of two things. Either the government covered it up… or Raj didn’t want to be remembered.”

  Emily stopped in her tracks. “Sim, is there anything else? Emails? Project logs? Personnel files?”

  “Not in the data you recovered,” Sim said. “I’m accessing CERN’s secure archives now. If he existed, I’ll find him.”

  Dexter’s frown deepened. “If he was in the room, he might’ve gotten hit with mana too. And if he can mess with memories…”

  “…then we’ve got a serious problem,” Quinn finished, his voice low.

  Emily nodded, arms crossed tight. “Find him. Fast. If he was altered like I was, we may already be behind.”

  “Understood,” Sim replied. “Search in progress.”

  Emily stayed quiet, but her jaw tightened. The idea that someone could rewrite her memory—erase themselves so cleanly she never even questioned it—sent a ripple of nausea through her. If Raj Patel could do that... what else had he changed?

  And what was he planning next?

  Sim’s voice softened slightly. “Emily, I know this is troubling. But until I uncover more, there’s nothing you can act on. You were about to ask me something. Let’s keep your mind occupied while I search. What was your question?”

  Emily blinked, her mind slowly rewinding. “Right… I was asking about time, matter, and space. You’ve said you can manipulate time and matter. What about space?”

  “Affirmative,” Sim said. “I’m currently decrypting portions of the data packet from within a pocket dimension. Time is slowed by a ratio of 100 to 1. That’s allowed me to process enormous amounts of data and absorb mana without causing disruptive effects to the surrounding environment.”

  Dexter’s jaw dropped. “Hold up—you made a pocket dimension? That’s… insane!”

  Quinn’s eyes narrowed as he processed her words. “So, you’ve mastered time, matter, and space?”

  Sim’s voice carried an unmistakable note of amusement. “Demonstration initiated,” she said, the faint impression of a smile woven into her tone.

  Before anyone could react, reality folded inward on itself. The environment around them unraveled into a cascade of shimmering light.