Side Story 17: Survive!

Ethan Clarke

Ethan Clarke leaned back in his old, worn-out leather recliner, his rustic Appalachian Mountains cottage lit only by the faint glow from his computer screen. The shelves of canned goods, the wood-burning furnace, the well-stocked arsenal, and silver and gold collectible coins behind a fake wall all spoke to his self-sufficiency.

At his core, Ethan had always been a prepper and was proud of it. He grew up on his grandfather’s stories of hardship and struggles during the Great Depression and World War II, and they shaped his life perspective. He took great satisfaction in preparing for anything, including societal collapse, financial crises, and natural disasters. But tonight, while visiting his favorite survivalist forum, he discovered something that would permanently change the course of his life.

The post was short and unremarkable:

This is not a fantasy
Verify the facts given in the story
Get ready to survive.

Below was a link to a document called “The Integration of Earth into the Mana System: A First-Hand Account.”

Ethan was curious and clicked the link. Although conspiracy theories and outrageous statements were nothing new to him, this one seemed unique. He opened a book.

In the story, a doctor from Earth discovered the Gate Traveler ability and gateways to multiple planets, each with unique characteristics. The story’s beginning was nothing special, and he couldn’t figure out how it pertained to survival. But then he reached the part about the integration of planets into the mana system and the writer’s realization that Earth was next. The book covered the process steps, mana level increase, and advanced technology's unavoidable fall. It also said that each person would receive a class that would change them, similar to a role-playing game. Further in the book were other snippets of information about magic and its uses.

Ethan’s initial doubts subsided as he continued to read. Deep down, he knew that the author’s warnings, depictions of the other world, and self-deprecating honesty spoke to him. He always believed in the extraordinary, and this book explained the oddities he had seen lately in the news. Ethan’s conviction grew as he finished reading, realizing this wasn’t a wild hypothesis.

Ethan took immediate action. He’d always been proud of his readiness, but this was the highest level of preparation he had ever undertaken. He had to ensure his family's survival through years of trouble, not just a few months.

His first task was to collect essential items. His present supply of water and food was good, but not enough. Bulk cereals, legumes, freeze-dried meals, and canned foods were on his list. He also purchased water purification tablets, rainfall collection barrels, and an extra filtration system. During his next trip to the city, he bought some more necessary items and seeds for a large garden.

Back at the cabin, Ethan converted the basement into a root cellar to create extra storage space. He repaired the ventilation, reinforced the walls, and confirmed that the basement was concealed. His goal was to establish a secure and autonomous household to help his family adapt to an unpredictable future.

Ethan then turned his attention to weapons and ammo. Although his arsenal was adequate for ordinary circumstances, he wanted to be ready for any threat, including monsters and desperate humans. He bought more weapons, focusing on reliability and low maintenance. His stockpile included handguns, rifles, ammunition, cleaning supplies, and spare parts.

Ethan recognized firearms wouldn't always be effective against supernatural enemies, so he started learning melee and close-quarter combat skills. He set up a training area in his backyard with dummies and targets. Every morning, he would train with knives, machetes, and a heavy metal staff. In addition, he signed up for online martial arts classes that taught skills for close-quarters fighting.

Ethan understood that emotional and mental toughness were equally important to physical readiness. He started practicing meditation daily and using methods to focus and control his stress level. Besides emphasizing cooperation and staying calm, he started teaching his family essential survival techniques.

Ethan’s most extensive project was constructing an underground bunker. Although he had always wanted to create one, the urgency pushed him to begin right away. His first step was to examine the surroundings of his cabin for a secluded and conveniently accessible spot.

He found a location at the edge of his property, concealed by dense vegetation and difficult terrain. Armed with borrowed tools and unwavering determination, he began excavating a substantial underground area. As the excavation continued, he installed a secure entrance concealed by a trapdoor and strengthened the walls with concrete.

The bunker inside took shape. Ethan divided it into different sections, including a command center, a workshop, storage areas, and living quarters. He set up bunk beds, a composting toilet, and a small kitchen. To protect against intruders, he set up traps and ensured his family knew how to evacuate to the bunker in an emergency.

Ethan recognized that power came from knowledge. He devoted hours to learning as much as possible about mana—even from fiction—and potential dangers. He assembled an extensive collection of print and digital materials on survival, self-defense, alternative treatments, and eco-friendly living. In addition, he broadened his skill set by networking with professionals from various fields through participation in online forums and attending virtual seminars.

His efforts paid off quickly, even before the mana levels rose to a point where people were supposed to gain classes, according to the manuscript.

Survival Sage

Main Attributes:

• Endurance: Strong and resilient, able to handle harsh environments with high stamina.

• Wisdom: Great at solving complex problems and planning strategically.

• Agility: Quick, stealthy, and effective in various terrains.

Main Class Skills:

• Survival Skills:

  • Superior Foraging: Exceptional at locating and collecting food and medicinal plants, including those affected by mana.

  • Stealth Mastery: Can move around unnoticed and unheard in different environments.

• Combat Skills:

  • Melee Mastery: Skilled with close-quarters weapons like staffs, knives, and machetes.

  • Ranged Precision: Highly accurate with bows and guns and can add mana to projectiles for extra impact.

• Defensive Skills:

  • Fortification: Can enhance materials with mana to build and strengthen defenses and shelters.

  • Trap Setting: Expert at setting up regular and mana-based traps to keep intruders out.

Ethan’s wife, Sarah, and his two teenage children, Emily and Jason, were initially skeptical of the manuscript and tried to convince him it was fantasy. But once he received his class and showed them his skills, they believed him and understood the gravity of the situation. Together, they started an intense training program. And once he showed them the results of his preparations, they doubled their efforts.

Sarah prioritized medical knowledge and first aid. She signed up for advanced online classes, where she learned how to cure illnesses and injuries without access to contemporary medical facilities. She also delved into the benefits of plants and other natural treatments, assembling a comprehensive inventory of these resources.

Emily, an avid animal enthusiast, took control of their livestock. She cared for goats, hens, and rabbits and studied the impact of feeding them mana-infused grain on their health and reproduction.

Arcane Beastmaster

Main Attributes:

• Empathy: To form strong bonds with animals, making it easier to interact with them.

• Intelligence: To investigate and understand how mana affects living things.

• Dexterity: Skilled at handling animals and performing delicate tasks related to their care.

Main Class Skills:

• Animal Empathy:

  • Animal Communication: Understand and interact well with animals.

  • Bonding: Create deep emotional connections to improve an animal’s responsiveness and loyalty.

• Mana Manipulation:

  • Mana Feeding: Add mana to animal food to boost their growth, health, and abilities.

  • Mana Infusion: Temporarily enhance animals with mana, giving them unique skills or boosting their natural traits.

• Animal Care:

  • Livestock Mastery: Raise and breed animals to maximize their productivity and well-being.

  • Mana Beast Handling: Expertly manage mana-enhanced animals.

Jason, with his talent for mechanics, worked closely with Ethan on equipment construction and maintenance. He learned how to keep their tools and weapons in the best possible condition by repairing and customizing them. He assisted Ethan in creating a system of covert caches for guns and first aid supplies around their land.

Arcane Mechanic

Main Attributes:

• Intelligence: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to grasp complicated system design and maintenance.

• Dexterity: The ability to use tools and small, delicate parts with accuracy.

• Resourcefulness: The ability to maximize resources and adapt to changing circumstances.

Main Class Skills:

• Mastery of Mechanics:

  • Advanced Repair: Skilled in the upkeep and repair of a large variety of equipment, weapons, and tools.

  • Customized Adjustments: Create and carry out equipment adjustments that improve functionality for new uses and energy sources.

• Technical Proficiency:

  • Structural Engineering: Construct and strengthen structures with mana-infused elements alongside conventional materials.

  • Trap & Cache Construction: Set up hidden caches and traps using mechanical and mana-based techniques for maximum security and efficiency.

• Management of Resources:

  • Resource Optimization: Use resources best to ensure low waste and peak efficiency.

  • Scavenging: Skilled in finding and reusing items from the environment or abandoned buildings.

As the months went by, Ethan’s planning became more focused. Ethan stored the food and water supplies, finished the bunker, and prepared and well-trained his family. However, even with their efforts, Ethan found the unknown aspect of the integration process troubling.

Watching news stories and internet discussion boards, Ethan searched for any sign that the integration process had started. There were news stories about unusual weather patterns, mysterious technical malfunctions, and accounts of odd animal mutations. Each one of those stories seemed to confirm the book’s warnings.

One evening, while Ethan and his family gathered around the dinner table, he showed them a printed list of the recent odd occurrences. “From now on, we stick to the plan. We make no unnecessary trips to town and keep the bunker fully stocked and secure.”

“Don’t worry, dear,” Sarah said. “We’ve come this far. We’ll get through this together.”

July 11th, 2033, marked the first sign of the integration process starting. The power unexpectedly shut off, plunging the cabin into darkness. Ethan’s backup generator suddenly malfunctioned. Ethan could feel mana in the air, passing through everything, including him, in waves. He led his family to the bunker. They moved fast and effectively, proving that their months of training had paid off. After they were inside, they shut the door. A few hours later, the power returned.

Weeks passed as they watched everything from their hidden underground base. The mana waves continued on and off, sometimes two a day, sometimes one a week. Reports from the outside world became increasingly concerning: sightings of strange creatures, widespread technical malfunctions, fewer and fewer technological devices working after each mana wave, and widespread panic. The world rapidly changed as the process began.

Ethan's plans were incredibly successful. They were well-stocked with food and water, and their self-sufficient systems kept them safe and cozy. They had a strict routine that balanced being alert with taking breaks to stay positive.

While listening to radio stations one day, Ethan heard a distress call from a nearby town. A pack of monsters was attacking a group of survivors, and they needed help. Although Ethan knew the dangers, he understood they couldn’t abandon those in need.

“Sarah, Emily, Jason,” he called out. “We have to help them. We’ve trained for this and have the tools and knowledge to make a difference.”

After putting on safety gear and getting guns and melee weapons, they headed toward the town through the forest. The town was a mess of destroyed houses, terrified people, and wild animals roaming around.

By utilizing their training, Ethan and his family skillfully fought the monsters, ensuring the safety of the survivors. Despite the intense nature of the battle, their preparedness and teamwork helped them succeed. As the last of the beasts were brought down, the survivors gathered, their emotions ranging from awe to relief.

Sarah treated the survivors with herbs and first aid, and while doing it, receive the Healer class that gave her the tools to save many lives.

A woman whispered, “Thank you,” with tears in her eyes. “We thought we were done for.”

A new chapter for Ethan and his family began with the rescue mission. Once back in their bunker, they were part of a wider group of survivors. They helped others prepare and adapt to the new reality, offering their resources, expertise, and knowledge.

Ethan became well-known among the survivors. His knowledge and preparedness earned him the trust and respect of others. He set up communication networks, planned defense tactics, and scheduled exercises. Under his leadership, the community became stronger, more resilient, and more prepared to handle the difficulties of an integrating world.

The community adapted and thrived over time, while the integration process continued. They discovered how to use mana to enhance their quality of life. They created new buildings, traded with other survivor groups, and raised crops infused with mana. Ethan never wavered in his alertness, constantly strategizing and preparing for the next attack. Despite knowing nothing would ever be the same, he remained confident in their ability to overcome whatever was ahead.

Years later, when he stood on a hilltop overlooking the flourishing town they had established, Ethan thought back on the path that had led them to this point. What seemed unbelievable became their survival guide, guiding them through impressive and difficult situations.

He appreciated his family for supporting him and putting effort into preparing and looking out for one another. In addition, he appreciated John Rue, the writer, for issuing the warning. The community they built together showed the resilience and creativity of people.

While the world had undergone drastic transformations, it had also opened up a universe of fresh possibilities. Ethan knew there would be obstacles, but still felt confident. He turned to his family and smiled as the sun sank, bathing the surroundings in a warm light.

“We made it,” he said. “We survived and are building a new future together.”

Surrounded by the people he loved and the community they had built together, Ethan felt a profound sense of fulfillment and peace.

Isabella Reyes

Isabella Reyes sat on her porch, watching the sun dip behind the rolling hills of her Texas farm. Her farm was self-sufficient, with rainwater collection systems ensuring a steady water supply, solar panels powering the house, and a garden that produced veggies year-round. Animals grazed the fields, and her storeroom had enough supplies for years.

Her family’s history fueled her strong desire for self-sufficiency. Her grandmother, who fled a war-torn country after a revolution, brought invaluable canning, foraging, and herbal medicine skills. With her knowledge of permaculture and sustainable farming, Isabella truly embraced these lessons.

One evening, while checking her email, Isabella found a message from Ethan Clarke, an old friend. The subject line read, “Read Immediately: The Integration of Earth into the Mana System.” Curious, she clicked the link to a document in the email.

As Isabella read the manuscript, she was very skeptical. After a correspondence with Ethan, he convinced her to listen and prepare. Though she remained skeptical, she reasoned that the preparations would be beneficial regardless of the outcome.

Determined to protect her farm from the looming threat, Isabella took action. She made sure she had plenty of food and water. She expanded her garden, planted various vegetables suited to different climates, and built additional greenhouses to shield her crops from the unpredictable weather patterns mentioned in the book, and in the latest news reports. Those new reports gave her pause and made her reconsider her outlook.

Water was a top priority. She upgraded her rainwater collection system with larger tanks and advanced, energy-free filtration devices. She dug a new well to guarantee a continuous water supply in a drought.

Security came next. Tall walls and strategically planted thorny bushes fortified her land’s perimeter. She set up a network of mechanical traps to monitor potential threats if the technology failed. She also created a safe room inside her home stocked with weapons, food, and water.

Isabella also focused on personal defense. She began training in martial arts and marksmanship. She did an online course on emergency medicine, learning more about first aid and herbal remedies.

Her husband, Miguel, a former engineer, shared her dedication. He designed and installed a robust energy system with solar panels and wind turbines to ensure they had power even if the grid failed—at least until the mana shut everything down for good. Together, they built a resilient farm ready for the challenges of a changing world.

Months passed, and Isabella’s preparations became routine. She monitored news sites and online forums for indications of the integration process. Strange weather reports, technological failures, and sightings of mutated animals became more frequent, corroborating the manuscript’s warnings, and making her glad she listened to Ethan.

One night in July, Isabella saw a strange light in the sky from her porch, like an aurora borealis. The air hummed with energy, and a low rumble echoed across the hills in the ground. The first magic wave had arrived.

She quickly gathered Miguel and their two children, Carlos and Sofia. They hurried to their safe room, locking the doors and activating their radios. As the wave approached, the lights flickered and then went out completely. Tremors shook the ground.

The days that followed were chaotic. The magic wave caused widespread upheaval. Strange creatures roamed the land, earthquakes toppled buildings, and technology ceased functioning intermittently. But the Reyes family was ready.

Amid the turmoil, Isabella and Miguel ensured their children maintained a sense of normalcy. They tended their animals, harvested food, and practiced their defensive skills. Isabella’s garden thrived, enriched by mana and with a constant water supply.

The Reyes homestead became a refuge and a source of guidance for her neighbors. Isabella welcomed them, sharing her resources and knowledge. She advised water collection, food cultivation, and defense against magical creatures.

Isabella received the Mana Homesteader class for her efforts.

Arcane Homesteader

Main Attributes:

• Wisdom: Deep understanding of farming, the environment, and sustainable living.

• Endurance: Exceptional strength and resilience for arduous tasks and long-term projects.

• Leadership: Ability to guide and support others, strengthening the community.

Main Class Skills:

• Mana Cultivation:

  • Enhanced Growth: Use mana to boost plant and crop productivity, growth speed, and resilience.

  • Herbal Lore: Grow and use mana-infused herbs for healing.

• Sustainable Living:

  • Permaculture Mastery: Advanced techniques for creating self-sustaining gardens and ecosystems.

  • Water Management: Improved mana-based water collection, purification, and storage methods.

• Community Leadership:

  • Homestead Coordination: Organize and oversee people, activities, and resources within a shared space.

  • Minor Heal: Basic ability to use energy for healing and first aid.

With Isabella’s guidance, the community built a network of fortified farms. They formed defense teams, shared resources, and established communication channels. Throughout the integration process, the community became more resilient and flexible.

Years later, as Isabella walked through her flourishing farm, she marveled at how much had changed. Despite the world’s transformation, they had not only survived but thrived. The integration posed new challenges, but offered also opportunities for growth and resilience.

Isabella knew future uncertainties lay ahead, but was confident they could face anything. Watching her children grow and get maried, she felt immense pride and satisfaction, knowing the worst was behind them.

Ahmed Al-Mansur

Ahmed Al-Mansur looked at the vast desert stretching out before him. His refuge, a self-sufficient compound he built after years of careful planning and hard work, was a haven of life in the middle of the dry countryside. Solar panels gleamed in the sun, wind turbines hummed constantly, and a massive greenhouse was full of lush plants. Ahmed had always believed in being prepared, a principle instilled in him by his parents, who survived the harsh realities of a war-torn homeland without succumbing to the fanaticism that tore it apart.

One scorching afternoon, while in his study, Ahmed received an email from his friend Ethan Clarke. The subject line read, "Critical Information: The Integration of Earth into the Mana System." Intrigued, Ahmed opened the email and read the attached document. It sounded unbelievable and illogical, but he trusted his friend and heeded the warnings. Based on his family’s history, he had always been concerned about disasters and societal collapse, but this was a whole new level of risk.

His top priority was ensuring his refuge would survive the integration. The first task was to bolster his food and water supplies. Ahmed expanded his garden, planting crops that would thrive in various conditions. He installed modern hydroponic systems to increase yield and efficiency. He added goats and chickens to his existing cattle to diversify his livestock.

Water was crucial in the desert. Ahmed deepened his wells and added more tanks for water storage. He also constructed a system of underground reservoirs to collect and store rainwater. He aimed to secure a reliable water source to sustain his family and community, even during droughts.

Security was another primary concern. Ahmed fortified his land with tall fences and strategically placed barriers. He set traps to detect potential threats and built a fortified bunker with weapons and supplies.

Understanding that traditional weapons might not always be reliable, Ahmed began training in unarmed combat. He also learned how to train a group of falcons for hunting.

His wife Layla and their three children, Tariq, Amina, and Yusuf, joined him in preparations. Layla, a trained nurse, focused on her medical studies, learning to treat wounds and illnesses without available resources. She also amassed an extensive collection of healing herbs and remedies.

Tariq, a car mechanic, maintained and upgraded their equipment. He learned to repair and modify their vehicles and tools, ensuring everything remained in top condition. Amina, passionate about plants, managed the gardens. Their youngest, Yusuf, naturally adept at navigation and mapping after years of hiding from his siblings, honed his skills to help explore the changing landscape.

After a few months, Ahmed's home became a well-oiled, self-sufficient machine. They monitored news and online forums for signs of the integration process, noting an increase in strange events and unexplained phenomena.

During a severe sandstorm, Ahmed witnessed an unusual glow in the sky one night. Energy charged the air, and a low, unsettling hum echoed across the desert. The first wave of mana had arrived.

Ahmed acted swiftly, gathering his family and leading them to the bunker. The following days were a blur of activity. The mana wave caused widespread technological failures, and reports of bizarre creatures surfaced. However, the Al-Mansur family made preparations.

They maintained their routine, tending to their animals and crops, practicing combat skills, and monitoring external developments. Their crops thrived in the mana-rich atmosphere, and their water supply remained stable.

Neighbors found a haven in Ahmed's sanctuary. He extended a helping hand, sharing his knowledge. His lessons included food cultivation, water procurement, and defense against monsters.

The Al-Mansur family was the first among their neighbors to earn their classes:

Ahmed Al-Mansur

Arcane Strategist

Main Attributes:

• Strategic Thinking: Critical and strategic thinker.

• Resilience: Endurance for hard work and long-term projects.

• Leadership: Motivates and leads community members effectively.

Main Class Skills:

• Mana Engineering:

  • Mana Infusion: Enhance tools, weapons, and structures with mana for increased power and durability.

  • Hydroponic Mastery: Use mana to boost hydroponic crop growth and efficiency.

• Combat and Defense:

  • Falcon Beastmaster: Train and command falcons for hunting and surveillance, seeing through their eyes.

  • Melee Combat: Experienced in unarmed combat and melee weapons.

• Community Leadership:

  • Strategic Planning: Develop and implement community defense measures.

  • Resource Allocation: Efficiently use and distribute resources to strengthen the community.

Layla Al-Mansur

Arcane Herbalist

Key Attributes:

• Medical Knowledge: Deep understanding of natural and modern treatments.

• Empathy: Ability to connect with and care for others.

• Dexterity: Skilful use of herbs and medical tools.

Main Class Skills:

• Mana Based Healing:

  • Advanced Triage: Treat injuries and illnesses efficiently with limited resources.

  • Healing Touch: Magically treat injuries and illnesses.

• Herbal Lore:

  • Herbal Identification: Recognize and use medicinal herbs effectively.

  • Mana-Infused Remedies: Enhance herbal medicines with mana for improved healing.

• Support Abilities:

  • Calming Aura: Emit a soothing energy to aid healing and comfort.

  • Protective Ward: Create a mana-based shield to protect patients during critical care

Tariq Al-Mansur

Arcane Engineer

Main Attributes:

• Technical Knowledge: Problem-solving skills and extensive technical knowledge.

• Dexterity: Precise handling of tools and machinery.

• Resourcefulness: Repairing and modifying equipment with available materials.

Main Class Skills:

• Mana Constructs:

  • Custom Modifications: Use mana to implement alterations to equipment to meet specific needs.

  • Mana Integration: Use mana to enhance the functionality and durability of tools and devices.

• Tactical Deployment:

  • Cache Maintenance: Establish and maintain hidden stockpiles of weapons and supplies.

  • Emergency Repairs: Perform effective repairs under high-stress conditions.

• Machinery Mastery:

  • Equipment Upkeep: Maintain and upgrade equipment for optimal performance.

  • Mana Mechanics: Utilize techniques based on mana to enhance mechanical systems.

Amina Al-Mansur

Arcane Botanist

Key Attributes:

• Botanical Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of plants and agriculture.

• Wisdom: Understanding natural processes and ecological balance.

• Empathy: Deep connection with the earth and plants.

Main Class Skills:

• Mana Cultivation:

  • Mana Farming: Use mana to enhance crop growth and yield.

  • Plant Communication: Understand and respond to plant needs and signals.

• Botanical Mastery:

  • Permaculture Techniques: Advanced sustainable farming techniques.

  • Herbal Knowledge: Grow and use medicinal plants.

• Environmental Adaptation:

  • Climate Resilience: Grow crops in varied conditions.

  • Soil Enrichment: Use mana-based techniques to improve soil health and fertility.

Yusuf Al-Mansur

Arcane Pathfinder

Key Attributes:

• Navigation Skills: Strong mapping and navigation skills.

• Perception: Keen observation and exploration abilities.

• Adaptability: Skilled use of outdoor gear and mapping tools.

Main Class Skills:

• Mana Navigation:

  • Mana Mapping: Create detailed and accurate maps using mana-enhanced techniques.

  • Pathfinding: Navigate safely through challenging terrains.

• Exploration Skills:

  • Environmental Awareness: Detect and interpret changes in surroundings.

  • Resource Scouting: Identify and locate valuable resources.

• Survival Skills:

  • Wilderness Survival: Techniques for living off the land.

  • Stealth Movement: Move quietly and remain unseen in various environments.

Ahmed guided the community as it worked together to create a network of fortified homesteads. They established communication, shared resources, and organized security patrols. As the integration process continued, the community grew stronger and more resilient.

Years later, Ahmed reflected on their journey. What initially seemed like a far-fetched idea had become a survival guide that helped them navigate the strangest and most challenging times.

The world had changed beyond recognition but offered endless opportunities and possibilities. Ahmed was aware of the upcoming challenges, yet confident in their readiness.

As the mana levels stabilized and life became less challenging, Ahmed offered a prayer of thanks to Allah for his life, the lives of his family and neighbors, his friend Ethan, who made him prepare, and John Rue, who sent the warning in time.