That time I got reincarnated with a glitch: strings of fate

Adam's moment of triumph was abruptly shattered. A creature informed him of Emily's critical condition. As he walked, the grim reality of the war struck him – countless fallen comrades lay scattered across the battleground. He braced himself, pushing through the devastation to reach Emily. Panic surged as he saw her, pale and unconscious. He fell to his knees, clutching her hands to his face, pleading, "Please wake up."

Devon, the elders, and many others watched Adam's desperate hope. Devon, witnessing Adam's anguish, felt a pang of his own past, recalling the loss of his wife and child. He understood Adam's pain intimately. He gently tapped Adam's shoulder and told him to come outside.

Adam, tears streaming, silently followed Devon, who stood beside him, surveying the aftermath of the war: widespread destruction, death, yet also the living, carrying bodies and tending to the injured.

"If Emily hadn't done what she did," Devon said, his voice heavy, "no one here would be left alive. I know you think I can never understand what you're feeling. But I do. My family, my wife and child, died right before my eyes. Nobody was there to tell me what to do; I only thought of revenge. It led me down a path that never brought me the happiness of having your loved ones. Emily's fate is still in the balance. You should think about what you can do to help her. You are capable and have a chance I didn't get. Don't give up on yourself, think of how to save her. I will handle the rest here, so don't think of anything else but finding solutions. Look at what your hands can do."

Adam looked down, tears still flowing.

"You are healthy and strong, you can achieve this miracle of saving millions of lives. You can save your wife and child." Devon whispered.

Adam clenched his fist.

"Put that frustration and anger to good use." Devon spoke with sincerity.

Adam wiped his tears, touched by Devon's heartfelt words. "Thanks, Devon," he choked out. "I needed to hear that."

Devon reached out for a fist bump, and Adam's fist connected with his. Devon then turned, walking forward to command both creatures and humans, united in the cleanup effort. Adam smiled, watching Devon, before turning back to his task, now fully focused.

A Desperate Quest

The elders informed Adam that Emily's life force was critically low, and the baby needed that life force to grow. Emily was slowly succumbing to rebirth. Adam asked if there was any way to slow down the effect. They revealed that only the Spiritual Realm, with sufficient mana, could create a healing spell strong enough to maintain her life force.

Adam realized the other world would be able to do this. He told everyone he would take Emily home and thanked them for protecting her. Everyone bowed to Emily, acknowledging her sacrifice.

Adam teleported to his house and shouted for Nirik. Nirik appeared behind him. "Everything is ready," he said.

Adam wanted Emily's parents to come as well. Nirik smiled, as if he had expected this. Nirik transformed into his Kirin form, opening a portal with his horn. Adam carried Emily's unconscious body through, with her parents following behind.

Adam felt the surge of mana from the other world. His neuro-link reconnected as he appeared in front of his house. Lyra and Leon, alerted to Adam's arrival, rushed out. Before they could celebrate, Emily's body was swiftly moved to the bedroom. Concern etched on everyone's faces.

Helena tried healing her, but Emily remained unconscious. Lyra analyzed Emily's body, confirming her life force was dangerously low. She realized a temporary solution: a constant healing and stasis spell using mana stones, encasing Emily's body like a coffin. This barrier would slow down the depletion of her life force. As Emily was placed inside, her body stabilized and entered stasis.

Nirik then asked Adam if he was ready to make his decision. "Whatever it takes," Adam vowed, looking at Nirik.

Nirik revealed that three artifacts were needed to replenish Emily's life force, each from a different world. The time dilation between these worlds meant that years of Adam's absence would not affect Emily's current time in this world. However, the dangers Adam would face would test him to his limits.

The three artifacts were:

* The Hands of Death

* The Sphere of Darkness and Light

* The Eternal Flame

Lyra immediately volunteered to join Adam, as did Leon and Arthur. However, Nirik explained that only Adam and Lyra could go. Their bodies were uniquely capable of handling different worlds, and they could communicate via neuro-link. There was a high chance they would be separated during teleportation between worlds due to differing timelines and crossings.

Adam told everyone he would return and urged them to take care of Emily. They understood the urgency and wished him a safe journey. Each hugged Adam, telling Lyra to protect him. Lyra assured them she would do her best. Both Adam and Lyra turned to Nirik, ready to set off. Nirik shone a light and, in front of everyone, teleported them away.