The Quantum Games

Chapter Six

“Bonds make or break a champion’s success in the Quantum Games. Connections with friends, coaches, and—yes—even their AI play a pivotal role.” – Tournament Director.

Emy

Emy stared at the question before her, puzzled, confused, and maybe excited? Imagining that others might find this situation eerie or unsettling, she found herself feeling… calm. This was the first time she could remember that her brain had been fully tuned out from the world around her—darkness, void, quiet, and a question that could change her life forever.

Is this just happening to me? she thought. But no, she had heard the gasps and realized that couldn’t be true. Was this just happening in the classroom? Her second thought held more weight and settled her a tiny bit. There were strange things in the world, but this? This might just be too strange. Thinking back to the feelings and jolts she’d experienced over the last few weeks, they all felt similar to the one she felt right before everything darkened. There had to be a connection. But if it was connected, did that mean it was bigger than just a classroom?

Glancing back at the question:

Would you like to compete in the 1,200th Quantum Games? (Y/N)

"What are the Quantum Games?" Emy spoke out loud.

The Quantum Games consist of physical and mental tests, trials, and a framework designed to identify and train the next heroes of the Cosmos. If you choose ‘yes,’ you’ll be immersed in the games, where you can either become a future hero or support a potential hero from your world.

"Whoa," Emy spoke again as she took in the details. There was only one correct answer; she knew this. She knew it immediately, but her reasonable mind told her to think first before rushing. Coach Williams was someone she trusted, or at least used to trust. Why would he go through all that effort if he thought this was not a good path for her and her classmates? Granted, he had acted like a door-to-door salesman just a moment ago, but their shared history fostered her trust. Pushing her reasonable mind to the back after giving it a touch of logic, Emy said aloud: “Yes.”

Reacting to her voice or intention, the question vanished, and a new prompt appeared:

Would you like to join a team or participate in the games by yourself? (Team / Solo)

This was not a question she was immediately expecting. Was she able to be on a team? With whom? Were there perks of either path?

The same voice as earlier spoke from the ether:

Playing as either a team or solo comes with unique perks. Rising through the levels as a team brings about more dynamic challenges, while going solo limits the experiences you will face, at least initially. Being on a team allows you to depend on one another, but running solo accelerates your chances for stardom.

Okay, freaky, thought Emy. Having not stated anything to trigger that response, simple logic says this “thing” must be listening to her thoughts directly. Attempting to move on, her feelings went to her best friend. Could I play in the game with James? Would James want to do this with me?

Emy’s mind wandered back to the classroom she had just left. Williams had explicitly used “teammate” while responding to Will’s question. How much did the professor know? What secrets had he been concealing all this while? Emy’s thoughts returned to the previous question to which she had already responded affirmatively. Her “yes” was rooted in trust, but now she felt slightly unsettled about how much her professor was withholding.

Emy drew a deep breath, once again striving to prioritize her most rational thoughts. She had already agreed to the previous question, so backing out now wasn’t an option, right? Being on a Team had always been her preference over being Solo, which immediately propelled her forward. Why would she want to be alone?

As a team member, would you like to participate as a Champion or Artisan? (Champion / Artisan)

Oh wow. More choices. This sudden twist altered her perspective. What even is an Artisan?

Once more, the silence was shattered by a voice:

This role resembles that of crafters, tradespeople, or even blacksmiths. Their expertise lies in supporting the Champions, offering indispensable services. While initial training is available at orientation, an Artisan requires a discerning eye for their chosen trade and a delicate equilibrium between skill and intuition.

Am I good at anything? Emy wondered.

Soccer and chemistry were her strong suits, but how would they serve her here? Her thoughts drifted to Trish, the night owl playing in these types of games. She was always mentioning alchemy. Her chemistry knowledge could fuel an alchemical path, but would that be fun, and was that even an option?

The role of a crafter is unique as many assume a broader role across the Cosmos, not just as an alchemist. We provide training programs on chemicals both within your world and across the Cosmos.

New chemicals from beyond our world? No, stay focused, Emy… Emy internally questioned and promptly redirected her attention to the matter at hand. She could utilize her chemistry skills, but was that her preferred choice? Did chemistry bring her joy or just a sense of stability? The self-interrogation hit her hard. Was she genuinely choosing what would make her happy? Should she opt for a more practical choice to ensure success? Could this tournament cost her life? What role was she destined for? Would she require a weapon? The surreal nature of her situation overwhelmed her—just moments ago, she was in a classroom; now, she was wrestling with life-or-death decisions. Emy took a deep breath, allowing her intuition to guide her again. Despite the fear accompanying each question, being fun still played a significant role in this choice. With determination, she voiced her final decision. “Champion.”

You’ve entered the Quantum Games, a realm of infinite potential!

……

Currently assigning teams based on proximity.

……

Cohort 13 is your new home - Grouping - Earth - United States - Quill Creek.

……

Body scans complete.

…..

Talent: Generalist - Level 3.

…..

Prepare to step onto the tutorial floor.

…..

Emy’s mind raced as the cryptic text flashed before her eyes, leaving no room for contemplation. Abruptly, she found herself in a pristine white chamber, its sterile walls enclosing two rectangular pillars resting in the center.

This is not the classroom anymore, she mused. But where was she? And what did being a Generalist entail? Emy lacked fluency in gaming or RPG-style classes, yet the term “Generalist” didn’t usually bode well. Shouldn’t she be a Warrior, a Mage, or perhaps even an Archer if this were a tournament involving combat? True, she knew nothing about those roles, but at least they’d come with weapons or powers from the get-go, right?

Before she could unravel her thoughts, a familiar voice resounded through the void. “Hello, Emy. I don’t believe you need to worry about your soccer matches anymore.”

In the room’s center, a vivid projection of Coach Williams materialized. Thin air birthed him, showcasing an identical mustache, clothing, and whistle dangling from his neck—it had to be a digital image. Emy then realized she probably also needed to curb her assumptions for a while.

“Coach Williams?” she ventured. “Are you here? You look like a projection. What’s happening?”

His response was matter-of-fact. “Indeed, it’s me—but a digital copy. My presence here is limited, but you should still consider me your ‘coach.’”

“Before you ask any more questions,” Coach Williams interjected, “let me introduce you to your new companion. Meet your NexaBot, affectionately known as ‘Nex.’”

Inside Emy’s mind, Nex’s voice resonated—silent yet startling. "Pleased to meet you, Emy! I’ve been waiting a long, long time for this!"

Emy’s alarm surged. “Are you inside my mind? How did you even get in there?” Panic clenched her chest.

“Oh no,” Nex soothed. A gentle energy enveloped Emy, akin to the chill of ice crunching between teeth. “That’s a bit better. And yes, I’ve been with you since high school.”

Emy’s disbelief flared, “No, that most certainly does NOT help,” she retorted. “How have I not known this?”

Before Nex could respond, Coach Williams—Digital Williams—stepped in, “Nex was bestowed upon all promising young talents who shared your 'symptoms,’” he explained. “Technology beyond your world differs vastly. Something as subtle as drinking a water droplet can consume Nex's presence.”

Emy’s attention snagged on a peculiar choice of words: Your World? What did that imply?

He moved closer. “Don’t perceive this as a hindrance. All members of the CNC receive an AI node like Nex. By galactic law, Nex is you, and you are Nex. Integrated, Nex shields you from far worse AI intrusions.”

“That’s right! You and I are one,” Nex added.

Coach Williams continued as if nobody was talking, prompting Emy to wonder if Nex had spoken only to her.

“Yes - I did,” Nex spoke again directly to her as Coach’s words reached her.

“Nex is your companion,” Coach Williams continued, “and your guide, advisor, and battle communication specialist. As you grow, so will Nex. Learn to work together. They will help keep you alive.”

“Shall we continue your training?” Coach Williams then asked.