TravelingDreamer
patreon
Side Story 16: Real or Not?
🕑 Added 2024-07-09 17:55:25 +0000 UTCPublished online and distributed across several platforms, among writing communities and fan forums, “The Integration of Earth into the Mana System: A First-Hand Account” sparked a range of reactions. The story’s premise and storytelling captivated many readers, especially fans of fantasy and LitRPG—or they completely hated it. For most, it was an interesting journey into a fanciful realm, but for a few, it was a call to prepare.
The narrative spurred heated debates on many internet forums:
DreamWorld Forum
DragonSlayer99: “Wow, such a fantastic narrative! I loved every minute of it, but I wish they would move on to another world already. I felt like I was right there, following the story. Kudos to the author for a very creative tale. Ten out of ten!”
ElfQueen88: “I totally agree! Mana waves and crumbling technology sound scary. I wish the author would write a spinoff to show what happens on Earth. I’m already looking forward to the next installment. This is one of the best LitRPG stories I’ve come across in a long time.”
Swordsman Sam: “Part of me wishes it were real, even though I know it’s fiction. Imagine navigating Gates with Mana abilities! Just in case, maybe I should stock up on some extra supplies, hehe.”
DarkMage42: “Has anyone else felt a bit nervous after reading this? Even though it’s just a story, the details are really convincing. I might start practicing with my bow again, just for fun.”
IneedToKnow12: “I don’t know what about you all, but I’m worried. Looking over past news reports, Dr. John Rue disappeared on September 3, 2022. He called a taxi from his Frankfurt hotel, told the driver his friends were picking him up, and was never heard from again. There was a big mess over it at the time. Just in case, I think I should sign up for HEMA training.”
Critical Writer: “Am I the only one who found the writing a bit off? The pacing was erratic, the MC was inconsistent and annoying, and the other characters felt flat. Three out of ten.”
GrammarGeek: “I noticed quite a few problematic sentences and grammatical errors. It took me out of the story several times. It needs a competent editor.”
Goodreads Reviews
Reviewer: BookLoverTina: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A masterpiece! The author’s description of the other world was amazing and the integration into the mana system is both thrilling and chilling. I loved every moment of it. It’s a must-read for any fantasy and LitRPG fan.”
Reviewer: FantasyFanatic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This story blew my mind! The way the author weaves together different worlds and the impact of mana on technology is genius. Definitely adding this to my favorites.”
Reviewer: PrepperGeek: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I know it’s fiction, but the scenario is so well thought out that it got me thinking about real-life preparedness. Might start reading up on survival skills, just for fun.”
Reviewer: RealistRandy: ⭐⭐⭐ “Entertaining, but let’s not get carried away, people. It’s an okay story, but that’s all it is—a story. Enjoy it, but don’t start digging bunkers in your backyard.”
Reviewer: PlotCritic: ⭐⭐ “The concept was interesting, but the execution was poor. The plot holes and inconsistencies made it hard to enjoy.”
Reviewer: SyntaxSkeptic: ⭐⭐⭐ “Good ideas, but the writing was just okay. Could have been much better with a thorough edit.”
Reviewer: DisappointedReader: ⭐ “Overhyped and underwhelming. The premise was interesting, but the execution was poor. Characters were flat, and the plot was predictable.”
Reviewer: SciFiSnob: ⭐⭐ “As a hardcore science fiction fan, I found this story lacking in scientific rigor. The ‘mana system’ feels like a lazy excuse for magic without any proper explanation.”
Reviewer: LiteraryElitist: ⭐ “Poorly written drivel catering to the lowest common denominator. The author clearly has no grasp of proper literary techniques or character development.”
Amazon Reviews
Reviewer: CriticalThinker23: ⭐ “This book is a waste of time. The writing is amateurish, and the world-building is full of inconsistencies. Save your money and read something else.”
Reviewer: FantasyExpert: ⭐⭐ “As someone who has read extensively in the fantasy genre, I can say this book brings nothing new to the table. It’s derivative and lacks originality.”
Reviewer: Anna Leokens: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I don’t know what you’re all complaining about. It’s an entertaining story with low stakes and a cozy feel. I liked it.”
Royal Road Reviews
⭐⭐ Novel idea, sloppy execution
REVIEWED AT: Chapter 65—Friends Are Awesome
BY nemesi8s, 5/29/2031, 6:23 AM
I read it until chapter 65. The idea is good, and I really gave many chances to the story, just because of the pretext. But the writing itself is repetitive and basic. The dialogs are strange and forced; nobody talks like that. It is like they are there strictly to provide information, and when the information is conveyed, the dialog ends. The characters do not act like themselves. They act against their basic motivation all the time. At least the grammar is good.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Slice of life bliss
REVIEWED AT: Chapter 54—I Think I’m Good at This
BY JJB4335_80_8155, 5/14/2031, 2:19 PM
I’m loving this story about John, who after his single mom passed away had to grow up in the foster system in America. Unfortunately, that’s not the end of his sadness but after he loses his wife to cancer finds out that he can travel to other worlds.
The great thing about John is that he just doesn’t dive right in, but actually PLANS ahead instead of doing the stupid trope of wild abandon adventures. The magic system is unique, especially how stats for things like strength have both a physical AND a mental component to them.
The story does start out slow with John mainly keeping his own countenance, but eventually, he does have actual conversations with others. He eventually gains a familiar, which he names Stretch aka Rue. Also, he meets a fellow Gate Traveler but even before that, there’s a forum (of sorts) shared by all Gate Travelers AND there are Short Stories which provide some entertainment and a different perspective. I just really enjoy this story! Incredible story with great flow!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ REVIEWED AT: Chapter 21: My Second Local Contact
BY Jade_Storm, 7/1/2031, 4:08 AM
I believe these reviews sometimes show where I’m at in the story, so to let other readers know, I have read up to chapter 97 when not signed in. Now onto the review.
This story delves into the emotions felt by the main character without overdoing it. We get to see a corresponding growth that I’m sure many made connections to before it was revealed in the story. There was more to it which I hadn’t guessed at, but I don’t want to spoil things. The story has a very good flow. Additionally, the time with the main character being alone as well as spending time with travel companions is nicely spaced out to not be too much or too little in my opinion.
I would originally gripe about the side stories interrupting the flow, but as you learn later on how they interact with the main character, I’m not so bothered by it now. I’m seeing so much of the author’s skill and wishing I could integrate some of it into my own novel here. But, everyone has their own talents, and it gives us something to strive and work towards. I guess I need to add more words for the minimum 200-word count.
Overall, style, story, grammar, and character scores each definitely deserve 5 stars. I would give more if I could to better counter-balance the scores of those which cannot appreciate skilled work. But life is full of unfairness.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fun travel adventure
REVIEWED AT: Chapter 56—London
BY obran, 5/15/2031, 11:50 PM
This story was just what I needed. It isn’t full of combat or high-pressure scenes. Instead, it is a relaxing story about traveling, meeting new people, and learning new things without worrying about luggage, language, and fitting in. Less horrible apocalypse, more magical hike on the Appalachian Trail. It reminds me a bit of the summer I spent during university, biking around Europe.
⭐⭐ Great Premise, inconsistent MC
REVIEWED AT: Chapter 21—My Second Local Contact
BY Chakwak, 6/26/2031, 4:32 PM
The premise of the story is great. The rhythm is slow, but it’s expected and we are told beforehand. The start has some exposition-heavy characters, but they are tolerable due to the uniqueness of the MC’s situation. However, it is really hard to follow or understand the MC. His behavior, attitude, and intellect are all over the place. One moment he will be a genius at the new magic stuff, and the next chapter he’ll be a bumbling fool. One moment he’ll worry about morality, but not the next action. He spends countless time working on new skills, has years of studying behind him, and experience in a stressful environment. A couple of chapters later, he gets very frustrated at not managing something the first time he tries it while in a perfectly calm state. He also forgets OP Skills a couple of days or weeks after unlocking and using them. It might get smoothed up later on, but I might not reach it.
Reddit Discussion:
Should the MC Take the Bard Class?
Subreddit: r/FantasyRolePlay
Thread: Should the MC in “The Integration of Earth into the Mana System” take the Bard class?
User: LoreMaster9000: “I think the MC should definitely take the Bard class. Bards have a unique ability to inspire and rally people, which could be crucial in worlds with different levels of mana.”
User: ManaMage88: “Bard class could be interesting, but wouldn’t the MC be better off with a cooking class? He loves to cook, after all.”
User: SongbirdSerenade: “Don’t underestimate the Bard! Their ability to manipulate emotions and boost allies could turn the tide in any battle. Plus, the MC already has a good amount of charisma, which fits perfectly with the Bard class.”
User: PracticalPrepper: “He should take a Magitech class. Come on, people, if it was good enough for Lis, it should be great for the MC.”
User: StorySeeker: “I think the Bard class would add a lot of depth to the story. The MC’s journey could involve not just physical battles, but also cultural and emotional ones. A Bard could navigate those complexities better.”
Reddit Thread: r/ConspiracyTheories
Title: “The Integration of Earth into the Mana System” - Fiction or Warning?
User: TruthSeeker101: “Guys, I know it sounds crazy, but what if this story is actually a warning? The level of detail is uncanny.”
User: RationalThinker: “It’s just a book. People said the same thing about ‘The Da Vinci Code’. Don’t fall for sensationalism.”
User: PreparedForAnything: “Real or not, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. I’m stocking up on supplies, just in case.”
User: SkepticAl: “You’re all being ridiculous. It’s clearly fiction. There’s no such thing as mana or magic.”
User: MaybeNotCrazy: “I’ve been feeling strange lately, like there’s some kind of energy in the air. What if the mana waves are already starting?”
User: HistoryBuff: “Throughout history, fiction has often preceded reality. Jules Verne predicted many technological advancements. What if this is similar?”
User: NewsJunkie: “I checked all the details I could in the story. They all check out as real. I don’t care what you think – I’m stocking on water and starting sword training.”
Twitter Conversation:
@SciFiLover: “Just finished ‘The Integration of Earth into the Mana System’. Mind blown! Could this actually happen? #ManaIntegration”
@RealityCheck: “@SciFiLover It’s just a book. Don’t get carried away with conspiracy theories.”
@PrepperLife: “@SciFiLover @RealityCheck Better safe than sorry. I’m updating my emergency kit. #JustInCase”
@AuthorInsider: “Sources say the author of ‘Mana Integration’ has gone off-grid. Coincidence or something more? #WhereIsTheAuthor”
@DebunkingMyths: “PSA: ‘Mana Integration’ is FICTION. Stop spreading misinformation. There’s no evidence of any ‘mana waves’. #FactCheck”
Despite the general consensus that the story was fictional, a handful of readers couldn’t shake a nagging feeling that there might be some truth to it. Across the globe, a quiet wave of preparation began among those who got ready, just in case.
Japan
Kenji Nakamura, an IT specialist by day and a committed LitRPG enthusiast by night, read the story on Scribble Hub with mounting curiosity in his tiny Tokyo apartment. Leaning back in his chair, lost in thought, he closed the last chapter.
“Better safe than sorry,” he said to himself. Over the following year, Kenji’s preparation became more focused. He practiced every day, quickly moving through the ranks after joining a nearby Kendo dojo. His apartment transformed into a mini survival center with a small indoor garden and a water filter system.
Kenji started stockpiling nonperishable food, bottled water, and basic medical supplies in case mana beasts and monsters turned out to be real, and he intensified his kendo practice.
When Kenji shared the story, his friends scoffed, dismissing it as a wild fantasy. However, Kenji couldn’t ignore the feeling in his gut. He practiced kendo for an hour every morning before work, imagining how he might fight a monster if the need ever arose. He mapped out potential escape routes and safe havens during long weekend hikes into the mountains.
Months passed, and Kenji started reading old Japanese books on Ki energy, wondering if they might hold clues about mana manipulation. Through meditation, he aimed to increase his awareness of any changes in his surroundings. With time, he became aware of a strange energy in the air, and slowly learned to manipulate it. He couldn’t cast spells yet, but he could affect it around himself.
One evening, Kenji saw a blinking exclamation mark in his field of vision and learned he had advanced beyond just hobbyist in his kendo and mana techniques. Now a Kendo Spellsword, he was a master of close combat with sharp strategic thinking, accurate perception, and mana control. His careful preparation in swordsmanship and mana practices had readied him for any obstacle that might come his way.
Brazil
The story especially affected Lucas Silva, a lifelong fantasy book enthusiast in Rio de Janeiro. As he finished reading the last page, he looked around his small apartment, filled with gaming systems and books.
“This could be a sign,” he reasoned. Over the next eighteen months, Lucas dedicated himself to becoming an urban survival specialist. He attended martial arts courses and learned how to grow his own vegetables on his balcony, preparing himself practically. Combining fiction with useful information, he also formed a small online group with like-minded followers to discuss and share survival techniques.
Lucas transformed his entire apartment into a vertical garden, even building a tiny aquaponics system. Believing that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Capoeira might be useful against monsters or mana beasts, he practiced diligently in both disciplines. Lucas also started a popular YouTube channel offering urban gardening advice, subtly preparing others for a hypothetical Mana integration.
Lucas’s family found his sudden passion for self-defense and gardening perplexing. “You’ve never been into this stuff before,” Maria, his sister, noted.
“I just think it’s good to know these things,” Lucas replied. Knowing they would think he was crazy, he didn’t mention the story. Instead, he focused on building a community of like-minded individuals who shared his cautious hope for the future.
Soon, his efforts paid off. Lucas received a message that now he was an Urban Gardener, ready to face any obstacle in the urban jungle. This special role combined his newfound love of gardening with martial arts, teaching self-sufficiency, plant-based magic, and close-quarters combat.
United States
In a remote Texas hamlet, Emily Thompson, a high school teacher and huge fantasy reader, became captivated by the narrative. She finished it in one sitting, her head whirling with possibilities.
“Being ready helps, even if it’s only a story,” she said. Emily’s journey required two years of focused preparation. She began storing bottled water and canned goods in her basement. She also actively took part in local seminars on herbal medicine and foraging—skills that had always fascinated her, but she had never explored until recently.
Emily studied herbal medicine under Native American healers and attended outdoor survival classes during the summers. She incorporated survival skills into her lessons during the academic year and planned field trips, emphasizing a connection with nature and fundamental outdoor knowledge. To be ready to handle medical situations in a post-technology environment, Emily also became a certified first responder.
Mike, her husband, was skeptical but supportive. “Em, I get it. But don’t you think you’re taking this a bit too seriously?” he asked.
“Maybe,” Emily replied, “but I’d rather be over-prepared than under-prepared.” Quietly confident she was making the right decision, she continued stockpiling supplies and honing her new skills.
Emily developed her abilities in herbal medicine and foraging, eventually becoming a Herbalist Ranger. This new role allowed her to combine survival techniques with knowledge of natural remedies, transforming her into a valuable asset in the wilderness, ready to heal and protect.
Hawaii
Keoni stared at the screen, unsure of what to think. His mind was completely blank and stunned. When he met Al, he thought their relationship was special, both on a personal level and physically. Al’s decision to continue sailing with his friends instead of staying in Hawaii to see if they could build a future together left Keoni devastated.
He confided in his best friends, Kai and Ilani, about Al and his two friends, John and Maya, and their giant dog, Rue. Two weeks ago, Ilani sent him a link to an online story on Royal Road and insisted he read it. After reading a few chapters, he told her he didn’t want to continue; it wasn’t his style. He preferred Robert Ludlum and John Grisham, not some weird fantasy with numbers and levels. Ilani insisted he keep reading. As he read the chapter where John rescued Mahya, alarm bells rang in his mind, but their ringing was still gentle.
When he read the chapter where John and the gang arrived in Austria to meet Alfonsen, the warning bells grew louder. He tried to convince himself that there was no way it could be real and that he was imagining things. But when he read the chapter about Hawaii, he had to admit, at least to himself, that these were the same people. He remembered that conversation word for word.
The thought that he had sex with an alien prince blew his mind. He didn’t know what to think. He sat in front of the computer, staring at the screen, his mind completely blank.
After he recovered from the shock, and following a long conversation with Ilani, they heeded the warning and start preparing. Kai initially thought they were crazy but agreed to cooperate. All three of them enrolled in self-defense classes; he and Mike took up sword fighting, Ilani enrolled in archery, and they all took first aid and every workshop they could find in the medical field. They also stocked on food, water, and first aid supplies.
South Africa
Software developer Thabo Mokoena of Johannesburg obsessed over the ramifications of the story. Though it resonated with him on a deeper level, he was a logical man.
“I’m not saying it’s real, but I can’t ignore it either,” he told his wife. Over the next two years, Thabo started building a basic, self-sufficient cabin on a small piece of land outside the city. After learning about environmentally friendly farming methods, he started stockpiling necessities to ensure his family’s protection in case the unspeakable happened.
Thabo’s preparations went beyond physical readiness. To prepare for a post-technology environment, he used his software development skills to design manual systems for coordinating community projects and organizing resources. Driven to create a truly sustainable living environment, he also researched every method of permaculture to develop agricultural ecosystems that are sustainable and self-sufficient.
Thabo’s new hobby amused his colleagues. “Building a doomsday bunker, Thabo?” they joked.
Keeping the real purpose to himself, he replied with a smile, “Just a little place to get away from it all.”
Thabo’s dedication to establishing a self-sufficient cabin and sustainable farming earned him the class Sustainable Pioneer. This role focused on building and maintaining sustainable communities, using both practical and combat skills to lead in any survival situation.
Russia
Competitive fencer Anya Petrov read the tale in Moscow with a mix of interest and doubt. As she discussed it with her friends, she became increasingly drawn to the idea of being prepared.
“Why not be ready for anything?” she thought. Over the next eighteen months, Anya began training more intensely, incorporating survival techniques into her regimen. Combining her physical discipline with practical readiness, she gathered materials and developed a thorough strategy for various emergency situations.
Anya’s training program now included not only fencing but also several martial arts and tactical fighting styles. Anya believed her fencing skills would help her combat both potential monsters and human threats, so she studied urban survival and military strategy.
Her coach noticed the change in her training. “Anya, you’ve become more focused lately. What’s going on?”
Keeping her true motives hidden, she replied, “Just trying to be the best I can.”
Anya became a Combat Strategist, mastering survival planning and fencing. This class combined strength with strategic thinking and excels in both tactical planning and physical combat.
India
Ravi Sharma, a fantasy lover and software engineer, marveled at the narrative in a busy Mumbai neighborhood. Ravi Sharma marveled at the narrative in a busy Mumbai neighborhood, captivated by the emotional journey of the MC, but a tiny part of him wondered if there was any truth to it.
“I know it’s just a story, but what if?” he mused. Over the next two years, Ravi began stockpiling food, water, and medical kits. He also started practicing yoga and meditation to prepare his body and mind. He also enrolled in a nearby martial arts dojo, honing his skills just in case.
Ravi’s preparation grew more intense during the second year. He delved deeper into yoga and meditation, reading ancient texts that referenced inner energy manipulation. He wondered if these techniques might help him access mana if it ever materialized. Alongside his spiritual pursuits, Ravi continued his martial arts training, focusing on disciplines that emphasized balance and energy flow.
Friends noticed his new routine. “Ravi, you’ve changed. What’s with all the prepping materials?” they asked.
“Just a new hobby,” he replied, keeping his true motivations to himself. Under the guise of a fantasy-themed relaxation tool, Ravi secretly developed a meditation software with storytelling elements.
Combining yoga, meditation, and martial arts, Ravi developed the Mystic Martial Artist class. This unique blend of physical prowess and spiritual and mental strength prepared him to face any challenge with calm and force.
Australia
The premise of the story captivated Emma Davis, a graphic designer and voracious reader from Sydney. She felt an unusual mix of exhilaration and anxiety as she closed the last page.
“What if it’s true?” she wondered. Over the next eighteen months, Emma took practical steps to prepare, practicing first aid and fundamental survival techniques. She also started making weekend outings to hone her new skills and bought camping gear.
Using her graphic design talents, Emma drew detailed maps of Sydney and its surroundings, noting potential safe areas and resource sites. She also created survival skills infographics, which she shared online under the guise of fantasy-inspired imagery.
Her roommate, Sarah, was skeptical. “You’re really putting a lot of thought into this story, huh?” she asked.
“Maybe a little,” Emma replied, “but it’s not bad to be ready for anything.”
Through her survival training and graphic design expertise, Emma evolved into a Survivalist Artist. This unique role combined artistic creativity with survival knowledge, enabling her to adapt and thrive in any environment using both imagination and practical skills.
Canada
Aiden Campbell, a college student and passionate gamer from a quiet Toronto neighborhood, was obsessed with the narrative. Though he enjoyed the concept of a world full of adventure and mana permeating everything, he also sensed increasing urgency.
“Better to be safe than sorry,” he decided. Over the next two years, Aiden started collecting supplies and learning new skills—from cooking to outdoor survival. To connect with others who felt the same way and document his preparations, he also began a blog.
Aiden’s gaming background led him to approach his preparation like character leveling up. He developed a thorough skill tree for himself, with goals in foraging, first aid, and self-defense, among other fields. He believed these abilities would be valuable in a mana-integrated world, so he joined a neighborhood archery club and started practicing parkour.
His sudden enthusiasm for survivalism perplexed his parents. “Aiden, where is all this coming from?” His father asked.
“Just something I read,” he said, not wanting to concern them.
Through his passion for games and survival expertise, Aiden became a Survival Scholar. Seeking to learn and master the world around him, he was ready for any challenge, blending intellectual ability with practical survival skills.
These individuals kept preparing over time, each motivated by a combination of caution and thrill. By creating online forums, they exchanged ideas and thoughts on how the world would change if the narrative came true. Though some dismissed them as overenthusiastic fans or conspiracy theorists, they persisted.
Then everything changed on an apparently regular Monday in July.
The day of the Integration came without notice. Mana waves swept over the Earth and stopped all the electrical devices. Over three thousand planes dropped from the sky, lights flickered out, machinery ground to a halt, and the planet entered a new age where mana ruled supreme. After the waves passed, only fifty percent of Earth’s technology resumed working, and with every wave, the numbers dropped until it died completely. Following the technological collapse, the true believers who had prepared themselves rose, each uniquely suited to navigate the changed environment.
Kenji Nakamura’s preparedness paid off in Tokyo. With its sustainable systems and stored supplies, his apartment became a refuge for his neighbors. Using his kendo skills, Kenji could fend off hazardous mana creatures and frightened looters. By teaching others basic survival and combat techniques, he organized his apartment building into a fortified community.
Kenji was a natural leader when chaos swept through the city, thanks to his calm demeanor and strategic thinking. Using his knowledge of the surrounding terrain, he established safe routes for foraging and scouting trips and built a network of lookouts, organizing frequent patrols. His study of Ki energy granted him spells from the system that proved especially useful in the new age.
In Hawaii, Keoni, Kai, and Ilani were ready and on the front lines when the first mana wave arrived. Monsters emerged from the sea and attacked the coast. Keoni and Kai fought the monsters, while Ilani tended to the injured. Keoni became a Protector, Kai received the Swordsman class, and Ilani gained the Healer class.
Keoni thanked God daily for meeting Al, whose influence had inspired him to prepare. Though he still occasionally felt a clench in his stomach and melancholy at the thought of “what if?”
In Rio de Janeiro, Lucas Silva’s urban garden became a lifesaver for his community. Providing a sustainable supply of fish and vegetables, his aquaponics system fed hundreds. His physical fitness and martial arts prowess made him a formidable protector against both monsters and human threats. His YouTube followers, who had learned from his urban gardening advice, formed a network of resilient communities across Brazil, with messengers to remain in contact and grow together.
As an Urban Gardener, Lucas found mana could speed up plant growth and enhance crop yields. His balcony garden expanded to cover entire buildings, transforming the concrete jungle into a real urban jungle that provided food, medicine, and natural defenses against predators. Mana-infused Capoeira and Jiu-Jitsu techniques made him a powerful guardian of his community.
In rural Texas, Emily Thompson became a vital leader due to her outdoor experience and herbal knowledge. She taught basic survival skills and coordinated her neighborhood to establish extensive gardens. Her first-aid training saved many lives in the frantic first weeks. Emily’s school became a community center where she and other teachers instructed adults and children on living in the new mana-based world.
As a Herbalist Ranger, Emily discovered mana enhanced her connection to nature. Using local flora and mana infusion, she could create powerful healing potions and grow food faster. Her sense of the presence of edible plants and avoidance of harmful mana-mutated species helped her guide her renowned foraging trips.
Thabo Mokoena’s sustainable cabin became a model for post-Integration living in Johannesburg. He organized his neighbors to build similar structures, creating a network of self-sufficient homesteads. His technical expertise was crucial for the community’s survival, as he developed a manual system for tracking supplies and coordinating defenses against monsters.
Anya Petrov’s strategic sense and military prowess were vital in defending Moscow against the initial chaos. She rallied former athletes and martial artists into a militia to fight mana crazed bears, monsters, and human raiders. Her thorough emergency planning saved many lives by organizing resources and evacuation efforts.
As a Combat Strategist, Anya’s fencing skills developed into a beautiful and deadly mana-enhanced combat style. She became a one-woman army, able to generate energy barriers and launch mana blasts from her blade. Her new abilities and tactical sense made her an unmatched defender of Moscow.
Ravi Sharma’s calm demeanor became a soothing presence in Mumbai’s crowded urban setting. He organized meditation sessions to help people manage stress and potentially access the new mana energies. His software skills were used to develop new organizational methods in the post-technology environment, while his martial arts training formed a community defense force.
Ravi’s Mystic Martial Artist skills flourished in the mana-rich environment. He discovered he could sense mana currents and predict threats before they appeared, reaching a heightened state of awareness. mana-infused martial arts became a dance of energy capable of healing allies and repelling foes.
Emma Davis’s creative problem-solving skills were invaluable for Sydney’s adaptation. She devised innovative food storage and water filtration methods. Her camping expertise helped arrange temporary housing for displaced individuals. Her artistic talents were also used to create visual aids for survival skills, disseminated throughout the city.
As a Survivalist Artist, Emma found she could imbue her creations with mana, transforming her designs in unexpected ways. Her maps became dynamic, real-time displays of safe routes and danger zones. Her survival skills infographics turned into magical teaching tools that allowed users to simulate survival scenarios.
In Toronto, Aiden Campbell’s real-world preparedness and deep knowledge of fantasy books and games made him instrumental in understanding the new mana-based reality. By organizing study groups, conducting tests, and documenting how mana could be used, he created a rudimentary manual for the new world. His blog readers across Canada formed a network of prepared individuals, supporting the transition in their communities.
As Aiden meticulously compiled and analyzed the effects of mana on the world, his role as a Survival Scholar gained new significance. His gaming background allowed him to define skills and levels clearly, creating a framework for others to develop and use their abilities. Mana enhanced Aiden’s archery, making him a formidable long-range fighter, and his parkour skills enabled him to navigate the transformed urban landscape effortlessly.
Weeks turned into months, and these prepared individuals became the backbone of their communities. Their foresight and skills enabled not only survival but also the beginnings of thriving in the new mana-integrated world. From adapting to a world without modern technology to defending against mana-mutated beasts, monsters, and opportunistic humans, they faced many challenges.
Each obstacle strengthened them, and their unique talents developed in ways they never imagined possible. They began to connect, sharing knowledge and resources across continents. Bound by their shared experience and determination to lead humanity through this extraordinary transformation, a new network of leaders emerged.
The Integration permanently altered the world, but thanks to these individuals and others like them, humanity adapted and thrived. Mana permeated everyday life, blurring the line between reality and fiction and opening up possibilities once only found in the imagination.
“The Integration of Earth into the Mana System” had been as much a beacon of hope as a warning. For those who answered its call, it became the first chapter of the greatest adventure humanity had ever embarked upon.
Comments
TravelingDreamer
Thanks!!
David Kanevsky
U forgot to change the dates from 2024 to 2031(?) or whatever the date is when they post it
TravelingDreamer
Thank you
Moon Winchester
Beautiful fucking chapter. I loved it.
TravelingDreamer
He already sent his final goodbye. It's with UPS in envelopes.
Moon Winchester
For John’s final goodbye to earth can he write his own unique rendition of Frank Sinatra‘s my way. Talking about the ups and downs and things he experienced in earth to the Journi beyond that he is dealt with so far. And from now on, he’s going to live his way, and have this be a moment where he synchronizes a little bit deeper with the elements.
TravelingDreamer
It's an actual review I copied from RR. Why sign out? 🤷
Doodlyboy15
To the review where the guy said he read farther while not signed in, what does this mean? Why... why would you sign out? What kind of psycho? Really though, loved the fun you had with the reviews. Goodreads and RR review styles are so recognizeable that I loved seeing them IN the fiction.
TravelingDreamer
Those stories are, in a way, an extended epilogue of book two. Book three will be in parts. Part 1 John & co. - Lumis. Part 2 - Staff Sergeant Jake Hawkins - Earth. Part three, Yet undisclosed female - Earth. Part 4 - back to John and Co. - Lumis.
TravelingDreamer
When the mana level reaches 9, the first classes emerge, even before the first mana wave. Some got them only on mana level 10 - see Hawaii
Pike
So while first reading about people gaining classes I was confused. Did they gain these classes pre-integration?
David Knallbi
This is a very nice thank you to the people writing reviews! So let me join in to thank Traveling Dreamer for writing this beautifully wholesome story for us to enjoy! :) Also I'm really curious about further side stories or maybe even a spinoff (any plans yet?;)) about earth's integration.
TravelingDreamer
Busted 🥹
Wolve
Some of those reviews look suspiciously like the ones on RoyalRoad for this novel... wait a minute! You sneaky, you!
Thundermike00
I would love to see another side story exploring the different governments' perspectives on the book. It would be particularly interesting to learn about how governments familiar with these individuals react to the book and the actions they take in response. However, considering the bureaucratic nature of government, they might have spent too much time debating on how to proceed, potentially leading to a missed opportunity.
Fortunis
Ok, this is fucking fantastic. Small nitpick. None of the governments survived? Guns are mechanical so they shouldn't be affected by mana (though the chemical interactions of gunpowder might be). Digital communication would have died instantly sure, but most countries have plans for shit like that based on EMP event scenarios. I could see 3rd world governments or even some second world governments collapsing due to that. But the big ones? China, Great Britain, the United States, Russia. Maybe a few more. Globally they'd be out of contact but locally I can't see them not maintaining some kind of control. Other than that I loved it. The RR and book reviews especially 😆 🤣. I've read reviews exactly like those on multiple stories. The small windows in to people either ignoring or heeding the warning are really well done too. It imagine that's exactly what it would be like. Fantastic job.
TravelingDreamer
Patience, boys, and girls ... It takes a while to write those stories. Quite a long while, actually.
TravelingDreamer
No - it's manga. Life became like a manga.
TravelingDreamer
Changed it to vanished. Autocorrect is sometimes auto-error.
Jack Trowell
"manga-based reality" ? Was it supposed to be mana and not manga? 😂
Xtriver
This is good but I'd like a pov of people already in the know. Us government officials ect.
A B
despaired -> disappeared
