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MidReal Story
I Don't Know How To Be Happy
Scenario:I don't know how to be happy.
Create my version of this story
Michael Trent
program participant, no significant relationships, average build with tired eyes, introspective and skeptical
Eliza Hart
program guide, mentor to Michael, slender with sharp features and bright eyes, charismatic and enigmatic
Sam Carter
fellow participant in the program, friend to Michael, athletic build with a warm smile, optimistic and supportive
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
I was a man who had everything, but I was still unhappy.
I stood in the clearing, catching my breath.
I had a good job, a nice apartment, and plenty of friends, but I was still searching for something more.
I thought that if I just worked harder, made more money, or found the right woman, I would finally be happy.
Eliza's eyes gleamed with approval, while Sam patted me on the back.
But no matter what I did, that feeling of emptiness never went away.
"Well done, Michael," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Then one day, I saw an ad online that promised to change my life.
Dr. Lang stepped forward, his dark coat still absorbing the light around him.
He gestured towards a shimmering portal that suddenly appeared in the air, revealing a futuristic cityscape beyond.
It claimed that by following a few simple steps, I could unlock my true potential and achieve lasting happiness.
I was skeptical at first, but I was also desperate.
"This is your next challenge," Dr. Lang announced, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
I hesitated, feeling a mix of dread and anticipation churn in my stomach.
So, I clicked on the ad and signed up for the program.
The portal seemed to pulse with energy, drawing me in despite my reservations.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the unknown.
A few days later, I received an email with instructions to come to a specific address for my first session.
As soon as I crossed over, the city buzzed with life and technology.
The building was old and nondescript, tucked away in a forgotten corner of the city.
Tall skyscrapers loomed overhead, their surfaces covered in holographic advertisements that flickered and changed with each passing second.
I hesitated at the entrance, questioning my decision, but curiosity and desperation pushed me forward.
Robotic citizens moved efficiently through the streets, their movements precise and calculated.
I walked through the door and found myself in a dimly lit room.
Eliza and Sam followed closely behind me.
"Welcome, Michael," a voice greeted me.
I looked up to see a woman with striking features and piercing eyes.
"Stay close," Eliza advised. "This place can be overwhelming."
She had an air of confidence that made me feel both uneasy and intrigued.
She wasn't wrong.
My senses were assaulted by the sheer volume of stimuli—the hum of machinery, the vibrant colors of neon lights, and the constant chatter of robotic voices.
"I'm Eliza," she said, extending her hand.
I shook it, feeling a strange sense of familiarity.
It was almost too much to take in at once.
We navigated the bustling streets together, weaving through crowds of robotic citizens who paid us no mind.
"Nice to meet you," I replied, trying to mask my skepticism.
Eliza gestured towards a man sitting in the corner.
Everywhere I looked, there were signs of advanced technology—floating vehicles zooming above us, automated vendors selling all manner of goods, and towering billboards displaying messages in languages I couldn't understand.
"Keep moving," Sam urged. "We need to find our way to the central hub."
"This is Sam. He's been with us for a while now."
Sam stood up and walked over to us.
I nodded, trying to focus on our goal despite the sensory overload.
He had a calm demeanor and a warm smile that put me slightly at ease.
As we walked, I couldn't help but marvel at the city's architecture.
The buildings were sleek and modern, made of materials that seemed almost otherworldly.
"Hey, Michael," he said. "I know this might seem a bit overwhelming, but trust me, it's worth it."
Glass and metal melded seamlessly together, creating structures that defied conventional design.
I nodded, still unsure of what to expect.
"So, what exactly is this program?" I asked.
"Look at that," Eliza pointed to a massive tower in the distance.
It was unlike anything I'd ever seen—its surface constantly shifting and changing color as if it were alive.
Eliza smiled knowingly. "It's about unlocking your true potential and finding genuine happiness. But first, you need to trust the process."
"That's where we're headed," she explained. "The central hub controls everything in this city."
She handed me a small vial filled with a shimmering liquid.
We continued our journey through the labyrinthine streets, encountering more wonders along the way.
Holographic advertisements projected directly into our path, offering everything from virtual vacations to cybernetic enhancements.
"Drink this," she instructed. "It will help you begin the journey."
Robotic citizens went about their business with an efficiency that was both impressive and unsettling.
I stared at the vial, feeling a mix of curiosity and fear.
"What is it?" I asked.
"It's a catalyst," Eliza explained. "It will help you see things more clearly."
"How do we even begin to navigate this place?" I asked, feeling overwhelmed.
"Trust your instincts," Eliza replied. "And remember what you've learned so far."
I glanced at Sam, who nodded reassuringly.
Her words gave me a small measure of comfort as we pressed on.
"I was in your shoes once," he said. "Just take the leap."
Despite the chaos around us, I felt a growing determination to succeed in this new reality.
Taking a deep breath, I uncorked the vial and brought it to my lips.
The liquid was surprisingly sweet as it slid down my throat.
As we approached the central hub, the city's energy seemed to intensify.
The air hummed with power, and I could feel a subtle vibration beneath my feet.
Almost immediately, I felt dizzy.
The tower loomed larger with each step we took, its surface shimmering like liquid metal.
The room began to spin, and my vision blurred.
"What's happening?" I managed to ask before everything went dark.
"We're almost there," Sam said encouragingly. "Just a little further."
In the last moments of consciousness, I heard Eliza's voice whispering in my ear.
We finally reached the base of the tower and found an entrance guarded by two imposing robotic sentinels.
Their eyes glowed with an eerie blue light as they scanned us.
"State your purpose," one of them intoned in a mechanical voice.
"We seek access to the central hub," Eliza replied confidently.
The sentinels exchanged a brief glance before stepping aside to allow us entry.
We walked through the doorway into a vast atrium filled with more advanced technology than I could have ever imagined.
I woke up in a dimly lit room, my head throbbing.
"This is it," Eliza said softly. "The heart of the city."
The air was cool and smelled faintly of antiseptic.
I took a deep breath and steeled myself for whatever challenges lay ahead.
I blinked a few times, trying to clear the fog from my mind.
In this new reality filled with endless possibilities and dangers,
"Welcome to your new reality," Eliza's voice cut through the haze.
She stood over me, her eyes intense and unwavering.
Her presence felt almost magnetic.
I tried to sit up but felt an odd lightness in my body, as if gravity had less of a hold on me.
"What's happening?" I croaked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Take it easy," Sam said from a nearby chair.
He looked serene, almost meditative.
"How do you feel?"
I struggled to find the words, overwhelmed by a rush of unfamiliar emotions.
"I... I don't know," I stammered. "Different. Lighter."
Eliza handed me a mirror, her expression unreadable.
"Look at yourself," she commanded.
I hesitated for a moment before taking the mirror from her hand.
My fingers felt strangely nimble, as if they belonged to someone else.
I raised the mirror to my face and peered into the glass.
My reflection was altered—my eyes were brighter, almost luminescent, and my skin looked smoother, more youthful.
A wave of panic surged through me.
"This isn't me," I muttered, my voice trembling.
"This is just the beginning," Eliza assured me, her tone calm but firm.
I turned to Sam, searching for some form of reassurance.
"Is this permanent?" I asked, my voice tinged with desperation.
Sam smiled gently. "It's part of the process, Michael. Embrace it."
I felt a knot tighten in my stomach as I tried to process what was happening.
"Why didn't you tell me this would happen?" I demanded, my voice rising.
Eliza's eyes softened slightly. "You wouldn't have understood until you experienced it yourself."
I clenched my fists, feeling a surge of frustration mixed with fear.
"What else is going to change?" I asked, struggling to keep my composure.
Eliza exchanged a glance with Sam before answering. "Your perception of reality will shift. You'll see things more clearly, understand things you couldn't before."
I shook my head, trying to make sense of her words. "And what if I don't want this? What if I want to go back?"
Sam leaned forward, his expression serious. "There's no going back, Michael. You've already taken the first step."
A cold shiver ran down my spine as I realized the gravity of his words.
I looked around the room, searching for any sign of familiarity or escape.
The walls were bare except for a single painting—a landscape of a serene forest bathed in twilight.
The only furniture was the chair Sam sat in and the bed I lay on.
Eliza placed a hand on my shoulder, her touch surprisingly comforting. "Trust us, Michael. This is what you've been searching for."
I wanted to believe her, but doubt gnawed at me like a persistent itch.
"What now?" I asked quietly.
Eliza smiled softly. "Now we begin your training."
Before I could ask what that entailed, the door behind her opened with a soft creak.
A man in a white coat stepped in, carrying a tray with various instruments.
He set it down on a small table beside the bed and nodded at Eliza.
"It's time," she said simply.
The man approached me with a syringe filled with another shimmering liquid.
Panic flared within me again as he drew closer.
"Wait! What are you going to do?" I exclaimed.
Eliza tightened her grip on my shoulder.
"Relax, Michael," she said soothingly.
"This is necessary for your transformation."
The man positioned the syringe near my arm.
I tried to pull away but found myself too weak to resist.
As the needle pierced my skin and the liquid entered my bloodstream,
a strange warmth spread through my body,
my vision began to blur once more.
The room dissolved around me, and I felt a sensation of falling before landing softly on my feet.
I blinked rapidly, trying to clear my vision.
When it finally settled, I found myself standing in a lush forest.
Tall trees surrounded me, their leaves forming a dense canopy overhead.
Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.
I felt disoriented and anxious, my heart pounding in my chest.
"Where am I?" I muttered to myself, turning in circles to take in my surroundings.
"Michael," Eliza's voice called out from behind me.
I spun around to see her standing there, calm and composed as ever.
She wore a serene expression that contrasted sharply with my own panic.
"Eliza," I said, my voice shaky. "What's happening? Where are we?"
She stepped closer, her movements graceful and deliberate. "We're in a place where you can truly connect with yourself. But first, you need to focus on your senses."
I frowned, struggling to understand. "What do you mean?"
"Feel the earth beneath your feet," she instructed. "Hear the birds singing. Smell the pine in the air."
I hesitated but then closed my eyes, trying to follow her guidance.
I took a deep breath and felt the cool, damp earth under my shoes.
The sound of birds chirping filled my ears, and the scent of pine needles was strong and invigorating.
A strange sense of peace began to wash over me, easing some of my anxiety.
I opened my eyes to see Eliza smiling at me approvingly.
"Good," she said softly. "You're starting to understand."
Just then, Sam appeared beside us, his warm smile reassuring. "Hey, Michael. How are you feeling?"
"A bit better," I admitted. "But still confused."
Sam nodded. "That's normal. Just embrace the moment. Let go of your fears."
We started walking deeper into the forest together.
The further we went, the more my fear seemed to fade away.
The forest was alive with vibrant colors and sounds—green leaves rustling in the breeze, birds flitting from branch to branch, and the distant sound of running water.
Eliza suddenly stopped and pointed ahead. "Look," she said.
I followed her gaze and saw a clearing up ahead bathed in golden sunlight.
There was something almost magical about it.
"What's there?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
Eliza's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "A significant revelation awaits you there."
I hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of dread and curiosity.
But the pull of the unknown was too strong to resist.
I took a deep breath and stepped forward into the clearing.
Chapter 2
As I stepped into the clearing, a figure emerged from the shadows, cloaked in mystery.
The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting long, eerie shadows on the ground.
A tall man with piercing eyes and an unsettling presence stood before me.
His gaze was intense and unyielding.
"Michael, this is Dr. Lang," Eliza Hart introduced him, her voice steady.
Dr. Lang scrutinized me, his eyes boring into mine as if searching for something hidden deep within.
He wore a dark coat that seemed to absorb the light around him, making him appear almost spectral.
"Welcome, Michael," Dr. Lang said, his voice low and commanding.
"I am the creator of the program."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as he spoke.
There was something about him that made my skin crawl.
Sam Carter stood by my side, offering silent support.
He gave me a reassuring nod, but it did little to ease my anxiety.
Dr. Lang continued, "You have reached the final phase of your journey. This phase will test you in ways you cannot imagine. You must confront your deepest fears."
I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry.
"What do I have to do?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Dr. Lang reached into his coat and pulled out a small, ornate box.
It was intricately designed with swirling patterns and glinted in the sunlight.
He handed it to me with a solemn expression.
"Open it," he instructed.
My hands trembled as I took the box from him.
The weight of it felt significant, as if it held more than just its physical contents.
I glanced at Sam one last time; his eyes were filled with encouragement.
Taking a deep breath, I lifted the lid of the box.
Inside was a swirling darkness that seemed to move and shift like a living entity.
It was mesmerizing and terrifying all at once.
"What is this?" I asked, my voice shaking.
Dr. Lang's eyes never left mine. "This is your fear given form. To move forward, you must face it head-on."
The darkness inside the box began to rise, tendrils of shadow reaching out towards me.
I felt an overwhelming sense of dread wash over me.
My heart pounded in my chest as I watched the darkness grow.
Eliza stepped closer, her presence grounding me. "Remember what you've learned, Michael. Trust yourself."
I nodded, trying to summon the courage to face whatever was coming next.
The tendrils of darkness wrapped around my wrists and ankles, pulling me towards the center of the clearing.
I struggled against them, but they were too strong.
"Don't fight it," Dr. Lang advised. "Embrace it."
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting go of my resistance.
The darkness enveloped me completely, and for a moment, I felt as though I was falling into an endless void.
Then, suddenly, everything stopped.
I opened my eyes to find myself standing in a different place entirely—a vast expanse of nothingness stretching out in all directions.
The only thing that existed here was me and my fear.
A figure materialized before me—an exact replica of myself but twisted and distorted by fear.
Its eyes were hollow and filled with malice.
"You are nothing," it hissed. "You will fail."
I felt a surge of anger rise within me. "No," I said firmly. "I am stronger than you."
The figure lunged at me, but I stood my ground.
As it collided with me, I felt a rush of energy course through my body.
The fear began to dissipate, replaced by a newfound sense of strength and clarity.
When the darkness finally cleared, I found myself back in the clearing with Eliza, Sam, and Dr. Lang watching me intently.
"You did well," Dr. Lang said with a rare hint of approval in his voice.
Eliza smiled warmly. "You've taken a significant step forward."
Sam clapped me on the shoulder. "Welcome to your new reality."
