Chapter 37: The World That Feels Too Real
The World That Feels Too Real
1. The Life of a Hunter in Full (Tom's POV)
Tom sat on the balcony of his penthouse suite, watching the neon-lit skyline of New Arcadia City stretch endlessly before him.
This world had given him everything he could have asked for.
The top Hunter teams sought him out for missions. Guild leaders called him "the future of the industry." His sponsorship deals were piling up, and his bank account held more than he could ever spend.
For once, he didn't have to fight fate—he simply had to ride the wave of his own success.
Tonight was supposed to be a celebration. His team had just cleared a Legendary Dungeon—an impossible feat for a newly promoted Hunter.
The official announcement had gone live just hours ago, and the city was already buzzing with his name.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Come in," he called.
Derek Hale, his longtime rival-turned-teammate, stepped inside. The grin on his face told Tom he'd come with news.
"You're not going to believe this," Derek said, tossing a glowing contract onto the table. "The World Hunter Association just sent you an invitation. They want you in their Elite Division."
Tom raised a brow, picking up the contract. He scanned it quickly—top-tier benefits, full authority on missions, unrestricted funding.
A perfect deal.
Too perfect.
A flicker of doubt touched his mind, but it was smothered before it could take root.
The illusion had heard his hesitation.
And it had given him an even greater reward.
Tom exhaled, then smirked. "Guess I really am that good."
Derek laughed. "Damn right you are."
And just like that, the thought of questioning it vanished.
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2. The Queen of the Arena (Stacy's POV)
The roar of the crowd shook the coliseum.
Stacy stood at the center of the Hunter Academy's Grand Tournament, her hands still crackling with void energy.
Her opponent—the reigning champion for the last four years—lay unconscious at her feet.
The announcer's voice boomed overhead.
"STACY PETERS—YOUR NEW NUMBER ONE!"
The entire arena erupted.
A thousand voices screamed her name, her legend solidified in an instant.
She had dreamed of this.
For so long, she had wanted to be strong, to be recognized.
Now?
Now the world belonged to her.
Her coach ran onto the field, a golden medal in hand.
"Stacy, you've done it. You've shattered every record in Academy history."
She accepted the medal with a grin, lifting it high as the camera flashes painted her in light.
Everything she had ever wanted was finally hers.
And in that moment, she couldn't imagine wanting anything more.
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3. The Home That Fixes Itself (Diane's POV)
Diane walked through the newly renovated home, running her fingers along the polished wooden walls.
She didn't remember requesting renovations.
But every time she thought about something that could be improved, it was already taken care of.
The furniture was always perfectly placed.
The gardens always thrived.
The food never spoiled.
This world anticipated her needs before she even voiced them.
It should have been strange.
But why would she question a world that finally understood her?
"Mom?"
Tom's voice drifted from the kitchen, breaking her thoughts.
Diane smiled as she turned to him. Her son, happy and successful.
The world had adapted.
And she had no reason to fight it.
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4. A Father Who Never Misses a Moment (Mike's POV)
Mike sat at the head of the dining table, watching as his family laughed around him.
For years, he had been the absent father, buried in research, chasing answers he never truly found.
But here?
Here, he was present for every meal, every conversation, every moment.
"Dad," Stacy said, leaning against the counter. "You've gotta come see the new combat hall at the Academy. It's insane."
Mike chuckled. "Wouldn't miss it."
Diane turned to him, a warm smile on her face.
"You've been really good about making time for us," she murmured.
Mike felt something stir in his chest.
This was what he had wanted.
A chance to be the father he should have been.
A chance to correct his mistakes.
The illusion had adjusted.
And he let it.
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5. A World That Never Says No (Final Scene – Group POV)
That night, the family gathered on the back patio, watching the stars.
A soft breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, and the night was peaceful.
Tom leaned back in his chair, staring at the sky.
"You ever think," he said slowly, "that life turned out… just right?"
Diane looked at him, her smile gentle.
"It's because we made the right choices."
Mike squeezed her hand. "And because we're together."
Stacy grinned. "Sounds like we finally figured things out."
Tom exhaled, a rare feeling of complete contentment settling over him.
He had no reason to question anything.
Not when the world had never said no to him.
And so, as he let himself sink deeper into the illusion, the stars overhead shimmered just a little brighter—
Adjusting to exactly what he needed them to be.
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