Chapter 26: The World Shifts, A Father Screams
The storm passed, but the tension in the air remained. The villagers dispersed quietly, but the atmosphere was heavy. No one could deny it anymore—things were changing.
That evening, as the villagers settled into their homes, everyone gathered inside the Yue family living room. The newly delivered 4K television from the city—a luxury gifted by one of the returning relatives—cast a sharp glow on the walls as it blared the world news.
The screen flickered, showing a live broadcast from the United Nations, where officials looked panicked and bewildered.
"This is no longer a regional issue," the anchor said. "Across all continents—men, women, children—people are awakening... and we can no longer predict who, when, or why."
Yue sat cross-legged on the floor, her gem-blue eyes fixed on the screen. Her gang huddled around her, eyes wide, mouths slightly agape. Her mother stood behind them with folded arms, tense but still as stone.
On the screen, a reporter spoke frantically over chaotic footage:
> "In Tokyo, a six-year-old girl suddenly burst into speed, vanishing from her kindergarten and reappearing three hours later in the North Pole, wrapped in sealskin by confused Inuit villagers…"
Another image popped up—grainy, but unmistakably strange.
> "In Seoul, South Korea, a grandmother reportedly teleported with her walking stick to the White House in Washington, D.C. when trying to reach her kitchen. The U.S. President is currently recovering from the shock."
The room burst into whispers and gasps.
> "In Paris," the anchor continued, "a couple was caught mid-intimacy on a surveillance camera when they suddenly teleported to a stadium hosting a live concert. The husbands were screaming, half-dressed, while the wife was seen laughing hysterically before they vanished again!"
Yue's father blushed and looked away, muttering, "That's too much…"
Yue snorted and giggled. "So... doing the ghost dance can really lead to another dimension, huh?"
Her mother shot her a glare, but couldn't hide her grin.
Another news update cut through:
> "A monstrous wolf in Siberia mutated into the size of an elephant and rampaged through three villages. It took ten military helicopters to bring it down. Scientists are now calling this the 'Era of Emergence.'"
The term "Era of Emergence" sent chills through everyone.
"The government doesn't even know what to do," Yue whispered. "It's happening everywhere… just like the old woman said."
Her mother looked grim. "It's starting faster than we thought."
Suddenly, Yue's father groaned from the couch, clutching his belly. Everyone turned.
"Dear?" her mother asked, stepping forward.
He winced, eyes wide. "I... I think it's... It's—Haaaahhh!" He suddenly screamed, falling back dramatically, clutching his huge belly with both hands. "It's time!"
Yue sprang up. "Dad! Are you okay?!"
He gave her the most pitiful look. "No! I'm not okay! There are two children in me fighting to get out! Call the midwife! Call the goddess!"
Yue's mother, composed and swift, ran to his side, cradling his head. "It's alright, darling. You're ready."
"I'm NOT ready!" he cried. "What if they both come out at the same time? What if they explode out of me?!"
"Papa's being dramatic again," Yue muttered to her friends, though her eyes were wide with worry.
The villagers heard the screams and came rushing over with blankets and supplies. The midwife arrived minutes later, breathless but calm.
"Get him inside. Get hot water. And... make sure no one's power activates and sets the curtains on fire!" she barked.
As they rushed the wailing father into the bedroom, Yue stood back, her heart racing.
The entire world was changing.
But tonight, in Sujin, the miracle was beginning at home.