Parallel Worlds

Episode 1 — read the full opening

Read the complete first episode here, then continue the chat story in the next episode.

1. David

   Guys, I just found something strange in my grandfather’s basement.

2. Sarah

   What is it? Not starting with one of your mystical identity stories again, right?

3. Eli

   Show me, David! At least send a picture.

4. Maya

   I’m curious! Is it something scientific or just another old family story?

5. David

   Here’s the picture. It looks like an ancient artifact with strange symbols and a faint glow.

6. Eli

   Wow, that’s not something I’ve seen before. Quick analysis suggests it’s made from an unusual metal with an inner radiance.

7. Sarah

   Sounds like some gadget from a sci-fi movie. But why do you think it’s special?

8. David

   When I touched it, I felt something inside me awaken, like my soul was lifted.

9. Maya

   That proves it carries some living energy. Maybe it’s not just an old trinket.

10. Eli

    We should test it at the Archive lab. Maybe there's some scientific record about artifacts like this.

11. David

    Are we sure we want to meddle? If it changes reality, we might lose what we have.

12. Sarah

    I’m skeptical, but if it’s dangerous, we have to be cautious. Even examining it might be risky.

13. Maya

    I think we have to go for it. Maybe we are on the edge of something that will change our lives.

14. Eli

    So, when do we meet? Today at 10:30 at the Archive?

15. David

    agreed. Let’s see what this artifact can really do.

16. David

    (voice full of feeling) It feels like a gateway to other worlds. Does that matter to you?

17. Sarah

    I’m just the skeptic here, but I’ll see if there’s more than words.

18. Maya

    Afraid, but ready to take the risk.

19. Eli

    We only get one chance per day to use it. We have to be smart.

20. David

    From what I’ve read, every use will expose us to another version of ourselves. It’s scary. I feel something’s off.

21. Sarah

    Can we really trust the artifact? And what if we lose each other along the way?

22. Maya

    Does anyone here feel like they’re hiding something? I feel there’s more beneath the surface.

23. Eli

    Before we dive in, one question: Has anyone ever met their alternate self?

24. David

    No, but I think I’m close to that happening today.

25. Sarah

    I have. And I saw it in Eli too. I haven’t told you before.

26. Maya

    That’s exactly what I thought. Secrets are starting to come out.

27. David

    We are facing our toughest choice: to continue or to stop now?

28. Next episode: When an ancient artifact alters reality, friends must confront their alternate selves—who will stay true, and who will vanish between worlds?

Original SALiiO fiction. The characters and events belong to the story.