The ancient Realm Master coveted power, control, and the ability to bring misery and despair. An 8 digit number upon the glowing screen represented the aggregate power of all of its realms and all of its worlds. The Realm Master screamed a vicious command while staring with disgust at the quivering captives. One of its guards began beating a captive with huge mallet turning the being into a pile of tenderized meat. Screams and cries from the other captives filled the room bring him the pleasure of their despair. The brief smirk upon its face fade into a frown.

Twenty miniature worlds spun slowly within the large 3D hologram that dominated the room. Four to six ovals attached to each world. Ovals attached to other ovals. Twisting and turning, rising and falling until another miniature world was reached. All of these shapes formed a complex light based sculpture.

The hundreds of ovals represented realms. Each realm with its own rules, unique aspects, and interesting challenges. Magical realms, technological realms, and strange realms were part of its empire. While each realm increased the beings power, the worlds were special. The gaming system imposed no limits upon worlds. Worlds were infinite sources of new souls.

A beautiful blue world, full of life, caught its attention long ago. After more than two centuries of effort, his realms were close enough to begin the process. Soon it would collect this prize. Soon it's forces would conquer the world called Earth.

******

Frank Richland soaked in the scenery of the dusty, rocky trail. He loved his hikes though the woods. Many residents of the area are allergic to the various Junipers and Cedars of the Texas Hill Country. A fact that keeps the local Allergists busy. Fortunately, Frank dodged the malady that affected so many of his friends. Central Texas is very different from Detroit, his home town.

After graduating from college, Frank went home to work in the automobile industry. His electrical engineering degree helped him land a job working on embedded systems. Cars and trucks used so many computer chips, sensors, and devices that his knowledge was in high demand. It seemed like the perfect job, but he never really enjoyed it.

When the recruiter called him with an opportunity in Austin, he jumped at the chance. He had been living in Austin for five years now. He really enjoyed living in Austin.....

The sound of an enormous surge of energy accompanied by the blinding blue light startles him. He glances to his right moments before being sucked into the blue archway. If anyone else would have been present, the violent occurrence would have been spectacular. The archway fades into the background a few seconds after Frank’s disappearance.