As Mike's eyes darted around, trying to make sense of his unfamiliar surroundings, a sense of unease settled deep within him. How had he been transported to this remote place, devoid of any signs of civilization? The absence of hills or landmarks only heightened his confusion. Thoughts raced through his mind, drawing comparisons to a twisted version of the Hunger Games. He took a deep breath, attempting to calm his nerves and steady his racing thoughts.

Suddenly, a gentle tap on his shoulder startled him. Reacting on pure instinct, Mike immediately assumed a defensive stance, his gaze shifting to the source of the touch. Before him stood a man in the prime of his years, dressed in a simple v-neck shirt and plain white khaki pants. The man's piercing eyes seemed to hold the answers to questions Mike couldn't even formulate. Despite the fear welling up within him, Mike couldn't help but feel a strange sense of awe.

Minutes stretched into an eternity as Mike and the man engaged in a silent staring contest. Finally, breaking the tension, the man let out a sigh. Mike sensed an undeniable power emanating from him, and the urge to submit washed over him like a tidal wave. However, he fought against it, maintaining his resolve. "It's beautiful," the man remarked, his voice flawless except for a momentary glitch. "I call it @%&_/(%@," he added enigmatically, leaving Mike utterly perplexed.

Struggling to make sense of the situation, Mike mustered the courage to voice his confusion. "What's happening?" he asked, his words hesitant and cautious. The man met his gaze with an enigmatic smile and replied, "In a minute... or so." With a subtle gesture, he motioned for Mike to follow, leading the way with an air of quiet confidence.

Walking together in silence, their footsteps echoing in the stillness, Mike's mind raced with countless questions. Suddenly, as if materializing out of thin air, a quaint cabin appeared before them. Mike couldn't help but stare in awe at the seamless conjuring, solidifying his belief that this was no ordinary reality. Swallowing hard, he entered the cabin, finding himself in a cozy space adorned with a crackling fireplace and two inviting chairs. The man gestured for Mike to take a seat opposite him, and he complied, anticipation and curiosity filling the air.

"First things first," the man began, his voice carrying an air of authority. "You are no longer on Earth." Mike's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat at the revelation. The man continued, his words commanding attention, "I summoned you here for a reason. A unique circumstance unfolded, sparking my desire for creation and entertainment. However, as a consequence of my authority, the universe within the book was brought to life. I have appointed other Observers to oversee various realms, and as the book was exclusively published in your world, you have been chosen among a select few to compete for the coveted position of supreme Observer over this newly merged universe."

The weight of the man's words hung heavily in the air, leaving Mike dumbfounded and overwhelmed. The man's eyes bore into him, their intensity unwavering as he continued to elucidate Mike's purpose. "To align the timelines of your world and this universe, they had to be merged, and you now possess the status of Absolute. You will begin anew, starting from scratch as the dawn of a new era unfolds. Earth shall serve as the foundation for your journey until the moment you are deemed ready to fulfill your destined role."

As the enormity of his newfound purpose settled upon him, Mike's face displayed a mixture of shock, disbelief, and a flicker of determination. The man gauged Mike's reaction, his expression a mix of empathy and expectation. Sensing the overwhelming thoughts running through Mike's mind, he spoke with a reassuring tone.

"This is not a request you can accept or reject, Mike," the man emphasized, his voice carrying an air of unwavering authority. "The die has been cast, and the sands of destiny have begun to shift. You have been chosen for a purpose, one that I have foreseen. You are Absolute."

The weight of those words settled upon Mike, sending shivers down his spine. Absolute. The term echoed in his mind, conjuring images of immense power and responsibility. He struggled to comprehend the magnitude of what lay ahead.

Eager to provide Mike with some understanding, the man leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "I go by many names, but for now, you may call me Gaia," he revealed. "However, as time unfolds, you will come to learn more about me and the intricacies of our existence."

Mike's brows furrowed as he absorbed the revelation. Gaia. The name held an ancient resonance, a connection to the very fabric of existence. Questions formed on the tip of his tongue, but before he could voice them, Gaia continued.

"To be Absolute means you are no longer bound by the chains of mortality," Gaia explained. "Your strength, vitality, and even your lifespan will transcend the limitations of mere mortals. You are a pillar of this universe, a crucial piece in its unfolding tapestry. But do not mistake this as invincibility. Your worthiness to wield this authority shall be tested, and it is through this journey that you shall prove yourself."

The weight of eternity settled upon Mike's shoulders, the realization that he would face an existence beyond anything he had ever imagined. The concept of being a pawn in the hands of an enigmatic entity gripped his thoughts.

Gaia, sensing the tumultuous emotions swirling within Mike, raised a hand, interrupting his train of thought. "You will learn about your Domain once you Awaken," he stated firmly. Before Mike could utter another word, a surge of energy engulfed him, and a swirling vortex materialized beneath his feet.

Caught off guard, Mike felt himself being pulled into the black void, his surroundings fading away, replaced by an emptiness that seemed to swallow his very being. His voice vanished, replaced by an echo that faded into the abyss.

As Mike vanished into the depths of the unknown, Gaia stood beside the window, gazing at the clear sky. A mixture of anticipation and determination danced in his eyes.

"Now, it begins," Gaia whispered to himself, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.