Chapter 5 - The Reboot

Ben's eyes scan the device, trying to understand what it does. He notices that the buttons and levers are arranged in a specific pattern, almost like a puzzle. He remembers the System's words: "REACTIVATE".

Suddenly, the device beeps, and a low hum fills the air. The screen flickers, and a new message appears: "SYSTEM ACTIVATED".

Ben's heart racing, he realizes that he's been reactivated. The world around him begins to distort and blur, and he's pulled into a vortex of light.

When the light fades, Ben finds himself back in his own room. He's disoriented, but he knows he has to get out of there. He tries to remember what happened, but his memories are hazy.

As he looks around, he sees that the room has changed. The walls are different, the furniture rearranged. And in the center of the room, he sees a figure standing, watching him.

Ben's heart skips a beat as he realizes that it's his mother. But something is different about her. She's not acting like himself.

"Ben, I'm so glad you're awake," she says, her voice dripping with malice. "I've been waiting for you."

Ben tries to run, but his legs feel heavy, as if rooted to the spot. He's trapped, and he knows it.

The mother's eyes seem to bore into his soul, and Ben feels a chill run down his spine.

"Welcome back, Ben," she continues. "I've been waiting for you. You see, I've been trying to teach you a lesson. You're not who you think you are. You're just a pawn in the System's game."

Ben's world is turned upside down. He's trapped in a world of manipulation and control. And he doesn't know how to escape.

Chapter end