He started a new campaign. His first squad of soldiers leaned against the cold metal of an X-Com APC, ready to investigate a Cult of Sirius temple. But as he hovered his mouse over the "Launch" button, something changed.
Elias frowned. GOG releases were known for being stable, but they didn't usually include meta-fictional chatbots. He typed: Yes? Xcom.Apocalypse.GOG.rar
He stood up and pulled back the curtain. Outside, the familiar streetlights of his neighborhood were gone. In their place, massive, tiered towers of glass and steel rose into a smog-choked sky. Flying cars—the boxy, yellow Hover-Taxis from the game—zipped between the spires. He started a new campaign
the game whispered through his speakers. "GIVE THE ORDER, COMMANDER. OR WE ALL GO DOWN WITH THE CITY." Elias frowned
Elias laughed, a dry sound in the empty apartment. "Very funny, guys," he muttered. But the atmosphere in the room had shifted. The air smelled faintly of ozone and something organic—like rotting fruit.
Above it all, a massive purple tear hung in the atmosphere: a Dimension Gate.
Elias reached for the mouse. His hand was shaking, but his muscle memory took over. He selected his lead scout, armed him with a Marsec Heavy Launcher, and clicked the door to his own hallway.