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Chapter 2
"I-I'll give you more if you agree. I have plenty of these in my world. A-And you have nothing to lose if you come with me. I-If you're worried this might be a trap or some kind of trick, you're strong enough to fight back," he said in a long-winded plea.
I considered his words. He was right-I had nothing to lose by trying. And if what he said about his world was true, I could start over there.
But I still didn't believe in other worlds. Maybe this guy was just crazy.
I had already finished my last target, so I could leave anytime. Tomorrow, I'd be gone, leaving all my belongings behind-I didn't want to risk bringing anything that might have a tracker.
"Fine," I said flatly before finishing my meal. Once I was done, I stood up and placed my dishes in the sink.
"Tomorrow morning, we leave," I told him without looking back before heading to my room to rest.
I woke up to a loud knocking on my door. I frowned, looked at the door, then rolled over, trying to go back to sleep. But the knocking only got worse, so I groaned and sat up.
"What the heck is wrong with you?!" I snapped, annoyed at the person disturbing my sleep.
"I-I'm sorry! You said we were leaving today, b-but it's already noon, and the food has gone cold," he stammered nervously.
"What?" I muttered, glancing at my clock-only to remember it didn't work. I always threw it around, so it was completely useless. Tsk.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it. Just wait for me outside-I'll get dressed," I said, rubbing my forehead. He nodded and left, and I closed the door before heading to the bathroom.
Damn, that was a good sleep. But seriously, that clock is useless. First thing in the morning, and I'm already irritated.
I quickly got ready, and after taking a shower, I went to my walk-in closet. I grabbed a white T-shirt, a black jacket, black baggy pants, and black shoes. After dressing, I picked up my white hat and black mask before stepping out.
I found him sitting on the couch, looking around the house. I ignored him and went to the kitchen, grabbing three slices of bread and stuffing them with eggs.
"Let's go," I said, walking past him. He quickly stood up and looked at me.
"Aren't you going to eat?" he asked.
I held up the sandwich. "I already got something."
"I'll just clean up-"
"No need. Let's go," I cut him off. He hesitated but followed me anyway. Yeah, I didn't bother cleaning up. I wasn't coming back here.
"Lead the way," I said, chewing my sandwich. He nodded and walked ahead, and I followed. I didn't take my car-I wasn't going to leave them any way to track me.
Fast forward
We were now standing in front of a forest. No vehicles passed through this area, and by the time we arrived, it was already late afternoon. My companion was panting from all the walking, while I was completely fine. Compared to my training, this was nothing.
"Let's go," I told him. Despite being out of breath, he still followed, clutching onto me and sweating. I remained alert, in case this guy was planning something. He could be part of an illegal group for all I knew.
We kept walking, covering a good distance until we reached two large trees that were right next to each other. Between them was a medium-sized gap, big enough for about three people to pass through at once.
"T-This is the entrance to my world," he said.
I looked at him skeptically. "Are you sure? I don't see anything here. Are you messing with me?" I said, annoyed, and turned around.
'Is this guy just wasting my time?'
I kept walking away when I suddenly heard him speaking in a language I didn't understand.
"Viviyet Frerio t'agavor Venizeo Frerioyi yev t'aguhi Severin Frerioyi dustry, yes Viviyet Frerion yem, yes hramayum yem dzez bats'el ays portaly mek ayl ashkharh, Asttso Hermiona Portalneri Asttso anunov."
I turned back just in time to see a light appearing in the gap between the two trees. It started small but grew bigger and bigger until it looked like a mirror in my eyes.
"Come on," he urged, looking serious.
I stared at it, unsure.
'Just what the hell is that?!'
I stepped closer cautiously, reaching out my hand.
When I was near enough, he suddenly grabbed my wrist and pulled me through. The moment I stepped inside, I felt like I was being sucked in. My stomach flipped, and all I could see was swirling silver and black, like glitter suspended in the air. The silver was especially vibrant, moving around me in a dizzying pattern.
I glanced at him-he looked completely unfazed, as if he was used to this. Meanwhile, I felt like throwing up.
"Almost there," he said.
Slowly, I opened my eyes, and my stomach settled as I took in the scene before me.
All I could say was-it was beautiful.
Even though there were only trees and flowers, the colors were unbelievably vivid, as if they were carefully nurtured.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" he said, smiling at me. I nodded.
"I knew you'd believe me eventually," he said proudly. I frowned at his smugness.
Can he read minds?
"Well, yesterday wasn't the first time I saw you," he said with a smile.
"I've been there many times, so I kept seeing you. That's why I immediately went with you when you invited me," he added with a laugh.
"Are you a stalker?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. He immediately pouted in response.
Argh, so childish.
"Of course not!" he huffed, still pouting.
I took a deep breath and started walking.
"Whatever. Not like I can do anything about it. Besides, there's nothing left for me to return to. I'm sure my father's men are already looking for me," I muttered, sensing him following behind.
"Why? Are you avoiding your father? Why?" he asked in quick succession.
"Family issues. Don't mind it," I replied curtly. I caught a glimpse of him nodding from my peripheral vision, so I fell silent, and he did the same.
Fast forward
We walked and walked until we arrived at a somewhat old house. It wasn't abandoned, but it was small. Behind it, there were several horses.
"What can I do for you, kids?" an older man asked while sipping his coffee.
"We need two horses," my companion said.
"That'll be ten gold coins per horse," the old man replied.
"Ah... well, I don't have any money on me," my companion admitted, scratching his head.
"Well then, no deal. I don't give away my horses for free," the old man said, taking another sip of his coffee.
"But... would this be enough?" he asked, showing a collection of necklaces and bracelets. I only noticed them now-he wasn't wearing them before.
"Hmm, let me see those," the old man said. My companion immediately handed them over.
"These are fine gemstones... Alright, this will do," he finally agreed.
We followed him to the back of the house, where he let us choose our horses. I had never ridden one before since I was only used to cars. But I figured I could quickly learn by watching how my companion did it.
"Thank you!" Viviette cheerfully said to the old man before mounting her horse and looking at me expectantly. I copied her movements, mimicking what she did.
Hmm, not bad, I thought to myself as I continued to observe and adapt.
"Oh, by the way, we still have quite a long journey ahead. We need to pass through the lands of Wirsyian and Natnerion," she informed me.
I looked at her curiously, and she seemed to immediately understand my silent question.
"Ah, Wirsyian is home to people who have the power to manipulate water. They can also communicate with aquatic creatures. Some of them even become 'Serperians,' which you would call mermaids," she explained.
I was amazed. This world is incredible... I'll get to see real mermaids? It's like something straight out of a fairy tale!
"Natnerion, on the other hand, is where people can manipulate the earth. They have a deep affinity for plants, possess healing abilities, and can communicate with animals. Just like Wirsyians, some of them can even shapeshift into animals," she continued, making me even more fascinated.
Suddenly, she stopped.
"Wait," she said, making me halt my horse as well. I looked at her, silently asking why.
"Do you see that?" she pointed ahead.
"Wow..." was all I could say as I took in the sight before me. It was breathtaking.
"Those are the different regions and kingdoms. See that place with all the rivers? That's Wirsyian. Next to it is Natnerion. And beyond that is the town of Frerio, where people can manipulate fire. They also have the ability to communicate telepathically. But be warned-they have very short tempers," she said with a chuckle.
I turned to her with an amused look.
"Wait, aren't you from Frerio? So, do you have powers too?" I asked.
She immediately raised both hands in front of me.
"Nope, I have no powers. That's why many people dislike me. The only reason I'm considered a Frerio is because I'm the daughter of the king and queen there," she explained.
I nodded in understanding.
"If you don't have powers, then what was that thing you did earlier? Wasn't that magic?" I asked, referring to what happened before.
She laughed at my question.
"No, that wasn't magic. I can only summon certain effects using ancient words, but it doesn't require energy. It's not real magic," she clarified.
I nodded again.
To Be Continued...