“I wish to visit the palace,” he wrote. Hiro and Sakura exchanged a glance. “Why the sudden interest?” Hiro asked.
Kai scribbled his response. “I’ve read almost all the books here. I thought the palace library might have something different.” To his statement, Celestina nodded in agreement. “Indeed, the palace library has books from all over the world. You can read as many as you wish.” Kai smiled at her words, and Sakura chimed in, “That’s right. You can learn a lot from those books.”
As the conversation unfolded, a chuckle escaped from Maximus. “You’re shaping up to be quite the scholar, Kai,” he complimented, his laughter still echoing in the room. “Remember, the palace is always open to you. No need for formalities or permissions. Whenever the desire strikes, feel free to visit.”
Upon receiving Maximus’s approval, Kai bowed deeply, a gesture of sincere gratitude. He then presented a note, expressing his wish to accompany them to the palace that very day. Celestina, with a warm smile, welcomed his request, “Kai, your company is always a pleasure.”
Hiro and Sakura exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting a hint of worry. However, they too gave their approval, trusting in Kai’s judgment.
Later that day, they embarked on their journey to the palace. The royal carriage, adorned with intricate designs, carried them through the bustling city. Maximus and Celestina were engrossed in their discussion about work and upcoming meetings, their voices a soft murmur against the clatter of the carriage wheels. Montina, lost in her own thoughts, gazed out the window, her eyes reflecting the passing scenery.
Kai, seated comfortably, was also looking outside, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Suddenly, Eva’s voice broke his reverie. {Sir, I followed your instructions and searched through the available data. But, I couldn’t find any record of the book you asked me to look for.}
A knowing smile spread across Kai’s face. “I knew it,” he thought to himself. “That’s why I’m going to the palace.”
Flashback:
In Kai’s room, after Montina had left, Kai quickly sat up. He approached his wheelchair and proceeded to the food on his table. He picked at his breakfast and started to eat, his mind elsewhere. “Eva,” he began, asking through his mind, “did you record what I asked you to?”
To his question, Eva responded, {Yes, sir. I have compiled a database on your body condition as per your request.} A holographic screen materialized before Kai, displaying a myriad of data.
Kai studied the data, his brows furrowing in concentration. “Hmm, there’s nothing wrong here,” he mused to himself. His mind wandered back to the night when he was on the brink of losing consciousness before entering the dungeon. In that desperate moment, he had asked Eva to record his body condition until he woke up. Now, he was examining that very data.
As he read, he sighed and continued to eat his breakfast. His thoughts were interrupted by Eva’s voice. {Sir, this is just a theory, but I believe the dungeon might be related to your mindscape.}
Kai paused, considering Eva’s words. Mindscape can be thought of as a map of someone’s mind. It includes all their thoughts, beliefs, and ideas. Just like a physical landscape has different features like mountains, rivers, or forests, a mindscape has different features like memories, emotions, and knowledge. Along with the features, there’s also a mysterious region known as the 'Hidden Realm'. The 'Hidden Realm' in the mindscape is like a secret room in ones mind. This room has thoughts and feelings one may not know about. If one can understand and face what’s in this room, he or she can become stronger and better. It’s like finding a hidden power within yourself.
“It might be possible,” he mused, “but I can’t be certain.” Questions swirled in his mind. He glanced at his right arm, noticing the torn sleeve. His eyes narrowed as he pondered the possibilities. “What is that dungeon? What triggered its activation? And who were the ‘we’ the system had mentioned? Also, if the dungeon is related to my mindscape, how is it possible that when my sleeves are torn in there, it is torn in the real world as well?”
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His gaze fell on the adventurer’s diary lying next to his pillow. A smirk played on his lips. “Right!” he exclaimed, running a hand through his hair. “Eva, I have a task for you.” He outlined his plan, “Bring me the data about the book. From where did it get to me, where was it before, and who made this book. Find all the details.” Eva confirmed his request, and Kai’s eyes gleamed with determination. “Ah! Also, if possible, try to look for any book that is similar to this one. I will also try to look for some data on it personally.”
Eva agreed to his request, and Kai continued to eat his breakfast before proceeding to the living room.
Back to the Present:
Kai was looking at the data Eva had brought. “Guess I am looking for it personally after all,” he sighed, his gaze drifting outside the window as the royal carriage continued its journey to the palace.
After some time, the journey was finally over. The royal palace, grand and majestic, stood before them. As they entered the main gate, they were greeted by the royal guards, their armor gleaming in the sunlight. Maximus helped Kai down from the carriage and onto his wheelchair. Just then, Ray appeared.
“Welcome back, Your Majesties,” Ray greeted, surprise evident in his voice as he noticed Kai. “Kai…?” he asked. Kai simply smiles, showing him a note that read, “Hi.” He flipped the note over to reveal another message, “Surprise?”
Celestina stepped forward, her face adorned with a gentle smile. She explained to Ray why Kai had accompanied them. As they talked, Montina quietly slipped away to her room. Ray turned to Kai, his expression softening. “Alright then, let me show you the way to the library,” he said, guiding Kai’s wheelchair towards the palace’s main door.
Upon entering, they were greeted by the palace maids, their faces bright and welcoming. The butler approached Maximus and Celestina, offering them a respectful bow before turning to Kai with a warm greeting. Maximus and Celestina excused themselves to attend to their duties, leaving Ray to guide Kai to the library.
As they navigated through the palace, Kai showed Ray a note. “Did something happen?” he asked. Ray looked at him, confusion etching his features. “Why do you ask that?” he responded. Kai handed him another note, “You seem kind of down,” it read. Ray’s eyes flickered with a hint of sadness, but he quickly masked it. “It’s nothing,” he assured Kai, but Kai wasn’t convinced. He couldn't help but wonder, "What's bothering Ray?"
The library was a sight to behold. Mountains of books towered over them, their spines lined with gold lettering that glinted in the soft light. Ray began to explain the layout of the library, pointing out the different sections and the types of books they contained. But Kai was preoccupied.
“Eva, scan the whole library. Look for any book you find like that one, or any book that can have any details on the dungeon,” he instructed. Eva complied, her systems whirring as she scanned the entire library in a matter of seconds. “I couldn’t find any book similar to the one back in the mansion, but I found 5 books which may have some information about the dungeon,” she reported.
Kai fell into deep thought, his mind racing with possibilities. But his musings were interrupted by Ray’s voice. “Oi, were you even listening?” Ray asked, a hint of annoyance in his tone. Kai showed him a note, “Just like back then in your lectures, I was feeling sleepy.” Ray sighed, shaking his head in exasperation. “Forget it, what was I talking now…” he muttered, trying to recall his previous train of thought.
“Ah right,” he said, his eyes lighting up. “There is a special thing in here.” Kai looked at him curiously, “A special item?” he wondered to himself. Ray disappeared into a corner of the library, returning moments later with an object in his hands. It looked like a weighing scale, but it was adorned with unique designs and markings. In between the two sides, there was a timer.
“A weighing scale?” Kai mused, studying the object closely. Ray presented it to Kai with a flourish, “Surprise! This is an ancient artifact.” Kai’s eyes widened in surprise, his curiosity piqued. "What could this artifact be?" he wondered, his mind buzzing with questions.
Around the same time, the scene shifts away from the grandeur of the royal palace and the intrigue of the library. To a different location entirely - an old mansion, standing solitary amidst a forgotten part of the city. Its once grand facade now worn by time, the mansion held an air of mystery and nostalgia.
Inside, the mansion was dimly lit, the flickering candles casting long, dancing shadows on the walls. The silence was palpable, broken only by the occasional creaking of the wooden floorboards under the weight of years.
Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered. A magic circle, glowing with an ethereal light, appeared in the center of the room. The air crackled with energy as the circle spun faster, its light growing brighter.
And then, as abruptly as it had appeared, the circle vanished, leaving behind a burly man in its wake. He was a towering figure, his broad shoulders filling the space. His face was rugged, a prominent scar running down his cheek, a testament to battles of the past.
He was no stranger to the city's inhabitants. This man was the bartender from the capital city's clandestine bar, a place known only to a select few. His eyes held a serious glint as he surveyed his surroundings.