As dawn's first light began to paint the world with hues of pink and gold, Evander found himself garbed in clothing quite unlike anything he would've chosen for himself. The sportswear was sleek and form-fitting, making him feel as though he was some gentlewoman embarking on a morning jog. The fabric was uncomfortably close to his skin, in stark contrast to the loose tunics and trousers he was accustomed to.

With a scowl of displeasure, he had thrown on a pair of baggy shorts over the running outfit, feeling a marginal sense of relief at the added layer. I must look ridiculous, he thought, but I swear, before this day ends, I'll find proper clothing.

As he stepped out into the fresh dawn air, the landscape before him was bathed in the ethereal light of early morning. Lush parklands stretched out, blanketed with dew-kissed grass and shadowy trees. It was a serene sight, but Evander had other plans for it. This morning jog was more than just an exercise routine—it was an opportunity to reconnoiter the area and familiarize himself with his new surroundings.

The air was crisp and cold, the bite of it invigorating. No time for dawdling, he reminded himself, I need to get moving. And so, he began his regimen, alternating between running and walking. His body was still weak, but he didn't let it deter him.

Tucked into his belt were several of the strengthening potions. The taste of them still brought a grimace to his face, but their benefits couldn't be denied. The effects of the potion were enough to keep him energized, to keep his legs moving, his heart pounding.

The sun ascended steadily in the sky as Evander moved relentlessly across the sprawling parkland, mapping out the sprawling estate. The grounds were dotted with dome-shaped buildings, nestled within the green expanse like bubbles on the surface of a calm pond. They were striking structures, their glassy exteriors glistening under the morning sun, reflecting the riotous colors of the waking day.

Evander lost count after the couple hundredth dome. Their identical design, their similar size - it all hinted at a massive scale operation. Whatever they are planning here... it's substantial, he mused, his mind tracing potential scenarios.

Yet, as he jogged past these massive domes, they seemed eerily deserted. He could see figures moving in the distance, but none ventured near the domes. Perhaps they will be filled once the men arrive... in a month, he conjectured. His new environment was a puzzle and every observation, a piece in solving it.

Gradually, he made his way towards the edge of the estate. On the side where the swimming pool lay, he noticed an assortment of larger buildings. Their design and layout hinted at shopping centers and leisure facilities. Beyond them stood a formidable gate, secured with rigorous measures. The morning light illuminated the comings and goings at the gate, a hustle-bustle that breathed life into the serene morning.

There was a checkpoint where every entrant had to go through. Women walked in, underwent checks, and were permitted entry. They all carried the mark of morning laborers, groggy-eyed and yawning, a testament to the early hour. As Evander observed them, a troubling pattern became clear.

All of them...they're all women, he noted, his brows furrowing in consternation. The realization added a new layer of mystery to his current predicament. The gears in his mind began to whirr faster, attempting to make sense of this skewed demographic.

As the early morning light sliced through the quiet calm of the estate, Evander traced the perimeter of the premises, his eyes taking in the formidable wire fence that marked the boundary. The fence was far from ordinary. It was adorned with peculiar symbols that glowed with an ethereal light, casting an almost otherworldly glow on the dew-kissed grass at his feet.

What could these symbols be? he wondered, his mind spiraling into conjecture. There was an unsettling sense of the unknown about them. The way they pulsated with light, reminiscent of a heartbeat, suggested an intricate design and an uncanny purpose. Could they be part of an alarm system?

After documenting every detail, etching the image of those strange symbols into his mind, Evander turned his attention to his morning workout. He was still noticeably frail, a stark contrast to the seasoned warrior he once was. But there was a hard, determined glint in his sapphire eyes. He was not one to be deterred by adversity.

He began a rigorous regimen, pushing his body to its limits and occasionally beyond. He strategically drank from his stash of fortifying potions, wincing each time as the vile taste filled his mouth. It was an unpleasant sensation, but a necessary one. Every gulp of the potion flooded his system with energy, fortifying his weak body and fueling his training.

As he moved, his mind wandered back to the pretty medic's cryptic words. He remembered her vivid description of this world, of the supposed existence of magic. Could these symbols be an example of that? he pondered, looking back at the fence.

If magic really does exist in this world... he thought, an audacious spark igniting in his eyes, then I can't wait to explore it.

Evander, returning home from his exertions, was greeted by the aroma of the freshly cleaned estate. The air was filled with an intoxicating scent of citrus and mint, a surprisingly invigorating fragrance that seemed to seep into the building's very foundations. Making his way to the state-of-the-art bathroom facilities, he allowed himself a brief moment of awe as he examined the chrome fixtures and the sleek, glass-encased shower unit.

Taking a shower was a refreshing experience, but not without its challenges. The digital interface on the shower unit was a cryptic mesh of symbols and buttons. It took several failed attempts and sudden bursts of icy cold water before he managed to work out the controls.

Once refreshed, he approached the daunting task of finding something normal to wear amidst the array of unfamiliar attire in his wardrobe. Sifting through various items, he finally managed to modify a few pieces into a simple T-shirt and shorts, achieving an outfit that didn't feel entirely alien on his body. He packed some energy potions into a bag, preparing to set out for further exploration of the facility.

But his plans were momentarily stalled when his gaze fell on the sleek, metallic computer placed atop a desk. The sight of it piqued his curiosity. Could I find something on their version of the internet, assuming it exists here? he wondered.

Taking a seat in front of the computer, he fumbled around the sleek device before finally discovering a small button on the side. The computer whirred to life, its interface glowing invitingly. But his excitement was short-lived, as a prompt for a password quickly dashed his hopes.

A walk around the house revealed a similar fate awaiting him with every device. Each was locked behind the barrier of a password. "Damn it," he muttered to himself, a spark of frustration flickering in his eyes. All these advanced gadgets and not one I can use.

Time for some old-fashioned foot reconnaissance, he thought, a smirk playing on his lips.

As Evander ambled along, the resounding sounds of playful laughter and splashing water diverted his path towards the swimming complex. Akin to an oasis, the complex stood resplendently amidst the verdant trees, its azure waters glistening under the radiant sunlight. Bordered by an expansive lounging area and a bustling restaurant, the place was a haven of recreation and relaxation.

Looking in, Evander was taken aback by an unexpected sight: men, a few of them, amidst the throng of women. He halted in his tracks, pausing to observe this curious spectacle from the concealment of the foliage that framed his view. There were three of them, all appearing to be in their twenties, their toned bodies accentuated by the pool's gleaming water.

From a distance, one could imagine them as sultans in their personal harems, relishing the attention of the bevy of beautiful women surrounding them. However, closer observation revealed something else. Instead of the anticipated jovial faces, the men bore expressions of discomfort, almost as though they were persistently disturbed by an invisible irritant. Evander found it odd and intriguing, prompting him to delve deeper into this peculiar scenario.

He quietly watched from the shadows, his gaze unwavering and analytical. He was an observer in this new world, scrutinizing every minute detail, every peculiar reaction. His attention was drawn to a group of women close to the men. They seemed to form an invisible shield around them, their hawk-like eyes scanning the vicinity, their postures subtly defensive. Their actions were reminiscent of bodyguards, protectors of a precious entity. It was clear these men were the entities they were guarding.

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They're treating these men like prized possessions, aren't they? Evander mused, his eyes narrowing in contemplation.

Evander continued on his path, the distinct hum of a vehicle drawing closer drawing his attention away from the lively pool complex. The first ground car he had seen in this world came into view, hovering a few inches above the concrete with no wheels in sight. It was an intriguing sight that seemed straight out of a sci-fi film.

Intricate magical inscriptions decorated the car's underbelly, casting an otherworldly glow that shimmered on the ground beneath it. Arrays of characters in a language alien to him pulsed rhythmically, as though infused with life. An invisible force, born from these inscriptions, suspended the vehicle above the ground, while others at the rear seemed to push it forward. The magic-cum-technology of the car was as baffling as it was fascinating. The radiant, pulsating red light underneath held Evander's gaze, deepening his curiosity and wonder about how this place functioned.

As the car glided past him, he could make out it was ferrying people towards the entrance of the swimming complex. There was a constant influx and outflux of people, all women. Evander's solitary presence did not go unnoticed. Snatches of hushed whispers and giggles reached him, their words weaving an interesting narrative.

"He must be unattached, walking all alone like that," one of them said, her voice filled with intrigue and subtle mirth. "The new facility is supposed to get a whole lot of young men soon," added another, her tone laced with anticipation and excitement. Their laughter held an undertone of eager anticipation, as if waiting for a grand spectacle to unfold. It was as if the imminent arrival of more men was akin to celebrities gracing their quiet world.

From there, Evander's path led him to a grand building, its elegant exterior exuding an inviting charm. Delightful shops encircled it, their vibrant displays drawing in a steady stream of customers. Bustling cafes lined the periphery, full of people engaged in lively chatter, savouring their meals, and enjoying the beautiful morning. It looked disarmingly normal and familiar, a scene straight out of his own world.

Yet, there were unmistakable differences. The stark absence of men was the first anomaly. Then there was the pervasive high-tech machinery that seamlessly blended with everyday life, from the hovering car to the intricate delivery systems he had experienced. Lastly, the strange, enigmatic presence of what seemed to be magic, pervading the atmosphere, casting its mysterious aura on everything around.

Evander was a stone making ripples in a pond, each step towards the large edifice stirring the currents around him. He moved like an unexpected but not unwelcome apparition in a scene where his kind was a rarity. The gravitational pull of curiosity drew eyes to him, their gazes following him like sunflowers tracking the journey of the sun across the sky.

His tall frame and foreignness were magnets, pulling glances and whispers wherever he went. Unfamiliar faces in the crowd would pause mid-sentence, their attention pivoting towards him. Groups of women in lively conversation would hush, their animated gestures stalling as they stole surreptitious glances. Even the normally aloof ones would peek from the corners of their eyes, their expression a blend of curiosity and restrained excitement.

The youthfulness of his aura seemed to captivate a certain demographic. On several occasions, he noticed younger women, their faces alight with intrigue and perhaps a dash of daring, attempt to break away from their companions and approach him. The braver among them would take a step or two in his direction, their eyes gleaming with an unspoken challenge. But each time, an older woman would grip their arm or subtly intercept their path, pulling them back into their group with whispered remonstrances.

"Your pass could be revoked if you mess with a man," he heard one say, her voice carrying over the hum of the crowd. The caution in her tone cast a sobering pall over the younger woman's enthusiasm.

There was a world of implications in that single statement, feeding into Evander's ongoing observations of this strange place. There are rules in place here, and the consequences of breaking them are serious, he concluded. These women, as free and seemingly content as they were, were still bound by unseen chains.

Evander pushed open the grand, glass-and-metal doors and crossed the threshold into a different realm. Before him lay a sprawling expanse reminiscent of a high-end mall from his previous world. But, this was a mall in a world where normal and fantastical collided, the mundane fused with the extraordinary, and the result was a dizzying blend of the familiar and alien.

Stores lined the broad walkway, their facades gleaming under the sunlight filtering in through the glass ceiling. Boutiques flaunted their latest trends, cafes, and eateries emitted enticing smells of exotic cuisines, and technology outlets glittered with the newest gadgets and gizmos. A symphony of sights, sounds, and smells mingled in the air, creating an ambiance that buzzed with the exhilarating pulse of commercial life.

However, amongst the usual, a startling peculiarity emerged. A multitude of weapons shops, placed in intervals among the regular storefronts, seemed to hold a prominent position in the scheme of things here. Their abundance puzzled Evander. What kind of society values weapons stores in the same vein as clothing boutiques? he thought, bemusement etched on his face.

He halted before one such store, its display window like an alternate reality encased in a glass cube. The array of merchandise was a bewildering spectacle of cutting-edge technology interlaced with something far more ancient and arcane. His eyes darted from one item to another, trying to make sense of what he saw.

There were wands, elegantly crafted and encrusted with runes that glowed intermittently with a soft, ethereal light. Swords lay displayed in splendid rows, their blades shimmering with a lethal elegance. Upon closer inspection, he could see barely visible inscriptions etched on the steel, and he could swear the blades pulsed with an unseen force.

Alongside them were spears and axes, their handles marked with intricate symbols and shapes that danced and writhed under his gaze, their metallic heads pulsing with a strange energy that was neither wholly physical nor entirely magical. Each weapon seemed to hold a universe within itself, an enigma of physics and metaphysics cohabiting in uncanny harmony.

Armor sets, from full-bodied suits to individual pieces, stood in silent sentinel, their surfaces gleaming with similar cryptic symbols. They appeared to be made of a metal Evander could not identify, their lightweight yet robust construction defying the very laws of material science.

The display then shifted to more modern weaponry – rifles and handguns, their designs sleek and deadly. Yet, these too were imbued with that extraordinary blend of technology and what could only be magic. Tiny, arcane symbols glowed on the barrels, and their triggers seemed to ripple with a strange energy as if eager to unleash the power contained within.

Evander felt a tug of desire, an itch in his palms as his eyes roved over the mystifying weaponry. Particularly, the guns drew him, their lethal elegance promising a comforting familiarity in this alien world. Their gleaming barrels whispered of power, their inscriptions hummed with arcane potential. A longing stirred within him, not just for a means of defense but for a piece of tangible certainty he could hold in this whirlwind of unknowns.

With determination etched in the hard line of his jaw, he strode towards the entrance, ready to explore the strange treasure trove. But as he moved to cross the threshold, the inscriptions etched on the ground blazed to life. The cryptic symbols, inert moments ago, pulsed with a blinding white light. A ripple spread across the entrance as if an invisible wall had risen from the inscriptions.

He extended a hand, fingers splayed, feeling the slight resistance of some force holding him back. It was like pressing against a pane of smooth glass, a barrier he could see but couldn't breach. What kind of trickery is this? he thought, brow furrowing with frustration and intrigue.

Just as he pulled back, a lilting voice made him turn. A woman, her stride as graceful as a feline’s, sauntered by. She was garbed in clothing that managed to be both elegant and utilitarian, her gaze sharp and knowing. The corners of her lips curved upwards as she studied him with an appraising eye.

"This is a women's shop, deary," she said, her tone laced with a condescension that was almost matronly. There was a touch of mirth in her eyes, a glint of amusement at his predicament. She gestured towards the inscriptions, her manicured hand waving dismissively. "It’s best not to enter. You may do some harm to your pretty self."

The words, spoken with an air of casual indifference, stung more than he’d like to admit. Yet, he managed to retain his composure, even forcing a thin smile onto his lips.

Evander drifted through the mall, his senses swimming in the cocktail of the mundane and the mystical. There was an unseemly fusion of the fantastical and the technological, a merger that left him both fascinated and disoriented. The air buzzed with an energy he had never known before, a potent amalgamation of the scent of old parchment, the hum of electronics, and the inexplicable aura of magic.

He passed by shop windows that showcased an array of curiosities: vials filled with swirling, luminescent potions, their contents shimmering with myriad hues. They sat side by side with strange-looking ingredients: exotic feathers, stones radiating peculiar energy, dried herbs that seemed to pulsate with unseen power.

In contrast, another storefront displayed sleek electronics: flat screens projecting vivid, three-dimensional images, devices that hummed and whirred, strange contraptions emitting odd bleeps. Yet, these weren't entirely foreign to his sight. Somehow, they were interwoven with the ethereal charm of the magical.

Bookshops were nestled in between, their shelves laden with thick tomes, their spines inscribed with symbols that gleamed under the soft, ambient light. Some books floated in mid-air, their pages turning as if by an unseen hand. Small, intricate tokens sat on display, their designs esoteric and their purpose unclear.

An eerie harmony, Evander thought, his gaze sweeping over the uncanny blend. Magic and machine, sorcery and science, all merging into a baffling, mesmerizing whole.

As he moved through the mall, he couldn’t help but notice the scarce presence of males. There were a few, always swaddled in a bevy of women who watched over them with hawk-like vigilance. The men, much like Evander, seemed oddly out of place, their expressions ranged from bewilderment to suppressed annoyance.

Occasionally, children would dart in and out of the crowd, their laughter echoing through the mall. But even amongst the young, there seemed to be no males. Each child he saw, their features soft, their eyes wide with the innocence of youth, appeared to be female.