Within the material realm, inhabited by beings possessing both body and soul, limitations prevented major access to the spirit realm. Governments worldwide united their resources, focusing on technological advancement, energy utilisation, and conservation. This concerted effort eradicated conflicts and led to remarkable research breakthroughs.

As a symbol of human unity, the magnificent Mega city of Zed was constructed. Stretching over vast territories once occupied by the Atlantic, West Africa, Western Europe, and parts of America, it stood as a testament to progress. Countries outside the city were connected through advanced tunnels, facilitating the continuous flow of information and resources.

Zed, a city of the future, thrived with advanced transportation systems, high-performance androids, and a harmonious government. Its central zone boasted numerous hospitals and schools, serving as pillars of knowledge and well-being.

A magnetic train arrived at the central terminal, swiftly unloading a multitude of passengers who dispersed throughout the area. Among the bustling crowd, a young boy answered a phone call hesitantly as he stepped out of the terminal. His brown blazer and trousers, adorned with a crest on the left side of his chest, set him apart from other students. The crest depicted an oak tree flanked by the sun and moon, representing the prestigious Holy Oaks High, an institution with stringent admission criteria.

"Huh?," the boy's bright brown eyes narrowed, irritation evident in his voice. "I already told you. I won't be at school early today, so I can't help you with the project."

With a sigh, he ended the call, his mood sour as usual.

Xerq Zanetor, a student at Holy Oaks High, didn't seem to be in the best of moods.

Zanetor resided alone in a government-funded apartment, as his mother was too ill to care for him. The divorce between his parents had taken place years ago, triggered by his father's pursuit of a wealthy woman for her riches. Consequently, his father's entire family had abandoned them, and no support came from his mother's side either.

Bitterness welled up within Zanetor as he clenched his teeth. He despised his father and the heartless actions he had committed. Leaving his sick wife without remorse, turning a blind eye to the relentless bullying that Zanetor and his mother endured due to malicious rumours.

The origins of those rumours remained unknown to the young boy. The noble houses regarded both him and his mother as curses, bearers of misfortune.

"Theta Fields Hospital," Zanetor muttered to a stationary robot on the street. In response, the robot emitted a mechanical hum, causing a portion of the street to split open as an automated vehicle emerged.

With swift movements, Zanetor entered the vehicle, and within minutes, he arrived at the futuristic hospital. Three interconnected oval-shaped buildings were enveloped by swirling tube-like structures, bearing the name "Theta Fields" on the main building.

Sighing, Zanetor scanned his credit card on the vehicle, disembarking in front of the hospital. "Here I am again," he murmured to himself. "After what I heard, there's no way I can rest easy."

Rumours circulated about an attempted murder of a patient within the hospital, setting off multiple alarms that mysteriously vanished, as if they had never existed.

"I'm here to visit patient 14B," Zanetor informed the receptionist, displaying a permission card.

Stolen novel; please report.

The receptionist tapped a few buttons on her keyboard, gesturing for him to take the elevator.

Zanetor's hands trembled as the elevator ascended to the third floor. It had been over three years since he last saw her, and mixed emotions flooded his mind.

"That's strange," his voice quivered. "Why am I so scared?"

He forced a smile that felt feeble and ineffective.

*Ping*

The elevator doors opened softly, allowing the 17-year-old to step out into the hallway.

"Room number 44," Zanetor whispered to himself, glancing down at his permission card.

Navigating through a few turns, he finally reached a white door with the boldly illuminated number 44.

"Okay, deep breaths," Zanetor reminded himself, calming his racing heart. "I can do this."

He knocked lightly on the door, anticipating the next step.

But there was no response.

He waited.

And waited some more.

He knocked again, growing increasingly anxious.

Silence enveloped the hallway, and his heartbeat became erratic, pounding against his chest.

Something felt off. The medic bot responsible for the ward should have answered immediately.

Left with no other option, Zanetor swiped his card over the door, granting himself permission to enter. The card was exclusively his, so he didn't expect anyone else to be inside.

Even if there were staff members present, there was no reason for them not to answer the door.

However...

"Mother?" Zanetor called out as he stepped into the room. "Mother—"

His voice trailed off as he froze in horror.

There she lay on the bed, his mother, but she appeared almost lifeless, as if drained of all her blood. Her features were barely recognizable.

Zanetor's gaze shifted to a man standing by his mother's side. The stranger concealed his entire body under a thick coat, but Zanetor caught a glimpse of his hand hovering just above his mother's mouth.

In that moment, Zanetor failed to notice the steady stream of bluish-white gas emanating from his mother's mouth, flowing into the stranger's fingertips.

"What are you doing?" Fear and rage mixed in Zanetor's eyes. "What the hell do you think you're doing!?"

*BOOM!!*

A sudden explosion rocked the building, shattering its foundations and engulfing the room in flames. The force of the blast sent Zanetor crashing to the ground, his face hitting the floor.

Blood trickled from his nostrils as the impact broke his nose upon impact.

[WARNING! ENERGY LEAKAGE DETECTED, ALL PERSONNEL ARE TO EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY! WARNING! ...]

Alarms blared throughout the building as the AI system identified the source of the explosion.

With a burning rage in his eyes, Zanetor struggled to lift his head, only able to see the feet of his mother's killer.

The stranger attempted to flee, but Zanetor fiercely clung to his left leg.

"Where... Where do you think you're going?" The wounded boy's grip tightened.

The stranger chuckled and motioned for Zanetor to release his hold.

"You're still alive after that fall?" He shook off Zanetor's hand. "Impressive, but your meagre spirit energy holds no interest for me."

Zanetor coughed as the smoke filled his lungs. "What… What did you do to my mother?"

A flicker of surprise crossed the stranger's face as he realised something.

"Oh? So this woman is your mother?" He stood upright, contemplating his thoughts for a moment.

A wicked grin spread across his hidden face as he reached a conclusion.

"Kid, I'll give you time," he taunted, making his way through the flames toward the exit. "If you can find me within one year, I'll bring your mother back to life."

With that, he vanished into the inferno.

Wait...

Bring his mother back to life? What kind of delusion was Zanetor hearing?

How was he supposed to survive? Was the stranger merely toying with him?

Tears streamed down Zanetor's cheeks as he crawled toward his mother's lifeless body. The image of mocking faces haunted his mind, tormenting him even in that moment of despair...

With determination burning in his eyes, Zanetor refused to accept defeat. The flames engulfed his body, scorching his skin beyond recognition, but he didn't flinch.

"To hell with all this!" he shouted, his voice drowning in the roar of the fire. "I'll find you! I'll make you pay!! Even if it costs me my life, I'll come back and make you regret ever messing with us!"

His words echoed through the inferno as he defied the odds and embraced the flames that consumed him.

"No matter what... I'll find you!"

As the intense heat consumed his senses, Zanetor's gaze turned inward, his thoughts focused on his mother. With a desperate gasp for air, he uttered his final words.

"Please wait for me..."

His vision blurred, consumed by the flames that severed him from the material realm.

.

.

.

.

"Mother!!!", Zanetor gasped frantically, clenching his chest in pain. "Mother…"

The boy looked around at a familiar sight in confusion.

Gentle winds blew from wherever they came from and the night sky was lit with a bountiful number of stars along with the moon's sense of radiance.

He was back

He was in the Spirit realm once again

Tears were still streaming from his eyes as he looked around.

"Welcome back."

A sudden voice snapped Zanetor out of his daze. He turned towards the direction in which it came, noticing a humanoid figure sitting on a rock.

It was Edem

"So…", the cloaked stranger smirked. "Did you remember anything?"