ã€ŠLegend of Perebiaã€‹


 Prologue

    During the Spanish and the French war in the year 1524. King Francis led the charge, shouting "Attack!" as his armored cavalry galloped forward with couched lances. However, his horsemen inadvertently blocked the cannon, preventing it from firing on the enemy.

    The Spanish arquebusiers took advantage of the fog-shrouded battlefield, firing at the French cavalry with deadly accuracy.

    "Aim! Fire!" echoed through the fog, followed by the relentless banging of arquebuses.

    ¡®Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!¡¯

    "Reload!" the commander shouted.

    Brianne Edwards, a pikeman in the king''s army, hurled his pike through the fog. It soared through the air, striking a Spanish arquebusier and killing him instantly.

    As Brianne rode his horse into the fog, it began to clear, revealing thousands of enemy soldiers pointing their arquebuses at him, knowing he''s in danger, he jumped on the riderless horse few inches away from him, and bent down from the horse to pick the pike of one of the fallen soldiers.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    With his keen eyes, he spotted the Spanish captain and took aim with his pike. But just as he threw it, a soldier jumped in front of the captain, sacrificing himself to save his commander. The pike strikes the soldier, sending him sprawling on the ground. He struggled to rise, but couldn''t.

    The captain, enraged by his son''s death, snatched an arquebus from one of his soldiers, and with an outstanding accuracy shot Brianne, who tried to evade but was struck by several bullets. As he fell off his horse, he saw King Francis charging relentlessly at the enemies.

    The war went on for a while, with Brianne on the ground, struggling to rise up. As he rose up to continue fighting, his commander''s voice echoed through the fog.

    "Retreat! The King has been captured!" the French commander shouted, and the French army fled in disarray. Brianne, wounded and struggling to breathe, collapsed on the ground, his vision blurring.

    ¡°Retreat!¡±

    That was the last thing he heard before lapsing into unconsciousness. The war ended with the Spanish winning and capturing the French¡¯s king, Francis I.

    He flinched awake later with excruciating pain, blood oozed out of his gunshot wounds each time he breathed. He coughed and laid his back against the rock nearby, covered in his own blood.

    Surrounded by dead soldiers and illuminated by the crescent moon and stars. It was night already, around 8pm. With great effort he called out for help but no one came. Just as he thought all hope was gone, a strong wind blew toward him from above. He raised up his head and saw a humanoid figure with wings floating toward him.

    "Are you here to take me, Angel?" Brianne asked, his voice weak. The creature descended and approached him. It flapped and folded its featherless wings, its gaze fixed on the helpless human in front of it.

    ¡°Are you willing to do anything if I save your life, human?¡±

    ¡°What the hell are you?¡± Brianne asked after taking a closer look at the creature.

    "I''m Vat, an Anthropter from the kingdom of Perebia, on the planet Noan. Now answer me, human. Are you willing to do anything if I save your life?"

 Full-time enemies

    As Mike jogged toward school, he finally reached the entrance and halted, overcome with exhaustion. His breathing was labored, and his chest heaved with exertion. Above the gate, a vibrant banner proudly displayed the words "Destiny High School" in bold letters.

    Mike Smith, a 19 years old high school final-year student, was neither exceptionally brilliant nor struggling. He possessed a moderate level of intelligence, consistently meeting expectations.

    Just as Mike was catching his breath, a bright red Toyota Camry screeched to a halt beside him. The driver window rolled down, revealing Laura Garbett, Mike''s classmate''s expectant face.

    "Would you like a ride?" Laura asked, her eyes locked onto Mike''s, awaiting his response.

    Mike hesitated, still struggling to regain his composure. "Ummm..." he muttered, buying time to catch his breath.

    Laura misinterpreted his pause. "No worries if you''d rather not!" she said with a smile and accelerated away.

    Mike swiftly raised his hand, waving vigorously to halt her. "I didn''t decline!" he called out.

    Jude, the gateman, observed the brief exchange with amusement. "Seems your friend was in a hurry too," he remarked, his smile hinting at Mike''s usual tardiness. "Quite an early start today, isn''t it?" he added, emphasizing Mike''s uncharacteristic punctuality.

    Mike sighed, rolled his eyes in exasperation, and resumed jogging into the school. Just then, a familiar voice echoed from behind.

    "Hey, wait up!"

    Mike glanced back, slowing his pace. It was Stefan Haysbert, his loyal best friend. "Pick up the pace!" he shouted with a grin.

    Stefan quickly caught up, mirroring Mike''s smile. "You''re always running late, lazybones," he teased.

    Mike shot him a mock-disapproving glance and shook his head. "Easy for you to say, considering you were behind me."

    Stefan chuckled. "I''m not missing Mrs. Lydia''s class today."

    Mike''s determination intensified. "Neither am I."

    In unison, they increased their pace, their footsteps synchronizing. Just then, a sultry voice interrupted their rhythmic stride. "Hey, late comers!"

    Mike and Stefan turned right, their eyes locking onto Christina, cruising alongside them in her sleek Lamborghini. Stefan''s expression turned wary. "Oh shit, the weirdo''s here." He swiftly retrieved his earpiece from his pocket.

    Mike smirked at Christina. "You''re really going to miss class despite driving that luxurious ride."

    Christina''s smile hinted at mischief as she accelerated, drawing closer to the duo. "What''s your deal with Mrs. Lydia?" she asked in curiosity.

    Mike''s grin turned playful. "You wouldn''t know, would you?"

    Christina''s eyes narrowed, her gaze inquiring.

    "We''re in a love triangle," Mike teased.

    Christina''s eyes widened, intrigued. Stefan interjected with sarcasm, "I''m sure she doesn''t know what love is. No one would dare date the ''school dnd queen'' who bullies even her friends."

    Christina''s eyes flashed red, her anger simmering.

    "What a weirdo."

    Christina''s glare intensified, her voice low and menacing. "You''d do well to watch your words, Stefan."

    The air was charged with tension as the trio continued toward their destination. "Back off, Christina," Mike warned as he noticed Christina was driving precariously toward them.

    Christina''s expression darkened, her annoyance palpable. She remained silent but her piercing glare fixed on Mike and Stefan.

    Mike turned to Stefan, noticing the earpiece now lodged in his ear. "Betrayal!" he exclaimed, retrieving his own earpiece.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    Christina''s frustration boiled over. She bit down on her nails, her anger measured. With a sudden burst of speed, her Lamborghini surged forward, leaving Mike and Stefan in her dust.

    Christina Idris, infamous as the ''school dnd queen,'' was a paradox. Her striking features, long dark hair cascading down her back, and captivating beauty belied her volatile temperament.

    Her short fuse and advanced anger issues earned her a wide berth from students and teachers alike. When she entered her ''DND'' mode, caution was thrown to the wind. Even the school staff tread carefully.

    However, two individuals dared confront her, no matter the ferocity of her outbursts; Mike, with his quick wit and sharp tongue, knew precisely how to push Christina''s buttons. He could expertly infuriate her, then deftly diffuse the situation, leaving her embarrassed and silent. Stefan, though often hiding behind Mike, shared a similar fearlessness.

    But without Mike by his side, Stefan hesitated to face Christina''s wrath. Their complex dynamics played out like a delicate dance, each step carefully choreographed. To simply put it, Mike and Christina were like cat and rat - full-time enemies.

    Meanwhile, Mrs. Lydia''s warm smile welcomed Mike and Stefan. "Ah, my dears, you''re unusually early today. Perfect timing!"

    Mike exhaled deeply, relief washing over him. "Thank goodness! Thought I''d miss this class."

    Stefan nodded in concurrence. "Me too, but here we are." He paused, attempting to recall a familiar adage. "The early bird catches the...?" He turned to Mike and asked, "What did the early bird catch again?"

    Mike rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Worm, dumbass!"

    Stefan''s face lit up. "Right! We caught the worm!"

    As he grinned at Mrs. Lydia, a sudden thought struck him. "But wait, what if the worm was late? How would the early bird catch a late worm?"

    Mrs. Lydia''s patience wore thin. "If you fail my subject, I''ll pluck all your teeth!" She said, gathered her belongings and departed, ignoring Stefan''s chatters.

    Mike and Stefan exchanged perplexed glances. "What does that mean?" Stefan asked.

    "It means you missed the class!" Laura intervened, her words dissolving into laughter. Mike shot her a mock-accusatory glance.

    "What!?" Laura asked. "I wanted to give you a ride, but you declined, knowing it would take a while before you get here. Even I arrived late.¡±

    "You took off without letting me respond," Mike said.

    Laura''s eyes widened. "Did you really not decline?"

    Mike nodded. "You didn''t give me a chance to accept your offer. I was so fucking tired.¡±

    Laura''s face fell, her expression apologetic. "I''m so sorry,¡± she said. She swiftly snatched Mike''s bag, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I''ll get your notes up to date. Will that make up for it?"

    Mike mirrored her smile, relieved. "That would be more than enough. Apology accepted," he responded. Little did Laura know that Mike''s notes were woefully incomplete. She was in for a marathon note-taking session.

    Stefan observed Laura, then his own bag, and back to Laura again, his grin charmingly persuasive.

    "Don''t even think about it!" Laura warned, anticipating Stefan''s request. "I already have a lot on my plate.¡±

    Stefan sighed, disappointment etched on his face. He settled into his seat beside Mike, his gaze drifting toward the entrance as movement caught his attention.

    The senior year students were divided into three classes: A, B, and C. Mike and Stefan belonged to class A, while Christina dominated class B. Christina''s academic prowess was unparalleled; she consistently topped her class in every school activity. Her reputation preceded her, striking awe and intimidation in equal measure.

    Four students from the adjacent class burst in, their sudden arrival commanding attention. Mike recognized them as Christina''s loyal entourage, often deployed to handle anyone who crossed her. "Whoa! She really didn''t waste any time today!" Mike exclaimed, surprise written boldly on his face.

    Stefan leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "It''s called ''revenge is a food that''s served hot,'' right?"

    Mike shot him a sidelong glance, his expression incredulous. "Dammit! Don''t give me that look; I''m more brilliant than you think," Stefan defended himself.

    Mike scoffed. "Brilliant? My foot! If you don''t know it, then don''t say it," he chastised. "It''s a ''dish,'' not a food, and it''s ''cold,'' not hot. Revenge is a dish best served cold. What''s wrong with you today? Why are you pretending to be dumb?"

    "Hey Mike!" The leader of the newly arrived group, a tall, imposing figure, interrupted their banter. His tone was laced with an air of superiority, foreshadowing the confrontation to come.

    "I''ve been expecting you, Simon," Mike said, snapping his fingers and gesturing toward the entrance. Just then, Christina appeared, striding into the classroom with confidence. The sudden arrival caught everyone off guard. Simon''s lips curled into a sly smile as he settled into the chair facing Mike.

    "Told you, right? I was expecting you," Mike quipped. "You''re a loyal dog to the school queen, always eager to carry out her orders like a well-trained German Shepherd."

    The classroom erupted into laughter. Simon''s anger simmered, his piercing glare swiftly silencing the room. Mike turned, waving at Christina with mock friendliness. "I wouldn''t be surprised if you hire assassins to deal with us the next time. Keep up the good work."

    Christina rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips.

    Something is odd.

    Stefan!

    Why''s he silent?

    Mike''s gaze shifted to Stefan''s empty seat.

    "Stefan! Where are you?" he wondered, whirling around. A faint movement under Stefan''s desk caught his attention. Mike bent down to investigate.

    "Stefan! What are you doing under there?" he whispered.

 Quest for trouble

    Stefan hesitantly emerged from under the desk, his eyes scanning the floor with a hint of distraction. "Looking for something?" Mike asked, his tone conveying a bit of amusement.

    Stefan nodded, but his expression betrayed his true intentions. However, Mike recognized the signs. He placed a reassuring arm on Stefan''s shoulder and whispered, "Are you scared of those guys?"

    Stefan''s stuttered response spoke volumes. "W-why would I be? They''re no match for me!"

    Mike raised an incredulous eyebrow. "Then why were you hiding under there?"

    "I was scared of what I might do to them, actually..." Stefan sighed in frustration.

    Mike''s expression turned serious. "Let''s go!" He pulled Stefan toward him, and together they headed toward the door.

    Simon''s exasperated voice halted their exit. "Where are you going, idiots?"

    Mike turned, his eyes locked onto Simon. "To settle this, of course. You don''t want a fight here, do you?"

    Simon''s eyes flashed open, his irritation evident. "Okay, let''s go!" He trailed Mike and Stefan downstairs, to the secluded area behind the classes. The tension was palpable as Stefan stepped forward, rolling up his sleeves. "Here we are. Let''s just get this over with," he declared firmly. The air was charged with anticipation, the confrontation looming, but Mike stepped back, hiding behind Stefan''s broad frame.

    "Seriously? You''re hiding now while I''m about to clean up our mess?" Stefan grumbled. "We''re in this together, don''t forget."

    Mike re-emerged, a sarcastic grin spreading across his face. Assuming a mock fighting stance. "I don''t want to ruin my cute face," he clarified. "Fighting always ends up inflicting injuries. But I guess I''ll dust off my first aid box today."

    Simon and his cohorts burst into laughter, amused by Mike''s facade. Few moments later the two groups clashed, their movements a blur. Christina observed from a distance, her expression unreadable. The brawl raged on until a stern voice echoed from the classroom above. "What are you guys doing!?"

    Heads turned upward, identifying the source. "Mrs. Rebecca!?" they chimed.

    The school principal''s authoritative voice brooked no disobedience. Her anger was evident. "All of you! In my office now!" she ordered. As she began to withdraw her head, her gaze fell upon the battered students. "This isn''t even a small matter. You''re injured!?" she exclaimed, shocked and dismayed

    Stefan pointed an accusatory finger at Christina. "She''s the one who started it! She sent her friends to attack us!"

    Mrs. Rebecca''s gaze narrowed. "Would you have been attacked had you stayed in your classroom?"

    Christina attempted to slip away, but Mrs. Rebecca''s sharp eyes caught her. "Hey, Christina! Don''t you dare take another step!" she commanded.

    Christina''s eyes widened in innocence. "They''re lying! I never sent anyone!"

    Mrs. Rebecca''s expression remained stern. "Christina Idris, I don''t have much to say to you." She turned to the others. "Bring your parents with you tomorrow. All of you!" With that, Mrs. Rebecca disappeared into the classroom.

    Stefan groaned. "This is why I didn''t want to fight in the first place. Now my parents will waste their time coming here tomorrow. Ugh!"

    Simon wiped the blood on his lips and retreated with his friends. Mike clapped Stefan on the shoulder. "Stop whining. Let''s go have some fun! This is for the better." Stefan''s smile returned, and he trudged toward the staircase, Mike following behind.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    Christina stood on the staircase, engrossed in her phone. "Bitch," Mike muttered, his voice was low but firm. Christina''s gaze snapped up, her eyes blazing. A tense, full-minute staring contest ensued.

    "She even denied sending Simon to attack us. What a coward!" Stefan snickered, breaking the intense silence.

    ¡°Would you admit it if you were in my position?" Christina retorted.

    "Be patient with me, I promise you, I''ll be the end of you in this school," Mike said to her and strode confidently pass her. His words echoed with conviction, a subtle threat. Stefan shook his head, a knowing smirk spreading across his face, and followed Mike.

    Christina scoffed, jammed her phone into her pocket, and stormed off. At the upstairs stood couples of students, murmuring. They appeared to have witnessed the clash earlier, and as Mike and Stefan reached upstairs they dispersed into their different classrooms.

    The remainder of the school day flew by in a blur and as the final bell rang, Mike parted ways with Stefan. "See you tomorrow," he called out.

    Stefan waved, his eyes already fixed on his phone. The tension with Christina still lingered, a promise of impending conflict.

    *****

    "I''m home!" Mike shouted, bursting through the front door. He collapsed onto the couch, but his relaxation was short-lived. He flinched, sitting up abruptly. "My bag! Where did I put it? Did I leave it at school?" He stood up, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, retracing his steps.

    A smile spread across his face as memory struck. "I almost forgot, Laura took it!" He collapsed back onto the couch, eyes closing in relief.

    "When did you get back?" Rachael''s voice drifted from upstairs.

    Mike''s younger sister, Rachael, shared an uncanny resemblance to him, despite being two years his junior she appeared a bit older than him.

    "Just now..." Mike trailed off.

    ¡°Did you and Christina fight again?"

    Mike''s eyes snapped open, his head jerking upward to meet Rachael''s gaze. "How did you know?" he asked, incredulous.

    Rachael shrugged. "Isn''t it obvious? Who else could frustrate you like this?" Her words stung, highlighting the long-standing rivalry. "You guys fight every chance you get. Aren''t you tired? Since elementary school!" Rachael exclaimed.

    Mike scowled, flopping back onto the couch. "Whatever! She disgusts me."

    "How did you guys even become arch-nemesis?" Rachael asked.

    Mike''s expression darkened, his brow furrowing as memories resurfaced. "Hmm... Dunno, I guess she disgusted me even back then," he said, the words tasting bitter.

    For an instant, his mask slipped, revealing a glimmer of the old pain. Rachael''s innocent question had unknowingly prodded a long-healed scar, stirring emotions Mike thought he''d left behind. His eyes clouded, and his voice carried a hint of conviction, but the lie echoed within him. The truth remained locked away, hidden even from himself.

    Rachael erupted into laughter, her amusement infectious, chattering Mike''s thoughts. "What would you do without each other? You''re in your last year of high school anyway," she teased. "You''ll really miss each other when you graduate."

    "Me? Miss her? Why would I? Stop joking please, I''m not in the mood," Mike scowled.

    Rachael''s grin softened. "Wait, let me get something for your injuries." She disappeared into the corridor to fetch a first-aid box. Few minutes later she returned and tended to Mike''s wounds with gentle care.

    "I think my nose is broken," Mike winced.

    Rachael examined it closely. "It doesn''t look broken to me," she reassured, applying ointment to his bruises.

    Mike''s expression turned thoughtful. "Yeah, I remember, I wanted to ask you something last night¡­ do you remember?"

    Rachael nodded. "What did you want to ask?"

    "What do you know about chimeras?" Mike asked.

    Rachael''s eyes narrowed. "You mean the legendary creature from mythology?"

    Mike nodded.

    "It''s a creature from ancient Greek myths," Rachael began. "Said to have a lion''s head, goat''s body, and dragon''s tail. Why are you asking?" Her curiosity was piqued.

    ¡°Our history teacher talked briefly about it while teaching last Friday. I was so engrossed and I''ve been curious about it ever since then,¡± Mike replied. "Do chimeras actually breathe fire?"

    Rachael''s eyes sparkled. "In a way, yes¡­ I know where you can find books on legendary creatures," she said. "But you can only get them tonight."

    "Tonight? Where?" Mike''s curiosity grew.

    ¡°My friend, Tina''s house. I discovered when I visited her a few days ago that her dad has an incredible library,¡± Rachael replied. ¡°She''s holding a birthday party tonight. It''s the perfect opportunity to grab some books.¡±

    "Seriously? Would she really give us some?" Mike raised an eyebrow.

    Rachael chuckled. "That''s impossible! Not even she is allowed in the library."

    "So how are we going to get the books?" Mike furrowed.

    Rachael''s grin turned mischievous. "You''re so slow-witted! Isn''t it obvious?" she said. ¡°We''re going there to steal them.¡±

    Mike''s laughter burst forth. "Whoa! Whoa! That''s¡ª"

    "Don''t even say it! If you don''t want me to change my mind, just quietly shut up!" Rachael cut him off.

    Mike''s eyes twinkled with amusement. He glanced at Rachael sideways, concealing his laughter. "Quietly... what?" he whispered.

    Rachael''s hiss sent Mike into silent giggles, she darted upstairs, leaving Mike grinning.

 Tinas house

    Mike''s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, arrived home in the evening, and during dinner Mike recounted the school incident. Mr. Smith listened intently as he emptied his cup, his expression stern. "Can''t you and Christina just settle your differences or, better yet, embark on a peaceful relationship?" he suggested after hearing the whole story.

    Mike''s face contorted in disappointment. "Dad, are you drunk?" he asked, sniffing the air. ¡°Everyone here knows how strong our hatred is for each other, and what!? Embark? Relationship? Oh gadd!¡±

    Rachael burst into laughter, her infectious giggles spreading to Mrs. Smith. The tension dissipated as everyone at the dining table focused on Mike.

    "Don''t worry, son," Mrs. Smith reassured, patting Mike''s shoulder. "I and your dad will visit your school tomorrow. We''ll settle everything."

    Mike smiled. "Thanks, Mom," he said.

    Mr. Smith''s concern shifted to Mike''s injuries. "Did you treat your wounds?" he inquired.

    "Yes, Rachael applied some ointment earlier," Mike replied.

    Mr. Smith nodded in satisfaction and poured himself another glass of water. His gaze shifted to the kids'' attire.

    "But... what''s with your outfits?" Mrs. Smith who also noticed their outfits asked.

    "Are you guys going somewhere?" Mr. Smith inquired.

    "Yes, we''re attending a birthday party tonight." Rachael replied.

    Mrs. Smith raised an eyebrow.

    "My friend Tina''s birthday party," Rachael clarified.

    The adults'' smiles faltered, their faces turning intense.

    "Are you thinking of a way to persuade us not to go?" Mike asked, deciphering their expressions.

    Mrs. Smith''s voice was laced with surprise. "You''re attending a birthday party dressed like that?"

    Mike and Rachael exchanged skeptical glances before turning to their mother. "Dressed like how?" they chimed in unison.

    Mr. Smith chuckled. "One would think you''re going hiking. And Rachael, why dress like a boy? Why wear a coat to a birthday party?"

    Mike''s smile hinted at mischief. "It''s a cold night, Dad. And¡­ we''re on a mission."

    The word "mission" hung in the air, sparking concern. "Mission!? What mission?" Mr. and Mrs. Smith asked in tandem.

    Rachael''s eyes widened, her glare at Mike a mixture of alarm and frustration. "Why not take a megaphone and announce it to the whole world?" she whispered.

    Mike''s whispered response was matter-of-fact. "They wouldn''t understand. I''m giving them a hint, just in case we get into trouble later."

    Rachael shook her head, uncertain whether Mike''s words were a testament to his intelligence or his foolishness. Mrs. Smith exhaled in resignation. "Well, I don''t have anything else to say except ''be careful.'' I hope it works for you."

    Rachael grasped Mike''s hand, pulling him toward the door. "Be careful¡¯l works for us, don''t worry, Mom, Dad. We''ll be home before 12."

    Mr. and Mrs. Smith exchanged a concerned glance again, their eyes widening in unison. "12 a.m.? Be back here before 11!" Mrs. Smith called out.

    Rachael''s face contorted in frustration. "We''re going to be fine, Mom! Stop treating us like kids!" She glared at Mike, expecting him to intervene with an assuring words to calm their parents down.

    But Mike''s intervention ruined it, his tone reassuring. "Um, well...we''ll be careful. And, as you said, we''ll be back before 11."

    Rachael''s glare cut through Mike, her eyes flashing annoyance. "I asked you to convince them, not agreeing with them! Old-fashioned set of people!" she muttered, rolling her eyes. "I shouldn''t have involved you in the first place."You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    "Let''s go!" She yelled, causing Mike to flinch. As they stormed out, Mike turned to face Rachael whose anger was visible. "Let''s just get the books and come back home. There''s nothing we''ll be doing there till 12 a.m." he whispered.

    Rachael sighed, relenting. "Whatever." Their footsteps echoed into the night.

    *****

    As Mike and Rachael reached the front of Tina''s house, they began to hear the sound of music. Tina''s house is a majestic two-story building that exudes luxury and elegance. The exterior walls are painted a warm, creamy white, with large windows that sparkle like diamonds in the light.

    The roof is a deep, rich brown, with intricately designed tiles that add a touch of sophistication. The front door is a sturdy, dark wood with a gleaming brass doorknob and a heavy-looking iron knocker in the shape of a wolf''s head.

    ¡°Whoa! This place is stunning!¡± Mike marveled at the building'' structure and beauty. ¡°It looks like a fairy-tale palace!¡±

    Rachael looked at Mike and scoffed. ¡°Dammit! Mike. Stop your palace''s fantasy! Your exaggeration is so obvious, palace? My foot!¡±

    ¡°Whatever! Are you sure we''re gonna get what we came for?¡± Mike asked in anticipation. ¡°My instinct is telling me something feels off¡±

    ¡°Your instincts are always wrong, Tina''s parents went on a business trip, so stop whining,¡± Rachael scoffed.

    ¡°Today might be right, you never know what will happen.¡± Mike said and entered the house.

    As they step inside, they''re immediately struck by the grandeur of the high ceilings, adorned with intricate moldings and crystal chandeliers that refract rainbows of light. The floors are polished marble, gleaming like mirrors, and the walls are painted a soft, creamy color that seems to glow in the light.

    The living room is spacious, with plush, velvet sofas and armchairs in a rich, berry-red color. The walls are adorned with expensive-looking artwork, and the coffee table is a gleaming slab of black marble. The room is filled with the sweet scent of fresh flowers, arranged in a stunning bouquet on the coffee table.

    The room was filled with several students, some familiar and others unfamiliar, all dancing to the rhythm of the music playing.

    ¡°Strawberry please.¡± Rachael said and the waitress passing by handed over a cup to her. She took a sip and moaned softly in satisfaction. ¡°Dammit! That hits the spot!¡±

    ¡°Pineapple please.¡± Mike said and took the glass from the waiter beside him. He took a sip and nodded.

    Tina emerged, radiant in her party attire. "Hi Rachael!" she exclaimed.

    Rachael''s eyes widened. "You look stunning! Jaw-dropping, really."

    Tina''s cheeks flushed. ¡°Thanks, nice outfits by the way. You look like the one hosting the birthday party.¡±

    Rachael furrowed at Tina and burst into laughter. "You mean the opposite, right?"

    Tina''s smile faltered. Then, her gaze shifted to Mike. ¡°Well¡­¡± she trailed off.

    ¡°Ohhh, meet my older brother, Mike. You must have seen him before, in school.¡± Rachael introduced.

    Tina''s eyes sparkled. "Of course, we''ve met. Who wouldn''t know Mike. Christina''s¡ª"

    "Keep it down! We don''t want this party to turn into a boxing ring," Rachael swiftly intervened.

    Tina chuckled. "Right! Wouldn''t want that."

    Mike leaned in, whispering, "What''s going on?"

    Rachael''s smile wryly. "It''s better you don''t know. We might get thrown out... or worse."

    Mike raised an eyebrow. His gaze drifted upstairs, where a couple was locked in a passionate kiss. "Whoa!" he breathed.

    Tina''s voice broke the silence. "You two look alike. No one would believe that you''re not twins."

    Mike''s gaze fixed, lost in thought, until Rachael''s voice snapped him back.

    ¡°Mike!?¡±

    "Mike!!?"

    Mike flinched, regaining composure. "Wh...what!??" he stammered, licking his lips.

    Rachael''s eyes locked onto his, gesturing toward Tina. Mike''s attention returned to Tina, her outstretched hand awaiting his greeting. "I''m Mike Smith. Nice meeting you," he said, his handshake was firm.

    ¡°I knew you, Mike. I''m in senior class C,¡± Tina replied, her smile warm. "I''m Valentina Edwards. The pleasure is mine."

    "Over here, Tina!" A voice called from across the room, interrupting the mood.

    Tina waved and excused herself. "Mi casa es tu casa," she said before leaving.

    "Gracias," Mike replied as she disappeared into the crowd.

    Rachael''s stare was piercing. "So you like my friend?" she asked jokingly.

    Mike''s intensity was palpable. "Did I tell you that!?" he grumbled.

    ¡°Sorry! Sorry!! Sorry!!! My bad!" Rachael hastily apologized.

    Mike''s determination resurfaced. "What about the books?"

    "Oh! That''s right, follow me," Rachael whispered after confirming Tina was occupied with a conversation with her friends.

    Mike followed without asking anymore questions. They slipped upstairs, navigating the corridor to the third room on the left.

    Rachael halted, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She pushed open the door, gesturing for Mike to enter. "After you."

    Mike hesitated, his voice filled with apprehension. "After who? In this dark room?"

    Rachael urged, "The sooner you go in, the sooner you get what you came for."

    Mike stepped cautiously, his slow footsteps echoing through the darkness. "Someone''s coming!" Rachael whispered urgently, shoving Mike inside and slamming the door shut.

    In the darkness, Rachael''s frustration boiled over. "We almost got caught because of you!"

    "We''re not caught, anyway. Let''s just get what we want and get the fuck out of here!" Mike retorted, irritation edging his voice. He paused, blinded by the darkness. "And... I can''t see a damn thing!"

    Rachael flipped the light switch, bathing the room in a warm glow.

    Mike''s jaw dropped. The room was a treasure trove of dusty tomes and ancient texts. Shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, packed with leather-bound books. A majestic wooden desk dominated the center, surrounded by piles of papers and quills. Mike''s eyes widened, drinking in the bibliophilic paradise.

 Mission accomplished

    The library is a cozy, book-lined sanctuary with floor-to-ceiling shelves that seem to stretch up to the ceiling. The walls are painted a warm, honey-brown color, and the floors are covered with a soft, plush carpet that muffles your footsteps. The room is filled with the musty scent of old books, and the air is thick with the silence of a sacred space.

    The overall atmosphere of Tina''s house is one of opulence, luxury, and refinement, a true reflection of her family''s wealth and status.

    "Wow! Is this a bookstore?" Mike exclaimed, awestruck. "There are so many books here!¡±

    Rachael chuckled. "This is her family''s library. You''ll find what you need here."

    "Do you hear that?" Mike whispered as she browsed the shelves.

    "Hear what?" Rachael replied.

    "Your name. Someone''s calling you."

    Rachael''s eyes sparkled with caution. "Let me go and check."

    She approached the door, then turned back to Mike. "You''re now on your own. Take what you want and leave. If you get caught, I don''t know you."

    ¡°You''ll deny me?¡±

    ¡°Of course, I''ll even swear on mom''s name that I''ve never met you before.¡±

    "Shut up and go!" Mike grumbled and continued scanning the books on the shelf beside him.

    Rachael rolled her eyes. "That''s your problem, just don''t get caught!" She said and slipped out of the room. In the hallway, she collided with Tina and her three friends.

    "Rachael! I''ve been searching for you, I need your assistance with..." Tina trailed, curiosity etched on her face. "Why... were you in the library?"

    Rachael stuttered, "I-I was looking for the toilet¡­ got lost¡­ your house is huge!"

    Tina''s eyes narrowed. "The toilet is downstairs, Rachael. What were you really doing?"

    Rachael''s cheeks flushed as she struggled to maintain her deception.

    ¡°Whoa! You fell for it,¡± Tina laughed and directed Rachael, "The restroom is down that hallway, last room on the right."

    Rachael smiled and hurried off, sighing in relief. Tina locked the door and joined her friends downstairs where the party was in full swing.

    Once Mike confirmed the coast was clear, he emerged from his hiding spot and began scouring the nearby shelf. He discovered "Big Bad Werewolf" and "War on Griffins," sparking his interest.

    A book on the top shelf caught his eye. Mike stretched, carefully retrieving it. However, the shelf creaked, threatening to collapse. Mike swiftly supported it, but the weight was too much.

    The shelf gave way, and Mike let go, allowing the books to fall. He swiftly gathered the books and stuffed them into his backpack. Minutes passed, and the door creaked open. "What''s going on?" a voice from outside asked.

    "Come see for yourself!" Tina''s voice replied.

    Three girls entered, gasping in surprise. "How did all these books end up on the floor?" Lola asked.

    "It''s baffling," Janet said. "Not even a rat could cause this mess."

    The group exchanged puzzled glances, unaware of Mike''s presence. Mike''s heart pounded, his presence threatening to be discovered.

    "Could someone please tell me what these books are about?" Lola inquired, scanning the room filled with countless volumes.

    "This collection comprises legends and myths," Tina explained. "My father''s fathers spent their entire lives gathering them. My father consistently cautioned me and my younger sisters to avoid entering this room."Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    Curiosity sparked, Cara asked, "Why didn''t he secure the room with a lock then?"

    Tina shrugged. "He repeatedly misplaced the keys, leaving him no choice but to force entry each time."

    The girls nodded in understanding. "That''s why my father warned us against entering, let alone bringing outsiders," Tina emphasized.

    "Yet, here you are with three friends in tow," Lola playfully teased.

    Tina''s annoyance was evident in her sharp hiss. "Let''s swiftly gather these books and depart!" she instructed.

    The group began packing, while Mike, in fear squeezed behind the shelf at the back of the fallen one, holding his breath, and hoping the girls wouldn''t discover him.

    After a while, the girls completed arranging the books and prepared to leave. Tina spotted a book on the floor, inches from Mike''s hiding spot. As she approached and bent to pick it up, Cara suddenly exclaimed, "What kind of ancient box is this!"

    Tina''s attention shifted to Cara. Without glancing at the book, she snatched it up and hastily returned to her friends.

    "Put that box down immediately!" Tina instructed, her voice firm and commanding. She quickly retrieved it from Cara''s grasp and carefully returned it to its rightful place on the shelf.

    "It''s time for us to leave now!" she emphasized, her tone indicating a sense of urgency.

    "Come on, Tina, we''re your friends. We mean no harm," Janet attempted to diffuse the tension, reminding Tina in a soothing voice.

    In response to Janet''s calming words, the girls swiftly departed the room, and Mike let out a deep sigh of relief as the anxiety that had gripped him began to dissipate.

    As he struggled to regain circulation in his legs, which had fallen asleep due to his prolonged stationary position, Mike stood up and vigorously shook them to restore blood flow. His gaze then fell upon the box that Tina had taken from Cara earlier, and he found himself inexplicably drawn to it.

    "What practical purpose could this old box possibly serve?" Mike thought to himself. "It lacks aesthetic appeal and doesn''t appear to have any functional value. I really don''t need it."

    Despite his reservations, Mike''s curiosity eventually got the better of him, and he decided to take the box without further hesitation. He swiftly slipped it into his backpack, his actions driven by an overwhelming desire to uncover its secrets.

    Mike then turned his attention to the door, but his courage began to wane. He realized that exiting through the door would necessitate explaining the books and the box''s presence in his backpack to Tina or other partygoers.

    Unwilling to face potential scrutiny, Mike opted for discretion and decided to exit through the window instead. He carefully opened it and climbed down toward the ground below.

    Meanwhile, Christina was also invited, she arrived at the party accompanied by her friend Hannah. They made a stylish entrance in Christina''s sleek black Jeep. As Hannah and Christina stepped out of the Jeep, Hannah''s gaze snagged on a suspicious movement on the wall of Tina''s house. "Are you seeing what I''m seeing?" she asked.

    Christina''s initial response was enthusiastic. "Oh yeah! Tina''s house looks stunning tonight!"

    Hannah''s squeal corrected her. "No, not the house! That!" she emphasized.

    Christina followed her gaze and spotted a figure climbing down the wall. "Oh, that! I see it now. Who on earth is that?" she wondered aloud.

    Follow me," she instructed Hannah, determined to confront the mysterious climber

    As they approached the left side of Tina''s house, Christina shouted, "Hey, you there! What are you doing?"

    "What does it seem like I''m doing?" Mike retorted, recognizing Christina''s voice but choosing to remain anonymous. He swiftly pulled his anorak''s hood over his face and jumped down from the wall, ensuring he was beyond the safety limit.

    Upon landing safely, Mike swiftly departed without another word. Christina stared after him, perplexed. "Who the hell is that dumbass?" she exclaimed.

    Hannah intervened, "Let''s focus on the party. We don''t want to miss out." And with that, the two friends headed towards the party, leaving the mysterious figure behind.

    Rachael, seated in the living room, turned her head at the sound of Christina''s familiar voice. She stood up and walked toward the entrance, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Christina, who was engaged in conversation with Hannah. However, Rachael''s phone rang, catching Christina''s attention. It was Mike calling to confirm their successful mission.

    ¡°Hey Rachy!" Hannah greeted Rachael warmly, followed by Christina''s "Hi!"

    Rachael''s brief response, "Hi," accompanied by a wave, betrayed her unease. The atmosphere was strained, primarily due to Rachael''s discomfort around Christina.

    "I heard about your suspension. Your brother will likely join you soon," Christina''s remarked with sarcasm, her smile accentuating the jab.

    Rachael''s indignation simmered. "Father-fucking bitch!" she muttered under her breath and turned to leave.

    "Whoa, I''m a virgin, and I don''t sleep with fathers," Christina retorted confidently, her smile unwavering.

    "You might remain a virgin for a long time, since no sane guy would want to approach someone like you," Rachael shot back. With that, she swiftly departed, leaving Christina visibly embarrassed.

    Meanwhile, Mike reveled in their triumph as he headed home. Little did he know, their adventure was only just beginning.

 Two weeks suspension

    Rachael''s eyes widened in astonishment as she took in the array of items Mike had brought from Tina''s house. "You took more than just a book?!" she exclaimed.

    Mike''s gaze drifted upward, evading Rachael''s intense stare. "Well, as you can see¡­ I find them intriguing."

    Rachael''s incredulity grew. "And the old box? What''s so intriguing about that?"

    Mike''s fascination was genuine. "It''s hard to explain. The box seemed to beckon me to take it. Its allure was irresistible."

    Rachael''s outrage boiled over. "You thief!¡± she shouted.

    ¡°You took me there to steal!¡± Mike countered, his tone defensive.

    "What do you plan to do with all this, Mike?" Rachael pressed for clarification.

    Mike''s enthusiasm took over. "Just look at it ¨C it''s beautiful!"

    "That''s not what I asked. What''s your intention?" Rachael cut him off, rephrasing her question. ¡°Beautiful you say?¡±

    Mike''s voice dropped to a whisper. "There''s something strange about the box. Something inexplicable dwells inside."

    Rachael''s concern deepened, sensing the mysterious nature of Mike''s finds. "Like what?" she pressed, curiosity etched on her face.

    Mike shrugged. "I''m not sure yet, but I''ll find out soon when I open it." He attempted to lift the lid, but it appeared to be secured with an antiquated lock of some sort.

    Rachael cautioned, her eyes locked on the box, "Be gentle, or you''ll damage it."

    Mike''s eyes narrowed at Rachael. ¡°Seriously!?¡±

    Rachael intervened, her tone firm. "You''re not forcing that box open, Mike. It looks rare. Find another way or we''ll return it."

    "Okay, fine," Mike relented, acknowledging Rachael''s concern.

    Rachael took one of the books Mike brought and exclaimed with a smile, ¡°This would be interesting!¡±

    ¡°Title?¡±

    "War on Griffins," she answered and departed Mike''s room with a enthusiastic smile.

    "Goodnight, brother!" she called out, whistling softly.

    Mike settled in with another book, immersing himself in its pages as the night wore on.

    *****

    Gradually, the night wore on, and daybreak gradually emerged. Rachael went to wake Mike up, but he was already awake when she opened his door. He is, in fact, reading.

    "Reading along still? Mom and Dad are downstairs waiting for you.¡±

    "Just a minute, I''m finishing the last page," Mike said, engrossed in his book.

    "You mean you stayed up all night reading?" Rachael asked, her tone incredulous.

    "The story was too captivating and suspenseful. I wasn''t tired." Mike confirmed, closing the book.

    Rachael shook her head, "You sacrificed sleep for a fictional book. You''re a novel hunter!"

    Mike grinned, jumping out of bed. As he stepped into the bathroom, Rachael waited outside. "Looks like I might break that box after all!" Mike shouted from within.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    "If you break it, I''ll report us for housebreaking! We''re going to the police station!" Rachael''s stern warning followed.

    "Dammit, tough girl," Mike chuckled to himself as he turned on the shower.

    Rachael stormed out of the room, leaving Mike to his thoughts.

    *****

    Mr. and Mrs. Smith dropped Mike off at school, where they encountered Stefan and his parents exiting their vehicle and heading toward the principal''s office.

    "Hey, Stefan!" Mike called out, stepping down from the car.

    Stefan turned around, noticed Mike waving, and flashed a warm smile. "Come over here!" he beckoned, gesturing for Mike to join him.

    After exchanging warm greetings, their parents left the boys outside to continue their conversation before proceeding into the principal''s office.

    Stefan scrutinized Mike''s face, concern etched on his features. "You appear rather exhausted, bro. What''s troubling you? Your eyes look worn out."

    "For real?" Mike curiously asked, he retrieved his cellphone to examine his reflection on the screen.

    "Of course! You look utterly drained, as if you haven''t slept for days," Stefan replied.

    Mike acknowledged, "It''ll wear off soon. I attempted to conceal it, but my expression always betrays me. I spent the entire night reading a novel," he confessed. "Now, it''s obvious to everyone."

    "I share your fatigue. I played COD all night and barely got any rest," Stefan commiserated. ¡°I''m running on fumes too."

    Their shared weariness forged a moment of camaraderie between the friends.

    ¡°You look okay for someone who''s been awake the whole night,¡± Mike said and sat down beside the tree nearby.

    Stefan stood in front of him, strutted and his hands akimbo. ¡°I''m stronger than you think,¡± he boasted jokingly.

    Mike raised up his head and grimaced as he saw Stefan¡¯s taunting smile. "Is it necessary for you to inject humor into every situation, even when gravity and solemnity are warranted?" he inquired.

    "What substantive advantages or meaningful rewards have you reaped by maintaining a serious tone, forsaking the mitigating influence of wit and humor?" Stefan replied and shrugged. ¡°Absolutely nothing!¡±

    Mike shook his head, concern etched on his face. "You''re really taking this lightly, aren''t you? You have no idea what the principal''s decision will be, yet you''re still joking around."

    Stefan shrugged, leaning against the tree Mike was sitting beside. "Even in the worst-case scenario, we''ll only get a minor punishment or a two-day suspension. I''m prepared for that outcome."

    Mike sighed and nodded slowly. ¡°Perhaps, I hope so.¡±

    After approximately five minutes, their parents emerged from the meeting, their faces visibly etched with disappointment.

    "I think we''re in trouble now," Mike inferred as he observed their approaching figures.

    Stefan nodded in agreement. "Yes, it''s obvious. They don''t look happy."

    The two fathers, Mr. Smith and Haysbert, approached, leaving behind their wives chatting in front of the staff office.

    "It seems you have unfavorable news for us. What happened?" Mike addressed them.

    Mr. Smith shook his head and sighed. "The principal''s not willing to listen to our pleas," he replied.

    ¡°You guys are suspended, two weeks,¡± Mr. Haysbert revealed.

    Stefan''s eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what?! Two weeks? Not two days? This is completely unexpected! I wasn''t prepared for a suspension this long."

    Mr. Haysbert nodded solemnly, confirming the duration. Stefan sniffled, frustration evident in his voice. "So, we''ll be spending the rest of this month at home?"

    Mr. Smith nodded, affirming the suspension.

    "Hey, come over to my place ¨C it''ll be an absolute blast!" Mike invited, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

    Stefan nodded vigorously. "I''m heading to Mike''s," he informed his dad.

    Mr. Haysbert''s voice took on a cautionary tone, low and serious. "Be cautious, guys. Okay?"

    Stefan acknowledged his father''s warning. "Will do, Dad."

    Turning to Mike, Stefan grinned. "Let''s go already!"

    As they began to walk away, Mrs. Haysbert called out from a short distance, her voice carrying across the space. "Don''t come home late, Stefan!"

    "I won''t, bye Mom!" Stefan shouted back over his shoulder and slung his arm around Mike''s shoulders in camaraderie. The two friends continued toward the school exit, eager to embark on their adventure.

    Mrs. Smith followed closely behind Mrs. Haysbert, silent observers to the exchange between their kids.

    As the duo continued toward the school exit, Stefan began. ¡°Have you ever been in a romantic relationship before?¡± he asked with a devil-may-care expression.

    Mike gave him a sidelong glance as he considered his stupid query.

    "Stop giving me that kind of stare! The same question was posed to Christina here yesterday, and it kind of made me wonder if I have ever seen you dating someone,¡± Stefan said, avoiding eye contact with Mike as much as possible.

    ¡°If you''re trying to make fun of me well then¡­ You''re successful ,¡± Mike said.

    "You are really fortunate, as opposed to me, who has experienced two heartbreaks. I sincerely hope you never have to experience that," Stefan said.

    Mike stopped on his track and fixed Stefan with an unnerving glower.

    ¡°Okay! Okay! I give up," Stefan backed down. "Was I a good actor?"

    "No, you are a terrible one; no company would sign you," Mike replied and continued to move again.

    Stefan smiled, ran toward him and put his hand around his shoulder as they wended their way home.

 Dont fall for my sister

    ¡°Welcome!¡± Rachael greeted as Mike got home. ¡°Have you guys settled?¡±

    Mike sighed, shook his head, and sat next to her on the couch. He dug his hand inside the tub she was holding and brought out a handful of popcorn.

    "We are blessed with a two-week suspension." Mike remarked, grating the popcorn in his mouth.

    ¡°You''re also spending the rest of the month at home with me,¡± Rachael said with a smile. ¡°But¡­ Why are you eating my popcorn?¡±

    ¡°Just because¡­ It''s delicious by the way. Cut out sugar! Rachael!¡±

    ¡°Mind your business, busy bones!¡±

    Just then, the door creaked and opened, and Stefan came inside, zipping up.

    He looked up, flinching at the sight of Rachael. ¡°Who¡­¡±

    ¡°I''m Rachael. I''m Mike''s younger sister.¡±

    ¡°What!? You''re Rachael? The last time I saw you were...¡± he gestured, trying to envision how short she was the last time they met.

    ¡°Stop with your silly exaggeration, idiot. You''re only two years older than her.¡± Mike cut in.

    ¡°Those two years can never be bought, silly!¡± Stefan retorted.

    ¡°Been a while,¡± Rachael said and waved.

    ¡°Yeah¡­it''s¡­really been a while,¡± Stefan stammered, still surprised.

    With her back propped up on the couch, Rachael continued watching the movie showing on the TV.

    She suddenly turned to Mike. ¡°By the way, I don''t like the book I took last night, I''d probably come to your room to get the one you just finished,¡± she said.

    ¡°No problem!¡± Mike replied and stood up, ¡°Let''s go to my room,¡± he said to Stefan and headed upstairs. Stefan followed, stealing glances at Rachael.

    Stefan''s eyes widened in awe as he stepped into Mike''s room. "Wow, I had no idea you had such a stunning sister!" he exclaimed.

    "Close the door before your words get you into even more trouble,¡± Mike swiftly cautioned and threw himself onto his bed.

    Stefan couldn''t contain his admiration. "She''s absolutely breathtaking!" he said as he slammed the door shut.

    "Yes, people often react that way, it''s a common occurrence,¡± Mike nonchalantly replied.

    "Incredible... she was just a little girl, and now..." Stefan''s words trailed off as he marveled at Mike''s sister''s transformation. His gaze met Mike''s stern expression, and Stefan''s speech faltered.

    Mike rose from the bed, his raised eyebrow and shaking head serving as a warning. "Tread carefully, Stefan. You''re heading for trouble. My sister''s not someone to trifle with ¨C she''s hazardous to your well-being. So save yourself and don''t fall for my sister.¡±

    Stefan began to protest, "I didn''t say I¡ª"

    "Good, just drop it," Mike interrupted.

    ¡°Whatever!¡± Stefan hissed and rolled his eyes, sitting on the chair beside Mike''s bed. His curiosity shifted to the mysterious box on Mike''s closet. "What''s that?"

    Mike shrugged. "Just an old box."

    Stefan stood up and approached the box, intrigued. "What''s inside?" he inquired, inspecting it.

    "Wish I knew. It''s secured with some sort of antiquated lock," Mike admitted.

    "Want me to smash it open?" Stefan proposed and Mike erupted into laughter, clearly amused by Stefan''s suggestion.

    Stefan''s curiosity was piqued. "What''s wrong?" he asked. "Is the box too hard to break open?" he inquired, eyeing the mysterious container.

    Mike''s expression turned serious. "Just make sure you secure life insurance before attempting to break it. You''ll need it, trust me.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because my sister will send you to a peaceful eternal rest. Don''t worry, I''ll be sure to mourn at your funeral, what are friends for?¡± Mike replied, his tone laced with sarcasm.

    Stefan looked perplexed. "Is that meant to have any significance?" he asked incoherently.

    "Never mind. Just remember to steer clear of her. The prettier, the deadlier," Mike advised.

    Stefan''s eyes widened in shock. "Are you intentionally trying to tarnish her reputation?"

    Mike''s gaze locked onto Stefan''s, his sigh heavy with concern. "You''re misunderstanding this entirely. This isn''t good."

    ¡°Why do you want me to distrust your sister so intensely?" Stefan pressed for clarification.

    Mike''s expression turned grave. "You don''t understand me. Why do you think she''s staying home?"

    Stefan''s curiosity deepened. "Why?"

    "Hers was three weeks," Mike revealed.

    Stefan''s eyes widened further. "Suspension? What happened?"

    Mike''s voice dropped to a serious tone. "She threatened to throw a classmate off the junior year three-story building," he replied. "It was a threat in reality, but even threats have their limits."Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    Stefan''s face fell, his voice barely above a whisper. "Dammit..."

    Mike''s expression turned solemn. "Rachael has a volatile temper, like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. When it does, she transforms into a force to be reckoned with ¨C even more intense than Christina. I fear for your safety, Stefan."

    Stefan''s eyes widened in alarm. Mike continued, "She''s unaware of her own fury, so please, don''t remind her. It''s better left unspoken."

    Stefan was disappointed. "Oh my goodness, I think it''s wiser to leave my feelings unrequited,¡± he said in sadness.

    Mike pulled Stefan into a reassuring hug. "Don''t worry, I''ve got your back." He patted Stefan''s back gently and raised the corner of his lip into a sardonic grin.

    Unbeknownst to Stefan, Rachael''s school suspension stemmed from a fierce altercation with a classmate, where she wielded a broken chair, inflicting minor injuries. Not really going as far as to practically toss someone from the building.

    While Rachael''s temper was formidable, Mike''s account was an exaggeration. His motive was clear: preventing potential conflict by keeping Stefan and Rachael apart.

    What if they clashed after starting a relationship?

    Whose side would he take?

    His best friend? Or his sister?

    Though his methods were unorthodox, his intention was to protect Stefan and his sister from potential heartbreak.

    In addition to eliminating future disagreement and heartaches, one issue has been resolved thanks to his exaggeration.

    *****

    Stefan departed as evening descended, leaving Mike alone after an afternoon of Xbox gaming.

    Mike grabbed the second book on his bedside shelf, diving into its contents despite the initial boredom. His rapid reading pace devoured page after page, seeking a thrilling twist. As he turned the pages, a hard object caught his attention, concealed between the next three pages.

    Mike''s eyes widened, his breath caught in surprise as he beheld what was there.

    A golden key lay hidden.

    Mike held the key aloft, inspecting its intricate design.

    "Your parents are back!" Rachael''s contralto voice broke the silence.

    Mike''s thoughts flickered. What did she mean? Weren''t they her parents too?

    Rachael''s quirks often left him perplexed.

    "Okay! I''m coming!" Mike called out.

    He abandoned the mysterious key, rushing downstairs.

    Mr. and Mrs. Smith work in one of the state''s largest companies. Mr Smith was a Marketing director while Mrs Smith, a General manager in the company. Despite their wealth they wanted their children to walk their own ways to their success, rather than having eyes on their parents¡¯ wealth.

    Mike finally descended the stairs and was surprised to find everyone in the dining room, seated. "Welcome, Mom, Dad!" he greeted. "When did you arrive?"

    "About five minutes ago. Come join us," Mr. Smith replied.

    Mike''s eyes narrowed. "How did dinner get prepared so quickly?"

    Mrs. Smith smiled warmly at Rachael. "I have Rachael to thank for relieving me of dinner stress."

    Mike''s gaze shifted to Rachael, incredulous. "Why? Just...why?"

    "Did you threaten her or something, Mom?" he teased.

    Mrs. Smith chuckled. "Of course not!" she replied innocently.

    Mike turned to Rachael, serious. "Are you sick? You never cook voluntarily."

    Rachael savored her pasta, unfazed. "Seems you''re not hungry, judging by your nonsense."

    Mike grinned, joining the meal. As they ate, Mike pondered Rachael''s unusual culinary endeavor.

    Mr. Smith began, "So, Mike, take your two-week suspension as time to recuperate and learn how to avoid your problematic girlf¡ª" His words faltered as Mrs. Smith discreetly nudged his leg under the table, probably to stop him from getting on Mike''s nerves.

    Mike''s eyes met his father''s, sensing the unspoken warning.

    "What he meant was¡­ Don''t cause trouble during your holiday or¡­whatever it''s called, okay?" Mrs. Smith said, seeking Mike''s assurance.

    "Yes, mom!" Mike replied, nodding. He turned to Rachael, who fixed him with an intense stare.

    "What? Why are you staring at me?" he asked.

    Rachael''s voice dripped with sarcasm. "She doesn''t know the kind of son she has. You''ll definitely cause trouble, maybe even bigger."

    Mike''s whisper held a warning. "Shut up if you don''t have a death wish!" His gaze lingered on Rachael.

    Undeterred, Rachael shrugged. "I reserve my comment. I''ll just eat my pasta in peace."

    Their parents remained indifferent to the exchange. After dinner, Mike retreated to his room and collapsed onto his bed.

    Minutes passed before he recalled the earlier mystery.

    He sprang up.

    The book.

    The golden key.

    Mike retrieved both. He inspected it again for a minute and his eyes widened in realization.

    The box!

    Mike rushed to the closet, retrieved the box, and placed it on his bed. He examined it, locating the keyhole. With trembling hands, Mike gently slid the golden key inside. He turned and twisted the key, but the box remained sealed, he tried to open it severally and eventually, the key got stuck.

    Mike''s frustration grew. "Perhaps I was wrong, I just stuck in the wrong key," he conceded, self-doubt creeping in. Defeated, he returned the box to the closet and sat back on his bed.

    Suddenly, just as he sat down a sharp click echoed from the closet. Mike swiveled, his heart racing. The box had opened of its own accord and radiating an intense, ethereal light.

    Cautious, Mike approached the box with slow, deliberate steps. As he drew near, the light flickered and died. "What the...?" he muttered, his voice barely audible. He hesitated, then tapped the box with his index finger, ensuring it was harmless.

    With bated breath, Mike cautiously lifted the box''s lid, revealing a book with a worn, wooden cover. The title, "The Legend of Perebia," was etched in elegant, curved letters.

    As he opened the book, Mike''s astonishment deepened. This was no ordinary book. Its pages lacked a traditional layout, instead featuring a kaleidoscope of characters and symbols from various languages, blurred and clustered together.

    Mike''s eyes widened. "What kind of book is this?" he whispered.

    As he leaned in, the book seemed to sense his proximity, casting a soft, orange glow on his face. The dim light illuminated Mike''s features, highlighting his fascination and trepidation.

    Mike, still startled, tried to pull his head away but couldn''t, his muscles frozen in a state of petrified immobility.

    A piercing, ear-shattering ring assaulted his senses, accompanied by a debilitating headache. It felt as if a thousand wild horses galloped through his mind.

    Memories flashed before his eyes like a frenzied slideshow: childhood laughter, Rachael''s mischievous grin, and cryptic whispers. Followed by screeches, war cries and unfamiliar voices.

    The book''s radiant glow began to fade. As the light dissipated, the mental grip released Mike. Gasping, he flung the book to the floor. "What kind of cursed book is this?" he exclaimed.

    Breathless, he stared at the mysterious tome. Moments passed and the book cover creaked open on it''s own, letters and symbols began to swirl.

    Chaos transformed into order. Intricate symbols began to shift, rearranging themselves. Incomprehensible languages merged into lucid text.

    Mike''s trepidation wrestled with curiosity. Fear urged him to flee, but intrigue anchored him.

    An insatiable hunger to unravel the mystery drove him.

 Here comes trouble

    Minutes ticked by as Mike weighed his options, torn between curiosity and caution. Should he risk approaching the mysterious book again?

    Rachael''s face flashed in his mind, but he hesitated, unwilling to entangle his sister in the unknown danger.

    With hesitant resolve, Mike reached for the book, his fingers trembling. As he touched the pages, a single phrase materialized, crystal clear amidst the chaos:

    "Mike, courage is not the absence of fear, but the will to face and seek knowledge."

    Mike''s heart pounded as he saw his name on the page, he pulled back in fear.

    What secrets lay hidden within these enigmatic pages?

    Would he dare to face what lay within?

    With a resolute breath, Mike steeled himself, he approached the book, his footsteps deliberate. A cautious tap with his index finger ensured the book''s dormancy. Assured of its temporary harmlessness, Mike grasped the book.

    Returning to his bed, he settled in to unravel the enigma. As he flipped, the pages rustled softly.

    Mike''s eyes scanned the text, devouring the secrets within. The words danced before him, revealing an ancient tale:

    ¡°Perebia, a kingdom on planet Noan, one of the rogue planets in the Milky Way galaxy, faces imminent danger. The sealed child has been reborn, carrying his father''s intentions to bring destruction and chaos. The chosen human must decide: fulfill the previous Jyuran''s wish, bringing desolation, or uphold his duty as the kingdom''s legendary protector."

    "Whoa! This explains the commotion earlier," Mike exclaimed, nodding vigorously. Intrigued, he delved back into the book, but suddenly, the pages fluttered on their own, halting at the midpoint.

    A hollowed section revealed a small, black iron container nestled within. Mike''s eyes widened in astonishment. "What is this?" he whispered, his curiosity piqued.

    He carefully extracted the container, its unexpected weight straining his hand. The iron felt cold, dense, and ominously heavy, contradicting its compact size.

    Mike turned the container, studying it from every angle. No visible locks or markings marred its surface. Only an intricate, etched symbol on the lid hinted at its purpose. Mike''s fingers traced the symbol, sensing hidden power within.

    "What secrets do you hold?" he murmured, his heart racing.

    Mike''s trembling hands forced open the container, unleashing a dark vortex from it. The room plunged into darkness, clouding the ceilings and the light bulb, as if night itself had descended. Mike recoiled, gasping for air, his chest heaving.

    The vortex descended, unblocking the light. It coalesced into a shadowy entity and stood in front of Mike, its presence suffocating.

    "Wh...wh...who are you?" Mike stammered, paralyzed with fear.

    The entity dissipated, reforming into a dark aura. It surged into Mike''s nostrils, searing his senses. Mike''s silent scream was trapped in his throat.

    He noticed a strange reflection on the mirror and turned to look. A menacing creature stared back.

    Enormous wings spread wide.

    Glowing eyes burned with malevolent intent.

    Mike''s terror overwhelmed him. He felt himself crashing to the ground, his consciousness slipping away.

    Everything went black.

    *****

    At Valentina''s house, Mrs. Edwards entered the room with a stern expression. "Tina, what transpired in this house while your father and I were away on our business trip?" she demanded.

    Tina, lounging on her bed with her laptop, shifted uncomfortably, avoiding direct eye contact. Her eyes darted around the room before focusing on her laptop screen.

    "Nothing happened, except... I hosted my..." Tina hesitated.

    Mrs. Edwards''s eyes narrowed. "Your what?" she pressed.

    Tina''s voice trailed off. "My... birthday party. Mom, I told you about this."

    Mrs. Edwards''s face contorted in shock. "What?! You threw a party without our permission?" she squealed, her voice echoing through the room.

    Tina''s concern grew. "Is something wrong, Mom? You''re scaring me. Please tell me, have I done something wrong?"

    Mrs. Edwards''s expression turned grave. "This conversation must remain between us, Tina. Do not mention the birthday party to your father."If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Tina''s anxiety escalated. "You''re really frightening me, Mom! At least give me a hint. Have I done something wrong?"

    Mrs. Edwards''s voice dropped to a whisper. "The mysterious box passed down from your grandfather to your father is missing. That''s all I can say for now."

    Tina''s eyes widened, sensing the gravity of the situation.

    "Go downstairs and meet your father," Mrs. Edwards instructed. "He''s extremely anxious and agitated. Be cautious not to exacerbate the situation."

    Tina nodded, her heart racing with anticipation and worry. She slowly closed her laptop and swung her legs over the side of the bed, her eyes fixed on her mother''s tense face.

    She descended the stairs with a sigh, her mother following closely behind, her expression hinting at a brewing storm. As Tina reached the bottom step, her father, Jake Edwards, immediately confronted her.

    "Tina, did you invite friends over while your mother and I were away?" he asked, his tone direct and accusatory.

    Tina hesitated, unsure how to respond without revealing the party. "I... um... I..." she stammered, her eyes darting between her parents.

    Jake''s expression turned grave. "A priceless box has gone missing. It contained a novel, a book that must never be opened."

    Tina''s brow furrowed. "I saw the box; it''s old and rare. But I swear, I didn''t open it."

    Jake''s tone remained unnerving. "It''s not something anyone can open, Tina. Someone entered our home while I was away, didn''t they?"

    "Perhaps explaining what''s inside the box will jog her memory,¡± Mrs. Edwards intervened, her voice measured.

    Jake nodded and gestured for Tina to sit beside him on the couch. "Come here, Tina. Sit with me."

    Tina obeyed, her heart racing with anticipation and concern. Her father''s intense gaze made her squirm.

    "Let''s get to the bottom of this," Jake said, his voice low and serious. "The box holds a secret, one that could put us all in danger if it falls into the wrong hands."

    Tina''s eyes widened, her mind racing with questions. What secrets lay hidden in the mysterious box?

    Jake''s eyes locked onto Tina''s, his voice filled with gravity. "Our family''s history is intertwined with an ancient debt. 500 years ago, an Anthropter, a being from the distant planet of Noan, saved my ancestor''s life. This selfless act earned our family the sacred responsibility of guarding the mysterious box."

    Tina''s curiosity piqued, she leaned in, her eyes fixed on her father.

    "The box contains a single, ominous item: a book encasing a small container. Within that container lies a power known as the Krara ¨C a weapon of mass destruction," Jake revealed, his tone solemn.

    "The Krara''s origin is rooted in Perebia, where half-human, half-bat creatures, the Anthropters, inhabit. A chosen Anthropter, once sworn to protect the kingdom, was consumed by revenge and resentment toward the throne. He abandoned his duty, seeking to annihilate those he vowed to safeguard."

    Jake''s gaze intensified. "Though the corrupted protector was slain, his dying emotions tainted the Krara. The power became cursed, doomed to repeat the destructive path of its former wielder. No successor could overcome the lingering resentment, ensuring the Krara''s malevolent legacy."

    "The Krara was sealed away and brought into our planet as Perebia offered no safe haven. Our ancestors have safeguarded it ever since, preventing its destructive power from unleashing chaos." Jake''s voice dropped to a whisper. "Now, the box is missing, and with it, the Krara''s dark potential. We must find it before it find a host, Tina. Our family''s legacy, and the fate of our world, depend on it."

    "Tina, think carefully," Jake urged, his eyes burning with intensity. "What happened in the secret study while I was away on business? The books I meticulously arranged on that shelf are now scattered and disorganized. How did this happen?"

    Tina hesitated before responding. "It wasn''t anyone''s fault, Dad. The shelf just fell on its own."

    Jake''s skepticism was palpable. "That''s unlikely. I need the truth."

    Tina took a deep breath. "Okay, fine. My friends and I were passing by, and we heard a loud thud. We went in to investigate and found the books and shelf on the floor. We picked them up and left. I promise we didn''t take anything."

    Jake''s gaze narrowed. "Who were these friends of yours?"

    Tina glanced at her mom, seeking reassurance, but Mrs. Edwards quickly looked away, avoiding eye contact.

    "My friends from school," Tina replied, her voice steady. "They helped me put the shelf back up and rearrange the books. They''re innocent, Dad. They didn''t take anything."

    ¡°You expect me to believe that?" Jake said through gritted teeth, his shaking legs betrayed his growing anxiety. "If no one else entered the room besides your friends," Jake pressed on, "then who do you think could have taken the box?"

    The air was thick with tension as Tina struggled to find a convincing answer. Her father''s accusing gaze weighed heavily upon her. Tina''s eyes widened as a sudden realization dawned on her. "Rachael! I remember seeing her leave the room, but she didn''t have anything with her."

    Jake''s face darkened. "She''s the one. I''m certain of it. Take me to her house, now!"

    "Absolutely not! You can''t accuse her without concrete evidence," Mrs. Edwards intervened, her voice firm.

    Jake''s anger simmered. "I have proof. She entered a room uninvited ¨C that''s housebreaking. That''s enough to hold her accountable."

    "Merely entering the house doesn''t imply guilt. She''s Tina''s friend; she likely came to visit, not steal," Mrs. Edwards countered.

    ¡°Dad, she was just looking for the bathroom. I don''t think she meant to take anything, especially a box she knew nothing about,¡± Tina defended Rachael. "Rachael''s been my friend and schoolmate for over a year, she''s not a thief."

    "You said earlier the box can''t be opened by just anyone. Whoever took it will find it useless," Mrs. Edwards added.

    "The book containing the box''s key has also vanished," Jake stated, concerned. "Is that merely a coincidence?"

    Jake''s expression turned grim. "The thief will eventually be revealed, but by then, I''m afraid it might be too late."

    Tina''s curiosity deepened. "So, the thief might actually harness the power?"

    Mr. Edwards shook his head, his face etched with fear. "Or perhaps not. The power within the box is selective ¨C it chooses its wielder. The Krara is unpredictable. It selects those it deems worthy, regardless of intention," he replied.

    With a heavy sigh, he rose from his seat and ascended the stairs, his footsteps echoing through the silent house. Tina watched her father disappear into the shadows, her mind racing with questions.

    Who was the thief?

    Would they be able to wield the Krara?

    The tension-filled room fell silent, as the Edwards family grappled with the mystery and uncertainty surrounding the missing box.

 I cant see!!!

    Thursday morning began with Rachael''s heavy footsteps clattering down the stairs. As she reached the bottom, she turned to her mom and sighed.

    "I''ve been trying to reach him, but he''s not answering. I''ve knocked on his door multiple times, and all I got was silence," she said.

    ¡°He must have gone out already,¡± Mr. Smith replied, glancing at his watch. "But isn''t it a bit early for that?"

    Rachael shook her head. "His door is locked from the inside, so he''s definitely still inside," she replied. ¡°Is he going to tell me he didn''t hear me knock?¡±

    Mr. Smith furrowed his brow. "That''s odd. I called his name and knocked, but he didn''t respond."

    "Maybe he''s just sleeping in, or using his earpiece. He''s on suspension, after all. Let him rest," Mrs. Smith intervened, adjusting her handbag on her shoulder.

    With that reassurance, Mr. and Mrs. Smith bid their goodbyes and headed to work. Their departure was swiftly followed by Stefan''s arrival. He knocked on the door, and Rachael answered, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.

    "Good morning," Stefan said, stepping inside. His eyes scanned the room. "Where''s¡­?"

    ¡°He''s still in bed. I have no idea what''s going on; he hasn''t come out,¡± Rachael replied before he could finish his question.

    Stefan''s brow arched in surprise. "At this hour? That''s unusual. He''s always up and about by now."

    Rachael nodded. "I know, it''s strange. This rarely happen."

    Stefan''s intrigue grew. "Strange indeed. Come on, let''s go wake up the sleeping giant, shall we?¡±

    "I''ve knocked multiple times, but he''s not responding," Rachael said, heading towards the couch in the sitting room, her concern growing. "His door is also locked; we can''t get in."

    Stefan''s concern escalated. "Then we break the damn door!" he exclaimed.

    Rachael spun around, her eyes flashing with displeasure. "No one is breaking anything here!" she warned firmly.

    Stefan backpedaled, hands raised in surrender. "I didn''t mean it, really. No need to glare at me."

    Rachael''s expression softened. "I apologize for yelling. Let''s try again." She approached Stefan. "Maybe he''ll open up if he hears your voice," she suggested and led him upstairs.

    Together, they approached Mike''s room. "Mike! It''s Stefan, open the door," Stefan called out.

    When Mike didn''t respond, Stefan''s tone turned urgent. "Mike! Open this door! What''s going on in there? It''s after eight, buddy!"

    The silence was deafening. Stefan''s unease intensified. "Take me to his window; something''s off."

    Rachael swiftly led him to the back of the house, pointing out Mike''s window. "That''s it."

    Stefan''s eyes locked onto the window and nodded. ¡°Give me some minutes,¡± he said, and with agile precision, he scaled the rugged, stone-textured wall of the house, its rough-hewn surface providing ample hand and footholds for his swift ascent.

    Within minutes, he reached the expansive, sliding glass window of Mike''s room, its sleek, modern design featuring a smooth, unobstructed glide that allowed it to be effortlessly pushed aside, granting Stefan unhindered access.

    Luckily, the window wasn''t locked. Stefan slid-opened the window and entered, then looked down to see Rachael but she wasn''t there anymore.

    "Open the door, lizard!" Rachael''s muffled voice came with a continuous knock.

    Stefan scoffed and opened the door for her. He turned back to see Mike lying motionless on the floor.

    "What the hell is going on with him?" Stefan wondered, concern etched on his face.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    Rachael came in and saw Mike on the floor, she rushed to his side, kneeling beside him. "Mike, wake up! What''s wrong?" She tapped his leg, but Mike remained unresponsive.

    ¡°Mike!"Stefan shouted, hoping to rouse him, but the silence remained the same. When Mike didn''t stir, he hastily knelt beside Rachael, placing his ear on Mike''s chest to check his heartbeat.

    "Stop being dramatic, he''s alive," Rachael said, rolling her eyes. But Stefan''s expression transformed from concern to alarm. He lifted his head, jaw slack, eyes wide with unease.

    Rachael sensed something was amiss. "What''s wrong?" she pressed.

    Stefan struggled to articulate his thoughts. "Him... something''s off... his heartbeat... it''s not right."

    Rachael''s patience wore thin. "Snap out of it, Stefan! Explain!"

    But Stefan remained transfixed, staring at Mike''s motionless form. "His heartbeat," he muttered, "it''s... different."

    "What do you mean?" Rachael grumbled.

    ¡°I don''t know, but something''s seriously wrong,¡± Stefan replied, his gaze lingering on Mike, his face pale.

    Rachael pressed her ear against Mike''s chest, verifying Stefan''s concerns. Her eyes widened as she listened. "Mike! Mike! Wake up!" she exclaimed, shaking him vigorously.

    Stefan''s thoughts spiraled. "His heartbeat''s irregular... only animals hibernate, not humans. It''s impossible."

    Rachael''s panic intensified. "No, no, no! We must have misheard. A human heart can''t beat less than ten times a minute!"

    "Call 911, now!" Rachael shouted, interrupting Stefan''s musings

    Stefan snapped back to reality. "Good idea, but I don''t have my phone." His gaze fell upon a book on the floor. He picked it up, scanning pages frantically.

    "He must have collapsed while reading this... but what the fuck...?!" Stefan''s voice trailed off, dumbfounded.

    "Rachael snatched the book and riffled through the pages, furrowing her eyebrows as she found the book empty - no writing, not even a dot of ink.

    "There''s nothing written here!" she exclaimed, sniffing in disgust, and threw the book to the ground.

    Mike''s eyes fluttered open, his gaze unfocused. His chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, and his skin felt cold to the touch. Rachael and Stefan exchanged worried glances.

    "Mike, can you hear me?" Rachael asked.

    Mike''s lips moved, but no sound emerged. He tried again, his voice barely above a whisper.

    "Where...where am I?"

    He rose up to sit, his eyes flickering. "Why is it so dark here?"

    Rachael and Stefan exchanged bewildered glances again, then turned back to Mike, trying to unravel the enigma surrounding him. "Are you serious?" Rachael asked. "You''re complaining about darkness when it''s already morning?"

    Mike''s voice trembled. "Morning?! But why can''t I see a damn thing? It''s pitch black!"

    Rachael''s frustration boiled over. "That''s because you''re just closing your eyes, idiot!" she yelled.

    Was I?" Mike whispered in uncertainty. He opened his eyes, hope flickering across his face. But his expression crumpled. "I still can''t see! Something''s wrong with my eyes!"

    Rachael''s exasperation turned to dismay. "Unbelievable! Minutes ago, you were kind of¡­ hibernating, unresponsive, and now you wake up on your own, claiming blindness with your eyes wide open? What''s going on, Mike?"

    ¡°I''m telling you, I can''t see! Please, help me!" Mike said, tears flowing down his face.

    "But you''re looking right at me. Are you sure you really can''t see?"

    ¡°Are you fucking with me? Of course I can''t see anything!"

    Rachael''s anger dissolved, replaced by concern. Her eyes filled with empathy as she tried to grasp the depth of Mike''s terror. Stefan''s grip on Mike''s shoulder tightened. "We''ll figure this out, buddy. You''re not alone."

    Rachael and Stefan stepped away from Mike to discuss the next step. As they struggled to comprehend Mike''s mysterious affliction, an unsettling question lingered: What if Mike has really gone blind?

    What do you think is going on with him?" Stefan whispered to Rachael, his brow furrowed.

    "I don''t know, but I don''t like it," Rachael replied, her voice barely audible.

    "I say we take him to the hospital," Stefan said. "This is insane and beyond our knowledge."

    "Good idea, we need to get him to a hospital, now," Rachael agreed, her voice firm. "But what if it''s not just a medical issue? What if it''s something more... supernatural?"

    Her gaze fixed on the mysterious book lying open on the floor and she felt a shiver run down her spine. "What''s this book''s connection to Mike''s condition?" she wondered.

    Stefan followed her gaze, his expression grim.

    Rachael rushed to the bed, her heart racing. She grabbed Mike''s phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed the numbers, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

    "This is seriously messed up. We''re in deep trouble."

    "Yeah, really big one."

    "What are you chatting about? I said I can''t see!!!"

 Beyond imagination

    Mike''s arrival at the hospital sparked a flurry of activity among the doctors, who were astonished by the unusual nature of his condition.

    His presence alone caused a stir, as medical professionals from various departments gathered to confer on the extraordinary case, baffled by the symptoms and eager to determine the cause of his mysterious illness.

    Dr. Scott''s eyes widened in astonishment as he removed his glasses to examine the diagram of Mike''s eyes more closely. "This is utterly astonishing," he exclaimed. "In my entire medical career, I''ve never encountered anything remotely like this."

    "Where is my son? I must be reunited with him at once!" a visibly distraught Mrs. Smith demanded in the corridor next to the room the doctors were gathered.

    "I understand your concern, ma''am, but I must assure you that your son is currently receiving the medical attention he requires. Please, for his sake, allow us the necessary time and space to thoroughly diagnose and address his condition without any distractions or interruptions," the nurse, with a calming demeanor, responded.

    Dr. Tom, the head doctor, probably in his late sixty, rose up from his seat and approached the door, intent on investigating the commotion outside.

    Upon opening it, he was met with a heated exchange between a middle-aged woman with a long black hair, and one of the nurses.

    "What''s the meaning of this?" he asked, his gaze fixed sternly on the nurse.

    "She was requesting to see her ¡­"

    "I must see my son, Mike, right now!" Mrs. Smith interrupted, her voice trembling with anxiety and urgency.

    With a sympathetic sigh, Dr. Tom nodded and acquiesced, "Very well, let''s not keep a concerned mother in suspense any longer."

    He beckoned Mrs. Smith to follow him as he proceeded past the door and down the corridor, his strides purposeful. Halting in front of a door adorned with his name in bold letters, he pushed it open and stepped aside, inviting Mrs. Smith to enter.

    "I daresay, my son is indeed within," Mrs. Smith ventured as she stepped across the threshold, Dr. Tom following closely behind.

    "I''ve asked you to join me here, Mrs. Smith, not to visit your son in person, but to discuss our concerns and thoroughly inform you about his condition," Dr. Tom explained, motioning for her to take a seat.

    He retrieved a photograph from his desk and approached her, now seated.

    "This image depicts the anatomy of your son''s eyes," he began, using his pen to highlight a specific area. "The optic nerve plays a crucial role in transmitting visual data from the retina to the brain." He paused, his expression tinged with perplexity.

    "However, what we''re seeing here is quite unusual, and I must admit, I''m struggling to comprehend the implications..."

    Mrs. Smith''s anxiety grew, prompting her to interrupt, "Please, Doctor, explain it in a way I can understand. You''re alarming me."

    "Shall we proceed to see your son first?" Dr. Tom suggested, leading the way to the door. He opened it and gestured for Mrs. Smith to exit first.

    As they emerged, they spotted Mr. Smith stepping out of the elevator a short distance down the hallway. Catching sight of his wife, he hastened towards her with a look of concern on his face.

    "Have you seen him? Is he doing alright?" he asked, his voice trembling.

    "Actually Mr¡­err¡­ Smith, we''re on our way to his ward now, you should join us too," Dr. Tom said and advanced towards the direction Mr. Smith came.

    Mr. Smith put a consoling hand on his wife, telling her all will be fine as they followed Dr. Tom down the corridor.

    Dr. Tom finally halted in front of the office from which he had earlier emerged, pushed open the door, and stepped inside.

    Mike''s parents trailed behind him, entering a spacious room filled with a multitude of doctors, all intently focused on a large screen at the front of the room.

    The same diagram of Mike''s eyes that Dr. Tom had previously shown Mrs. Smith was now projected on the screen, prompting a panicked whisper from Mrs. Smith: "Oh my God!"

    Dr. Tom''s voice cut through the tension, urging Mike''s parents to follow him, and they complied, leaving behind the area of the room filled with doctors engrossed in the enigmatic image.

    As they proceeded, they approached a door at one corner of the room, leading to another corridor, which featured three doors on each side of the wall, clearly accessing patient wards.

    Beside one of the entrances, Rachael and Stefan sat on a long bench, their faces casted downward in panic. Upon seeing Mr. and Mrs. Smith approaching, they rose to their feet. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    "Mom, what should we do now? He''s completely blind; what are we going to do?" Rachael, with tears streaming down her face, implored her mother. Mrs. Smith enveloped her in a comforting embrace, offering solace.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Tom made his way to the door beside them, opened it, and waited patiently beside it, allowing Mike''s parents to finish their emotional exchange before entering the room.

    A heart-wrenching scene unfolded as Mr. Smith gently tapped his wife''s shoulder, urging her to leave Rachael''s side and join Dr. Tom. "Let''s go, darling, he''s waiting for us," he whispered.

    Mrs. Smith reluctantly pulled away from her tearful daughter and followed Dr. Tom through the door he held open. Mr. Smith trailed behind, his eyes brimming with unshed tears.

    As they entered the room, Mike lay before them, his eyes vacant and unseeing.

    "Mike!?" Mrs. Smith called out, her voice hoarse. "My son!"

    "Mom! Mom, I can''t see!" Mike responded with a despairing cry.

    Mr. Smith''s words faltered as he struggled to contain his emotions, "But you''re staring at us right now, how...".

    "I just followed the direction your voices came from, I really can''t see anything." Mike''s anguished reply cut him off.

    Mrs. Smith enveloped Mike in a warm, comforting embrace, her own tears flowing freely. "Don''t worry, my love, everything will be fine soon. All the doctors are working tirelessly to find a solution to your sight loss."

    Dr. Tom''s gentle voice interrupted the emotional moment, "Can I have a word with you, Mr. Smith?" He motioned for Mr. Smith to follow him.

    "I''m going as well, I need to know everything about my son," Mrs. Smith declared. "I''ll be right back my love," she said to Mike, kissed him on his forehead and followed Dr. Tom and her husband out.

    "Stay with your brother and keep him company till we come back," Mrs. Smith instructed Rachael as they exited the room.

    Rachael nodded, and once her parents were gone, she entered Mike''s ward. "Tell me exactly what happened last night. Did something happen to you that we should be aware of?" she demanded.

    Mike''s brow furrowed in concentration as he struggled to recall the events of the previous night, but his efforts were futile. "All I remembered was reading a book in the box and I fell down and¡­"

    "There''s nothing written in the book, it was lying down beside you, empty when we found you," Stefan interrupted , his eyes narrowed and his mind racing with possibilities. "Something''s not right. Maybe there''s another book we missed."

    "No no no - the book has an interesting story inside, I read it for some time and ¡­"

    "And what?" both Stefan and Rachael asked in tandem.

    "I can''t remember," Mike admitted, his frustration palpable.

    Rachael''s gaze drifted to the floor as she sat down beside him on the bed. "The only book we found was empty, not a single mark or dot of ink."

    Mike''s eyes closed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Does the book have a woody cover and a strange, inexplicable smell?"

    Rachael''s eyes widened. "Dammit, that''s right! That''s the book!"

    Stefan''s expression turned thoughtful. "This is getting insane. How could the book be empty now when Mike said he read from it last night?" He paused, his eyes locked on some distant point. "A book whose contents disappear when it is read, and a sight loss encounter. There''s something mysterious at play here, something we need to uncover."

    "Yes, it''s really beyond imagination," Rachael said, her expression grim. Mike''s claim had sparked a trail of questions, each one leading to more bafflement.

    Just then, Dr. Tom entered with three other doctors, interrupting the trio''s conversation. "You''ll need to excuse us, guys," he requested, his tone polite but firm.

    Rachael and Stefan reluctantly rose from their seats, making their way to the exit. As they stepped outside, they spotted Mr. and Mrs. Smith sitting on a bench beside the entrance, Mrs. Smith''s head resting on her husband''s shoulder.

    Perhaps, like them, they had been asked to wait outside while Mike underwent further observation.

    Following an unfruitful period of observation, the doctors recoiled, perplexed. "This defies all logic!" Dr. Kent exclaimed.

    Just then, the nurse who had earlier engaged in a hushed conversation with Mrs. Smith poked her head into the room. "Dr. Philip has arrived!" she announced, her words sparking a ripple of murmurs among the doctors, with some voicing their surprise at Dr. Philip''s unexpected presence.

    "What brings him here?"

    "Of all people, Dr. Philip?!"

    "He is a medical professional, after all." Dr. Tom intervened, attempting to defuse the murmur.

    "Yes, a veterinarian." Dr. Stiles snorted in derision.

    Dr. Tom''s expression remained resolute. "Admit him. We require all the expertise we can garner." he said to the nurse, who pulled away her head and closed the door.

    Few seconds later the door creaked open, and a man in his fifties entered, his eyes scanning the room as he greeted the assembled doctors.

    He approached Mike''s bedside, his gaze fixed intently on the young patient''s eyes. Producing a small torch, he began a meticulous examination, his movements deliberate and precise.

    After a brief pause, Dr. Philip exhaled a sigh of incredulity. "This is utterly unfathomable," he declared. "These eyes are not human; they''re more akin to those of an animal."

    "That''s absurd! Animal eyes in a human head? How can that be?" Dr. Kent frowned.

    "Please, Dr. Philip, clarify your statement. Help us understand." Dr. Tom intervened.

    "The retinas are indeed human, but the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain, is animalistic in nature." Dr. Philip elaborated.

    "I knew this would be a debacle. An animal doctor examining a human? It''s preposterous!" Dr. Stiles sneered.

    Dr. Philip attempted to reason with the doctors, "I understand this is unprecedented, even for me, a veterinarian with years of experience. But I assure you, I''ve never witnessed anything like this." However, his words were met with an outbreak of murmurs and gasps.

    "Silence!" Dr. Tom''s authoritative voice cut through the commotion. He turned to Dr. Philip, his expression solemn. "Are you certain about this? Animal optic nerves merged with human eyes?"

    Dr. Philip nodded resolutely. "Yes, similar nerves are found in animals like rats or..."

    "Better don''t say this to his parents, or we''re all going to be in hot soup," Dr. Walsh said, his concern was evident, leading again into an uproar.

 The Chosen one

    "I''m afraid you''ll need to leave your son in our care and return tomorrow. We require uninterrupted time to conduct a series of observations and tests." Dr. Tom addressed Mr. and Mrs. Smith with a firm yet empathetic tone as he emerged from Mike''s ward.

    "I refuse to leave my son unattended. I''ll stay with him until tomorrow." Mrs. Smith''s response was resolute and unwavering. However, Dr. Tom''s expression remained calm. "Yourself presence would hinder our ability to perform our duties effectively. We cannot have you monitoring our work."

    Undeterred, Mrs. Smith rose from her seat, her eyes fixed on the doctors exiting Mike''s ward. She approached the door, intent on entering.

    "If you cannot trust us with your son''s care, I suggest seeking alternative medical facilities,¡± Dr. Tom said, his words halting Mrs. Smith''s progress.

    "I won''t leave my son alone. He''s my only son; you can''t expect me to abandon him." Mrs. Smith said, her voice cracked with emotion.

    "Dr. Tom, please reconsider. Can''t one of us stay with him?" Mr. Smith intervened in conciliatory

    Dr. Tom''s expression remained resolute, his head shaking in disapproval. His reason, though unspoken, was clear: the presence of a family member would jeopardize the secrecy surrounding Dr. Philip''s astonishing claim about Mike''s condition.

    Rachael, eager to intercede, was silenced by Mrs. Smith''s warning glance. In frustration, she stormed out of the corridor, followed by Stefan.

    With no alternative, Mr. Smith gently guided his distraught wife out of the hospital, leaving Mike in the care of the medical team.

    As Rachael and Stefan exited the hospital, Stefan turned to Rachael, his brows arched in curiosity. "There''s something definitely strange about the book in the box. I know it! Where did you get it?¡±

    "I don''t know," she replied curtly, her gaze fixed on the ground as they walked toward the nearby bus station.

    Stefan''s gaze locked onto hers, his expression incredulous. "Come on, Rachy, don''t play dumb. You mean the opposite, don''t you? There''s no way you wouldn''t know anything about the box."

    Rachael was silent, her eyes remained fixed on the ground, clearly avoiding Stefan''s probing gaze.

    "I remember Mike telling me not to annoy you by breaking it," Stefan pressed on. "Tell me sincerely, where did you get it?"

    ¡°It''s none of your concern!¡± Rachael replied harshly, her words filled with a warning. ¡°Just forget it, okay?¡±

    Stefan''s eyes widened in shock. "Just forget about it? Seriously?!" He took a step closer. "I''m Mike''s best friend, Rachael. I deserve to know everything that happened."

    "No, you don''t. You''re his best friend, not mine,¡± Rachael replied,she glanced at Stefan, her eyes flashing with defiance.

    The tension between them was obvious. Stefan''s gaze lingered on Rachael''s face, his eyes searching for answers.

    "You''re going to regret not telling me," he snapped, turned around and stormed off.

    Rachael watched as he disappeared into the crowd and she let out a deep sigh of relief. "Urhhh! That was close," she muttered under her breath. "I''m sorry, Stefan, but I can''t bring myself to tell you we stole the box from one of our schoolmate¡¯s houses." The weight of her secret settled heavy on her shoulders as she boarded the bus and headed home.

    Stefan, meanwhile, grumbled to himself as he boarded a bus to his house. "She''s just as Mike told me ¨C she''s crazy." His eyes gazed out the window, his mind replaying the conversation. "I know there''s more to it, Rachael. And I''ll find out."

    As he got home he trudged through the front door, his mind racing with frustration and confusion. "How could she keep something so significant from me?" he wondered, his thoughts swirling in a vortex of uncertainty. "Doesn''t she trust me? Why is the book empty anyway?" The questions swirled in his head like a relentless storm.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    Just as he was about to collapse onto the couch, his mother''s voice pierced the air, "Stefan!" Mrs. Haysbert''s eyes narrowed slightly as she took in her son''s troubled expression. "Why are you returning home so late with a mind so clearly unsettled? What''s bothering you, Stefan?"

    Stefan''s emotions boiled over, and he flung himself into his mother''s embrace, tears of frustration welling up in his eyes. "Mom, I don''t know what to do," he cried, his voice cracking with desperation. "I want to help, but I don''t know how. He''s...he''s..."

    Mrs. Haysbert''s arms enveloped him in a warm, comforting hug. "It''s okay, my dear," she soothed, her voice a gentle balm to his frazzled nerves. "It''s okay my dear, there''s always something you can do. Just give it more thought and you''re gonna figure it out. You''re not alone in this." Her fingers stroked his hair, a calming gesture that slowly began to still the turbulent waters of hisThe mind.

    ***

    At 7 pm, Dr. Tom entered Mike''s ward for a final examination before concluding his day. "How do you feel?" he inquired, his eyes scrutinizing Mike''s as he shone a light into them.

    "I feel like I''m drowning in darkness, alone and terrified. This is a new level of fear for me," Mike replied, his replied in desperation, his voice cracking as tears streamed down his face.

    Dr. Tom''s expression empathized with Mike''s distress.

    "Is there really nothing you can do to help me?" Mike pleaded, his voice trembling.

    Dr. Tom''s sigh conveyed his own frustration. "Let''s hold onto hope. We need to identify the root of the problem before we can determine a solution." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "For now, rest and try to dispel these negative emotions. We''ll start anew tomorrow, so don''t lose faith in regaining your sight just yet, okay?"

    Mike nodded, but his expression betrayed his despair. His eyes remained wide open, vacant, and haunting, reflecting the depth of his sadness and disappointment.

    *****

    In the depths of a dark cave, Djumara, a towering figure with an imposing presence, stood vigilant. His bald head, long pointed ears, and muscular physique were silhouetted against the vibrant orange sky, which cast an otherworldly glow on the mountains beyond. His demonic eyes, aglow with an ethereal light, blinked with anticipation as he gazed out into the distance.

    "He''s alive! The Chosen One, the Jyuran, has finally emerged!" Djumara exclaimed, his voice echoing through the cavernous space. A hint of a smile played on his lips as he turned to face the shadows. "The one we''ve awaited for centuries, the key to our liberation, has finally been chosen."

    "Many believe the Jyuran to be mere myth, a relic of a bygone era," a feminine voice emerged from the darkness.

    "I have foreseen him, my daughter. He lives, and I must find him before Dahra do. Our last hope for freedom hangs on his shoulders." Djuma responded.

    Djumara''s daughter stepped forward, her concern palpable. "The kingdom is a fortress, its security impenetrable. Life within its walls is a mere existence, not truly living. How do you plan to breach its defenses and find the Jyuran?" she asked. "If we''re caught, all hope is lost. No freedom, no mercy. Our mission to find the Jyuran will be doomed.¡± Her eyes scanning the cave entrance as if anticipating potential dangers.

    Djumara turned to face his daughter, his expression firm but gentle. ¡°What do you mean by ¡®we¡¯? This is my duty, Miram. Mine alone.¡±

    Miram bristled at her father''s words. ¡°You''re always pushing me away, keeping me trapped in this cave!"

    ¡°You''re too young, too vulnerable. I won''t risk losing you." Djuma replied and proceeded towards the entrance.

    Miram''s frustration boiled over. "You can''t keep me prisoner forever! I''m a witch, just like you. I can protect myself."

    Djumara''s eyes filled with a deep concern, he turned around to face his daughter. "You''re still underage, Miram. Your powers are raw, untested. You can''t face Dahra''s minions alone. You won''t survive."

    Miram''s wings fluttered wildly as she flapped them in agitation. "I''ll be an adult in less than four months! Can''t you just trust me?"

    Djumara shook his head. "We''re the last witches on this planet, Miram. Our survival depends on caution. Wait until you''re of age, until your powers are fully yours to command. Then you''ll be ready to face whatever dangers lie outside."

    Miram''s sigh echoed through the cave, a mixture of disappointment and frustration. She vanished into the darkness, her wings beating fiercely.

    Djumara''s expression turned unwavering, his eyes burning with determination. His thoughts focused on the mission ahead. "I will not be swayed. I will find and protect the Jyuran, no matter the cost.¡±

    "Dahra, your reign of terror will soon be broken. I vow to retrieve your father, the legendary Kingdom Protector, and restore him to his rightful role, thereby shattering the darkness that has consumed our world and reviving the safety and security that once flourished under his watchful guardianship. With his return, our world will be reborn, freed from the shadows of fear and oppression."

 My sight is back!

    As night descended, the hospital grew quiet, with most doctors, including the head doctor, Dr. Tom, heading home. Mike lay alone in his bed, his eyes wide open but unseeing, his mind racing with thoughts.

    A nurse entered his room, breaking the silence. "Do you need anything?" She asked after inspecting his condition.

    "Yes, I need my sight back!" Mike said.

    ¡°That''s not what I meant,¡± The nurse, taken aback, tried to clarify, but Mike''s frustration boiled over.

    "If you can''t restore my sight, I don''t want anything from you!" he shouted, tears streaming down his face.

    The nurse stood stunned, her mouth agape, but no words came out. She gathered her file and stepped back. ¡°Relax for now, you will be attended to tomorrow morning,¡± she said, and when she reached the door she switched off the light, plunging Mike into darkness. She exited the room and closed the door behind her.

    Mike closed his eyes, surrendering to his thoughts once more.

    "Will I truly spend the rest of my life in blindness?"

    "How will my family cope with this?"

    "Will Stefan still want to be friends with a blind person?"

    "How will my classmates react when they see me like this? Will Laura mock me, and will Christina join in?"

    The relentless stream of questions brought forth a fresh wave of tears, as Mike''s despair seemed to know no bounds.

    Suddenly, his body contorted in agony as a searing pain ravaged him. His screams echoed through the room, summoning a team of nurses who rushed to his side.

    "What''s happening? How are you feeling?" the earlier nurse asked, her face furrowed with concern.

    "Something''s moving inside me! It''s excruciating!" Mike replied, his voice heavy with anguish. He thrashed about, drenched in sweat. "Get it out of me, please!"

    Three doctors hastened into the room, lifting Mike back onto the bed. One of them conducted a hasty examination, listening to his internal organs with a stethoscope. After a moment, he shook his head. "I can''t find anything wrong with him."

    But Mike''s torment intensified. He felt an eerie movement in his stomach, as if something was splitting and spreading to his extremities ¨C hands, legs, spine, and head.

    He clutched his eyes as a throbbing pain assaulted him. The medical team scrambled to assist him, baffled by his inexplicable suffering.

    As the pain finally subsided, Mike lay calm and still. The doctors and nurses exhaled a collective sigh of relief, preparing to exit the room. But Mike''s voice halted them.

    "Please, switch off the light. It hurts,¡± he said, turning his head to the side, clearly avoiding the light.

    The nurses¡¯ eyes widened in astonishment. "You can see!?" One of them exclaimed.

    Dr. Kent''s curiosity was piqued. "You can actually perceive the light?" He asked as he approached him.

    Dr. Stiles flashed a small torch in Mike''s eyes, but he recoiled, covering his eyes in pain. "What''s that thing? My eyes are burning!"

    The doctors'' faces fell, their hopes dashed. They had thought Mike''s sight was returning, but even light had become his enemy. With disappointment visible on their faces, they exited the room.

    Mike''s mind reeled in confusion, struggling to comprehend the sudden transformation within him. The unfathomable pain he endured had altered something fundamental, accompanied by a persistent, indistinct hum echoing in his mind.

    He cautiously turned towards the light bulb, but the intense pain that pierced his eyes forced him to recoil, biting back a scream.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Desperate for clarity, Mike turned towards the room, attempting to focus on his surroundings. However, everything appears distorted and blurry, as if viewed through smudged glasses. Frustration and despair washed over him as he wiped away tears and clenched his eyes shut, defeated.

    A few minutes later, a familiar sound behind him broke into Mike''s thoughts. He lifted his head and opened his eyes to investigate, and everything around him transformed into a surreal scene.

    The room was bathed in an eerie, unfamiliar color, leaving him bewildered. He gasped softly, closed his eyes, and reopened them to confirm if the vision was real, only to be met with more perplexity.

    "Can I actually see? Has my sight returned? Is this just a dream?" Mike exclaimed to himself, his voice trembling with excitement as he rose from his bed. "This can''t be a dream; I''m really seeing! My sight is back!"

    He rushed to the door and grasped the handle, but it was locked. He knocked repeatedly, hoping someone would hear him and open the door, but his pleas went unanswered. He understood why ¨C maybe they were tired of his inexplicable problem and didn''t want to be disturbed.

    "No need to cause a scene out there; I need to find another way out," Mike thought, his mind racing.

    But something feels off. The colors in this room aren''t normal. He looked up, wondering if the light bulb''s glow was distorting his vision, but his jaw dropped when he saw the bulb was off, casting no light at all. Yet, he could still see.

    Mike didn''t dwell on the incredible scene before him; his priority was to escape and go home. His gaze fell upon the large sliding glass window in the room. He approached it, opened it, and peered down to gauge the building''s height.

    "Damn, it''s incredibly high!" Mike muttered under his breath. "How am I going to climb down from here?"

    He stood resolutely on the third floor of the five-story building, gazing down at the ground below with unwavering determination.

    "I must get home as soon as possible; my family must be frantic with worry," he said to himself, steeling himself.

    With a deep breath, he began his descent, his hands and feet finding holds in the window sills as he climbed down with practiced ease.

    Despite the hospital wall being slick with rain, Mike''s grip remained steady, his fingers digging into the crevices with a strength born of desperation. The rain had slowed to a gentle patter, but the occasional drop still fell, casting tiny ripples on the puddles below. His focus never wavered, his eyes fixed on the ground as he navigated the treacherous wall.

    Then, in an instant, disaster struck. A brilliant flash of lightning illuminated the sky, its reflection on the window blindside Mike, forcing him to recoil in pain. His grip loosened, and he felt himself falling, the wind whipping his face as he plummeted towards the ground.

    Fear surged through Mike''s veins like ice water, his heart racing with terror. A jumble of thoughts assailed him: "Is this the end? Will I die now that my sight is returning?"

    "Can my family cope with the shock of my death?"

    ¡°Will my reckless actions bring shame to the hospital?"

    The questions swirled in his mind like a maelstrom, threatening to consume him.

    With a desperate cry, Mike voiced his refusal to accept fate. "No, no, no! I won''t die! I still have so much to do!" His voice was lost in the wind, but his determination remained unbroken. "I''m too young to die! I''m just too young!"

    The words became a mantra, echoing in his mind as he struggled to come to terms with his predicament.

    As thunder boomed through the sky, the air around Mike began to shift and swirl, as if charged with an electric current. His body started to radiate a strange, pulsating aura, like a beacon summoning an otherworldly force. Mike felt an intense surge of energy coursing through his veins, like a torrent of sparks igniting his very being.

    "What the hell is happening to me?!" he silently screamed, his mind reeling in terror as the pain he had felt earlier returned, this time focusing on a specific area ¨C his back.

    A massive orange mist materialized out of thin air, enveloping the area and slowing his descent. Amidst this chaos, a fierce anger erupted within Mike as he saw a crimson smoke coalescing around his back, its reflection visible in a second-floor window.

    Mike tried to scream, but his voice was silenced, just as it had been when he encountered the shadowy mist the previous night. With searing pain, something began to emerge from his spine, like a creature awakening from a deep slumber.

    The orange mist gradually dissipated, and Mike felt himself fluttering, weightless, until he landed safely on the ground, his pain subsiding. With utter astonishment, Mike stood up, gazing around in wonder.

    "Did I really fall from that place without landing back in the hospital, or probably in coma?" he thought, his mind struggling to comprehend the events unfolding around him.

    He turned to brush off the dirt from his pants and noticed the torn fabric on his back. "What the hell is happening to me?" he whispered in confusion..

    Just then, a menacing voice echoed from behind him. "Hey, you there! Who are you?"

    Mike turned to face a middle-aged man approaching him, his uniform a deep, foreboding blue ¨C a color Mike recognized as belonging to the hospital''s security team. But how could he see the color in the dark? Mike''s mind reeled with questions.

    "He must not know who I am, or he''ll drag me back to the hospital," Mike thought, his instincts urging him to flee.

    Ignoring the security guard, Mike hastily made his way towards the hospital''s exit, desperate to escape the mysterious forces closing in around him.

 First symptom

    Rachael sat on Mike''s bed, her gaze fixed on the mysterious book lying on the floor. She couldn''t help but wonder what secrets it held, and what Mike had encountered when he touched it. Her eyes wandered to the box on the closet, also a source of intrigue. What was it about these two mysterious artifacts that had left Mike so shaken?

    Determined to uncover some answers, Rachael picked up the book and examined it carefully. She flipped through its pages, but there''s nothing in the book ¨C no writing, no symbols, nothing. Not even the hole where Mike had found the iron container the previous night was visible. It was as if the book had been erased.

    Just as she was about to put the book down, a creaking sound from downstairs broke the silence. Rachael''s heart skipped a beat as she cautiously approached the window and peeked downstairs to see what was making the noise. In the darkness, she saw a faint, humanoid shape moving away from the light spilling out of the doorstep.

    Rachael''s curiosity got the better of her, and she grabbed Mike''s torch from the closet, deciding to investigate further.

    As she made her way downstairs, the silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the creaking of the stairs beneath her feet.

    When she got outside, she flashed the torch around, trying to locate the source of the movement she had seen. But there was no one there.

    Suddenly, footsteps echoed into her ears, growing louder with each passing moment. Rachael''s breath caught in her throat as she spun around, trying to locate the source of the sound.

    And then, a familiar voice called out, "Calm down, it''s me. It''s Mike."

    Rachael''s heart still racing, she turned to the left, shining the torch in the direction of the voice. But as the light landed on Mike''s face, he let out a pained scream, covering his eyes.

    "Damn, what the hell is that thing?!" he exclaimed.

    Rachael was taken aback. "It''s a torch, your torch actually," she replied.

    Mike sniffed, still averting his gaze from the light. "A torch? Are you kidding me? That thing almost blinded me!"

    Rachael''s confusion deepened as Mike maintained his distance from the torchlight, his eyes still covered.

    What was going on? Why was Mike reacting so strangely to the light?

    "Christ Jesus, Mike?! What''s going on? This torch is almost out of power, and it blinded you? You''re supposed to be at the hospital, how did you even get here?"

    Mike''s face lit up with a radiant smile. "I''ve gotten back my sight, Rachael! I can finally see again!"

    Rachael''s jaw dropped as she struggled to process the news. "Wait... Seriously?! How did it happen?"

    Mike''s expression turned puzzled. "I still find it hard to understand too. All this is so mysterious to me."

    As Mike moved toward the door, Rachael''s gaze fell upon his torn top. "What happened to your clothes?" she asked.

    Mike glanced down at his shirt, then back at Rachael. "Sincerely, I don''t know. I can''t seem to wrap my head around everything that''s happening to me."

    Rachael''s eyes narrowed, her mind racing with questions.

    "I''m very hungry and tired, let''s talk about this tomorrow," Mike said, breathing with exhaustion. "I need to see mom and dad as well, they must''ve been so worried about me."

    Rachael nodded. "You''ll see them tomorrow, they''ve gone to bed already." However, she''s still seeking answers. "How did you even board a cab in that... state?"

    "I didn''t board a cab, surprise!" Mike chuckled.

    "I mean, a bus or whatever brought you here,¡± Rachael raised an eyebrow.

    Mike shook his head, a hint of a smile still on his lips. "I didn''t get aboard anything. I jogged here."Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    "You''re kidding me, right? You think I''m gonna believe that nonsense?"

    Mike''s expression turned serious. "I really jogged here, and surprisingly, I wasn''t tired,¡± he replied.

    ¡°Are you serious? You expect me to believe you jogged two kilometers all the way here without sweating?" Rachael sneered.

    ¡°Let''s go in first, I''ll explain everything to you. I too haven''t figured out what''s actually wrong with me,¡± Mike replied, urging her to go in first. ¡°I''m sure the book I read did something to me, made some changes which are hard to explain.¡±

    Rachael stood frozen, tears streaming down her face as she gazed at Mike.

    "You''re not okay, Mike. Something is terribly wrong," she said, her voice trembling. "You couldn''t see during the day, and now you''re claiming your vision is back. And amidst all this, a common torchlight is blinding you. You jogged two kilometers here without a bead of sweat, and look at you now ¨C heaven knows what you got yourself into to come home in a rag."

    Mike sighed, his expression vacant, and collapsed on the doorstep. "Honestly, everything around me is mysterious," he said, his eyes fixed on some distant point. "I couldn''t even remember what I saw in the book or why I collapsed in the first place. Things would lead to more bafflement if we talk about how I fell from a three-story building without getting hurt."

    Rachael''s eyes never left Mike. She knew the person sitting on the doorstep was no longer the normal brother she once knew. Many thoughts ran through her mind as she wiped away her tears and sat next to him.

    "So, you''re sensitive to light now, isn''t it?" she asked, trying to understand the extent of Mike''s condition.

    Mike nodded absently, his gaze still fixed on the distance. "I hate to admit it, but it''s painful when I stare at it, and it''s frustrating.¡±.

    ¡°So, the only thing you should be aware of is light? Your sight really back?" Rachael asked, she needed to know if Mike''s vision was truly restored, despite the strange circumstances.

    Mike nodded again, taking deep breaths as if trying to process his situation. Rachael removed her anorak and wrapped it around his head, shielding his eyes from the light.

    "What''s that for?" Mike asked, his voice muffled by the fabric. He took off the anorak from his head and raised up his head toward Rachael who''s now standing.

    "It''s bright inside; use that to cover your eyes," Rachael explained, opening the door and gesturing for Mike to enter first. "And beware of the doorstep''s light."

    She guided him into the house, careful to avoid any direct light, which seemed to cause Mike discomfort.

    *****

    Miram stood at the entrance of the cave, her worries visible on her countenance. She had sensed an immense release of magic earlier, and her worry had only intensified with each passing moment.

    Just then, Djuma arrived, his wings beating laboriously as he descended and collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath. A sigh of relief escaped his lips, followed by a weak smile.

    "What happened to you, father?" Miram demanded. "I felt an enormous surge of your gastra being used ¨C even Dahra would have sensed it from afar! What were you thinking, using such immense power without caution? Aren''t you scared for your life?"

    Djuma''s smile broadened, despite his obvious exhaustion. "I found him, Miram. I found the Jyuran," he announced, his voice filled with triumph.

    Miram''s expression turned incredulous. "You can''t be serious! No one has known the whereabouts of the Krara for the past 500 years, and now you claim it has chosen a host out of nowhere?"

    ¡°You didn''t believe me when I said it last night that he lives, did you?¡±

    ¡°Who would believe something like that?¡±

    Djuma nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I found the Jyuran¡­. I found him."

    "And how does finding the Jyuran explain the enormous amount of Gastra you used? Did locating him drain your energy so severely?"

    "He''s not from this planet, Miram. He''s from a distant world. I saved his life, and that''s why I''m drained,¡± Djuma replied, his voice weak.

    Miram''s eyes widened in shock. "You saved someone from another planet, from here? How is that even possible?" she exclaimed. "But didn''t you tell me that the Jyuran is indestructible? Why would you need to save him?"

    Djuma''s eyes remained half-closed. "He''s a new host for the Krara. I doubt he''s even aware of the immense power he now embodies."

    His chest rose and fell with a slow breath. "I foresaw his fate and saved him in time. He wouldn''t have survived the fall otherwise."

    Miram''s worry turned to scolding. "Regardless of the situation, what you did was reckless and dangerous! You might have really died!"

    "Don''t worry, my daughter. A little rest will revive me. I''ll search for the Jyuran when I regain my strength,¡± Djuma said soothingly. ¡°So stay close to me and protect my body while I''m unconscious.¡±

    "Where is the planet where the Jyuran is? Is it near or far?" Miram asked, obviously curioused.

    Djuma''s smile was faint, almost mischievous. "You think I''d reveal that to you?"

    ¡°Of course not! You''re so bent on keeping me confined here, like a prisoner!" Miram snorted in frustration.

    ¡°You know that''s not true. Everything I do is to protect you, my only daughter... How would I face your mother if anything happens to you..." His voice trailed off as he lapsed into unconsciousness.