Chapter 4

Ain't no way, bro

Adom's heart raced as he darted through the bustling streets of Mandrake, his feet barely touching the ground. The sensation was exhilarating – he felt as if he were flying, his body moving with a speed and agility he had never known, even before his illness. Buildings, people, and vehicles blurred into a colorful mosaic as he weaved through the city with the grace of a dancer and the precision of an athlete.

He couldn't believe it. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Adom was doing parkour, vaulting over barriers, swinging around lampposts. Each movement was fluid, effortless – a stark contrast to the fragile body he had been imprisoned in for so long. His laughter echoed in the air, a sound of pure, unbridled joy. It was as if the limitations of his old life were just a distant memory, now replaced by this extraordinary freedom.

As he ran, Adom took in the sights of Mandrake, marveling at how every detail matched his memories. The city was a perfect replica, down to the smallest nuances. He passed the bookstores where he and Sam had spent countless hours, the windows displaying familiar titles and authors, even those of his favorite author, Ace. The candy shop of Mr. Tummus, with its colorful array of sweets and treats, looked just as inviting as it always had. He could almost taste the sugary concoctions they used to indulge in.

Then there was the weird stuff store of Biggins, a place that had always intrigued and slightly unnerved them. The shop was empty as usual, its windows cluttered with odd trinkets and mysterious artifacts. Adom couldn't help but smile at the thought of the strange conversations they had had with Mr. Biggins, the quirky owner known for his eccentricities and outlandish tales.

Amidst the familiar sights, the Golden Forge stood out like a beacon. The famous workshop of Brokk Woodenshield, the world-renowned dwarf blacksmith, was bustling with activity. The clang of hammer on metal resonated in the air, a testament to the master craftsman's skill and dedication. Adom slowed his pace, taking a moment to appreciate the artistry on display in the forge's window – intricate jewelry and crystals, ornate weapons, and masterful armor pieces that spoke of Brokk's unmatched talent.

The city of Mandrake was alive, its streets pulsing with energy and life. The people, the sounds, the smells – everything was as vivid and real as in his memories. Yet, despite the overwhelming authenticity, Adom refused to believe this was reality. To him, it was a beautifully crafted dream, a temporary escape from the pain and limitations of his actual life.

Determined to make the most of this surreal experience, Adom decided to visit some of his favorite spots in the city. He headed towards the central square, a place that had always been full of life and laughter. Street performers, vendors, and the chatter of people created a lively atmosphere that had always lifted his spirits.

As he moved through the crowd, Adom's mind raced with questions and possibilities. How was this world so accurately recreated? Was it all just an elaborate illusion, a product of his own mind? Or had the mysterious woman truly granted him a second chance in a different reality? The thought was both tantalizing and terrifying.

But for now, Adom chose to set aside his doubts and questions. He decided to live in the moment, to embrace this incredible experience for as long as it lasted. He smiled, his heart light, as he lost himself in the vibrant energy of Mandrake, a city that mirrored his deepest memories and dreams.

Adom's sprint to the train station was a blur of motion, he still remembered the way, his newfound agility a stark contrast to his past constraints. As he arrived, panting and exhilarated, he marveled at how even the minutest details of his life were replicated in this surreal world – including the bank card he always carried in his back pocket.

Approaching the ticket counter, he extended the card to purchase a ticket to Kati. The elf clerk, observing his Xerkes Academy uniform and disheveled state, regarded him with a mixture of caution and curiosity. It was unusual, to say the least, for a student to be traveling to another city during the semester.

Adom, sensing the clerk's confusion, chuckled and presented his Xerkes student card. The card's hologram flickered to life, displaying his information. Among the details was a note about his special permission to leave the academy as needed due to his medical condition – a condition known as "Shadowfade Syndrome." This rare and deadly illness, characterized by its unpredictable and volatile effects on the body's magical energies, had been a defining aspect of Adom's life.

The clerk's demeanor shifted instantly upon seeing the diagnosis. He apologized, his face showing embarrassment and pity. Adom just laughed it off, a reaction borne from a lifetime of similar encounters. He was accustomed to the looks of sympathy and concern, but now, in this strange new reality, they seemed almost amusing. The elf clerk watched him go, a sense of bewilderment lingering. How could someone suffering from Shadowfade Syndrome, a condition known for its debilitating effects, appear so vibrant and full of life?

In the midst of the bustling train station, as Adom made his way to the platform for Kati, a familiar sight caught his eye—a small candy stall, its display brimming with an array of colorful sweets. Among them were the candies he had cherished in his youth, a taste of nostalgia he couldn't resist. He approached the stall, where a middle-aged woman greeted him with a warm smile, her demeanor inviting and kind.

"I'll take a few of these, please," Adom said, pointing to his favorite candies, his voice tinged with excitement. The woman nodded, her hands deftly gathering the sweets into a small paper bag.

The woman behind the counter noticed Adom's Xerkes Academy attire. "Ah, a student from Xerkes, are you?" she remarked, her voice tinged with a mixture of pride and wistfulness. "My son, he's about your age. He dreams of attending Xerkes too, you know. Says it's the best place for someone who loves magic as much as he does."

Adom's interest was piqued, and he found himself engaging in a conversation he hadn't anticipated. "Really? That's wonderful. Xerkes is a great place for someone with dreams and talent," he said encouragingly.

The woman's face lit up at his words. "Oh, he's got plenty of both. Wants to study runes, he does. Says he's going to make all sorts of spells and elixirs."

Adom chuckled, imagining a young boy with a passion for magic, much like he had at his age. "Maybe I'll see him there as a classmate one day," he said, the thought warming his heart.

The candy shop owner's laughter joined his, a sound rich with hope and affection."Oh, wouldn't that be something?" she laughed, the sound genuine and heartfelt. "I hope, if you two ever meet, you'll become good friends. It would mean the world to me to know he's in good company." she said, her eyes gleaming with the possibility.

As she handed him the bag, Adom noticed it was a bit heavier than expected. He glanced up, about to protest, but the woman's gentle chuckle stopped him. "Consider it a little extra for my last customer of the day," she said, her smile widening. "I insist."

Adom nodded," Thank you ma'am, for the candies and the well wishes. And I'll look forward to seeing your son at Xerkes." He said, promising to keep an eye out for her son in the future. With a final exchange of smiles, he tucked the bag of candies into his pocket, feeling a warmth that went beyond the simple act of kindness.

Ticket in hand, Adom dashed towards the platform, his departure imminent. As he boarded the train, the familiar sights and sounds of the station melded with the anticipation of seeing his parents in Kati. The thought brought a mixture of excitement and nostalgia, emotions that had been buried deep within him. He found a seat by the window, gazing out as the train began to move, the cityscape of Mandrake slowly giving way to the countryside.

But then a realization dawned on Adom amidst the hustle and bustle of passengers settling into their journey. He was so caught up in the surrealness of his experiences that he left before the candy lady could even ask for his contact or learn his name. While she spoke warmly of her son's aspirations to attend Xerkes, Adom, still in disbelief about the reality of his situation, simply entertained the chat. It wasn't until he was seated on the train, the landscape beginning to blur past him, that he realized he hadn't even asked for the lady's son's name. This oversight left him with a twinge of regret amidst the whirlwind of his thoughts, pondering the realness of his encounters.

His mind raced with questions and possibilities. What would Kati be like? Would it be the same as he remembered, or would there be differences, subtle or otherwise, in this dream-like world? And his parents – how would it feel to see them again, after believing for so long that such a reunion was impossible?

As the train sliced through the countryside, Adom’s thoughts were a whirlwind of emotion. The prospect of seeing his parents, even in this dream-like state, filled him with a mix of longing and trepidation. Their voices, their hugs, their laughter – these memories he had cherished and missed for so long were suddenly within reach. He clung to the hope that this dream would last long enough for him to see them, to embrace them, to express the love he had held in his heart.

But then, in the midst of his reverie, something unexpected appeared. A small blue box, resembling a hologram, materialized in front of him. It floated in the air, displaying information about him.

[System Notification]

• Name and surname: Sylla Adom
• Age: 13 (+52)
• Gender: Male
• Level: 10
• Health: 5
• Race: Human (Elf Ancestry)
• Hp: +5
• Status: Immortal

Adom stared at the blue box, his mind reeling. What was this? Why? He reached out tentatively, half-expecting his hand to pass through the hologram...

[...]

He tapped on the box, and it responded, expanding to show more details...

[Skill Tree Expanded]

• Skills: [Unassigned]
• Abilities: [Unassigned]
• Quests: [Pending]

[...]

He noticed an option labeled "Status." Adom's mind raced with questions. Was this part of the dream? A new layer to the already complex tapestry of this world? Or was it something more, a clue to the nature of his current existence? Hesitantly, he selected it...

[Detailed Status]

• Condition: Shadowfade Syndrome (Cured)
• Special Conditions: Granted Immortality by Entity Encounter

Shadowfade Syndrome, once a defining limitation of his life, was now listed as 'Cured'. Within the detailed status, another thing he read displayed as 'Special Conditions', read 'Granted Immortality by Entity Encounter'.

Entity Encounter – so, the mysterious woman on the beach. Adom's heart skipped a beat. Was she the key to all this? Had she truly granted him immortality in this world? And if so, to what end?

The train ride, once a journey filled with nostalgia and anticipation, had taken a turn into the realm of the fantastical. Adom sat back, "Ain't no way, bro." he said, his mind buzzing with the implications of this discovery. The blue box lingered in front of him, a silent invitation to explore this new reality further.