The Burden of Change

A year in this strange world had brought many changes in me, both physically and mentally. I had grown used to the healing rituals, acupuncture sessions, and the teachings of the guru, who had become my guide in this foreign realm.

I had been wary at first, constantly doubting the actions of the self-proclaimed guru, thinking about the ulterior motives that they could have. I even doubted the whole world travel thing but the victims of the Vanishing weren’t merely displaced they disappeared, never to be seen again. As I got my bearings straight, I realized that I was being paranoid and as a victim of the vanishing it is quite likely that this is not the world I was used to. However, what truly hit the nail on the coffin was the sights I took in when I was first brought out of my room.

What I saw was a vast expanse of lush greenery. Below, a vast city nestled among the trees looked like tiny pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, a vibrant patchwork of colors against the backdrop of rolling hills. The city had skyscrapers and looked relatively modern and yet seemed in harmony with the natural surroundings. But it was the mountains that stole the show. They stretched out in every direction, their peaks reaching for the sky like ancient sentinels. Cloaked in shades of emerald and jade, they seemed to go on forever, fading into the horizon.

The sky above was a canvas of endless blue, dotted with fluffy clouds that drifted lazily along. The sun bathed the landscape in golden warmth, casting long shadows that danced across the mountainside. A nearby stream gurgled merrily, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the brilliant blue of the sky. The air felt incredibly fresh and aside from the city, the surroundings had a natural allure to it like an island undiscovered and untouched by human hands.

It was then that I realized I was on a tree, a truly titanic tree of epic proportions, even a single branch a kilometer wide. As I craned my neck to look down, my heart almost burst out of my chest. 'This tree must be tens of kilometers long', I thought. When I asked what if someone fell, the answer to that was: “Oh that’s not an issue, the trees will catch us before we fall after all.” Whatever that means, I mean I’m sure just the falling process itself will be extremely bad for my heart regardless if end up as a splatter of blood and bones.

When I first arrived here, I had a hard time controlling my limbs, it was like my muscles were in silent protest against me from time to time. I often lost balance and fell face-first onto the floor. I suspected I had ataxia and if so I was thankful I could at least speak and eat properly. As time passed by, I slowly regained some of my strength and was now able to stand on my own two feet and walk properly. I did some light exercises to build up my stamina as recommended and I spent the remaining time pouring over whatever books they had available for me. With that as the base, I came to the conclusion that this world was quite advanced. I had a feeling it neared our level of technological advancement and innovation but not quite there yet.

During this year I had come a long way from the bumbling fool who could not stand and walk on his own. I no longer gawked at anything magical and merely accepted everything thinking 'It's a magical world after all'. I also started believing in the guru and hoped he could nurse me back to health. Yet, as I looked at my reflection in a polished crystal, I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. The guru explained that surviving a world migration is like winning the cosmic lottery. The process of migrating between worlds imbued those who survived with residual energy, a byproduct of traversing the mystical ‘tunnel’ connecting dimensions. In most cases, this energy was a boon, enhancing one's abilities and potential. But my cosmic lottery ticket was a dud. The mystical tunnel in my case was shoddy even if described in the most optimistic manner. Instead of getting a power boost, my ticket scattered my energy like a toddler with a bag of marbles. I now inhabited a fragile meat suit, waiting to crumble like a cookie left in the rain. I lost something, the guru said, something very vital and that was the reason for my current condition.

I traced my fingers over my frail body, the realization sinking in that I would never become the powerful being I had once thought. It was a hard pill to swallow, knowing that my dreams had been dashed by the very phenomenon that brought me here. The very phenomenon which made me think I could be a hero.

'I’ll have to make do with being the supporting character in my own story it seems.'

"Hey, at least I survived, right?" I muttered to myself; my voice tinged with bitterness. "But why me? Why did this happen to me?"

I had always believed in doing good, and in helping others whenever I could. Back home, I had dedicated my free time to charity and acts of kindness. Yet, here I was, trapped in a broken body, my potential forever out of reach.

I let out a frustrated sigh, my thoughts spiraling into a whirlwind of self-doubt. I recalled the words of my neighborhood aunt, a source of wisdom and comfort from my past. She had once told me, "Don't think God abandoned you or is angry at you whenever something bad happens. Look at it this way: God protected you. Bad things happen to all, and such is the law of nature. Life is unpredictable, and the hardships that befall you could have been much worse. God lessened the severity because of your good deeds. So, continue doing those good deeds."

Her words had always offered solace in times of trouble, but in this unfamiliar world, they felt like a distant echo from a life left behind. I wondered if I would ever find a way to reconcile my past beliefs with my current reality.

---

As I sat there, lost in my thoughts, the door to my room creaked open, and the guru entered. Time had been kind to them, or perhaps they were timeless, their appearance unchanged since our first meeting.

"One year has passed since your arrival," the guru remarked, their voice as soothing as ever. "It is time for you to embark on a new journey, to discover the true extent of your potential."

I looked up at the guru, a mixture of anticipation and trepidation coursing through me. "But how can I do anything when I am trapped in this broken body?"

The guru smiled; their gaze unwavering. "You may not have the physical prowess you desired, but you possess something far more valuable—a unique energy that has the potential to reshape the world around you. It is time for you to harness that energy."

“…”

"You are in a place known as the Gurukul, a sanctuary and a place of teaching hidden away in these mountains. The Gurukul is a place of learning, a haven for those who seek to unlock their true potential. It is a place where the mind and body are honed to their fullest capabilities. If you decide to join us, you may call me Guru, for that is the role I play here."

I continued remaining silent, wanting to hear more of what the guru had to say.

“Here, disciples live a life of discipline and dedication. We train in various arts and skills, both physical and spiritual. Our goal is to push the boundaries of our own limitations and become the best versions of ourselves. Aside from your spiritual growth which I must state is the most important of all you would also learn history, economics, science, mathematics, medicine, and magic as well."

"..."

The room fell into silence as I contemplated the guru's offer and the guru waited patiently for my answer. Deciding to break this lull I opened my mouth and asked him the one thing I was most curious about at that moment.

"What do you expect from me, Guru?"

He leaned in closer, his eyes locked onto mine. "I expect nothing but your dedication and a willingness to embrace the unknown. In return, I offer you a path of self-discovery and growth, the likes of which you have never experienced."

I couldn't help but feel a spark of hope. 'What was it that mere words from him gave me such hope, I wonder? Surely there must be some way even with this battered body. When one door closes, another opens, right? Perhaps there is a path for me, one that doesn't rely on physical strength but on the untapped potential within me, a path solely of my own.'

“I want to learn, to grow, and to discover what I'm truly capable of."

The guru smiled and continued, "In the world, there are many who have faced challenges and limitations, some give up, while others find their own paths to greatness. You too can carve your own destiny. We are blessed in that manner."

As I contemplated the guru's words, a sense of determination welled up within me.

'I might not become a sword saint or an archmagi as I had earlier thought and fantasized, but I could still be a force for change in this world.'

'I will not fade away into obscurity as some random background character. Of that much, I promise myself.'