In Zhenin's vision, a text highlighted by a blue glow read as "Option A: Hide Ninzhe and begin studying a cure." For a long time, Zhenin did not let go; thus, the text remained highlighted.
It could be said that the first option is a gamble, a gamble to have everything he had lost. It's not that he actually blames himself for what happened to Ninzhe. But a thought did occur to him that if Ninzhe didn't do what he did, he would've been the one who suffered.
But thinking about Ninzhe's mentality, in the end, it was better for Zhenin to keep his mind. His twin relied on him too much.
Still, just as much as he wants to save his brother, an option to save his parents also appeared. A take it or lose it gamble or sacrifice to pay two for one.
In the end, Zhenin is still a kid. His mentality had been forced to mature since the beginning, but if an orphan was faced with an option to see their loving parents once again. Is there really anything that could stop them?
Suddenly, his resolve had firmed.
If his parents trusted the man in front of him, why couldn't he? Besides, all he needed to do is to work hard. The healing will be done by this man anyways, he thought.
Then, he let go.
All the text in Zhenin's vision moved away.
"Good choice." Jack nodded. With all the variables available, it was indeed the right choice.
Hjuutza, on the other hand, felt ecstatic.
Ever since Jack read his memories, he dropped all pretenses and schemes. A person who can communicate and keep souls up isn't someone he's willing to provoke or anyone for that matter.
And even though Jack's current strength isn't comparable to those mythological gods, he's got the potential to be one.
After a few altercations, he was able to restore his curious personality by removing all the torment he ever faced.
"I can finally begin my research on souls!" he screamed internally.
"Then I'll take Ninzhe on my domain. I'll let your parents take care of him for as long as their broken souls can." Jack emphasized "broken souls" to let Zhenin know he every single second is important.
Understanding Jack's intentions, Zhenin could only nod in response. He was afraid that Jack might take back everything.
"Alright then," Jack spoke satisfied.
At that moment, Zhenin blinked. Once he opened his eyes, Jack and Ninzhe were already gone.
To him, it almost felt like a dream.
Almost, that is because, in the upper right side of his vision, new words appeared.
[Chain Quest Received.]
[Quest Name: Salvation]
[In three months, establish a church with my name on it. In such a faithless world, be the light for those without belief to find their way into my kingdom.]
[Quest Item: Miraculous Bestowment x3]
[Quest Reward: 200TW Energy Crystal]
[Quest Punishment: Absolution]
...
Somewhere in the middle of the forest stood a hut made with wood and straw.
At this age, most houses are built with 3D printing technology and plastic more robust than cement and Stelim, a synthesized metal far more reliable than steel, for support.
Yet this house held signs of a master craftsman. In a world where everyone can build their own homes with all kinds of looks, such a handmade building contains beauty that transcends time.
The hut is primitive, yet that primitivity gives it life.
Inside the hut is an old man at the age of 1344. His yellow skin riddled with black dots looks wrinkled, yet his eyes that can barely open show brilliance beyond his age. Besides his ears that are shaped like a fin, all of his features resemble a human.
In front of the man is a desk covered in metallic and wooden dust. Over the green cutting mat is a necklace, its chains were shining in silver, yet its tear-shaped pendant is missing a gemstone.
Right above the cutting mat is a red box adorned in a golden ribbon. Due to the advancements in technology, the so-called precious gemstones became so common that they lost their meaning.
Even diamonds just became coating for industrial machinery.
This is started the accessories revolution, nanotechnology became the hot piece of accessory.
A small trinket where a user drops his blood will produce pheromones similar to the user.
A ring that will glow depending on the wearer's mood.
Earrings that can actively reduce the ambient noise better than most earphones could.
Necklaces that can compress liquid, such as alcohol or medicine, the size of a pearl.
Such technology was dubbed as Augmentechs. Accessories augmented with technology similar to magic. Of course, the longer the people had access to technology, the lesser its novelty.
But it still remained the luxury and the premium to the people's eyes.
The old man sat down in the workshop. His eyes show excitement as he caressed his craftmanship.
Looking at the jewelry box, he couldn't help but grin wider. Ever since the first few billion years of the known universe, it was believed that the death of the universe involved entropy.
Quintillions of years had passed, and those who remained living began to look for ways to survive. Various research bore results, but the one that the man likes the most is moving to another universe.
And the gemstone that's inside the jewelry box is one of the products made from this branch of research.
Beginning with man, to move, they had to exert energy. To go outside from the bedroom to the porch requires more actions and more energy. To leave the planet earth, it requires even more actions, technology, and energy. From leaving the solar system, galaxy, even the local group, it required exponentially increasing actions, processes, technology, and the most important of all, energy.
While the technology is theoretically available, an energy crystal, probably at the size of the planet Earth's moon, is required. Even then, it can only be used to exit the physical boundaries of the known universe.
At this point, there is no technology that can peer outside the border of the known universe.
But this stone, this small stone the size of a baby potato, can transport one man outside of this universe.
Taking out the gem, he began to wipe it with various chemicals for polishing.