Alex and the old instructor booked a room in a hotel near the city center. Night had fallen, and both of them were weary, in need of rest.
Alex anxiously awaited the old man's revelation, feeling a mix of nervousness and anticipation. As they settled into the room, they took a seat on a comfortable sofa.
"Alex, if you have enough money, can you please consider returning to school?" the old man finally said, his gaze fixed on Alex with intensity.
The old instructor's greatest regret was when Alex informed him about leaving school. He had always envisioned Alex graduating from high school, attending college, and embarking on a successful career. When Alex shared news of his substantial financial gains, the old man's initial thought was that Alex could use the wealth to pursue an education.
"We don't need extravagant houses or material possessions, but you should continue your education, at least until you finish high school and earn your diploma," the old man continued, his tone serious and earnest.
Alex fell into a momentary silence, grappling with how to explain that he was the richest person on Earth and possessed incredible strength. He no longer needed to attend school, but he also desired to honor the old instructor's wish of seeing him graduate and pursue a degree.
"I need some time to think, please," Alex finally replied, making his way to the bed and closing his eyes.
The old man remained seated on the sofa, his face etched with lines that told stories of a lifetime. He wore an expression that was difficult to decipher due to the abundance of wrinkles.
"I'm truly sorry. If I hadn't been so overbearing all those years ago, perhaps your future would have been different. Destiny dealt you a harsh hand," the old man murmured, his words barely audible. However, Alex's heightened senses allowed him to catch every syllable.
"Why does he think he was impotent?" Alex wondered to himself, puzzled by the old man's words. He yearned to know more about what had transpired 18 years ago, but he understood that direct questioning wouldn't yield answers. He would need to find another way to uncover the truth.
"I am immortal, after all. What if I live a normal life as a wealthy young man before embarking on interdimensional journeys and causing chaos? I can experience the life of an ordinary person for a few years and then do as I please. Besides, I must ensure that the old instructor experiences a better life from now on and that his wishes are fulfilled, just as he tried to fulfill mine when I was young," Alex contemplated.
Determined, Alex closed his eyes and surrendered himself to sleep. While he could remain awake for eternity, he cherished the act of slumber and had no desire to change that aspect of his existence.
The following morning, Alex rose from his bed and ordered breakfast, gently rousing the old man from his slumber.
"Good morning! We have a long day ahead of us. If I want to start school next month like everyone else, there's much to prepare," Alex declared, his mood buoyant.
The old man, still groggy, awakened fully at the mention of Alex's decision to return to school.
"Are you serious?" he asked, his voice laced with hope.
"Yes, I've made up my mind. I'm going back to school!" Alex affirmed.
"Thank you!" the old man exclaimed, his excitement palpable. The weight of years seemed to lift from his shoulders, and a renewed vitality radiated from his being, making him appear years younger.
"The breakfast is getting cold. Let's eat quickly," Alex suggested, making way for the old man to rise and head to the bathroom.
As Alex watched the old man leave, a thought occurred to
him: "I should find a way to make him physically younger again!"
Playing with the energy within his body, Alex discovered a particular form of vital energy, distinct from the others. This vital energy felt boundless, capable of nourishing the entire world.
Forming a minuscule droplet of this vital energy, Alex directed it toward the old man.
Unaware of Alex's intentions, the old man was in the midst of showering when the droplet entered his body. Initially, he felt nothing, but then a golden light enveloped him, and he sensed his skin growing smoother, his bones lighter, and his muscles brimming with strength.
"What's happening? Alex! Come quickly, I need your help!" the old man called out, shock and confusion evident in his voice. The transformation he was experiencing seemed impossible, defying all logic.
Reacting swiftly, Alex rushed to the bathroom.
"What happened? Are you okay? Wait... who are you?" Alex exclaimed upon seeing the middle-aged man before him. He, too, was taken aback by the unforeseen outcome, despite being the cause of it. Alex had expected the tiny droplet to make the old man only a few years younger, but it appeared to have reversed at least three decades of aging.
"It's me! I don't know what happened!" the bewildered old man replied.
"I was washing my face when a golden light enveloped me, and then... this," he gestured to his rejuvenated appearance.
Alex focused his thoughts, attempting to understand the situation. After a brief moment, he spoke with a mixture of surprise and determination.
"I've inadvertently made you much younger. But don't worry, I will find a way to restore your age to what it was before," Alex reassured him, his mind racing with possibilities.
The old man stared at Alex, a blend of astonishment and gratitude in his eyes. Despite the unexpected turn of events, they both knew that their journey had just become even more extraordinary, filled with newfound mysteries and the promise of incredible discoveries yet to come.