Jasper had just started rewarding the little Lynx by entertaining it with a game of catch and fetch when they were greeted by an unexpected guest.
In his search for a place of shelter, the man ended up in Paradise Spring.
The man had heightened senses that went beyond Jasper's imagination and when he scanned through Paradise Spring, he noticed two humans and a beast. He was surprised and equally confused about finding humans in such a place and decided to check it out for himself.
Jasper and the little lynx were stunned but for different reasons. Jasper was surprised to find another human when he had not encounter any in his searches, which lead him to believe that the man had just recently shown up here.
On the other hand, the little lynx was scared. It felt too weak, an insignificant creatures comparable to an ant in-front of the man.
The lynx had special characteristics that helped it sense a portion of the man's strength. However, due to the massive difference in their strength and mentality, it was experiencing a major backlash.
The man ignored both of their expression, " Hello boy, what are you doing in these regions?"
"Sir, I would like to ask the same question to you. What are you doing here? '
The lynx came out of his shock and then almost fainted. It glared angrily at Jasper, as if blaming him for his death. It became paranoid just thinking about the man's next move.
Surprisingly, the man was also stunned at the spot.
The man had reached a position of extreme prominence and it was rare for anyone to ever question him. This was true for the people who knew him or did not know him. It was impossible to miss how strong he was when mana practically overflowed from him.
Because Jasper did not know how to use mana and couldn't sense it and didn't know about the man's strength.
"Amusing, but if you don't answer the question I will kill you. "
Jasper didn't believe in the man's strength but the little lynx's persistent moaning and pleading eyes convinced him to explain some of his situation to the man.
" Me and my sister are lost for certain reasons and now she is unconscious. So, know I am trying to find a way out of here.
Sir, if you know a way out of here, could you please take me there."
"Hmm, since I am here, I of course have a way out. But, I won't help you if you don't explain your situation in detail."
Jasper pondered over the man's words and a frown appeared on his face.
"To make things simple for you, just answer if you know the culprit behind the carnage I witnessed on my way here."
The right answer was yes, but Jasper was very hesitant about sharing details of that carnage. Also, he was not present there so he did not know what exactly went down and Jennifer was unconscious to explain anything .
Jasper thought about his decision as he patted the lynx lovingly. The man looked at this scene and was reminded of his wife and daughter back home, making him feel very lonely at the moment.
Jasper took sometime but finally came to an conclusion, "I know the culprit but I won't disclose, what exactly happened there."
The man already knew the culprit ,he had asked just to see Jasper's response.
There was a kid who didn't know how to use mana which was very weird, a woman lying unconscious and a beast supporting the boy. Their circumstances were definitely not normal.
The man had not planned to stay long with Jasper. But, "I have had a change of mind. I realize that you don't have the knowledge to use mana. I can teach you, if you are willing?"
"Why give such an offer? What do you stand to gain??!" Jasper inquired cautiously.
"There is no concrete reason. I just felt like it, accept the offer because you have got limited time before I change my mind."
"Is my pet allowed to stay with us?"
"Yes of course. Also, I will teach him a few techniques that should help it grow and it might even reach its first awakening. "
This was out of Jasper's expectation, he had expected the man to try to kill him or perhaps leave him in his miserable state. He didn't need to think twice about the proposal when it meant life and death, however one thought kept stopping him.
The man read Jasper like an open book, " I can see that you agree with my proposal ,but something is stopping you. What is it? Tell me.'
"I already have a master. Wouldn't I be betraying him if I accept another master."
"Its fine. Isn't it normal to have more than one master?"
"No, I want to ask for his permission before accepting another master."
"Hmm, then why don't you call me 'Sir'. It would mean that I am not your master and instead a teacher."
The man felt relieved: ' What is this feeling. Its been years since I have had experienced such a feeling and for it to come because of a boy. What does it mean. ' The man was very confused, 'I feel like letting go of the boy would be a loss for me and might be the biggest mistake he had ever made ' . However, he was distracted from these thoughts.
'Yeah, I guess that will do. By the way Sir, can I know your name?"
"Julian"
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As they sat in front of a bonfire, Julian relaxed on a fluffy cushion he had removed from thin air while Jasper sat crossed legged hugging the lynx for warmth.
' What a selfish bastard. Why wouldn't he give one of those cushions??! I am sure he has more than one. Not offering is just plain rude. Dammit, why did I even agree to something like this."
For the couple of hours, Jasper had been squished, crushed, tormented and many more miserable things ad occurred to him as he followed all the orders of Julian.
Jasper fell unconscious many times and on other occasions being able to move was a bliss. By the time, the orders finished he realized the big trap he had dug up for himself.
"We will be leaving this place tomorrow when the first rays of light reach here. "
Jasper responded anxiously, " What are you talking about??! Why would we leave Paradise Spring ??"
"I thought you wanted to reach home, so I plan to lead you outside the EverAwake Jungle and teach magic on the way."
"Oh, what about Jennifer? How are we going to carry her with us?'
"No need to worry about that. It was never a issue to begin with.'' Julian pointed at the diamond ring he wore, " This is not an ordinary ring, Jasper. It has a very large space capacity and even the ability to store living beings.
"But, what if it ends up hurting Jennifer!!! "
"Then we could just leave her."
" No way, I am not leaving her side until she is absolutely safe."
"Are you trying to find reasons to stay here. Hopping for a miracle to happen when I am the biggest fortune you have come across in your life. "
"Yeah, but..."
'If you are hesitating from leaving Paradise Spring, then I will leave right away. To learn magic, one needs to have a steady heart that can be decisive and the will to face any danger and overcome it.'
"Alright, you have convinced me. I have decided to leave this place."
"That's what I like to hear and I promise you that nothing bad will happen to you. "
"Alright, fine let's do this.'
Next morning Jasper woke up as the first rays of sunlight reached him and went out for a last jog with the lynx.
This jog was special because it was the last time he was ever going to be in Paradise Spring or maybe only after a long time would he get a chance to visit again. He imprinted every important detail, the beautiful spring that gave him water when he was dehydrated, the hills that were a delight to watch as he had his meal especially the place where he met the lynx.
He was grateful to the Paradise Spring that gave him shelter and food at his most desperate moments. He thanked it from the bottom of his heart.
Jasper entered the cave as Julian pointed his diamond ring at Jennifer, sucking her into it.
Jasper was completely stunned by the whole procedure and started panicking, " Hey Sir, where is my sister??! What have you done to her?"
"Nothing has happened to her. Your sister is in my spacial ring in an immutable state which will help her recover. I estimate her recovery in a short few days. "
" I don't believe you. Let me take a look inside."
"Have it your way. but, remember the earlier you start trusting me, the better your chances of surviving the EverAwake Jungle. "
Jasper entered the spacial ring and his whole body went num.