But did their parents call them every day to see how they were doing? Man, my grandma doesn't know how to use a phone! My grandpa doesn't even delve into it; instead, he goes into repairing those old TVs and other electronics.
As for the other sons and daughters? Hehe, they didn't even have the money to buy good food. Where can they borrow a phone that is as expensive as the current 100,000-plus smartphone right now?
But he still had to answer, even if he felt irritated: "Just got something to buy. I'm going to rest early. No need to wait for me for dinner. I already had one at work." After that, Juan closed the door lock.
As for his father, he looked at his wife, who was starting to get angry at their son. He shook his head, as he said. "I told you."
...
The next day, Juan woke up early as always—at 4:00 AM. He opened the window to freshen up the air circulation in his room. Feeling the chilly air of the dark morning. Juan shivered, and he hurriedly closed the window as he sat down on his soft, single-sized bed.
Looking at the ceiling, Juan fell into a daze. Somehow, he had this feeling in his heart that he was anticipating something. Is it the new magic that he will get soon?
Juan felt that it was something else, but he couldn't explain what it was. He didn't like this feeling of knowing something was coming but not remembering what it would be.
"I wonder what magic I should get next after this." Should I go for time magic? Juan thought that it would be good. at least a magic that would rewind time if he suddenly died without knowing why. Although he didn't like the feeling of dying or the pain.
If it comes to his safety, he can at least surge on with unprecedented courage, even if it was just a burst of a lifetime. At least he won't really die. He can always make up for it. "Then I'll need to have it by tomorrow. I can just postpone the money-making magic first."
He can't just buy miniature houses and use one point of magic ritual every time he makes an offering, right? "So I must accumulate first." At the same time, Juan realized that he was too hasty. To use 3,000 worth of mini houses for a single use. What if the magic only let him create or multiply one bill? Wouldn't he lose out by then?
And where would I cry after that? Juan chuckled. He stood up and started to prepare for the start of the new day. Cooking, eating, taking a bath, cleaning up, and changing into his corporate attire and brown leather shoes. By the time he was done, the sun was already halfway out of the ground.
Juan left home after bidding farewell. He walked his way by foot on the still plain road. Leaving the palm forest road, he passed by the golden wheat fields that shone with the yellow hue of the sun. Looking at the time on his smartphone, he thought that it should be around this time.
[Another day of waking up early. +3 Magic Ritual]
Eh?
Seeing this familiar text box that would pop up every morning Juan wouldn't have felt anything if it was just this. The thing is, what's going on with the number? Juan stopped on his footsteps, standing at the side of the road as he blink his eyes on the text box he was reading.
One. Two. Three. Four. On the fifth blink. Juan finally believed it. Indeed, the number of magic rituals he got today was 3 and not 1! What's going on? How did the number suddenly shoot up by three? "I thought one day equaled one magic ritual. Am I wrong all along?"
Although he was confused, this is a good thing. With the increase in number, he can have every day. He wouldn't have to waste days waiting for so long just to accumulate enough magic rituals to create more magic to use. Although he had no idea what had caused this.
Juan felt that he could slowly uncover the truth with time. If he still doesn't know why. Then he would resort to magic that could give him the answer to all his questions. See if that mystery would remain as such in the face of his magic.
In a good mood, he didn't bother to delve too deeply. However, he can at least have many guesses in his heart. Juan looked at the new text box that appeared in front of him.
[Magic Ritual: 3]
[Current Magic: Healing x3]
In a good mood, his smile can't stop him from skipping the road along the way. He felt much lighter than usual and more awake than this morning. This must be the result of what happiness can bring.
Along the way, he caught up with Art, who was still drowsy and yawning while walking towards the city in his office uniform. "Art, hahahaha." Art looked around him and saw Juan looking beaming and very energetic in the morning.
He looked on enviously at Juan as he sighed, feeling listless. "I really envy your energy today, Juan. How can you still feel so energized in this kind of morning? Ah, I want to go back home and sleep more."
"Are you sure it isn't because you stayed on a woman's arm yesterday night?" Juan chuckled mischievously, remembering yesterday's event. "Art, who didn't want to return home because ladies kept him wanting to talk till morning,"
"And here am I, with all the investments in my communication skills going down the drain. Can't you believe it? They keep me because of my masterful humor? And the whole afternoon! In the end..." Art sighed listlessly. His back arched due to laziness, while his arms slumped down following gravity.
"In the end?" Juan wants to contain his laughter, but he just can't. Art didn't mind; instead, it made him feel his strength leaving him further. "In the end, I was thrown away like some used dog for a handsome dog wearing shiny things."
Juan laughed, "Hahahahahahahaha. hahahahahahaha."
...
After parting with Art, Juan always arrived on time for work. He looked around and saw no Sami on the way; however, that's it. He didn't look for him further, as he had nothing to do with him at all.
It was just that, as his first friend in this place, he naturally had to at least say some greetings and have some chit-chat to avoid any awkward moments.
After logging in, Juan entered the security building and greeted Toybits and Yotib along the way. When he entered the room, there was nothing unusual. But then he remembered something, back when he felt an anticipating feeling.
Did it point towards that increase in the count of his magic ritual? Or maybe something else? Also, why did he suddenly have that premonition? Is that the power behind the text box's way of telling him that something is coming? Juan had no way of knowing that.
"So why bother? Can't I just live the way I have always lived?" Juan murmured to himself as he sat on his chair, starting a new day of work. Since his supervisor was a busy person, he was seldom visited to see how he was doing.
Adding to the fact that the type of job he has is a quiet and boring one. It was almost possible to be forgotten if he did not show himself every morning to log in. That's why Juan was humble, but not too humble to be remembered fully and brought to the topic by everyone.
Without anything to do, he took out his phone and clicked on the browser as he thought of that ancient, stargate-like model he had bought yesterday. "Hmmm. They have some similarities. Don't tell me that thing is real."
It's not that he didn't want to believe that. But how could such a small stargate be of use? Sending objects like pens and such? Perhaps, but for a living being to pass through such a small hole Juan shook his head and denied it immediately.
That thing might just be one part of the bigger ones. Might be just a missing key for the real thing? In any case, he didn't know. If he had time in the future, he could try uncovering its mystery. But for now, playing games is the first priority.
And time flew by like usual—simple and boring. Juan left the office after signing off. Leaving the gas station building, he walked back home silently. While walking, he suddenly thought of Draw and that lady.
"I wonder if they became together? Draw, I already helped you. The rest is for you to decide what you want your life to become."
Life must go on, and Juan thought that was the case. Why must we die in the end? For what purpose are we even born to suffer? Can't we just live forever and enjoy the wonders of the world and the beautiful creations of our mighty creator?
"One ice cream, boss, how much for that big cone?"
"Just for 10, sir. How many do you want?" The ice cream boss asked, sitting on his driver's seat, looking at him waiting.
"Give me two." Juan bought two big ice creams for him to enjoy as he walked down the street. The cold and sweet taste of the ice cream slid down his tongue to his throat before falling into his stomach.
"Hmmm...." Juan's eyes narrowed into slits with a blissful smile, showing how satisfied he was. Ice cream after work, although it cannot fill the stomach, can blow away some fatigue in the body and help it relax. Then there was a flash.
Thud.
Eh? Where am I?
...
Somewhere far away
In a place that was prone to storms and rainy days. The mountain range looked like some kind of lair for a dragon, with hills like back winding arching up and down without end. Mist pervaded the lower reaches, while the peaks were hidden by the dark clouds.
On top of the tallest mountain stood a hidden tower, huge enough to hold a football stadium inside ten times. At this moment, in one of the rooms There's a hall with no windows to see what's outside.
Bright light shone from the ceiling above, making Juan feel blinded when looking upward. Currently, he was sitting on top of a wide platform where he was surrounded by tall walls with only one exit that was locked in sight.
Juan sighed in trepidation. How did he even get here? Although he had many guesses in his heart, he can only hope that he wasn't abducted by aliens to be experimented upon. While he was thinking in his heart.
He was also observing what place he was in now. After all, to suddenly transport him here without him knowing. If not for the ice cream he still had in his hand, he would have thought he was a knockout before being taken here.
But this: did he get transported like some kind of teleportation? Forceful summoning? What the heck? I just entered this mysterious world of ritual magic, and here he was already getting involved in something far greater than he currently had?
Juan wanted to cry but had no tears to come out. I just want to live a stable life with no mishaps. Damn, what's happening around me? Juan thought of those from the webnovels. It's true that everyone who met with fortune was prone to attracting danger around them.
I'm too naive; I actually believe that there's not much danger in the world, when in truth, I was too arrogant deep down and ignorant of the truth.
No, no, no. This can't go on when I return home. I'll quit my job and focus on creating all kinds of magic that will protect me from now on.
So I won't be in this passive situation anymore. I only hope I can leave this place alive. Juan wailed in his heart. He hated this kind of feeling. He wants to go home; why did he have to encounter this?
A while later, Juan seems to hear the noises above, where there are nine verandas on the walls. Nine people in black robes that hid their figures and faces suddenly came out from behind the entrance and found their figures sitting on their thrones.
"Juan S. Right, a 25-year-old university graduate of a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, failed many interviews for almost half a year before finally landing on his current job as a probationary CCTV operator."
"Nothing abnormal so far on the first day. However, on the second day, you had been detected using supernatural powers. I wonder what you would call your powers, Mr. Juan S. Right?"
A deep voice that seemed to have come from an old man with experience in making judgments on the convicts rang out from the hall.
As for Juan, he looked around and finally found who was speaking his information out. After all, the lighting was just too focused on him, making it difficult to see the people who were looking at him from above.
Arrogance—this is what Juan hated the most. To look down on people, to do things abruptly on others without consent. No matter where you are, all people are the same. Money and status make them go blind, for they think only they are the truth.
As for how his information was known, Who doesn't know how to use the internet these days? For them to delve deeper into him means that they have more connections everywhere. The only reason he could say such a thing was because the country he was in was just too ordinary.
Nothing too political nor too demanding on wars or terrorism For them to dig out his information, it can only mean one thing. They had eyes everywhere, and the only thing he could think of was what was flying above—satellites.
To think such a thing can detect his use of magic. Although it sounds unbelievable, it sounds like he wasn't expecting this. Juan felt that he was too arrogant to think he knew everything when he was the only one who was ignorant.
"Say it! What do you call your supernatural powers?" The old man's stern yet arrogant voice once again sounded with impatience this time. However, Juan only felt his heart tighten. His body was scared, but his mind was filled with anger.
The body can feel the pain as well as the pleasure of life. This made Juan feel conflicted because the importance of a physical body is immeasurable. Without it, how can he enjoy the joy of life?
It was also the reason why he wanted an indestructible body that wouldn't be affected by anything. Eternal life: to avoid death, the most painful thing in life is to be forgotten. However, no matter how strong his head was.
He knew he was against an organization that was unknown and mostly had the means to read his memories if he lied. What he needed to do now was gather some information and return home safe and sound! He could only hope his cheat overpowered all this inspection he was going to meet.
Juan didn't dare underestimate his enemies. No matter how easygoing he was, if someone did him wrong, No matter the reason, it doesn't mean that he was that forgiving. Juan would come back to take an interest in due time.
However, for now, he needs to bow his head and hide all the intentions deep in his heart. Showing what his body wants to show—trembling—he showed them the scared, witless face of a young man who was suddenly put on trial. As a frightened young man, Juan naturally blurted out some truths.
"M-M-Magic, it's magic, sir," Juan said, sweat oozing out of his skin as he shakily looked at the place where the old voice sounded. Juan was actually looking for any details that led to this place or this powerful organization.
The old voice hummed as he harrumphed in displeasure, "Magic? Are you a mage or something? Show us your magic." At the same time, the surrounding walls suddenly let out some sparkly light. Juan didn't know what it was, but if he were to guess, then it might be a barrier thing.
What should he do? Should he use his magic? But that's too wasteful; he didn't want to use it just for show. That would mean he lost a day of his hard work. So although he felt jittering in the heart, He still replied firmly, "I can't."
"Hmm?!" The old man flared up. " What did you say?" It looks like he's easily provoked. Juan suddenly felt a little scared. He would surely die in this place because of his inflexibility. However, the thought of losing the magic he worked hard to have and using it for show just won't budge his heart.
He can only continue to trek up this cliff. Hoping for a miracle to save him. Ah, how good would it be if some protagonists helped him by storming this place? Juan shook his head, as that only happens when saving the damsel in distress. However, in the eyes of everyone,
Juan's show of shaking his head was as though he were disregarding their authority. Although everyone was quiet and had different personalities, It still made them dissatisfied with how Juan the ant was acting. As for Juan, how does he care for their thoughts?
"How dare you! A criminal denying to answer the question of the court?! There's no need for further questioning. Send him to prison immediately and use 'it' on him." The old man was visibly filled with anger. Just how could you be so easy to anger?
Juan felt this place was full of retards. However, at this moment, another voice sounded. It sounded like the voice of a young man. "Calm down, old man, we should at least hear this kid's explanation, right? After all, if you really use 'that' on this kid, can you bear the cost?"
The old man immediately turned quiet, as though he had calmed down a bit. But the shaking of his body just shows how he wants to punish Juan to the ground. As for Juan, he slowly calmed down too.