[Horum's POV]
As he stirs from his slumber, the space around us transforms.
I marvel at the splendour of his world.
Does he perceive it this way?
We share the same face, but am I older in years?
The draft space is where I shape my imagination into reality. I test my ideas here before I make them real. I granted him access to the creative power of the draft space, so he wouldn't freak out if he encountered something strange.
He can only see what he knows here.
He mutters something unintelligible, "Awergfs@sfg$&." Pardon me, what did you say?
"achyfd@#$&aws." I'm perplexed by his speech. I have a vague sense of what he was saying, but this is puzzling.
Maybe, it's because I reconstructed his body that I can catch some words. And he's got some sort of misunderstanding.
The soul is a memory complex in technical terms. This means that every experience, knowledge, and wisdom is stored in the soul. But I can't access it at all. There are some sorts of restrictions.
I need to solve this problem first. He seems to understand that we can't communicate at all. He's making some strange motions. Kick my ass? A greeting gesture?
Anyways, this is futile. I'm crafting a sophisticated algorithm prism right in front of him.
I gathered all the linguistic knowledge I could find. I added some emotional cues as triggers, as well as extensive conditioning. This will enable him to understand and speak any language that ever existed or will exist in this universe. Now we can converse.
"Here, young one, take this." As soon as he touches it, it is absorbed into his body, and I see his soul integrating it. It's done.
I want to know more about his world, which has such beautiful scenery.
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[Kazu's POV]
Ho~
It's not that bad, talking to a beautiful lady sometimes. It feels refreshing, but she sure ate a lot. Even though I didn't eat, they served me some refreshments, which she also drank.
Anyhow, she's a peculiar girl. Maybe all beautiful girls are like that. I didn't drink the refreshments, yet I felt refreshed. Today is such a lovely day.
As we walked, I noticed a street I recognized. Isn't this where I questioned the officer before?
After a few minutes of walking, we made it to the Academy. However, something didn't feel quite right.
"Kazu, here!" As I glanced up, Alex waved.
Why are they using a shield? The Bureau only does this when there is a destructive threat.
Hmmm, A threat level 4 security protocol. Also known as the Infrastructure Protocol, its aim is to protect people inside a certain building that is regarded as a vital facility that contributes significantly to the planet's current and future growth.
As I was immersed in thought, Alex grabbed my hand. "Hey, why were you dozing off? Well, everyone is like that when they see the School Emblem for the first time." Emblem? Wait. What?!
I dashed to the gate, where a guard was stationed, just to be sure.
I asked the guard, "Sir, what is the branch of this academy?"
"Branch? We're in Canada, so it's Canada, and so far it's the only Academy here," responded the guard.
The name of the nation where an Academy is established is usually used.
"The Academy est. Canada"
I'm supposed to be in New York. What happened?
"What's the problem, Kazu?" As I look at my side, I forget we are still holding hands.
"Hey, Alex. Are we in Canada?" I ask Alex, knowing it is pointless.
She nods and inquires, "Yes, why do you ask?"
How did I miss it? I take out my phone and look at the map.
I sigh, why didn't I check the map from the get-go?
I discussed it with Alex. The Transportal had some sort of problem this morning, but it was already repaired. I suppose I'm unlucky. Surprisingly, Alex knows a lot about current events.
"Oh no," Alex mumbles something.
"What's the matter?" I ask her, wondering what was up with her.
"Kazu! I forgot my scooter."
"Scooter?"
"At my Dad's clinic."
I suppose her residence is a little far away. Should I accompany her to her house first?
Before I could even speak, what she said next caught me off guard.
She confidently said, "I'll accompany you."
Wait. What? Why do you want to do that? You know I'm travelling to a distant country, and you want to come along?
Well, I guess having the Transportal makes visiting other countries like a walk in the park.
Should I let her come with me?
She grabs me before I know it, dragging me in the direction of the Transportal. What about my opinion? Aren't you going to ask me?
Oh, the familiar street again.
"So, Kazu. New York, right?" Alex asks while operating the Transportal.
"Ah, yes." Before I know it, she taps my bracelet on the console.
"Kazu, come on, let's go," Alex urges me.
"I guess it's fine," I think as I step into the porter.
My vision changes as the Transportal activates.
Sigh… She completely sways me with her momentum.
This is the start of my journey into the unknown. I keep thinking about this day, and how things would be different if I had waited until tomorrow to use the Transportal.
I regret having met her.
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[In Kazu's Dream]
Dad, you're cosplaying again?
My dad is weird, period.
He thinks it's awesome to cosplay as a samurai who lives in solitude.
Does he have grass in his mouth? He seems to be either picking his teeth or smoking with a piece of grass in his mouth. I sigh.
He bought this forest, or rather, a large piece of land that looks like a manor. His house is nearby, within walking distance. He has installed many cameras all around, pointing in different directions. He even hires a photographer for this madness.
He is sitting cross-legged on a huge rock, trying to show off his sword somehow. He waves at me, and I just smile.
My dad is kind, but I don't really understand this side of him.
He used to photograph my mom, who looked stunning. I remember how he did that. That's why I let my dad pursue his odd hobby. He seems happy, and I respect him for that.
He comes down from the rock and asks, "How long are you going to sleep?"
Huh. Sleep?