"Shin! Shin! Hey!" Ken's voice called out desperately, cutting through the fog of Shin's deep thoughts. Slowly, the sound grew clearer and louder, forcing Shin to regain his composure and become aware of his surroundings.
"Shin!" Ken continued, doing his best to pull Shin out of his reverie.
Shaking his head, Shin snapped out of his daze and apologized, "I'm sorry, Ken. I didn't expect to drift off like that."
"Are you good? You look pale again," Ken responded with concern, his voice filled with worry. He tapped Shin's back gently, trying to offer support. "It's okay, it's okay."
"Yeah, yeah," Shin replied, turning his face towards Ken and forcing a cold smile. "Don't worry, Ken. Just feeling this chill over my body for some reason."
Ken wanted to ease Shin's behavior. "Don't overthink it, it was just a nightmare, okay? We already confirmed there's no 'Mystic Emporium' in that corner. Just chill out, man. Take a deep breath."
"Don't worry," Shin assured, maintaining his cold smile. But his stomach growled loudly, reminding him that he hadn't eaten properly all day. "I'm all good now," he added.
Ken suggested they go to a nearby mini-mart to grab some food and eat outside. They both settled on instant ramen and began to eat. As they sat there, Shin happened to notice a mark on his hand, a strange and unfamiliar symbol. However, his hunger was overwhelming, and he decided to ignore it for now.
Just as they were enjoying their meal, the sound of Ken's phone ringing interrupted the moment.
"Ey, Shin, my mom's calling. Do you mind?" Ken asking to turn his back to Shin.
"You don't need to ask permission like that. Just go," Shin replied, trying to sound nonchalant despite the unease gnawing at him.
"I'm just worrying," Ken retorted with a smirk before answering the call.
As soon as Ken turned his back, Shin's mark began to emit a blackish-red light, capturing his attention. In the blink of an eye, Shin found himself transported to a realm where inky darkness spread endlessly, devoid of any light or sign of escape.
Stunned and disoriented, Shin stood frozen for a moment, trying to make sense of his surroundings and the sudden shift in reality.
Shin's realization washed over him, dispelling any lingering doubts that this was merely a figment of his imagination. "It's true," he whispered to himself with a mix of relief and excitement. "I knew it wasn't just a vivid nightmare." With a contented sigh, he turned around, ready to tell with Ken, his face adorned with a hopeful smile. However, Shin soon realized that escape from this realm was not within his immediate control. He needed the intervention of a higher authority to grant him release.
With a voice like thunder, the desolate realm filled with chilling echoes as a sinister voice hissed with twisted amusement, "How amusing! Once more, you find yourself lost in my domain, little one?"
Fear gripped Shin as a powerful gust of wind swirled around him. The colossal eye opened Its ethereal presence filled the room, casting a soft glow that seemed to suspend time itself, commanding and awe-inspiring. A thunderous voice reassured Shin, "Fear not, little one.
With a flicker of hope shining in his eyes, despite the lingering fear, Shin summoned his courage and respectfully confronted the mysterious entity. His voice quivered slightly as he asked, "Who... who are you? Where am I? And... what is it that you seek?"
The colossal eye pierced Shin's very being, its gaze searing through his soul. An aura of unfathomable intensity emanated from the entity as its voice, a resonating thunder from distant realms, reverberated once more. "I am the embodiment of myriad names, whispered in hushed tones, the essence of primordial darkness itself," it declared with an air of enigmatic grandeur. "Behold, for I am the Cosmic Umbral, the Sentinel of Eternity, the Sovereign of Shadows, and many more titles yet unknown to mortal tongues, little one.
"Shin's eyes widened in astonishment as he listened, his mind racing to grasp the immense gravity of the situation. Thoughts raced through his mind, struggling to comprehend "how l managed to summon such an awe-inspiring, all-knowing being".
As the omniscient being's ethereal voice gracefully swept through the air, its words carried a sense of long-held secrecy and concealed potential. It began to unravel the hidden truth behind Shin's summoning, shedding light on a profound purpose that had been obscured by the chains of poverty that bound him.
"Shin," the being spoke, its voice resonating like a gentle breeze, "within the depths of your being, there exists a unique combination of qualities that have been obscured by the circumstances that surround you. Curiosity, empathy, and an uwavering determination to change have blossomed within you, despite the chains of poverty that have held you back."
"You see," the being continued, its tone filled with a mixture of understanding and urgency, "it is precisely this rare amalgamation of attributes that has drawn my attention to you. "Your curiosity has sparked a flame within your soul, igniting a relentless pursuit of understanding. Your empathy has allowed you to perceive the struggles and dreams of others, fostering a deep connection to the world around you. And your unwavering determination has propelled you forward, even when the chains of poverty threatened to hold you in place. Our faith intertwined the moment you step at my store 'Mystic Emporium'. Little one"
"In the tapestry of existence, Shin, there lies a profound quest—a journey that calls upon individuals like yourself, blessed with such rare qualities. You are being summoned to embark on a path that will unveil the secrets of the universe, illuminating the hidden corners of knowledge and unlocking untold wonders."
"Know that this calling is not without purpose. It is not a mere coincidence that you possess these qualities. Rather, it is a testament to your strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit that has emerged despite the adversities that have surrounded you."
"In this quest, Shin, you will find not only answers but also liberation—a chance to transcend the limitations that poverty has imposed upon you. The world's knowledge and its infinite possibilities await you, ready to unveil their splendor. Through your journey, you will not only enrich yourself but also have the power to uplift others, providing a guiding light for those who share a similar struggle."
"Embrace this summons, Shin, for within it lies the key to unlocking your true potential. And remember, even in the face of adversity, the qualities that have brought you here will continue to be your guiding stars, leading you towards a destiny that transcends the chains that once held you back."
With these words, the omniscient being concluded its revelation, leaving Shin standing at the threshold of a transformative adventure—a quest that would not only shape his own destiny but also ignite a beacon of hope for those who dared to dream beyond their circumstances.
"Shin! Shin!"