Shin's mind slowly emerged from the fog, and he heard Ken's voice calling out to him with a mix of concern and frustration. He looked up at Ken's face and managed a weak but genuine smile. "What's with the trembling voice, *heh*?"
Ken couldn't help himself and impulsively hit Shin's head. "You bastard, you dare to say such things when I'm about to tear myself worrying about you, huhhh?" His voice was a mix of relief and frustration, as he was glad to see Shin okay but also annoyed by Shin's nonchalant attitude.
"Ouchhhh, you already hit me twice today," Shin said, rubbing his head with a playful pout. "Why in the head?"
Pausing for a moment, Shin looked at Ken, his eyes lighting up with excitement. He was eager to tell Ken it wasn't a dream, knowing that Ken would understand. But then, a faint voice whispered in his ear, "It's not the right time, little one."
Shin hesitated but eventually decided to listen to the whispered advice. "It... it wasn't," he said, leaving Ken puzzled by the cryptic response.
Ken turned his back to Shin in frustration, not knowing what to make of the situation. "Hmp, what!?"
"It wasn't so bad having you worry for me, Ken," Shin finally revealed, his voice sincere and grateful. He wanted to convey how much he appreciated Ken's concern and support.
Ken's frustration melted into a mix of embarrassment and warmth. He scratched his head, still facing down but wearing a genuine smile. "Of course, it wasn't so bad to have you either. I'll always have your back, Shin, always."
Shin teased Ken playfully, "Aight, shall we go home? Your mother already misses you."
"Yeah, sure she does," Ken replied with a hint of bashfulness, appreciating the banter between them.
As they started walking home together, Ken and Shin fell into an easy camaraderie that came from years of friendship. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood they had grown up in. They walked side by side, reminiscing about their childhood adventures and laughing at some of the ridiculous situations they had gotten themselves into.
Shin stepped into his house, he called out, "Mom, I'm home!" But there was no response, and he realized she wasn't home yet. It was a common occurrence as his mom often had to work late. Despite feeling a bit disappointed, he decided to take matters into his own hands and prepare dinner for himself.
In the kitchen, he rummaged through the fridge and found some eggs, vegetables, and a few other ingredients. Shin loved cooking, and he had a special omelette recipe that his mom always enjoyed. He began chopping the vegetables and cracking the eggs into a bowl, adding a pinch of his secret spices that created a delightful aroma.
As he cooked, the savory scent filled the kitchen, making him feel nostalgic. He recalled the times his mom cooked for him, and he hoped she'd enjoy the omelette he was preparing for her.
After finishing the omelette, Shin placed it on a plate and covered it with a lid to keep it warm. He then grabbed a piece of paper and a pen, writing a heartfelt note for his mom. "Eat this, Mom, after you come home, before you go to sleep. I made it with love. Love, Shin."
Feeling accomplished and excited to surprise his mom, Shin put the plate with the note on the dining table. However, after the long day he had, exhaustion was starting to take its toll. He yawned, realizing just how tired he was. "I'm so tired," he muttered to himself.
After deciding to rest for a while before his mom returned home, Shin headed to his room, where he changed into pajamas and nestled under the soft covers. As he lay there, minutes ticked by, and he gradually slipped into a deep and tranquil slumber. In this state, time seemed to lose its usual hold on him, and the once noticeable tick-tock of the clock on his bedroom wall transformed into a soothing melody, guiding him on his dream-filled adventure.
In the dream, Shin slowly blinked, trying to regain his consciousness, he found himself in a state of bewilderment. "Where am I?" he questioned, looking at his hands in confusion. However, as his awareness returned, he took in his surroundings and felt a rush of astonishment.
A magnificent kingdom stretched out before him, like something out of a fantastical tale. Towering structures adorned with glistening gemstones reached for the sky, their reflections shimmering on the surface of a sparkling river that meandered through the heart of the realm.
The architecture was beyond anything Shin had ever witnessed, with intricate carvings and delicate mosaics gracing every building. The streets bustled with vibrant life as merchants proudly displayed their wares, skilled musicians filled the air with enchanting melodies, and cheerful townsfolk went about their daily routines. The aroma of freshly baked goods and fragrant flowers permeated the air, adding to the enchantment of the scene.
As Shin looked around the kingdom, he couldn't believe his eyes. It felt like he had a magnificent dream, where diverse beings of unimaginable beauty and power coexisted in perfect harmony.
Elves with their pointed ears and ethereal grace glided gracefully through the streets, emanating an aura of ancient wisdom. Dwarfs, with their stout frames and skilled craftsmanship, diligently worked in their workshops, creating breathtaking works of art and engineering. Beast men, with their animalistic features and uncanny abilities, moved with an innate connection to the land they called home.
Fairies fluttered by, their delicate wings shimmering in the sunlight, leaving trails of magical glow wherever they went. Shin couldn't help but break into a smile as they playfully sprinkled pixie dust, infusing the air with enchantment.
Amid the bustling crowd, humans thrived, each showcasing their unique talents and ambitions, contributing to the kingdom's prosperity in their own special ways. Some immersed themselves in the vast libraries as scholars, seeking ancient knowledge, while others honed their skills as skilled warriors, dedicated to safeguarding the kingdom from any threat.
Shin happily explore, he encountered creatures beyond his wildest imagination—majestic dragons soared through the skies, griffins with their regal presence watched over the kingdom, and mystical phoenixes whose fiery plumage illuminated even the darkest corner.
As Shin ventured further, he discovered the "Guild of Mystic Emporium," a wondrous store-like building that welcomed all, from wizards to knights. Inside, a labyrinth of magic housed arcane tomes, mystical artifacts, and captivating art. At the heart of the guild, magical fountains bestowed temporary powers, encouraging cooperation and learning. This extraordinary place served as a beacon of unity, celebrating the limitless possibilities of magic.
Shin gazed at the entrance of the "Mystic Emporium," he whispered, "Why does that name sound so familiar?" A mix of excitement and curiosity filled his voice, as if memories were about to resurface. With a grin, he stepped forward, he prepared to explore the place further.