As Shin unlocked the door, an elderly gentleman dressed elegantly and supported by a finely crafted cane stood before him.
"Excuse me, sir, may I inquire about your identity?" Shin asked.
The elderly man waved his hand, gesturing for Shin to come closer so he could speak more clearly. However, as soon as Shin leaned in, the man gave him a gentle slap on the cheek, scolding, "Is this how the young generation behaves? Not enough respect for their elders!"
"I apologize, but we have a rule not to let strangers in," Shin replied with a friendly smile. However, before he could react, the old man had vanished from the front door. "Huh? Where did he go? Is he behind me?" Shin wondered aloud, feeling a sense of bewilderment.
Shin's back was turned, but a cold sweat and goosebumps covered his skin, sending a clear message that he found this man unsettling.
Shin felt a wave of unease wash over him. "This guy is seriously creepy," he thought, desperate to warn Ken. "Ken!" he tried to call out, but his voice seemed to get stuck in his throat. "Damn it."
The old man stepped forward, the room seemed to hush in reverence, and his piercing gaze bore an air of ancient wisdom. "I am Malachi, Malachi Blackwood" he proclaimed, his voice commanding attention, "a prophet devoted to the Lord of the Abyss. Meeting me is an honor beyond mortal reckoning." With a mysterious air, he removed his shoe, and an inexplicable weight settled upon the space, rendering movement nearly impossible.
Sitting down beside Ken, Malachi commented, "Your food looks quite delicious, doesn't it?"
Ken laughed nervously and replied, "Yeah, it does." Feeling pressured, Ken offered his food to Malachi.
Malachi happily accepted the gesture and slurped the ramen soup. "It's indeed tasty. What's your name?" he asked.
"I'm Ken, Kendrick Hawthorne," Ken responded.
"Ah, what a good name, young man," Malachi said cheerfully. The heavy air around the house dispersed as he continued eating. He then called to Shin, "Come here, Shin, join us."
Shin's body moved on its own, and he joined them with a respectful posture. "Now, go on, tell us what you want to share," Malachi instructed.
Feeling like they had no choice and sensing that their lives were at stake, Shin reluctantly began to share his past experiences with Malachi, explain every detail and until how he pick up a girl.
"Isn't this interesting, Shin?" Malachi exclaimed loudly. "Let me share something even more intriguing. But first, I know you're awake, young girl. Join us, don't be shy."
The door to Shin's room slid open noisily, and the girl rushed to join them. Both Shin and Ken were taken aback, and their confusion was evident as they couldn't help but say, "HUHHH?"
The girl, equally bewildered, had a screaming expression on her face and echoed their confusion, "HUHHH?"
"What's your name, young girl?" Malachi asked, a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes.
"A... Ava Grace," she replied, her voice trembling with fear.
"Well, well, well, I'm Malachi Blackwood," he introduced himself, a mysterious aura surrounding him. "On your left, that's Kendrick Hawthorne, and lastly, on your right, that's Shin Morgan, the guy who helped you. Now that we know each other, shall we begin?"
As Malachi exuded an air of enigmatic confidence, the three felt a mix of trepidation and intrigue, not sure what to expect from this unexpected encounter. The atmosphere in the room grew more intense, and they braced themselves for whatever secrets and revelations were about to unfold.
"Long ago, in the ancient times, the world was a realm of wonder and enchantment. It was a place where magic flowed freely, and diverse kingdoms coexisted, each inhabited by different races, each with unique abilities and contributions.
Elves, known for ethereal beauty, guarded the forests and communicated with nature. Their archery skills were unmatched, arrows imbued with magic. Adept illusionists, they protected their realm with cunning spells. Cherishing community, their songs enchanted all.
Dwarfs, masters of craftsmanship and mining, created legendary treasures. With unyielding determination, they forged mighty weapons and structures, admired by all races. Their sense of community and family bound them together, ensuring their legacy lived on.
The Demi-Humans were a blend of different races, gifted with adaptability and versatility. They could learn skills from any race, making them valuable allies and diplomats.
Humans, resourceful and ambitious, were a diverse and innovative race. They excelled in all domains and proved to be exceptional leaders and strategists.
The Fairies, tiny and delicate, had a profound connection to the elements. They could manipulate wind, water, fire, and earth, creating breathtaking displays of magic.
Familiars, mysterious and wise, had the power of shapeshifting and telepathy. They served as wise counselors and guides, offering invaluable insights to those in need.
And there were even more races, like the elusive Merfolk, the cunning Shifters, and the mystical Seraphim, each with their own unique abilities and contributions.
The kingdoms united under the emblem of the Mystic Emporium, a guild symbolizing hope and harmony. This guild was the beacon of victory, defending the world from catastrophic attacks and creating a unified realm.
In this magical world, the kingdoms coexisted harmoniously with celestial beings such as majestic Dragons, wise Phoenixes, and celestial Guardians. These creatures brought blessings and protection to the land.
However, evil organizations emerged, known as "The Order," comprising overpowered, notorious, and cold-hearted villains. In a devastating ambush, they destroyed the Mystic Emporium, massacring all its members, and hope seemed to vanish.
The kingdoms plunged into a war, and fearing extinction, the races decided to retreat to hidden realms for protection. They wove powerful enchantments to conceal their lands from the mortal world, hoping to keep their legacies alive.
As thousands of years passed, the age of magic gradually faded, giving way to the rise of science as the dominant force in the world. Yet, magic was not entirely lost; some individuals still held the knowledge of how to manipulate and manifest it.
The Order remained, seeking to hunt down and eradicate anyone capable of wielding magic. The world was now divided between those who embraced the modern age and those who clung to the secrets of ancient power.
"I'm afraid at this point I need to cut off my story," for someone is gonna interrupt us. Just then, a chilling voice pierced the air, "Speaking of the devil, they already found us," said Malachi.
"Shin, will you please duck for a moment?"