Chapter 15 - Can you see?

MK's heart raced with sheer astonishment as he gazed into the resplendent gold-plated book, but what he found within left him utterly flabbergasted.

Instead of the expected text or ancient script, there lay before him nothing but pristine, blank sheets of paper. The initial surprise gave way to a sense of bewilderment, and he sat there, still and composed, yet inwardly perplexed.

In a desperate bid to uncover the hidden secrets, MK flipped the book upside down, his enthusiasm unabated. With each page turned, his anticipation grew, but alas, the pages remained devoid of any ink or markings.

His efforts to reveal the elusive contents proved in vain. This unexpected turn of events had transformed a moment of excitement into a puzzling enigma, leaving MK to contemplate the mysteries concealed within the enigmatic gold-plated tome.

Intrigued by the enigma of the apparently empty gold-plated book, MK's mind raced with questions. "Why does Maestro fixate on this book day in and day out if it truly contains nothing?" he mused, his curiosity bubbling with enthusiasm. "Could Maestro be harboring a touch of eccentricity?" he wondered with an excited grin.

As he delved deeper into his investigation, attempting to decipher the mysteries within, Maestro made a sudden entrance into the room. MK sprang to his feet with lightning speed, returning the book to its original spot.

His actions were driven by an electrifying surge of eagerness and anticipation as he swiftly reclaimed his initial seat, eager to confront Maestro and uncover the perplexing truth behind the book's empty pages.

Maestro's silence was as enigmatic as the book itself, intensifying the air of mystery in the room. As he settled into his chair, anticipation crackled between them like electricity.

Then, with a curious glint in his eye, Maestro finally broke his silence, leaning forward. "What did you glimpse inscribed upon the cover of the book?" he inquired, his voice tinged with intrigue.

MK, taken aback by the unexpected question, felt a surge of astonishment wash over him. He vividly remembered inspecting the book's cover, convinced there had been no markings. Nevertheless, he mustered his response with enthusiasm, his words laden with disbelief.

"There's positively nothing adorning the cover," he exclaimed, his voice carrying the excitement of a revelation yet to be unearthed.

Maestro's words held a profound wisdom as he gently raised the enigmatic book. "Always remember, just because your eyes can't perceive something doesn't mean it lacks existence," he declared, his tone infused with a mix of enlightenment and mystery. MK absorbed these words in thoughtful silence.

But then, Maestro's gaze shifted to the extensive collection of books adorning the shelves, all 500 of them, and he posed an exhilarating question: "Don't you share the burning desire to craft your own literary works, just as I have?" His gesture towards the vast array of books ignited a passionate spark in the room, an invitation to partake in the timeless journey of creation, leaving MK's heart aflame with the fervor of untold stories and uncharted adventures.

"Everything here was penned by you?" MK blurted out, his eyes wide with astonishment, struggling to comprehend the scope of Maestro's literary accomplishments.

Maestro, undeterred by MK's shock, pressed on with zeal. "Don't you, too, aspire to have your works embraced by readers one day?" he inquired once more, stoking the flames of ambition.

MK's curiosity persisted, now tinged with disbelief. "But how do you conjure ideas when you're confined to this room?" he asked incredulously, unable to fathom the wellspring of creativity within these four walls.

"Utilizing the Supremes' language, the Tongue of the Mind," Maestro began, "that's the key."

MK, his interest piqued, sprung from his seat. "How can I learn it?" he implored, his excitement palpable.

Maestro's reply was cryptic but fervent. "For a start, you must possess the gift of sight," he stated.

MK nodded vigorously. "Indeed, I can see."

But Maestro's response took an unexpected turn, injecting an electrifying passion into the conversation. "Ah, but remember, love is blind, as is hate. Most people harbor either affection or animosity towards something, and you, might just be 'blind' in that regard."

MK stood there, a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts coursing through him, feeling both challenged and intrigued by Maestro's words.

With unwavering enthusiasm, Maestro continued, "All you need to do is clear your mind of emotions and focus. Start by deciphering the title of this very book, and that shall be the testament of your readiness." He handed the book over to MK, setting the stage for a thrilling journey of discovery and mastery.

MK's gaze lingered on the intriguing book, a smile playing on his lips, before he departed from the room. Maestro observed his exit with a knowing smile, followed by a deep sigh that hinted at a hidden weight.

As MK ventured into the woods surrounding Maestro's dwelling, he stumbled upon a figure that stirred a sense of familiarity. Drawing nearer, the image sharpened.

It was D3, the Actant he had encountered not long ago. Yet, something about D3 had changed. MK couldn't help but notice the distinctive brown dreadlocks adorning D3's head. "Were those there during our first encounter?" he pondered, questioning whether fear had obscured his perception.

"Good evening, D3," MK greeted, closing the distance between them.

D3's response was composed, as though he had anticipated MK's arrival from afar. "Evening, MT," he replied, his tone unwavering.

MK corrected him with determination, "It's actually MK."

D3 acknowledged the correction with a nod, replying, "My apologies, MK." The exchange marked a moment of clarity, setting the stage for their continued interaction with newfound certainty.

"Why are you here all alone?" MK inquired, his curiosity piqued.

D3's response was enigmatic, delivered with an expressionless face that hinted at the gravity of his words. "Let's just say I'm taking a respite after meting out justice to an unrighteous," he declared with a solemnity that sent shivers down MK's spine.

MK, his shock palpable, couldn't contain his inquiry. "Did you... did you eliminate the Sage we encountered on our first meeting?" he asked, his disbelief hanging heavy in the air.

D3's response remained unyielding, his countenance unchanging. "No unrighteous shall evade their reckoning," he affirmed with unwavering resolve.

MK struggled to comprehend. "How can an Actant possess the power to end a Sage's life? It defies all logic," he muttered to himself in disbelief.

Suddenly, a distant, resounding horn blared from the training ground. D3's stoic demeanor shifted instantaneously, transforming into a broad, radiant smile.