THE CITY OF Nix bore the thunderous clamour of busy people going on about their days as they walk down the streets. Vehicles and motorcycles are engaged in traffic every day, never ceasing to justify the excuse of someone coming late to their workplaces or schools.
Astier took the train on the late evening of Thursday, coming home to his humble abode as he had to make overtime. His co-worker, which turns out to be his best friend and his partner in creating new content for social media was absent for the day. He took a sick leave yesterday after eating a bad shrimp. Astier had no idea the meal they were serving at the restaurant where they had dinner contained shrimp, which his best friend is badly allergic to.
He had a severe allergy attack and had to take a leave. Astier was left alone to finish at least the remaining 50% of the work before presenting it to their Boss. Fortunately, she liked his presentation before approving their worth of a week's hard work.
"What did she say?" asked Ardelian from the other line of the phone.
"She said it was "Well done". She liked the idea of having the other details minimized in the background which gave emphasis to the main content. She's approved of it. We'll be scheduled to post it tomorrow at 8 AM."
"That's wonderful news. Our sleepless nights finally paid off."
"I know. You get some rest now and get better soon. I'll come by at your place tomorrow after work."
"Sure thing. Thanks, mate."
He boarded the train shortly after hanging up the call. Empty seats are available. Perhaps, because it was nearly 11 PM when Astier left his workplace.
His humble abode greeted him with darkness. Turning on the lights in his living area, he tiredly laid himself on the sofa, venting out a loud sigh of relief. He can't wait to explore his bed and earn himself a good sleep. But as soon as he had close the door to his room, his eyes caught the old book he found in the library not so long ago.
A small smile had plastered on his lips as he took a seat. That book never ceases to extend his energy no matter how drained he is from his work.
"Wouldn't it be nice if one day we were given a chance to meet our favourite fictional characters?" Astier uttered.
His finger traced the golden crest on the front cover before he slowly lifted it. Suddenly, a light emerged from the very first page, it was blinding, and he had to close his eyes.
Astier's thunderous scream echoed in the four corners of his room as his body was whisked away inside the book.
"Hurry up! This he is!"
"Go! After him!"
"Don't let him get away!"
"Kill him! Don't let him escape!"
'What? Kill who? Where am I? What just happened?' Astier merely opened his eyes, his body somehow felt different, like endless powerful energy surges within his veins.
"Hurry up before he wakes up!"
Astier only fully gained consciousness when a flaming ball landed beside him. He yelped.
"What the!" He sprang up, realising he's been lying on the cold grass. Soldiers holding swords and spears are fast approaching him. In front of them is a woman whose eyes are literally blazing, engulfed in flames, running fast towards him.
Confused, he lifted his hand to wave at them. But seems like his gesture only angered the woman. On her palm flames suddenly materializes, morphing into tiny balls of fire. Astier's eyes nearly fell out from their sockets, flabbergasted by the sight he had just witnessed.
Angrily, the woman hurled the fireballs in his direction. Astier remained unmoved, shocked by this unexplainable turn of events. The fireballs blasted him away into a cliff, and he fell rolling.
"This isn't the end, Destroyer! This isn't the end!" bellowed the fireball woman.
'What? Destroyer? But that's the villain of the story!'