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Chapter 17 - The Dream Continues (I)

A young boy and an old man are being observed together, conversing in an animated manner. Hand gestures are seen wildly flailing around, as if trying to persuade whoever he was talking to with his point. An old man sits opposite him, occasionally shaking his head while smiling. Curiously, the surrounding people don't seem to notice them at all, as if they don't exist.

"Young Richtofen, while you do make valid points, what I practice cannot be clearly defined by the common limitations of conventional science and mortal comprehension. I adhere to the ancient methods of Kalamatrya Sutra, one of the many pages of Anant Kaal Ke Shaastr. Though fragmented, they have allowed me to outlive many eras, letting me witness the rise and fall numerous nations, navigating through the tides of time and space. I have perceived the strings of fate, the mechanisms of time, and the very fabric of the cosmos." The old man slowly narrated to young Edward, who listened quietly.

"Umm, quick question here: If you are so powerful" Edward, emphasizing on 'powerful', "Then why are you here then, oh mighty one?" With a quick, sarcastic bow, Edward finished his sentence with a smirk. Not offended, the old man continues solemnly. "Though I have these vast, unimaginable powers, I cannot stop our doom. I have perused through myriad possibilities, each culminating with into a singular point: a blank point in our history, darkness covering the entirety of the scene." At this point, Edward is seen gulping silently, feeling the solemnity in his voice.

Shakily, he asks the old man, "Why did you come to me then? Did you come to scare me like all the others you have talked to? Are you here just to see the despair in the faces of those you have told this to?" The old man looks up to Edward, and replies, with hope, "Though nearly all the paths point to our ruination, only one didn't. Curious, I watched it again and again. At first, it was all the same like the previous timelines, but you," he points at the young boy, "you were the outlier. It was because of you that the timeline managed to persist, It was because of your courage and sacrifice that we stood a chance. It was because of you that I had arranged our meeting." Edward stands up, with confusion etched in his face "Wait wut? I'm pretty sure that I was str-" the old man cuts him of "'-olling around because my father is mad at me', right? Yes young Edward, I knew you were going to come here, realizing that this was my only chance, my only hope, of guiding you, so that we have a chance, a chance for survival at the future."

Shaking in fear, the young boy stands up, and boldly proclaims "What hogwash are you speaking, I believe that you are nothing more than a mere conman." With a huff, he proceeds to turn back to the con man, and goes back towards his house. Just as he was about to do so, suddenly a flying stone wheel comes crashing down towards him. Fear rooted the young boy, making him stand still as the wheel got closer to him, inch by inch.

When all seemed lost, an old, wizened hand managed to grab ahold of the wheel, and to his astonishment, turned it into ice first, before turning it into water and letting it flow into his hands. Using martial arts unknown, he used drops of the water to shoot them into some nearby buildings. Some muffled noises came through, and a body was seen falling from one of the buildings. Screams soon followed, with a growing crowd gathered around the body, and many more going to the the hole-ridden houses.

In awe, young Edward simply gawked at the old man, and asked him how on earth did you do it? It does not conforms to the known laws of the world, just the energy required itself is something you cannot generate on your own. It just went whoosh, then a bang, then kaboom." Near the end, the young boy is seen squealing in amazement, as he peppers the old man with a barrage of questions.

"Well young man, I believe I have proven myself well enough. Now, do I have your attention?" The old man dusts himself off, before extending his hand towards Edward, "Now, as going by the rules of etiquette, I shall introduce myself. I have gone by many names, but my most memorable name, and the most favourite, is guru Pravakh Singh. Now, I shall ask again: do you believe on gravity?" With that, Pravakh Singh extends his hand towards the young Edward.

Edward, understanding the significance of this opportunity, extends his right hand in a gesture of acceptance. "Esteemed teacher, I humbly request your guidance as your dedicated student." A subtle smile graces his lips, reflecting his eagerness to acquire the profound knowledge that awaits him.