The next day, when Aaron woke up, it was time for him to leave. He quickly gathered all his belongings and, once he was sure he had collected everything, he began to carefully place each item into his ring, a smile spreading across his face.
This ring was no ordinary accessory; it was a special birthday gift from his mother, a space storage ring. Such rings possess the incredible ability to store items within their enchanted confines. At the top of the ring, a diamond-like gem is embedded, entirely hollow inside, with dimensions magically stretched to accommodate a surprising amount of storage. Crafting a ring like this requires mastery of space magic, enabling the creator to manipulate the gem's interior volume. The storage capacity of the ring varies based on the skill of its maker, and Aaron's ring boasted an impressive two cubic meters of space.
"This ring is truly remarkable; it has become the most vital item for my journey. For that, I must express my gratitude to you, Mom."
With those thoughts swirling in his mind, Aaron emerged from his room and made his way down the stairs. As he descended, he caught sight of his mother tending to the plants, watering them with care. A wave of emotion washed over him—today was the day he would leave, and uncertainty loomed over him. How far would he travel? When would he be back? The realization of how long it might be until he could see her again tugged at his heart.
Lost in his reflections, Aaron finally reached his mother. Upon noticing him, her eyes mirrored a blend of emotions—pride in his pursuit of his dreams, yet sadness at the thought of him going away.
"Hello, Aaron! Are you ready to go?" she asked, her voice tinged with an undercurrent of emotion.
"Yes, Mom. I've packed everything, and the ring you gave me has proven incredibly helpful. Thank you for such a special gift."
"I know that when embarking on a journey, the biggest challenge is managing your luggage. That's why I bought this special ring for you and filled it with various magical books," his mother said, her eyes gleaming with love.
"Thanks, Mom. I promise I'll be back as soon as I can, and I will definitely find my father. I have to go now," Aaron replied, determination simmering in his voice.
"Just take this before you leave. You might not be home for a while, so here's one last homemade lunchbox to keep you going," she insisted, handing him the carefully packed meal.
Aaron accepted the lunchbox, embraced his mother tightly, and took a moment to look at her with a smile. He nodded in agreement, knowing that lingering any longer would only weaken his resolve.
"Mother, when I return as a great magician, just like my father, you will be the happiest person in the world. And I'm sorry for hiding that letter from you," he whispered, lost in thought once again as he stepped away from their home.
Aaron moved briskly towards his old house in Star City, the familiar sights and sounds of his childhood hometown stirring a mix of emotions within him. The place had been locked up since shortly after his birth when his family relocated to their current home, a decision that had been shrouded in mystery, leaving him with more questions than answers. Nestled on the outskirts, the journey through the bustling heart of the city posed no challenge for him, having spent countless hours exploring its streets as a boy. As he walked, he spotted a medicine shop, its faded sign creaking in the gentle breeze, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia.
"Since I'm already here, I might as well stock up on some supplies. Anti-venom pills could prove invaluable during my journey," he thought, his mind racing with the possibilities of what lay ahead.
Inside the shop, Aaron purchased a range of medicines, including antibiotics, painkillers, and a few remedies for treating wounds, all of which could come in handy in the unpredictable world he was about to enter. He carefully selected broad-spectrum antibiotics that would cover various potential infections, ensuring he had both oral and topical options. The painkillers he chose included ibuprofen for inflammation and acetaminophen for general pain relief, packing extra doses in case of injuries. For wound care, he loaded up on antiseptic wipes, gauze, and adhesive bandages, also thoughtfully grabbing a small bottle of antibiotic ointment to promote healing.
With his first stop complete, he made his way to a nearby weapon shop, its door adorned with a sword emblem, where he acquired a gleaming sword, its blade inscribed with ancient runes, ready to face whatever lay ahead, its weight feeling familiar in his hand. The shop was filled with an assortment of weapons: bows with meticulously crafted arrows, daggers of various sizes, and shields etched with protective symbols. As he browsed the offerings, a practiced shopkeeper approached, sharing insights about the sword's history and the significance of the runes. Aaron felt a sense of reassurance as he ran his fingers along the cool metal, imagining the battles it had withstood. He also grabbed a sturdy leather sheath to protect his new weapon, ensuring it was easily accessible on his journey. The behind-the-counter displays showcased intricate craftsmanship, and after a bit of haggling, Aaron left the shop with not just the sword, but also a small dagger for close hand-to-hand encounters, feeling ever more prepared for the road ahead.
"Now that this work is done, it's time to head to my old house. Let's go; perhaps I can find answers to some of my lingering questions."
He began to move forward, covering nearly 9 kilometers before arriving at the front of a weathered two-story house—his childhood home and abandoned for a long time. The once-vibrant walls were now faded, the windows were clouded with dirt, and the door creaked in the gentle breeze, giving an eerie feeling of being welcomed back by a forgotten past.
"So this is my old house. It's not too shabby, though I imagine it was once better. What a change! I can't quite remember what it used to be like. Alright, time to find the house key." The key, worn and rusty, looked out of place in his modern pocket, a tangible connection to the memories he had left behind.
He fished the key from his pocket, which he had taken from his mother, and unlocked the door before stepping inside. The creaking of the door echoed through the empty hallway, disturbing the silence that had filled the space for years.
Aaron took in the interior of the house, which still held a certain beauty despite being cloaked in dust. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling like macabre chandeliers, and the air was thick with the scent of decay and nostalgia. He turned slowly, surveying the familiar spaces and reflecting on the fact that his family had left this house in search of peace, leaving behind a part of themselves.
"What are you doing, Aaron? You're here to work—focus on that first, and then you can ponder the rest," he said to himself, giving his cheek a gentle pat. He took a deep breath, the familiar smell of home filling his lungs, and began to clear the cobwebs from his mind as much as from the space around him.
Aaron started searching for his father's room in that house, and after a while, he found a room in which his father's photo was displayed alongside some of his friends, capturing a moment from a time he could barely remember.
"Looks like this is the father's room, but that bookshelf, oh there it is," he murmured to himself, excitement coursing through him as he observed the surroundings.
Aaron looked around fervently, and as soon as he caught sight of the bookshelf, he quickly approached it. Shortly afterwards, he noticed a star-shaped mark on the side of the bookshelf, which seemed oddly out of place, catching his interest. Curiosity piqued, he studied the star mark intently before realizing he had something that could potentially fit it. He reached down and retrieved a locket he had been wearing and fitted it to that star mark, feeling a thrill of anticipation as he turned back to the bookshelf.
"Okay, now let's see what happens... What is this, nothing happened? Did I choose the wrong lock? I meant the bookshelf," Aaron pondered, frustration beginning to bubble within him.
As he was consumed by these thoughts, something magical transpired-the light from the edges of the star began to emanate, illuminating the dimly lit room in a soft, ethereal glow. In front of the bookshelf, the tiles on the ground suddenly began to slide apart, shifting aside silently to reveal a dark opening. There was a staircase concealed beneath those tiles, which beckoned him with an air of mystery. Aaron hesitated for just a moment, his heart racing with both fear and eagerness. He took a deep breath and decided to brave the unknown, stepping down into the shadows.
After some time of carefully navigating the descending staircase, he finally reached the bottom, and what he saw left him utterly astonished and breathless. The dimly lit chamber unfolded before him, filled with relics and artifacts that seemed to etch the history of his family into the very walls. He stood frozen in place for a moment, his mind racing to process this unexpected treasure trove of memories and secrets, and for some time only a few words escaped his lips in shocked disbelief.
"What the....!!!"