Ali Raza formally introduced himself to Forny, extending his hand with a firm gesture. Forny, a bit surprised, returned the greeting before Ali invited him to sit by the campfire.
-I imagine you're hungry," said Ali Raza, offering him a skewer of meat whose tantalizing aroma made his mouth water. It's not much, but it will be enough to satiate you.
Forny accepted the skewer with a grateful look and, before tasting it, murmured:
-Thanks for saving us. I don't know how we would have gotten out of that one without you.
Ali Raza smiled a serene smile, his eyes calm.
-You have nothing to thank me for. I'm glad I was there at the right time to help.
Denek, who had been watching silently, interrupted anxiously:
-And what's going to happen to Saiko? -His eyes fixed on Mayilla, "Aren't you going to do something to save him?
Mayilla looked down, her lips quivering as if she was searching for the right words, but before she could respond, Ali Raza intervened:
-Denek, calm down. I understand how much this affects you, but this is not the time to put pressure on Miss Mayilla. She's still scared. Give her a break.
Denek pursed his lips, lowered his voice and nodded with resignation:
-All right... I'm sorry.
Silence fell over the group, until Forny broke the tension with a question:
-But... Denek is right, what about Saiko?
Ali Raza was silent for a moment, exhaled a heavy sigh, and then spoke seriously:
-There is nothing to be done now. Once someone is corrupted by the dark stone, there is no going back. There is no way to reverse it. Saiko will become a being of darkness, whose sole purpose will be to destroy.
The silence that followed was uncomfortable and oppressive. Finally, Ali Raza stood up, folded his hands and said with authority:
-Go and rest. Tomorrow you will learn everything you need to survive in this world.
One by one, the others obeyed and retired. As Forny was about to go to bed, Ali Raza called out to him.
-Hey, Forny, come with me. Let's get some water to put out the fire.
-All right," Forny replied, somewhat confused, but willing.
They left the cave and walked under the light of a bright moon. The stars formed hypnotic figures in the sky, and the sound of crickets filled the forest air. After a few moments of silence, Ali Raza spoke in a sterner tone:
-What were you thinking when you tried to attack Saiko?
Forny looked down, embarrassed.
-I don't know... I just wanted to help. To feel useful.
Ali Raza stopped and stared at him.
-Do you realize that, because of your selfishness, you endangered your entire group? -He gently touched Forny's forehead with two fingers. You acted without thinking of the consequences. If I hadn't been there, what would have happened to them?
Forny clenched his fists, his voice barely a whisper:
-They almost got killed...because of me.
Ali Raza nodded.
-Exactly. And the worst part is that you were knocked down in one blow. If you want to survive here, if you want to protect the others, you'll have to get stronger. You are responsible for them. Act with more conscience. -He stood in front of Forny and looked at him defiantly. Now, hit me. With all your might. I won't move.
Forny gulped, braced himself and threw a punch straight at Ali Raza's chest. Although he put all his effort into it, Ali Raza didn't even flinch.
-Wow, you're weaker than I thought. -His voice was full of disapproval, but also a slight spark of hope. You have no strength, no technique, no fighting position. But don't worry. Tomorrow we will begin your training.
Forny took a deep breath, his eyes alight with a mixture of embarrassment and determination. He knew this would be just the beginning.
-I will do my best.
Ali Raza stared at him, with a serious tone.
-I hope so. You have great challenges ahead of you. Come on, let's go back to the cave.
Without another word, they both walked in silence until they arrived. Ali Raza stopped at the entrance and spoke with authority:
-Go get some rest, Forny. Tomorrow you have hard training ahead of you.
-All right... You rest too.
Forny barely lay down and fell into a deep sleep. However, when he opened his eyes, he was not in the cave. He awoke in his room, to the familiar sound of his phone alarm. He sat up, confused, rubbing his face.
-Was it all a dream? Nothing was real... but I feel something different.
He walked through the corridors of his house, where an eerie silence reigned, as if it were completely uninhabited. Suddenly, his cat Mishu appeared, but this time he did not greet him. He walked past, not recognizing him. Forny, even more puzzled, let him go and hurried out.
Just as he was about to open the door, a sound stopped him: laughter. At first, soft and distant, but increasingly louder and more disturbing. The atmosphere in the house became gloomy, with shadows seeming to lengthen and the air becoming oppressive.
Forny, without a second thought, ran to the door, determined to escape. He flung it open, and there, shrouded in a dense fog, stood a hooded stranger, laughing incessantly. His whole home began to crumble, as if sucked into an infinite void.
Forny clenched his fists, furious.
-What are you doing?
The hooded man, in a raspy, cold voice, replied as he slowly circled it:
-Manipulating reality... Though it is unstable as my power fades. -His malevolent laughter echoed in the void. You know, Forny, I'm the reason you're here, trapped in this virtual world.
Stretching out his deformed arms, he continued:
-I can create a reality where you are happy, where your family is alive, with no economic problems, being successful, admired... Or I can plunge you into absolute misery, where you have nothing left worth living for. That is the path you are choosing by crossing paths with Ali Raza.
The fog thickened as the hooded man let out a cruel laugh.
-This is only the beginning, Forny Reiznek. Prepare yourself for the obstacles you will face if you truly want to return to a world where you no longer belong.
Before Forny could respond, everything vanished. He woke up with a jolt, his chest heaving, his fists clenched and an unquenchable fury reflected in his gaze.
-I swear I'll beat the shit out of you as soon as I find out who you are.
-Who are you going to beat up? -asked Denek, interrupting his thoughts. Now, get up. Ali is waiting for us for training.
-All right," Forny muttered, getting up with a sigh. Hot, isn't it?
-That's right. Come on, Ali is waiting for us.
In the distance, Ali Raza called out to them in a firm tone:
-Denek, Forny, move! I can't start training without you.
-We're coming! -they both replied, hurrying to the meeting point.
When everyone was assembled, Ali Raza stepped forward and spoke with authority:
-Form a horizontal line, facing forward. Very well. If you want to survive in this world, you must know that any mistake here can cost you your life. If you wish to escape from this place, you must become strong. Especially you, Forny. Now that you are the leader of the group, any bad decision you make will affect everyone.
The group listened in silence as Ali Raza continued:
Ali Raza stood at the front of the group with a serious air, his eyes roaming over each of those present.
-When they came to this world, they must have seen an advertisement, right? I guess they were confused, not quite understanding what it said. But didn't you notice a message at the bottom indicating your abilities? Don't worry, I'm here to guide you. Let's start with you, Laura.
Laura took a step forward, nervous but excited.
-It says I have the ability to premonition.
A stunned silence enveloped the group. Even Ali Raza seemed surprised.
-That's a formidable skill, Laura," he said with a slight smile. It can be vital for someone like you.
Laura, her eyes sparkling with excitement, cast a fleeting glance at Forny, seeking his approval.
Ali Raza then turned to Mayilla, again adopting his firm tone:
-Now it's your turn, Mayilla.
The young woman lowered her head a little, somewhat discouraged.
-My ability is called Fialser. I don't know exactly what it means, but... I guess it will be useful.
Ali Raza nodded earnestly.
-Don't underestimate your ability. Everything here has a purpose. I'm sure it will be more powerful than you imagine. Okay, Denek, it's your turn.
Denek shifted uncomfortably, scratching the back of his neck.
-Ehh... I... I don't see anything. No ability. Just a blank space.
Ali Raza frowned and walked over to check. After a moment's inspection, he stated:
-Maybe it's a mistake. Your ability may not have manifested yet. When you level up, we'll know.
While Ali and Denek examined the situation, Forny sweated silently. He had received the same error and a whirlwind of doubt swept over him. Why can't I see my ability? Should I make one up... or tell the truth? But before deciding, Ali Raza looked directly at him.
-Forny, your turn. What's your skill?
Nerves coursed through his body, but Forny gritted his teeth and replied in a shaky voice:
-My... ability is called Reverset.
Ali Raza watched him carefully, nodding slightly before speaking.
-As you see, each of you has a unique ability... except for Denek, whose ability has yet to manifest. If you want to return to the real world, you must perfect them. And that begins today.
Elsewhere...
Virus' subordinates advanced down a dark, icy corridor, opening the massive iron doors that creaked as they moved. As they crossed, Virus' figure stood with his back to them, his voice cold and menacing:
-I warned you not to return without good news.Did you stop the chosen one before he found Ali Raza?
One of the subordinates advanced, trembling.
-Lord Virus... we tried, but Ali Raza suddenly appeared to defend them. However, we brought this individual... we have corrupted him with the dark stone.
Virus clenched his fists, anger pouring from his voice:
-You fools! How could you not help it?
Another subordinate, trembling, tried to justify himself:
-If he had been there, it would have been avoided.....
Virus interrupted him, in a venomous voice:
-You know well that that damned curse of Ali Raza prevents me from leaving this fortress! -He took a deep breath, releasing tension with a sigh. All right... I'll spare them this time. But let it be the last. Bring me the corrupted one.
The group escorted a young man with a defiant look. Virus watched him with interest.
-What is your name?
-Saiko," he replied in a harsh, defiant voice.
A crooked smile appeared on Virus' face.
-Perfect... you will be a valuable ally. Help me destroy Ali Raza and his group.
Saiko crossed her arms.
-And what's in it for me?
Virus smiled mischievously.
-Absolute power... or whatever you desire most, as long as you do my bidding.
-It's a deal," Saiko replied without hesitation.
-Take him to his room and give him the best services. I don't want him to regret it.
As the minions escorted Saiko, Virus clenched his fists and muttered:
-Ali Raza... if you think this curse will stop me, you are sorely mistaken. I will raise an army that will tear you apart. This is just the beginning.