Chereads / God of Universe, Living on Earth / Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: A Warning from the Shadows

Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: A Warning from the Shadows

Stanley walked to school the next morning, the rising sun casting a warm glow over the bustling streets. He replayed last night's events in his mind the stranger's attack and their cryptic words.

As he entered the school gates, the usual chatter of students filled the air. Stanley forced himself to smile and wave at a few classmates.

Mia joined him by the lockers, her cheerful demeanor a welcome distraction. "You didn't forget the project presentation today, did you?" she asked, teasing him.

Stanley blinked. Presentation? "Uh, of course not," he lied.

"Good, because I didn't stay up half the night working on it for you to wing it." Mia rolled her eyes but smiled.

Stanley chuckled. Moments like this reminded him why he chose to live among humans. Their vibrant, unpredictable energy kept him grounded.

But as the day progressed, Stanley couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. In every hallway and every classroom, a prickling sensation crawled up his spine. He scanned the faces around him, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Maybe I'm just paranoid, he thought.

After School

Stanley walked home alone, taking a detour through the quiet park near his apartment. The trees whispered in the gentle breeze, and the distant sound of children playing brought a rare moment of peace.

Until he felt it again that sense of being watched.

"Show yourself," Stanley said, his voice low but firm.

The air shimmered, and a figure stepped out from the shadows of the trees. This wasn't the same person who had attacked him yesterday. This was someone else a man dressed in a dark cloak, his face hidden beneath a hood.

"Impressive," the man said, his voice calm and measured. "Most wouldn't notice my presence."

Stanley crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "Who are you, and why are you following me?"

The man chuckled. "You've been drawing attention, Stanley. Too much attention. There are those who would rather see you removed from the equation."

Stanley raised an eyebrow. "Removed? You make it sound like I'm part of some grand plan."

The man stepped closer, the shadows clinging to him like a second skin. "You're not just part of the plan you're the centerpiece. But not everyone sees that as a good thing."

Stanley's eyes narrowed. "Enough with the cryptic talk. If you have something to say, say it."

The man hesitated, then sighed. "You're in danger. The attack yesterday was only the beginning. More will come, and they won't be as reckless or weak as that first one."

Stanley remained silent, his gaze piercing.

"Earth is no ordinary planet," the man continued. "Its magic runs deep, tied to ancient forces that even gods fear. And you, Stanley, are a threat to those forces. They see you as a wild card someone who could upset the balance."

Stanley let out a quiet laugh. "Balance? I'm just living my life. I'm not looking for trouble."

"That doesn't matter," the man said sharply. "You exist, and that alone is enough to make you a target."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then the man reached into his cloak and pulled out a small, glowing crystal. He handed it to Stanley.

"Take this," he said. "It's a beacon. If you're ever in a situation you can't handle, use it, and I'll find you."

Stanley studied the crystal, its light pulsing faintly. "Why would you help me?"

The man's hood shifted slightly, as though he were smiling. "Let's just say I have my reasons. But don't take this lightly. Your choices from now on will determine the fate of this world and perhaps the entire universe."

With that, the man disappeared into the shadows, leaving Stanley alone in the park.

That Evening

Back in his apartment, Stanley sat on the couch, turning the crystal over in his hands. Who was that man? And why did he care about Stanley's fate?

He glanced out the window at the darkening sky. The peaceful life he had built seemed to be slipping away, piece by piece.

As much as he hated to admit it, the man's words lingered in his mind.

"Your choices will determine the fate of this world…"