The streets of Ginger Town were bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the cobblestone roads. Samson stood before an intricately designed telephone booth, its bronze framework shimmering faintly under the ambient glow. Unlike the phone booths he had seen in his previous life, this one was a marvel of magic and engineering combined.
---
The Mana-Infused World
Samson stepped into the booth, closing the glass door behind him. Inside, the phone appeared simple at first glance, but glowing runes etched into its surface hinted at its magical nature. A small crystal embedded near the receiver pulsed faintly, awaiting activation.
He placed his hand over the crystal, channeling a small amount of his mana. The runes illuminated, and the phone emitted a soft chime, indicating it was ready for use.
In this world, machines relied on the mana of their users. From trains to buses, even household appliances, everything drew energy from the innate magic flowing within people. This system ensured a sustainable way of life but also highlighted the disparity between individuals with high and low mana reserves. Samson had spent years witnessing this divide—his mother, with her limited mana, often struggled to use basic tools efficiently.
He dialed the number he had committed to memory long ago. The crystal flickered rhythmically as the connection established.
"Hello?" his mother's voice came through, soft and familiar.
---
"Hi, Mom. It's me," Samson said, leaning against the glass.
"Samson! How are you? Are you eating well? Studying hard? And where are you now?" Her voice carried a mixture of excitement and worry.
"I'm fine, Mom. Classes are going well," he assured her. "Actually, I wanted to tell you something."
"What is it?"
Samson hesitated, glancing at the bustling market outside. "I've decided to take a part-time job during the summer break."
"A job? Samson, you're already working so hard at the academy. You don't need to take on more responsibility."
"It's not just about me," he said, his voice softening. "I know you're still working long hours to support Ayla and me. I want to help. With this job, I can send money home, and you won't have to push yourself so much."
His mother was silent for a moment, and Samson could picture her expression—a mix of pride and concern. "You've grown so much," she finally said. "But Samson, you're just a boy. You should focus on your studies, not worry about these things."
"I've thought about this, Mom," he insisted. "It's just for the summer. I promise it won't interfere with my studies."
After a long pause, she sighed. "Alright. But promise me you'll take care of yourself. And if it becomes too much, you'll stop immediately."
"I promise," Samson said, a small smile forming.
They talked for a little while longer before the connection ended. Samson stepped out of the booth, feeling a sense of relief and determination.
---
The Meeting Point
As the clock tower chimed the hour, Samson approached the designated meeting spot. The old man was already there, leaning on his cane and watching the square with an amused expression.
"Good to see you again, young man," the old man said, straightening up as Samson arrived.
"I've thought about your offer," Samson began. "I'll do it."
The old man's smile widened. "Excellent. Follow me."
They walked through the winding streets until they reached a small, nondescript building tucked away from the main road. Inside, the air was cool, and the faint scent of parchment and ink lingered.
"This is our base of operations," the old man said, gesturing to the room.
---
Inside, five individuals were gathered, their conversation halting as the old man entered with Samson.
"Everyone, meet Samson. He'll be joining us as a temporary member," the old man announced.
The first to approach was a woman with short auburn hair and sharp green eyes. She extended a hand with a confident smile. "I'm Sasha. I handle reconnaissance and surveillance. My magic attribute is wind—it helps me blend in and gather information undetected."
Samson shook her hand, noting the firm grip.
Next was a young man with dark, curly hair and a mischievous grin. "Name's Avik. I'm the tech guy around here. My magic's lightning—great for powering up gadgets and disabling security systems."
A taller man with a stoic demeanor stepped forward next. "Rahul," he said simply. "Combat specialist. Earth magic."
Joerge, a man with a kind face and glasses, gave a small wave. "I'm Joerge. I specialize in healing and support. My magic attribute is light."
Finally, a burly man with a booming laugh clapped Samson on the back. "And I'm Bjorn! Demolitions expert. Fire magic, naturally."
Samson nodded at each of them, feeling slightly overwhelmed but also intrigued by the diverse group.
---
The old man led them to a large table where a map and several documents were spread out.
"Our next case involves investigating a series of thefts in a neighboring town," he began. "Valuable artifacts have been disappearing from private collections, and the local authorities haven't made much progress."
He pointed to a marked location on the map. "The most recent theft occurred here, at a merchant's estate. We'll start by interviewing the victim and gathering clues."
The group listened attentively, each member already formulating their approach.
"Sasha, you'll handle reconnaissance as usual," the old man said. "Avik, prepare any equipment we might need. Rahul and Bjorn, you'll be on standby for protection. Joerge, you'll assist with anything that requires precision. And Samson…"
The old man turned to him with a thoughtful expression. "You'll accompany Sasha. Consider this a chance to learn the ropes."
Samson nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. This was a new world for him, but he was determined to prove himself.
As the meeting concluded, the group dispersed to prepare for the mission. Samson lingered for a moment, taking it all in. This was unlike anything he had ever done before, but for the first time in a long time, he felt a spark of purpose.
And as he prepared to embark on this journey, he couldn't help but wonder where it would lead.