It hurts... It feels hot, like burning...
Someone, help me...
Suddenly, Sena found himself in the middle of a dark, dense forest. He couldn't tell if it was day or night because the trees were so tall that the sky was completely obscured.
"Where is this?" Sena wondered, confused. He remembered being sucked into a black hole.
"Another world!!!" Sena exclaimed in his mind. For a moment, his heart raced with excitement and curiosity, but that feeling didn't last long. It was quickly replaced by fear and unease.
He had been wandering around the forest for what felt like hours, but it seemed like he kept returning to the same spot. He was starting to feel exhausted and hungry.
"Anyone!!! Is there anyone here?" Sena shouted in panic.
I'm scared, I'm scared. Please, someone help me, Sena thought desperately.
Then, he heard footsteps behind him. Finally...
But what appeared wasn't a human. It was a creature that looked like a humanoid cow—a minotaur. It had a human-like body but was large and muscular, with the head of a bull. It was wielding a massive axe.
The monster charged at Sena with incredible speed, swinging its axe. Sena couldn't even react; the monster was too fast.
Everything happened in a flash, but Sena didn't die. A young man pulled him out of harm's way.
"@#%^))"
Sena couldn't understand what the young man said, but what happened next was unexpected. The minotaur slipped and its head got impaled on a fallen tree trunk, killing it instantly.
The young man extended his hand and helped Sena up. Then, he placed both hands on Sena's head and said,
"^&%^%&$#"
Suddenly, Sena felt like his head was about to explode, as if something was being forced into it. His nose started bleeding.
"Can you understand me now?" the young man asked.
The young man looked about the same age as Sena. He had blonde hair, blue eyes, and looked like someone of European descent.
"First of all, thank you. But I have a lot of questions," Sena replied.
"Save your questions for later. I have a camp nearby. Let's head there first," the young man said.
On the way, the young man said, "Oh Fate, these two shall find food on their journey."
Once again, something miraculous happened. In the middle of this mysterious forest, a rabbit appeared. The young man pulled out a folding knife from his pocket and threw it at the rabbit, hitting it perfectly. The rabbit died instantly.
When they reached the camp, the young man skinned the rabbit, lit a fire, cut the rabbit into pieces, skewered them on sticks, and roasted them like kebabs.
The young man smiled at Sena and said, "So, what did you want to ask?"
"What did you do? I know the monster earlier and this rabbit—it was your doing, right?" Sena asked.
"Out of all the questions, that's what you want to ask? Hm... Shouldn't we introduce ourselves first?" the young man replied.
"Ah, sorry! I'm Sena. Nice to meet you! What's your name?" Sena said, embarrassed.
"I'm Abysalom. Nice to meet you, Sena," Abysalom replied. "As for your question, it's simple. This is my power. Honestly, I wasn't supposed to tell anyone. The Dark Lord forbade it. But since the Dark Lord has chosen you, there's no harm in telling you. This power was given to me by him—the power to read and alter fate. I could kill you right now just by willing it."
Instantly, Sena's hair stood on end. The young man in front of him was dangerous. He didn't want to make an enemy of him.
"Relax, Sena. I don't intend to kill you. By the way, I already know everything about you. Sena Lee, 13 years old. Due to someone's mistake, you got trapped in this world. You're originally from another planet called Earth. You have a younger sister. In your world, you go to a place called school," Abysalom explained.
Sena was amazed by Abysalom's abilities and asked, "Since you already know, can you tell me where I am? Can I go back to my world?"
"I'll answer your first question. You're in Althea, another world, a different dimension from yours. I'll explain this world in detail, and I don't like being interrupted, so stay quiet and listen!" Abysalom said.
"Okay, boss!" Sena replied.
"Hm... Where should I start? In this world, magic is real. But this world isn't as ancient as the fictional stories from your world. The technology here might even be more advanced than on Earth. However, this planet is in decline. That's why the people here are trying to find another place to live and have successfully made contact with your world. The tragedy that happened in the city called New York was the work of people from this world. But they've only figured out how to summon objects from your world and haven't yet discovered how to send things back. The reason this world is in decline is because of my master," Abysalom calmly explained.
"Your master?" Sena asked.
"Yes, my master. 300 years ago, my master ruled this world. He conducted many experiments and did things that many people didn't like. We, his followers, are called 'Apostles.' My master's goal was to open the Gate of Fate and change the destiny of this world. Oh, by the way, my master is called 'Daedalus.' But then, the sorcerers united, and a war broke out. Four of the seven Apostles died, but three survived, and the master also escaped death. Before fleeing, the master cursed this world. People and animals who die turn into undead. Sometimes, the mana in the air becomes toxic, and other terrifying things happen. People call it 'Daedalus' Curse.' But don't worry, you won't be affected because people from your world don't absorb mana and don't possess it," Abysalom explained.
"Hey... You're my friend, right?" Sena asked hesitantly and fearfully.
There was a moment of silence before Abysalom broke it.
"For now, I'm your friend," Abysalom said.
"I don't want to be your enemy. Can I go back to my world?" Sena asked.
"For now, it's impossible, but not entirely out of the question," Abysalom paused, then looked at Sena as if evaluating a new toy, judging whether it was fun or not. Then he continued, "Do you trust me? I can help you return to your world. Want to play a game?" Abysalom asked.
"What do you mean? I don't understand," Sena replied.
"I'll give you choices. Every time you choose, within the next four years, I'll give you more choices. But my choices are special because they can change your fate for better or worse," Abysalom explained.
"Are you serious?!" Sena exclaimed in disbelief.
"Hey, I'm just trying to help you. Life is about choices, my friend. I'm just helping narrow them down to make them better or worse. It's all up to you. This is your game, Sena! Let's play," Abysalom said with a smile.
Was it okay to trust this young man? But Sena had no other choice. He knew nothing about this world, and he didn't even know what would happen to him in the future. Could he still return?
"Alright, I agree," Sena said.
"Great!!! I'll give you your first choice now."
"First option: Die and rot here."
"No way!" Sena quickly replied.
"Hahaha, I knew you'd refuse. I was just joking. There are only two choices. 1. After leaving here, head north. 2. Head south. I'll get you out of here, and then I'll leave you. But we'll meet again in four years. I'll definitely find you because I already hold your fate," Abysalom said.