### Chapter 5: The Discovery of the Tear
With the collection of low-grade iron secured and the Ember Sprout twinkling with curiosity, Da felt energized. But as he stowed his findings in his rucksack, an unsettling sensation tugged at his instincts, beckoning him to delve deeper into the remnants of the abandoned factory.
The dim light flickered through the broken windows, illuminating grand machines that had once hummed with life. He watched the Ember Sprout dance around him, but another impulse tugged at his consciousness—the sensation of something more, something beyond the ordinary.
"System, are there any other energies present in this area?" he inquired, excitement tinged with caution in his voice.
"Scanning for anomalies…" the system replied. "Energy reading detected: Black Iron Level Tear identified. Energy signature: Low Fire Plane."
The words hit him like a bolt of lightning, and his heart raced. Tears were gateways throughout the multiverse, potent links between realms—places where Awakeners sought out resources, treasures, and lost knowledge. It felt surreal to discover one so close to home, yet he knew he was far from ready to explore its depths.
"Can you identify any immediate dangers associated with it?" he asked, voice trembling with the weight of the revelation.
"Analysis indicates low risk for immediate confrontations. However, entering a Tear without sufficient strength could expose you to unknown dangers within the multiverse," the system cautioned.
"Right," Da sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I need the Fire Boy before even considering an adventure like that. I can't risk it."
He had the Firestone material and a collection of iron—he just needed more wood to complete the necessary components for his first mecha warrior. Leaving the factory behind, he made his way toward the thick stretch of woodland nearby, each step echoing the newfound possibilities.
***
The forest loomed tall and majestic around him, trees standing as silent guardians of nature's secrets. The air was crisp, and the rustling foliage played a gentle symphony against his ears. It was a stark contrast to the remnants of his past—a fresh start colored by the whispers of promise.
"System, what's the quickest way to gather wood?" he asked, scanning the surroundings.
"Optimal approach: look for fallen branches and dead trees. Materials can also be gathered from merchant stalls in the GreenLand city," the system advised.
After walking a few steps deeper into the forest, he began his search, pulling out his trusty wrench again as he focused on collecting suitable wood. Just as he was starting to uncover some usable pieces, his keen eyes caught sight of an elderly figure hunched over, burrowing amidst the underbrush.
Da approached cautiously as the old man turned, revealing a weathered face beneath a mess of gray, tangled hair. A tattered cloak draped over his frail form, giving him a ghostly appearance amid the greenery. Da recognized him at once—Gara, the beggar known for wandering the streets of GreenLand City, often found rummaging through discarded goods or seeking out leftovers from the more fortunate residents.
"Ah, young one!" Gara's voice croaked, eyes bright with recognition. "What brings you to this cursed part of the wood?"
"Just collecting some materials," Da replied, squatting near the old man. "Looks like you're searching for berries again?"
"Aye," Gara sighed, his gnarled hands brushing the thin brush without success. "Seems fortune has turned its back today. Just a few blackberries, and I could've had enough for a small meal. But alas, it was not to be."
"Here, take this." Da reached into his pocket and pulled out two 100 Blue Star Credit notes, offering the old man's weary hands a much-needed lifeline.
"Oh, no, I couldn't," Gara protested weakly, a mix of surprise and gratitude flickering in his eyes. "This is too much for an old fool like me."
"It's not too much," Da insisted, the weight of guilt swirling in his stomach. "You need it more than I do right now."
After some hesitation, Gara accepted the notes, his frail fingers trembling. "Thank you, child. Your kindness is like sunlight breaking through the clouds. Often, I encounter only shadows."
"I hope you can find something to eat with this," Da said, smiling warmly.
"Indeed, I shall," Gara looked thoughtful for a moment, then his lips curled into a grin. "You, young man, have the heart of a true Awakened soul. Have you ventured far in your travels?"
Da hesitated but then thought of the Tear he had discovered. Should he share this secret with the old man? "Not too far. Just gathering materials for an… important project."
"Strange energies, a tear nearby, perhaps?" Gara mused, his sharp eyes narrowing with insight. "I know the whispers; I've survived on the fringes of this city long enough to hear what most refuse to acknowledge. The Tear is a doorway—many before you have sought its treasures and knowledge. Be careful—sometimes, the toll for passage is steep."
The old man's words left Da pondering, layered with a mixture of hope and trepidation. "I know of the risks," he replied. "I still need to gather my materials before I consider exploring it."
"You might want to take a shortcut, then!" Gara exclaimed, a hint of mischief gleaming in his eye. "The old junkyard to the south has long been untouched—plenty of iron scraps lying around. Might even be some wood you can use. Fewer dangers too, if you keep to your wits and the shadows."
"Really?" Da's curiosity piqued, the thought of a junkyard filled with resources fueling his ambitions. "I'll head there next. Thank you for the tip, Gara."
"Just make sure, boy," the old man waved a hand, "that you don't find treasures and lose sight of those who matter. Keep your heart in check, and remember, every gift has its cost."
The weight of his words lingered as he turned to leave, clutching the Ember Sprout and newfound materials. Da felt the gravity of the world pressing upon him, a reminder of both responsibilities and choices that lay ahead.
With night creeping in and the old man's advice echoing in his mind, Da West stepped towards the unknown, determined to forge his own path amidst the chaotic tides of fate. The junkyard promised new discoveries, and he wouldn't stop until he secured the resources necessary to realize his vision with the Fire Boy.
The stage was set, and he was ready to embrace the journey—a journey filled with trials, decisions, and the lingering echoes of what it meant to be an Awakener on Blue Star.