Dylan wandered through the grand halls of the museum, his eyes wide as he soaked in the kaleidoscope of history and wonder that surrounded him. The museum was a marvel of architecture vaulted ceilings stretched impossibly high, adorned with murals depicting the march of time from the prehistoric age to the digital era. Towering dinosaur skeletons dominated one wing, their bones meticulously reconstructed to recreate titanic creatures frozen mid-roar. The air seemed to hum with the echo of ancient roars and the faint whispers of an untamed world.
In another section, the history of their country was displayed in intricate detail. A row of glass cases held swords, crowns, and ceremonial artifacts from the reigns of long-past kings and presidents, each labeled with dates and tales of their leadership. Oil portraits lined the walls, the stern gazes of national leaders seeming to follow visitors as they passed. The exhibit on modern history featured interactive displays holographic recreations of pivotal moments, where figures of the past seemed to step out of the shadows to tell their stories.
Meanwhile, Adamus moved through the exhibits with a steady, measured pace, his eyes lingering on each piece as though searching for hidden meaning. His gaze darted from the toothy grin of a Tyrannosaurus rex to the delicate embroidery of a queen's ceremonial gown. The glint of golden crowns and ancient maps held his attention for a moment before he continued onward.
At last, he stopped in front of the centerpiece of the museum's most mysterious collection: a mesmerizing green crystal. Displayed in its own custom-built display case, the artifact rested within a cylinder of bulletproof glass, as if the very air around it needed guarding. It radiated an ethereal glow, casting soft emerald light that danced across the polished marble floor. The crystal pulsed faintly, almost like a heartbeat, its energy stirring something deep in Adamus's chest.
Beside the crystal's enclosure stood a companion artifact an ancient tablet of solid gold, its surface etched with symbols that shimmered in the ambient light. The tablet had been discovered alongside the crystal, the two forever linked in the museum's records, their origins a riddle scholars had yet to solve.
His curiosity ablaze, he turned to Professor Reed, whose eyes gleamed with scholarly zeal.
"What marvel is this?" Adamus inquired, his voice reverberating through the sacred halls of the museum.
With a knowing smile, Professor Reed leaned in, eager to share the secrets of the enigmatic artifact. "Ah, the Newfound Crystal," he began, his voice carrying the weight of centuries-old lore. "Recently unearthed by our intrepid team, it holds within it the echoes of ancient civilizations and the mysteries of forgotten epochs. Legends intertwine with reality, weaving a tapestry of wonder and intrigue."
Restless murmurs permeated the classroom, a chorus of impatience yearning to move on. Yet, Adamus remained steadfast in his quest for knowledge, his eyes alight with the thirst for understanding. "Yes, please," he implored. "Illuminate us with its history." The concept of the Professor Reed's voice resonated through the hushed museum chamber, drawing the attention of the curious students. His eyes gleamed with reverence as he gestured toward the magnificent gem displayed under a protective glass case.
"Behold," he declared, "the Om Mani Padme Hum crystal a relic celebrated by an ancient tribe known as Bodhi Zen Tribe. These enigmatic people exist beyond the boundaries of our modern world, living outside the grid, their roots stretching back hundreds of millions of years." The students leaned in, captivated. Dylan exchanged a knowing glance with Adamus, both sensing that this was no ordinary gemstone.
"Legend weaves a fascinating tapestry," Professor Reed continued. "The Bodhi Zen Tribe once wielded the Om Mani Padme Hum power to protect their people from celestial beings gods, if you will. They channeled its energy, creating a shield against cosmic forces. The energy from the crystal can counter any attack and send it back 100 times stronger."
Adamus raised his hand. "But how?" he asked. "How did they harness such ancient power?"
The professor's smile held a touch of mystery. "Ah, my young seeker," he replied. "That remains a secret lost to time. But our modern age is not without its own quests. Our scientists at Pluto Industries sought to unlock the diamond's potential. They tried everything rituals, incantations, even placing it within the Large Hadron Collider."
Adamus's interruption sent ripples of laughter through the classroom.
"Did any of those scientists try eating the crystal?" he blurted out, his eyes alight with mischief.
The professor's bemused look slid into mild exasperation. "No," he replied. "That's ridiculous."
On the ancient tablet, the words glowed faintly, as though lit from within by a truth too old for time:
Thus it is written… Before there were beginnings before even the things that beginnings rest upon there was what has always been and always will be: the boundless Sunyata, the Black Lotus.
Before the breath of worlds, before even the thought of existence stirred, there was neither light nor dark, neither form nor formlessness. All was still. All was One.
From the womb of the Unborn Void, three sacred eggs came forth uncreated, unsummoned, self-arising. Within them lay the seeds of divine balance. In the silence, they hatched, and from them emerged the First Three…
The God of Creation, who gave body to the formless.
The God of Life and Death, who opened the gate of becoming and release.
The God of Time, who turned the wheel and kept its motion.
Each took up their dominion, and in harmony, they shaped the early realm. From the hands of the Creator arose multitudes gods of mountain and sea, wind and fire, light and dream. And among them was born the one who would later turn: the God of Stars, radiant in beauty, mighty in will.
But the God of Stars grew prideful. He looked upon the mortal world and desired worship, incense, and veneration. Yet the Creator spoke with calm truth:
"We are not to be worshipped. We are to serve. The stars exist not to be adored, but to give light."
And so, the God of Stars turned away from the Dharma.
He consumed the poisons of the cosmos hatred, greed, delusion and from their union became Ravana, the Devourer of Light, the Fallen Radiance. A demon not by birth, but by choice.
Ravana rose like a shadow upon heaven and earth, and the cries of gods were like wind through dead trees. He broke the thrones of the high, shattered the altars of the wise, and scattered the balance of all realms. Even the First Three, in silence, withdrew from the broken harmony.
The age grew dark. Mortal hearts faltered. Dharma was torn.
Yet from the Infinite Compassion beyond form, Prajñāpāramitā, the Mother of Wisdom, descended in luminous silence. From her boundless mercy were born seven trillion Buddhas, seeds of awakening scattered across dimensions.
Two among them shone brightest:
Vajrapāṇi, the Thunder Bearer, protector of righteous strength.
Avalokiteśvara, the Thousand-Eyed One, guardian of mercy and the suffering.
But even the Great Mother could not escape Ravana's wrath. She was struck down before her sons, her light returning to the Void.
Vajrapāṇi, consumed by rage, rose in righteous fury but fell beneath Ravana's abyssal power.
When Avalokiteśvara found his brother's broken vessel, he did not scream, nor curse the heavens. Instead, he wept not from weakness, but from infinite love.
In silence, he took his brother into his own being. Strength and compassion became one.
He rose not as a god but as the Path.
In the space between all worlds, Avalokiteśvara stood before Ravana.
And with a voice that caused demons to tremble and stars to still, he uttered:
"Om Maṇi Padme Hūṁ."
The sacred mantra echoed across the realms.
It turned Ravana's power inward, unraveling the darkness he had become. And with a single breath, the Lord of Compassion cast Ravana into the Endless Void, beyond rebirth, beyond name.
But in the stillness that followed there was nothing.
Ravana's rampage had undone the weave of existence. The Omniverse itself had perished.
And so, Avalokiteśvara, whose heart held all sentient beings, began anew.
From his tears bloomed galaxies.
From his breath came time.
From his voice, form.
He recreated the entire Omniverse, not from power, but from compassion perfected.
The First Three bowed before him, for in his stillness he had surpassed them.
Before withdrawing into the Lotus Beyond Form, Avalokiteśvara offered to use a final gift, the Om Maṇi Padme Hūṁ Crystal, a jewel not made of matter, but of awakened intention.
It is said that so long as this Crystal remains, the path of compassion cannot be lost.
This is the truth, etched upon sacred stone, hidden until the age of great need.
Thus ends the Tablet of the First Compassion.
As the class moved toward the next section of the museum, Adamus appeared to casually squat down, ostensibly to tie his shoe. But this was no ordinary shoelace adjustment. Leaning in close to Dylan, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Bro," he said, his tone urgent yet hushed, "stay right here. I've got a plan."
Dylan raised an eyebrow, confusion flickering across his features. "What are you talking about?"
Adamus grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Just watch my back," he urged, his excitement palpable.
But before Dylan could respond, panic flashed across his face. "The class is getting ahead of us," he muttered, a sense of urgency creeping into his voice.
As Dylan turned to catch up with the group, a sudden commotion caught his attention. Adamus was visibly struggling, clutching at his throat as if he were choking. Concerned, Dylan rushed to his side, his words tumbling out in a flurry.
"I'll call for help," he exclaimed.
But before he could act, Adamus, with a desperate gasp, took a giant gulp, swallowing something. Dylan knelt beside Adamus, concern etched into his features. "That was a close one. You almost choked to death. What were you eating?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
As Dylan glanced up, his eyes narrowing in suspicion, Adamus burst into laughter. "You told me to learn magic. So I'm learning magic," he quipped between gasps for air.
Dylan's laughter mingled with incredulity. "It doesn't work like that. All you're gonna do is... ahem... poop out some diamonds and crystals," he retorted, unable to contain his amusement. Adamus finished, his grin widening. "Maybe. But think about it, Dylan. What if this is how it works?
Just then, Professor Reed's voice cut through the moment, a reminder of the impending end to their field trip. "Guys, hurry up. The field trip's almost over. It's time to catch the bus," he called out, prompting Dylan and Adamus to scramble to their feet and join the rest of the group. As Dylan and Adamus settled into their seats on the bus, Adamus couldn't contain his excitement. Adamus leaned in, his eyes wide. "I can feel it," he whispered. "The cosmic resonance—the very fabric of reality humming beneath my skin." Dylan raised an eyebrow. "What you feel is diarrhea," he deadpanned. "You should go to the hospital. Like, right now. he urged, genuine worry lacing his words.
Adamus scoffed, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his tone. "You're just jealous because I'm smarter than you and those scientists," he retorted, brushing off Dylan's concern.
As the bus came to a stop and they stumbled out onto the sidewalk. The arcade beckoned a haven of pixelated dreams and fluorescent nostalgia. Adamus's eyes gleamed. "Time for some real magic," he declared. They stepped inside, Dylan and Adamus disembarked and made their way to the arcade. Engrossed in a competitive game of fighting, their banter continued.
Sofia watched from the background, her curly hair framing her face as she chuckled at the ongoing game . Her curly hair danced around her face, framing her features with a sense of playful elegance. With brown skin adorned with freckles that seemed to sprinkle across her cheeks like stardust, she radiated an undeniable warmth and charm.
At twenty years old, Sofia possessed a youthful energy that shone through her bright yellow eyes, sparkling with curiosity and amusement. Her long, cascading curls swayed with each chuckle that escaped her lips, a visual symphony of joy
"How many times are you gonna lose in a row, Adamus?" she teased, her laughter infectious. "I've never seen you beat Dylan."
Adamus shot back, a mix of frustration and jest in his tone. "I would never give up," he retorted, a competitive spark in his eyes. "You want a piece of this? We can go right now. I've got a couple of quarters left. We can keep playing."
Sofía grinned, her playful demeanor adding to the banter. "Oh, you're on," she replied, stepping forward to join the game. "Let's see if I can break your winning streak, Dylan."
As Adamus, Sofía, and Dylan laughed and enjoyed their time together, their merriment was abruptly interrupted by a loud bang. They turned around, their jovial expressions fading as the front door of the arcade swung open aggressively.
Three men entered, clad in black suits with dark glasses, their demeanor exuding an air of authority akin to the Mafia. The first man spoke, his voice firm and commanding. "Where is Mr. George?"
Sofía's expression shifted, her nerves palpable as she glanced back at Adamus and Dylan. "I'll be right back," she murmured, her voice tinged with apprehension. "I have to handle this."
With determined steps, she approached the Mafia-like figures, her posture tense yet resolute. Meanwhile, Adamus and Dylan remained rooted to the spot, their expressions a mix of nervousness, confusion, and concern, silently watching Sofía's brave approach.
Sofía walked briskly behind the counter, her heart pounding with trepidation. "I'm sorry, my father isn't here," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "He's in the hospital right now. He won't be back for a little while..."
But before she could finish, Mafia Guy Two slammed his hand on the counter, his expression hardened. "We don't care what your excuse is," he interrupted sternly. "You guys are $3000 short."
Sofía's eyes widened in fear, her voice faltering as she stammered, "I'm sorry, it's just... business has been hard. My dad has been in the hospital for a while now, and I have to do all this by myself..."
Mafia Guy One interjected, his tone menacing. "We had a deal. You pay us, and we make sure that nothing happens to your arcade store." He exchanged a knowing glance with Mafia Guy Three, who responded with a subtle nod.
As the tension in the arcade reached a fever pitch, Mafia Guy Three stepped forward, his menacing presence casting a shadow over the room. His skin was a sickly shade of green, rough and scaly like the hide of a reptile, with patches of dried, cracked scales covering his arms and face. His eyes gleamed with a sinister yellow hue, slitted like those of a predatory lizard, and his nostrils flared with each ragged breath.glinting in the dim light of the arcade, while his tongue flicked out with a sinister hiss, forked like that of a serpent.
With a swift motion, he aimed the acidic stream at one of the arcade machines, the corrosive substance melting through the metal and plastic with alarming speed. The acid cause a small explosion.
The machine sizzled and smoked, its once vibrant colors now marred by the destructive force of the acid. Sofía gasped in horror as she backed away, her hands trembling as she watched the destruction unfold before her.
Just moments before, Adamus and Dylan had been watching from a table, their eyes on the sharp-dressed men cornering Sofía.
"I don't know, Adamus," Dylan began, his voice tinged with concern. "It seems sketchy. I think we should leave."
Before Adamus could respond, a sudden explosion rocked the arcade as one of the RK machines burst into flames. Dylan's eyes widened in alarm as he turned to Adamus. "Let's get outta here," he urged urgently.
But Adamus shook his head, determination etched on his features. "No, we can't leave without Sofía," he insisted, his voice resolute.
Dylan hesitated, his gaze flickering back to the chaos unfolding near the counter. "I don't think they're gonna hurt her," he reasoned, his voice strained with uncertainty. "They're just trying to scare her."
Adamus listened intently as Dylan continued, his words sinking in. "I recognize them. They're part of the Snake Mafia," Dylan explained grimly. "In the small section of City C that we live in, there are a lot of Super gangs, and these are one of them. They go around collecting money for protection from them." As the chaos unfolded before him, Adamus whispered to himself, a sense of urgency coursing through him. "Anytime now. This is the time for you to start working, crystal. I'm counting on you, Mani Padme crystal."
Turning around, Adamus realized Dylan was no longer by his side. A pang of disappointment swept over him. "Damn, bro, you really gonna leave me?" he thought to himself, feeling a twinge of abandonment.
Adamus stood up and walked toward the conflict, his resolve firm. "Hey, you guys," he called out with newfound confidence. "She says she doesn't have the money. So maybe you should leave."
Mafia Guy Two chuckled condescendingly. "Kid, get outta here. This has got nothing to do with you."
Adamus's response was unwavering. "If you mess with one of my friends, you gotta mess with me."
Mafia Guy One demanded the $3000 as Adamus stood his ground. "OK, I will. I have the $3000 in my pocket right now," Adamus replied calmly, his hand hovering near his pocket.
Sofía interjected, her voice trembling with worry. "You don't have to do that, Adamus. I promise I will pay you back."
But Adamus was resolute. As Mafia Guy One advanced toward him, Adamus feigned compliance, playing with his pocket. Then, with speed, he withdrew his hand and delivered a powerful punch to the man's face. With all his force behind it, the blow sent Mafia Guy One staggering backward, his body crumpling as he fell to the ground, knocked out cold.
With a triumphant stance, Adamus raised his leg and placed his foot atop Mafia Guy One, asserting his dominance over the fallen foe. A smirk played on his lips as he extended his hand, fingers curled into a fist, exuding an air of confidence.
"You guys need to pay me for protection," he declared, his voice laced with amusement. "Let me guess. The only one among you with superpowers is the one over there who shot acid out of his mouth."
"You guys need to pay me for protection," he declared, his voice laced with amusement. "Let me guess the only one here with superpowers is that guy over there who spits acid. You, Lizard Mouth. You'd be the first one I take down."
The mafia members exchanged uneasy glances. The one he'd just called Lizard Mouth bristled, his face twisting with anger. "Who you calling Lizard Mouth?" he snapped.
Before they could react further, Adamus let out a taunting laugh.
"Get your acid ready to kill this kid," Mafia Guy Two muttered under his breath, his tone dripping with menace.
Unfazed, Adamus issued a warning of his own. "I have to warn you guys," he began, his tone tinged with a hint of menace. "I'm a trained fighter, and I'm pretty fast. My sprint speed is around 27.8 miles per hour."
He then turned his attention to the third mafia member, his gaze steady and unwavering. "And you, Lizard Mouth," he taunted, "your acid may be deadly, but it looks too slow to catch me. Come at me."
The lizard man's eyes flared with rage. "Don't call me Lizard Mouth!" he shouted, his voice cracking with fury. "We're gonna kill you, kid!"
With a guttural yell, Lizard Mouth unleashed a torrent of acid in Adamus's direction. Adamus sprang into action, his speed blurring his form. In one fluid burst of agility, he dashed straight toward the attack, sliding effortlessly beneath the sizzling stream and emerging unscathed on the other side. Landing gracefully in front of Lizard Mouth, Adamus flashed a confident smirk.
"I told you I'm pretty fast," he quipped, his voice tinged with triumph.
Without missing a beat, Adamus delivered a swift punch to Lizard Mouth's face, followed by a powerful blow to his stomach. Lizard Mouth scoffed, taunting, "You hit like a girl."
Adamus's response was swift and decisive. "No, I just don't have powers," he retorted. With a fluid motion, he leaped into the air, executing a spinning roundhouse kick aimed squarely at Lizard Mouth's neck. The impact sent Lizard Mouth crashing to the ground, incapacitated.
"I don't kick like a girl," Adamus declared, his confidence unwavering.
But before he could savor his victory, the second Mafia member lunged forward, grabbing hold of Adamus. With a sudden twist, they both tumbled out of the arcade, crashing onto the streets below. The impact knocked the air out of Adamus, but he knew he had to act fast.
As they landed in a heap on the pavement, Adamus felt the weight of his assailant pressing down on him. but his focus was on breaking free. With a surge of determination, he regained his bearings.
Pushing against the ground with all his strength, Adamus managed to twist his body to the side, breaking the hold of the mafia thug. Now in control, he scrambled to his feet, ready to retaliate.
With a deft judo throw, he took advantage of his opponent's momentum. Stepping forward, Adamus positioned himself beside the thug, his right hand gripping the collar of the thug's shirt. With a swift motion, he dropped his hips and twisted, using the assailant's own force against him.
In a blur of motion, Adamus pivoted on his left foot, sweeping his right leg behind the thug's legs. At the same time, he pulled sharply on the thug's collar, driving him over his hip and onto the unforgiving pavement.
The thug hit the ground with a thud, his body skidding slightly before coming to a halt. Adamus stood over him, breathing heavily but victorious. The adrenaline surged through his veins as he scanned the area for any more threats.
As Adamus glanced up, his heart racing with adrenaline, he found himself faced with a dire predicament. The first Mafia member, gun drawn, leveled it directly at him with a chilling question hanging in the air: "So, kid, you're fast. But are you faster than a bullet?"
Adamus felt the weight of the situation pressing down on him. His mind raced as he tried to think of a way out, but the cold metal of the gun stared back at him, mocking his martial arts skills.
"Heh, your martial arts is not gonna protect you from this bullet," the thug sneered, his finger tightening on the trigger.
Just as despair began to settle in, a voice cut through the tension like a knife. Sofía rushed out of the store, screaming, her words desperate and pleading.
"Please stop! I promise. By the end of the week, I will have all the money ready for you guys. Just don't kill my friends," she cried, tears rushing down her face.
Adamus's heart sank at the sight of Sofía's distress. He knew he had to act fast, not just for himself, but for her and their friends.
The Mafia guy slowly starts to put his gun down, but before he can fully lower it, Lizard Mouth appears, his face bruised and menacing. "No, before we leave, let me get a couple punches in," he growls.
The Mafia guy hesitates for a moment, then nods. "Just teach him a lesson. Don't kill him," he orders, his gun now pointed back at Adamus. "Kid, if you move, I'm gonna shoot you."
Adamus braces himself as Lizard Mouth charges, fists flying. The first punch snaps his head to the side, pain exploding across his cheek. Before he can recover, another slams into his ribs, driving the air from his lungs.
Blow after blow rains down, each strike reverberating through his body like a hammer. Blood fills his mouth, his vision swims, and his legs threaten to buckle. Lizard Mouth's laughter echoes as the relentless punches drive Adamus to the brink, but he grits his teeth, refusing to fall.
Sofía watches, tears streaming down her face, her hands clenched into fists of frustration and fear. She screams, "Stop it!" But her plea seems to fall on deaf ears as Lizard Mouth continues his brutal assault on Adamus.
Then, suddenly, as if by some miracle, Lizard Mouth stops punching Adamus and backs off slowly. Adamus, still dazed and bleeding, looks up at Lizard Mouth, his expression a mixture of confusion and relief. "So, you're done?" he manages to say through gritted teeth. But then Adamus notices something strange. He sees a movement in the shadows on the ground a flicker of movement that catches his eye. His heart skips a beat as he realizes what it is.
Is that OmniMorph, the number 3rd hero? Part of the Big Three named "The Omega Force"? Adamus wonders to himself, a mix of disbelief and hope flooding his thoughts..
OmniMorph stepped forward, his red cape billowing behind him in the cool night breeze. His gaze was steady and unyielding as he surveyed the scene before him.
"Enough," he said, his voice calm but carrying the weight of command.
Adamus's eyes widened, taking in the imposing figure. OmniMorph's long, silky black hair flowed down to his shoulders, catching the faint glint of streetlights. His Brazilian heritage was evident in the subtle cadence of his accent, each word deliberate and clear.
His suit a bold blend of black and white clung to his form like sculpted armor, its sleek design radiating both agility and power. Around each wrist gleamed a high-tech golden bracelet, intricate and pulsing faintly with hidden energy. The red cape at his back shifted with every movement, a regal slash of color against the night.
Dylan stands beside him, his stance strong and protective. He locks eyes with Adamus. Adamus tells Dylan, "I thought you left me for a second there."
Dylan responds, his voice filled with reassurance, "No, bro. I left to go grab a superhero. I used my superhero insurance. It's the last one I got, since I'm an A-ranked citizen."
OmniMorph turns to Dylan, his expression curious. "So, citizen, why did you call me here?" he asks.
Dylan replies without hesitation, "My friend was getting jumped. Can you stop it?"
OmniMorph considers this for a moment before responding, "What rank citizen is your friend?"
Adamus, feeling a surge of frustration, yells out, "I'm a C rank, but I don't need your help!"
OmniMorph's gaze shifts to Adamus, his tone firm. "It doesn't matter. I'm not going to help a low-ranked citizen. I'm an S rank superhero. I only help A rank citizens and higher."
As OmniMorph delivers his verdict, the group of mafia members, along with Lizardmouth, leave, their threats hanging in the air. "We'll be back tomorrow," one of them sneers, a menacing grin etched on his face.
Seeing the mafia members depart, Adamus feels a mix of relief and frustration. Despite their departure, he knows they'll have to face them again soon.
OmniMorph turns to Dylan. "This still counts as a point from your insurance," he says, his voice holding a hint of sympathy.
Dylan nods, understanding. "Thanks, OmniMorph. I appreciate it."
With that, OmniMorph nods once more, then takes to the sky, his cape trailing behind him. Adamus watches him go, a sense of admiration mixed with disappointment lingering in his heart.
Turning to Dylan, Adamus offers a weary smile. "Thanks for trying, man," he says, grateful for his friend's efforts.
Dylan returns the smile, his eyes reflecting determination. "We'll figure something out, bro. We always do."
Dylan, Adamus, and Sofia all gathered together in a conversation after the chaos. Adamus laughs out loud, "I guess that Om Mani Padme Hum Crystal didn't work."
Dylan joins in the laughter. "Yes, you're gonna be taking a serious dump."
Sofia, looking puzzled, asks, "So what are you guys talking about? But anyways, please don't get involved with my problems."
Adamus responds reassuringly, "Don't worry. I will get you that money. I promise. But talking about eating and money..."
Adamus, "Are you trying to take us out to eat?"
To which Dylan replies, "Sure, where do you wanna go?"
Sofia chimes in excitedly, "Let's get chicken!"
"I love chicken," Sofia adds with a grin.
Dylan's expression shifts to confusion. "I never had chicken before. It's for low-class citizens. That's what my father always told me."
Adamus and Sofia exchange surprised glances. Sofia then reassures him, "Dylan, chicken is delicious! It's not about class, it's about taste. Trust me, you'll love it."
Dylan hesitates for a moment before nodding. "Okay, let's give it a try then."
With their plans set, the trio heads off in search of a chicken restaurant, ready to enjoy a meal together and put the chaos of the day behind them.
They gather together and talk in Dylan's car while eating the chicken. With a giant smile on his face and a piece of chicken in his hand, Dylan exclaims, "I think this is the greatest thing I have ever eaten in my life."
Adamus and Sofia laugh, and Adamus says, "I told you."
Dylan continues, his enthusiasm evident. "My father always told me to do everything at 100%. When you work, work. When you laugh, laugh. When you eat, eat like it's your last meal."
Adamus raises an eyebrow. "What are you trying to get at?"
But Dylan continues, undeterred. "But he always told me not to eat chicken. Our family worked too hard, my mom starting off as F-rank citizens, and the hard work my dad endured to improve our situation. He said we should have higher standards for ourselves." Dylan chuckles. "He was so wrong. This is delicious."
Sofia smiles warmly at Dylan. "Your father may have had good intentions, but sometimes you just need to enjoy the simple pleasures in life."
Dylan nods in agreement, savoring another bite of chicken. "You're right, Sofia. And right now, this chicken is the best thing I've ever tasted."
Adamus interjects, "Isn't your dad running for president?"
Dylan responds confidently, "Yes, and I think he's gonna win."
Then after they get done eat Dylan dropping Sofia off at home, Dylan parks in front of Adamus house. He turns to Adamus with a concerned look. "Okay, Adamus. I'll see you tomorrow at school. I hope you get better from those bruises. Don't be so hasty to risk your life for other people, bro. I know you want to be a hero and everything, but the fact is, you don't have powers. You almost died out there."
Adamus responds with a smile on his face. "I will always help my friends, Dylan. Okay. I'll see you tomorrow," he says as they shake hands.
Dylan watches Adamus walk towards his house before driving off, feeling a mix of worry and admiration for his friend.
Adamus walks into his house, finding his mother standing there with her foot tapping the floor impatiently. "Where have you been? You're late for our soap opera show. We watch every night at 8:00," she scolds.
Adamus interrupts her, a note of frustration in his voice. "Mom, I told you I'm grown up now. I'm not watching soap operas with you."
His mother's face fills with worry as she notices the bruises covering Adamus body. She rushes to him and pulls him into a tight hug, her concern evident in her voice. "Adamus, why do you have bruises all over your body?" she asks, her worry growing as she examines him closely.
As his mother, Almasa, hugs him, Adamus says, "Mom, listen, it's complicated," but she interrupts him.
"I know what happened. It always happens. You're risking your life to save someone else or get involved in a situation that you shouldn't get involved in. You are not a hero, son. Please stop. You're just like your father."
Adamus pushes his mom away gently, a mixture of frustration and hurt on his face. "You always bring up my dad. Where is he? Why won't you ever answer that question? You loved him so much. What's wrong with me being like him? Why have I never met any of our family members? This house is full of pictures of just me and you."
His voice trembles with emotion, his eyes searching hers for answers long overdue. The weight of unspoken truths hangs heavy in the air, begging to be acknowledged and addressed.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Almasa screams, her voice filled with emotion. "Because I don't want you risking your life for strangers like he did. I should be more important than random strangers. Why risk your life saving strangers if you can just save your family?"
Adamus responds, trying to reason with her. "I can do both, Mom."
But Almasa's voice rises as she yells, "Go to your room!"
Adamus lays in bed, the weight of his mother's words heavy on his mind. "I wish... I wish I was strong enough to protect the people I love. Like Sofia and my mom, Dylan, and my whole neighborhood. Possibly the world," he thinks to himself. Feeling a sudden surge of determination, Adamus sits up and assumes a meditational stance. "Maybe... if I say those words on the tablet as I meditate," he murmurs to himself.
Adamus starts to chant aloud, "Om Mani Padme Hum," repeating the sacred mantra hundreds of times until his voice grows hoarse and he drifts into sleep. In the stillness of his room, the words echo softly, filling him with a sense of peace and purpose. As Adamus slept, he gradually woke up in a dark, mysterious room. The sky above was a canvas of stars, shimmering like countless diamonds, their brilliance outshining any description. The floor felt damp under his feet. for him to discern anything. With each step, his movements sent small ripples through the water, creating soft splashes around him.
Adamus found himself dressed in an orange monk's outfit, the fabric of the robe known as a "ghee" draped around him. He tugged at the fabric, feeling its rough texture against his skin, and spoke aloud, his voice echoing in the stillness of the room, "Where am I? Am I dreaming?"
As he walked, millions of lotus flowers bloomed from the waters on the ground. Adamus was confused, but he reached out and grabbed one of the lotus flowers. Suddenly, a giant creature appeared in the sky.
This colossal figure manifested with awe-inspiring majesty and divine power. It had a thousand arms outstretched, radiating an aura of serene authority. Three closed eyes adorned its serene face, each representing omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence.
Clad in resplendent garments and adorned with divine ornaments, including crowns encrusted with jewels, necklaces shimmering with celestial light, bracelets adorned with intricate patterns, and anklets that chimed with each movement, the creature exuded otherworldly magnificence.
Gazing down upon Adamus with eyes that hold the weight of infinite wisdom, Avalokiteshvara spoke. His voice rolled through the star-strewn heavens like distant thunder, each word vibrating through the water and the lotus blooms.
"My name is Avalokiteshvara… Interesting. How is this possible? The Black Lotus, Sunyata, has taken form. And I see… you are now the bearer of the Om Mani Padme Hum Crystal."
Adamus, his breath catching in his chest, felt the words pierce deeper than sound.
"Who… who are you?" he whispered, his voice nearly swallowed by the vast, cosmic symphony echoing all around them.
The bodhisattva's voice echoed a celestial whisper. "Did you not hear me?" he repeated, his tone carrying the weight of ages. "I am Avalokiteśvara," he intoned. "Bearer of the Om Mani Padme Hum Crystal the mantra that weaves existence."
Top of Form
I shall bestow upon you a portion of my divine power."
Avalokiteshvara, with a gaze that pierced the depths of Adamus's soul, spoke with solemnity, "You have the exact same life essence as my brother Vajrapani. Within you lies the potential for greatness." His voice echoed softly, carrying the weight of ancient wisdom.
"The love I can feel from you, from your heart, that you feel for your mother, reminds me of the love I feel for my mother, Prajnaparamita," he continued, his words wrapping around Adamus like a comforting embrace in the darkness.
"But I also sense great evil on your planet," he continued, his tone turning somber. "The rebirth of Ravana has already happened. We don't have time."
Top of Form
With a thunderous clap of his countless hands, Avalokiteshvara infused Adamus with a surge of celestial energy, illuminating the darkness with a radiant glow. "You are deemed worthy," he declared, his voice echoing across the cosmos.
As the heavens trembled with the weight of Avalokiteshvara's blessing, Adamus awoke from his slumber, the memory of the divine encounter lingering like a dream. "What was that?" he wondered.