---CHAPTER 1---
What requires a precise combination of compounds to neutralize its effects. Professor Jade and his colleagues had spent countless hours in the laboratory, meticulously testing various formulations and analyzing their interactions. His dedication to finding a solution is driven by the urgency of the situation, as the patient's condition is deteriorating rapidly. Collaborating with a team of expert chemists and medical professionals, he hopes to develop an effective antidote that can be administered safely and swiftly. As they were working on it, a loud noise came from the room beside theirs-the experimental room.
Being distracted by the sound, he mistakenly mixed the wrong chemicals into the formula and soon injected his patient with it unknowingly-what a sight to behold. They all made the foolish decision to leave the room to investigate what caused the sound, leaving the patient alone because he was not showing any sign of improvement. However, they were forced back after a loud noise came from their own room. Yes, the same room where they left a patient alone. I hope you can see where this is going.
Nevertheless, Professor Jade stood in shock, trying to comprehend the chaos before him. The room was a mess, with papers scattered across the floor and equipment overturned. His mind raced as he attempted to piece together what could have transpired in those few minutes he was away. The broken window suggested a hurried escape, but the question remained: where could his patient have gone? He quickly checked the security footage, hoping to find some clues. The grainy video showed
his patient, moments after the injection, exhibiting signs of distress. Then, in a sudden burst of energy, the patient seemed to move with incredible speed, heading straight for the window. It was clear that the unintended chemical mixture had triggered an unforeseen reaction. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Professor Jade knew he had to act swiftly.
He alerted the security team and began a search for the missing patient, fearing the potential consequences of the experimental formula. His mind was filled with concern, not only for the safety of the patient but also for the implications of his mistake. As he stepped out of the room, he resolved to find answers and ensure that such an incident would never happen again.
Meanwhile, down at the surface of Grõn-Comëniå (a city set on an island), by 6:45, we see Bruice (Professor Jade's son) wandered through the bustling market streets, taking in the vibrant sights and sounds that surrounded him. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and exotic spices, mingling with the chatter of vendors and shoppers haggling over prices. Colorful stalls lined the cobblestone pathways, each offering a unique array of goods ranging from handcrafted jewelry to intricate textiles. As he strolled along, Bruice couldn't help but notice the diverse mix of people who called this city home. Islanders and visitors alike moved through the market, their voices blending into a harmonious symphony of languages and dialects. It was a place where cultures intersected, and Bruice found himself captivated by the rich tapestry of life that unfolded before him.
Drawn to a particularly lively corner of the market, he paused to watch a street performer skillfully juggle flaming torches, the crowd around him erupting in applause with each daring feat. The performer's agility and grace were mesmerizing, and Bruice felt a sense of wonder at the talent and creativity that thrived in this vibrant community. Continuing his exploration, Bruice came across an odd-looking tent filled with illegal goods. This tent was in the corner-end of Búsè streets, with a shaded black-coated blanket. Intrigued by the peculiar setup, Bruice hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to satisfy his curiosity or play it safe. The air was thick with the scent of incense, mingling with the musty aroma of the old fabric that made up the tent. As he approached the door, he noticed intricate carvings etched into its surface, symbols that seemed to whisper secrets of a forgotten time.
With a deep breath, he reached for the handle, feeling the cool metal against his skin. The door swung open with an unexpected ease, revealing a dimly lit passageway that seemed to stretch endlessly into the darkness. The walls were lined with shelves, each crammed with a variety of peculiar artifacts, some glinting in the sparse light, others cloaked in shadow.
As he stepped inside, the air grew cooler, and a faint hum vibrated through the floor beneath his feet. It was as if the very atmosphere was charged with an unspoken energy, urging him to delve deeper into the unknown. With each step, Bruice felt a growing sense of anticipation, as though he were on the brink of uncovering something extraordinary.
He took some steps forward and saw an old, polished brown door with a word scratched on it. Upon reading it, he stood in fear and shock, temporarily paralyzed as he stared at the word "dead."
The air around him seemed to grow colder, and he could hear the faint rustling of leaves in the distance. His mind raced with questions. Who had written this word? Why was it here? He glanced around, half-expecting someone to emerge from the shadows, but the corridor remained eerily silent. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he approached the door cautiously. His hand trembled as he reached out to touch the rough surface, feeling the grooves where the letters had been etched.
Trying to convince himself it could be an abbreviation for "Don't-Ever-Accept-Devil," even though he knew it wasn't. He went ahead and knocked on the door twice at first, and after about seven seconds without an answer, he got ready to knock the third time.
He knocked the first time, tilting his head closer and closer to the door.
He knocked the second time as he still heard the echo of his first knock now combined with the second.
Just as he was about to knock the third time, the door made a creaking sound while opening - like in a horror movie.
He knew truly that what he saw wasn't like any place he had gone to. He looked back at the entrance as he entered the mysterious room that seemed to have just appeared from thin air - perhaps it was a portal, who knows? As he entered, he saw a manly figure sitting on a chair with a glowing jar hovering over a table. The man was barely visible due to the soft glow coming from the jar. His head was covered with a hood-shape material, leaving his face in pure darkness.
Gripped with fear, Bruice headed for the handle of the door but it closed shut behind him with a loud bang. It felt like Bruice soul had left his body while the man on the chair didn't even flinch a bit but giggled and said with a deep-booming voice " Bruice, Bruice, Bruice . . . , I hope you are ready.
So many questions ran across Bruice's mind: "Where am I ? Who is this ? What's he talking about ? How many people are here ? How does he know my name ?" There was not enough time to answer the questions as he soon lost consciousness right there on the spot.