Mclery's eyes open and he saw unfamiliar ceiling.
For a moment, all he saw was a blur—soft white light streaming through thin fabric curtains, the faint scent of herbs and something floral in the air, and a faint hum, like cicada whispering through distant mountains.
He blinked a few more times and sat up.
He was on a wide bed in a wooden room. The ceiling above him was circular and domed, its beams etched with glowing patterns that shifted subtly like they were alive. He touched the sheets—smooth, foreign, but warm. He didn't recognize this place. But his first thought wasn't about where he was.
It was about Henrry.
"Henrry?" he whispered, pushing himself up, his muscles aching.
His heart was racing.
Where am I? he thought, his eyes scanning the room.
And then the memory hit him like a tidal wave—James lying lifeless, Henrry crying, the blinding light of the portal, and the strange girl's voice.
"Henrry," he whispered, panic rising in his chest.
He turned to look around the room, and there, just a few feet away, on another bed, lay Henrry—motionless, eyes closed but breathing calmly Relief flooded through Mclery, but it was quickly overtaken by a deep, gnawing guilt.
Is this all my fault? he thought bitterly. If I hadn't stopped him from leaving the stick... maybe uncle James would still be alive.
He stood, his legs weak, and walked over to Henrry's bed. Kneeling beside him, he reached out and gently shook his friend's shoulder.
"Henrry," he said softly. "Wake up... It's me."
Henrry stirred but didn't open his eyes.
Just then, the door creaked open, and the girl who had brought them here stepped into the room. She walked with quiet grace, her violet robes shimmering slightly under the strange light. Her expression was calm but carried the weight of someone who knew more than she was saying.
She stepped in quietly, her presence composed but gentle. Her long black hair was tied back into a braid, and she wore a deep violet robe that shimmered faintly like silk touched by moonlight. Her eyes were sharp but kind.
Mclery looked up as she entered.
She nodded politely before stepping closer. "You're awake," she said softly. "That's good"
"Yes..., how was Henrry" said Mclery.
She looked at sleeping Henrry and said " just a exhaust little bit a sleep and he will be alright."
Mclery pause for moment and said in self blaming voice "Henrry and uncle was like family for me Henrry reminded me many times to throw that stick but my curiosity ruined everything."
He looked down, unable to meet Henrry's eyes. His voice trembled as he spoke.
"I… I'm sorry, Henrry. I should've listened to you. I shouldn't have stopped you from leaving the stick by the tree. If you had… maybe your dad would still be alive."
Henrry didn't respond.
Mclery's throat tightened. "I didn't mean for this to happen."
Silence filled the room, heavy and raw.
Then the girl spoke.
"I know this is difficult," she said gently. "But you're safe now. You both are. We're truly sorry we couldn't save your uncle. We… didn't think they'd attack your home so soon.
Her words were full of regret, but Mclery didn't respond. He sit still, staring at the mysterious girl.
"My name is Mia," she said, her voice clear and steady.
Mclery looked up at her, still trying to understand her.
Unknown to Mclery, Henrry has awaken earlier at the outburst of his.
Henrry slowly opened his eyes, blinking against the light. His face was still wet with tears that had dried during sleep. When he saw Mclery, he looked away, pain flashing through his eyes. Mclery felt it deep in his chest—that distance, that silence.
Henrry said nothing. He didn't even look at her. His gaze remained fixed on the wall.
Mia notice the change in the breathing of Henrry and with the eyes she indicate Mclery of Henrry awakening.
Knowing Henrry was awake Mclery with his straight forward attitude couldn't take it anymore. He turned to Henry again. "Please say something," he whispered. "Anything."
Henrry remained silent, but the pain in his eyes was enough. And somehow, that silence said more than words ever could.
Sensing the silence, Mia stepped forward slowly to the window, parting the curtains just enough to reveal the stunning landscape outside—a city built among trees, bridges of glowing light, and towers carved from living wood. Beyond them, majestic mountains floated in the sky, tethered by strands of glowing energy.
"This place," she said, "is Abron. It's not part of your world. not this is your universe, this is a different dimension. Far- far from your planet."
"Mclery," she said softly, "this isn't your fault. Even if Henry had left the stick behind, that man would've still come after you."
Mclery frowned. "Why, he only target us...?"
" Not both of you only Henrry...Because," Mia said, "the moment Henrry touched the stick… he became the Chosen."
Henrry blinked, confused. "The Chosen? What does that mean?" he staired at the Mia, he knows all the problems he faced are related to this girl and that cursed stick, and only her has the answer.
Mia took a breath, her eyes serious now. "It means your destiny is tied to Grandmaster Omar—the pervious clan head of our infinity clan. The stick you found was his, and only those connected to his legacy can awaken its power. When you picked it up… it marked you."
"But why me?" Henrry asked, shaken. "I'm just a normal kid, not the smartest nor i am strong so why me..."
"We don't fully understand it either," Mia admitted. "But destiny doesn't always choose the strongest. Sometimes, it chooses those worthy of a destiny, it always choose who least expect it."
Mia said " but Mclery you came to this world as a mistake, but maybe destiny also have something store for you, so don't worry i will take responsibilities of my mistake."
Henrry spoke, his voice dry and heavy. "So all this… my dad's death… is because of a stick, bea.... because of some bullshit destiny ?"
At the end his voice began to crack.
Mia looked at him, her expression full of sorrow. "No. It's because of who you are now. The stick was only the key."
Mclery's brows furrowed. "But who was the man that attacked us? What does he want?"
Mia's eyes darkened. "He was sent by Yamada—the leader of the imperial clan. He's powerful, ruthless, and determined to destroy everything that belongs to our clan. For years, Grandmaster Omar protected us… but now that he's gone, Yamada is trying to finish all our clan"
She looked directly at Henry now.
"You may feel down right now. But you're stronger than you think."
Henrry lowered his gaze, eyes heavy with loss and confusion.
Mia turned to leave but paused at the door.
"There's much more to tell," she said. "But for now… rest. You'll need your strength, once Aushadhi clan members come they check both of your bodies and heal you properly from the damage both of you sustain from the portal you both cross, that portal not something that normal human beings can cross."
Saying this Mia left the room giving them time to digest the situation.
As the door closed softly behind her, the silence returned.
Mclery sat down at the edge of Henrry's bed. He didn't speak, didn't try to explain himself again. He just sat there—quiet, still, present.
Henrry didn't look at him. But for the first time since James died, he didn't turn away either.