Chapter 23 - 22: Going to City
Kael returned to his room, letting the door close behind him with a soft thud. The quiet was almost oppressive after the conversation with Alenia. Her words echoed in his mind—uncertainties wrapped in gentle encouragement, questions about trust, destiny, and what kind of man he wanted to become. His thoughts churned as he sat on the edge of the bed, eyes fixed on the floor.
It was evening in this world now. That meant it was morning back on Earth.
Kael stood and took a deep breath.
He reached out, mentally activating the portal. With a low hum and a shimmering ripple in the air, the doorway between worlds opened before him. He stepped through.
Kael emerged into the familiar gloom of his grandfather’s basement on Earth.
It was still early. Kael glanced at his phone. 7:12 a.m.
He made his way up the stairs, quietly stepping into the empty house.
He had sold almost everything in the other world. He needed to buy new supplies.
He grabbed a quick breakfast—just toast and coffee—before getting dressed in a simple hoodie and jeans.
He came out and rode his bicycle to Martha’s shop, although he had no intention of buying anything from there.
He had bought a lot of goods from Martha’s shop before. So if he bought a lot of goods again now, it might raise suspicion. He couldn’t tell them about the other world. So he thought about going to the city and buying the goods instead.