The following day, the sky transformed into a bright blue hue, accompanied by clouds moving in a specific direction. Numerous birds took to the sky, creating a harmonious chirping sound that resonated throughout the area. Many individuals opened their windows to allow sunlight to illuminate their rooms, while others began preparing their stores for the arrival of customers. Jonathan had already awakened, consumed his breakfast, and departed the inn to ready his wagon and acquire necessary supplies prior to leaving the kingdom.
Conversely, Mary remained peacefully asleep. As sunlight entered her room along with a gentle breeze, she gradually awoke. Her eyes fluttered open slowly, and she noticed a book resting on her face. Realizing she had fallen asleep while reading the previous night, she carefully set the book aside. Subsequently, she sat up in bed, rubbed her eyes, and yawned before stretching her body with soft, lazy whimpers. Fully awake now, she observed her disheveled hair in the mirror and made an effort to straighten it.
Afterward, she returned the book to her backpack and strapped it onto her back. Exiting her room, she descended the stairs to the cafeteria. Upon entering, she noted that Jonathan was absent once again. She surmised that he might be preparing for their journey, given that he possessed a substantial amount of coins acquired from the exchange of his potions for gold. Not wishing to wait for him, Mary chose to have breakfast alone.
She seated herself at a table in the cafeteria, hoping to avoid any unwanted attention or advances from strangers. She called for the waiter and ordered a classic breakfast typical of the kingdom. The waiter responded with a smile, noted her order, and proceeded to the kitchen to communicate it to the chef. While her meal was being prepared, Mary opted to continue reading her current book, "The Borhsk." She placed her backpack on her right side, retrieved the book, and opened it to the previous page she had been unable to complete the night before.
Once she found the page, she began to read it, the pages continued.
"The Overseers have once again uncovered the fundamental nature of this Universe, discovering themselves situated in a distinct Space-Time Continuum. Within this continuum, they observed an infinite array of Cosmic Clusters and seized the opportunity to conquer them, gathering powers, magics, spirits, and knowledge from the vastness of these Cosmic Clusters. They designated this space, this continuum, as a Realm (LowiforshSphere). In the course of further analysis of the realm's continuum, one of the Overseers encountered numerous infinite stacks and piles of infinite Cantor's Attics, alongside a comprehensive display of various mathematical structures, including set theory, the concept of infinity, algebra, and other relevant disciplines. This extensive array constituted a perfect mathematical model of the continuum. Consequently, the Overseers deduced that this entire continuum is composed of mathematical structures, forming a coherent mathematical model. Therefore, every aspect of distance and related elements can be quantified through mathematical principles. As they continued their exploration, they encountered a multitude of infinite Realms and were astonished to find that these realms exhibited significantly different physical laws and concepts, also reminiscent of the theory of a Type 4 Multiverse. This theory posits the existence of universes governed by consistent mathematical structures, suggesting that universes with varying physical laws, principles, and mathematical constructs are equally valid. This includes the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, wherein every quantum event branches into multiple outcomes, each creating a distinct universe. It was during this time that alternate versions of themselves were discovered across these realms. This remarkable revelation left the Overseers speechless. They regarded these Realms as representations of universes. The Overseers meticulously collected data from this infinite array of Realms to enhance their capabilities and facilitate further discoveries. Continually ascending, one of the Overseers was unexpectedly struck on the head by an invisible yet indestructible object. Despite their attempts to obliterate it, they failed, realizing that this invisible object extended across the entire Cosmos, forming a sort of circle. At that juncture, they could not articulate the nature or purpose of this entity. However, in the 14th century BCE, an Overseer specializing in magic, having advanced his powers to the extent of creating a force known as "The Divine of Destruction," successfully destroyed the invisible object. This act allowed them to glimpse beyond its horizon, eliciting sensations of chill and heightened awareness as they ascended beyond the mysterious object and entered a new domain. Upon arrival in this new space, they observed that it bore similarities to their prior environment and embarked on a journey to uncover clues regarding its nature. During their exploration, one Overseer postulated that the mysterious object they had encountered was a barrier separating their Cosmos from a higher plane of existence. They termed this barrier "Layer." In their ventures, they found this Cosmos to possess frameworks distinctly different from their own, with altered concepts and structures. One Overseer discovered information suggesting that their Cosmos was merely a low-dimensional existence, implying their current state represented a far superior plane of existence. They continued their ascension, navigating through all the infinite Realms within this Layer, resulting in yet another encounter with a Layer. Upon its destruction, they perceived another higher plane of existence and continued to explore, acquiring knowledge and power along the way. Ultimately, they broke free from the infinite confines and encountered a strange void filled with an infinite array of bubbles, which resembled foam stretching infinitely across the continuum. Each bubble contained infinite Layers. Moreover, these layers adhered to principles similar to the Von Neumann Universe theory, which (denoted by V) encompasses a class of well-founded hereditary sets. This collection, formally defined by Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory (ZFC), often serves to provide an interpretation or motivation for the axioms of ZFC. Vα (Valpha) represents the set of all sets possessing ranks less than α (alpha), thus establishing one set Vα for each ordinal number α. Eventually, the Overseers convened in a realm characterized by an unending expanse of pure white—an environment devoid of any semblance of beginnings or ends. This location, which is typically referred to as non-existence, presented a profound revelation for the Overseers, as they had not anticipated encountering such a phenomenon within the universe. In this realm, all known constructs, including causality, matter, mass-energy, the entirety of set theory, and even all concepts such as Cantor's Attic, were rendered meaningless; the notions of space and time held no relevance. During their exploration, the Overseers searched in all possible directions, only to encounter an overwhelming absence of substance, an unbroken white void. However, one member of the Overseers succeeded in transcending this "barrier" through the application of his unique powers, leading to the discovery of an alternate plane of existence that was significantly more advanced than the previous one. Following this revelation, the group departed from the non-existence and proceeded to navigate this new environment. Upon breaking free from its constraints, they observed that their original point of entry was ensconced within a peculiar bubble, offering a view of both non-existence and existence. This astonishing discovery prompted them to designate the bubble as the VōritoushSphere (the Between Existence and Non-existence). Through rigorous calculations, the scientists among the Overseers determined that the size of this bubble was Absolute Infinity. Strangely, they perceived the VōritoushSphere extending throughout the cosmos, ascending into an infinite and unbounded array of foam-like structures. Consequently, they resolved to refer to this continuum as the "World" and continued their exploration beyond the confines of the discovered realm. Astonishingly, they found themselves within an infinite array of universes, a literal multiverse continuum. From their vantage point, they beheld their original universe. While they experienced satisfaction in achieving their goals, one individual—a young man—felt an unsettling dissonance; he sensed that he had not completely exited the universe. His perception of existence remained similar, as though they had merely transcended infinite confines within a vast greater confinement, filled with numerous other confines. He endeavored to convey his concerns to the remaining Overseers, but they dismissed him, leading to a heated argument. Some neutral parties intervened to serve as arbiters in the dispute. Ultimately, the young man emerged victorious in the debate, prompting the group to resume their exploration across various universes. They uncovered alternative beings or entities resembling those from their own universe. Following these expeditions, they theorized that every universe mirrors the principles outlined in Modal Realism, which posits that alternate worlds possess the same level of reality as the original. Modal Realism asserts that possible worlds might either closely resemble the original or differ significantly from it, adhering to the three laws of thought: Identity, Non-Contradiction, and the Excluded Middle. Furthermore, they identified the multiverse continuum as representative of a Type 4 Multiverse. These universes not only exhibited superior dimensional structures compared to their own but also demonstrated advanced meta-meta-meta-qualitative and meta-meta-meta-quantitative characteristics. This indicates that the infinite dimensions within their realm are comparable to mere atoms relative to a higher cosmological construct. Furthermore, this suggests the existence of dimensions that surpass infinite concepts; in these cases, infinity would lose its significance, becoming a mere quark compared to their quantifiable structures. They coined the term "Upper-Dimensional" to describe these frameworks, which utilize concepts of cardinality and transcendental numbers, including Aleph numbers, the Berkeley Cardinal, and possibly the entirety of Cantor's attic set. Subsequently, they established bases in each universe, forming groups with distinct focuses—some dedicated to research and others tasked with further exploration. The first appointed Overseer initiated a ranking system to delineate authority within the group. The lowest rank, termed Byôustish, is designated for Overseers who possess limited experience and have yet to explore beyond their home worlds. The mid-ranking Virtash is reserved for those who have acquired vast knowledge approaching Nigh-Omniscience due to extensive travel. The highest rank, Gôrisquarh, encompasses individuals who possess the authority to convene meetings among all Overseers and have also been involved in the initial discoveries prior to establishing the ranking system. Their level of knowledge surpasses that of their subordinates; however, further details regarding this ranking will be classified and released at a later date. The Overseers continued their quest to transcend infinite universes, aiming to discover other infinite realms situated above their current multiverse. They encountered what appeared to be an endless cycle, repeatedly confronting the same phenomenon. Fortunately, they were able to break free from these confines, revealing an expanse of infinite layers, each containing multiverses akin to the original confinement. They were astounded to discover the existence of a universe containing its own multiverses. This finding contradicted prior theories, which pertained only to the universe from which they had emerged, necessitating further inquiry into the mysteries embedded within this continuum. The Overseers ultimately recognized that their explorative journey was far from complete, indicating a need for enhanced preparation moving forward."
Mary blinked rapidly, experiencing a mix of confusion and astonishment at the information she had encountered. As she examined the text within the pages, she found it hard to believe in the existence of the universe and multiverse as described. Her prior understanding was that the universe comprised billions of galaxies; however, this was merely a widely held theory among humans. She chose to trust the information contained in the book, recognizing that the Overseer of Mage represents the highest position achievable among all mages—a role that embodies the aspirations of mages worldwide. The nobility and influence associated with this title are immense, placing even monarchs in a position of relative insignificance. These mages are tasked with safeguarding the world from external dangers.
As she prepared to continue reading, a waiter unexpectedly appeared to set her meal in front of her. The sound of her stomach growling served as a reminder of her hunger. She closed the book and placed it in her backpack, then took up her utensils and began to eat with enthusiasm.
Approximately ten minutes later, having finished her meal and regained her energy, she extracted ten bronze coins from her purse, placing them next to the dishes. After standing and donning her backpack once more, she exited the inn. Outside, she noticed a horse attached to a wagon. As she approached, Jonathan appeared from the back of the wagon, calling her name, which took her by surprise. She turned her attention to Jonathan, who was placing crates onto the wagon.
"Everything is in order now. I neglected to mention that this is my wagon. Let us board and depart from the kingdom,"
Jonathan stated as he settled into the driver's seat. Mary followed suit, entering the wagon and seating herself while placing her backpack beside her. Once she was comfortably seated, Jonathan urged the horse to move, leading them toward the exit gate where he presented an Adventure Card to the guard. The guard acknowledged them and permitted their exit from the kingdom.
Having left the confines of the kingdom, Mary opened the map provided by Jonathan to ensure they were traveling along the correct path. As they journeyed, Jonathan observed the expansive fields of grass swaying gently in the breeze. Wildflowers dotted the landscape, while butterflies danced gracefully among them, and bees busily collected nectar and pollen to produce honey, a substance highly sought after by humans. The fresh air tousled Jonathan's hair as they traveled through this serene environment devoid of nearby monsters. They proceeded on their journey at a leisurely pace, opting for calmness over haste. Meanwhile, Mary took the opportunity to read another book, even though she desired to continue with her study of the Borhsk text. The peaceful surroundings encouraged her to indulge in her preferred literature throughout the journey, while Jonathan skillfully guided the horse with the harness attached.
Jonathan approached a forest ahead, utilizing his "Scan of World" ability to detect any potential threats within a specified radius. Upon confirming the absence of any threats, he felt a sense of relief and proceeded to navigate into the forest. As they continued deeper along the designated path towards their next destination, Jonathan observed a deer passing by among the underbrush with others of its kind. The progress of the wagon was steady yet serene, creating an atmosphere that felt almost timeless. Eventually, Jonathan noticed a light ahead and guided the wagon out of the forest, emerging into a vast landscape characterized by lush green grass and invigorating fresh air that contributed to a sense of relaxation. He cast his gaze upward to admire the beautiful sky, where birds flew gracefully, and clouds moved rhythmically in the gentle breeze.
Jonathan turned to ensure that Mary remained comfortably engaged in her reading within the wagon. Observing her tranquility, he opted not to disturb her focus and redirected his attention to guiding the horse along the road.
In a separate location, the Kingdom of Carvosh was under the rule of King Tajmühsk Vot Nafth, who was incensed by the actions of his rival, Berthur Calder, the king of the Terienst Kingdom. This animosity stemmed from Calder's acquisition of the legendary and exceedingly rare potion known as Täzk. Numerous kingdoms aspired to possess this potion; however, its production was limited, with rare materials required and a complex manufacturing process. Several alchemists had attempted to replicate Täzk using various methods and ingredients, yet all efforts had resulted in failure, leading to exorbitant prices—the smallest potion commanding the cost of two medium-sized mansions and three wagons.
Seated on his throne, Tajmühsk was filled with hatred and frustration as his ministers debated strategies to engage Jonathan, either by seizing his potions or by threatening him. He was also concerned about the prospect of the Terienst Kingdom declaring war. It was at this moment that Tajmühsk's gaze fell upon a figure emerging from the shadows. Heavy footsteps echoed throughout the room, accompanied by a chilling presence that instilled fear in the ministers, causing them to freeze and gradually turn to confront the figure. It was Forgahn, the leader of an assassin organization, known for his formidable combat prowess and mastery of magic at an advanced level. His presence exuded confidence and an aura of menace, as though he had been forged through countless battles.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. It appears that you are experiencing some concerns. However, there is no need for apprehension; we will ensure that your requests are fulfilled."
Forgahn stated with a confident smirk, an aura of self-assurance surrounding him. He is not an ordinary assassin; he embodies something more extraordinary. To date, he has not revealed his full capabilities, leaving his true potential concealed beneath his formidable exterior. This fact causes additional worry for Tajmühsk, particularly in light of Forgahn's presence in the room.
"I am aware of that, Forgahn, but my concerns extend beyond that issue. Our adversaries have declared war against us, possessing greater strength despite their smaller territory."
Forgahn fell silent, momentarily immobilized as he processed Tajmühsk's concerns. He initially believed that the matter at hand was related to the mission assigned to his organization: to acquire Jonathan's potions or to compel Jonathan to produce them for the kingdom. As such, Tajmühsk serves as their client, the ruler of the Carvosh kingdom. However, Tajmühsk's predicament does not pertain to their organization, which traditionally refrains from involvement in conflicts, particularly given that they have not engaged with the Terienst kingdom.
Tajmühsk sighed in frustration upon witnessing Forgahn's silence. Consequently, he forcefully dismissed the assassin from the room. Awakened from his stupor, Forgahn recognized that his client had ordered him to exit immediately. With a hint of annoyance, Forgahn seamlessly retreated into the shadows, disappearing from view. This allowed the remaining individuals in the room to reflect on their circumstances, relieved by Forgahn's departure. His undeniable strength and extensive experience in warfare earned him the title of "Killing Machine" among peers, though this title remains distanced from the overall strength and abilities attributed to a hero.
Meanwhile, Jonathan continued his journey, traversing various landscapes and forests for approximately six hours. Despite their travel, they were still considerably distant from their intended destination. Mary remained steadfast in her pursuits, engrossed in her books from her backpack. She had completed reading approximately ten to twelve volumes and still had thirty more to explore. Jonathan often found himself questioning her dedication to such pursuits whenever she had free time; she consistently opted for texts devoid of fiction, focusing instead on knowledge-based books—particularly those concerning Cosmos and Creation.
Jonathan speculated that Mary had an unexplained obsession with the Cosmos, though he recognized that his theory could be either correct or incorrect. At this juncture, Jonathan and Mary found themselves surrounded by a more expansive landscape than before. He noticed to his right, in the distance, a display of vibrant flowers exhibiting a variety of colors. Furthermore, he observed a village nearby. Jonathan informed Mary of his discovery, indicating that they would spend one day resting in the village before continuing their journey.
Mary kept her gaze fixed on her book but acknowledged his statement with a simple nod. Observing her behavior, Jonathan could only sigh in response. He guided the horse towards the village and, upon arrival, noted that this village exuded a sense of tranquility superior to that of the kingdom, as villages are typically situated at a distance from the kingdom and often disengaged from direct involvement. Nonetheless, these villages occasionally engage in trade with the kingdom.
As Jonathan parked his horse and wagon, he informed Mary of his intention to seek an inn for their rest. Mary acknowledged his plan with a thumbs-up gesture while her attention remained fixed on her book. After Jonathan left Mary temporarily in the wagon, he began his search for accommodations in the village. Approximately six minutes later, he identified an inn located not far from his wagon. Upon entering, he approached the receptionist to purchase two rooms, which amounted to 38 brown coins. After making the payment, he received the keys, which he then placed in his pocket before leaving the inn to return to his wagon.
While walking toward his wagon, Jonathan noticed a group of young children playing tag with their friends. As he passed by, the children paused and began whispering among themselves while observing him. Jonathan was aware that they rarely encountered individuals from outside their village, and one child even pointed at him, particularly intrigued by the sword on his back. However, he was not perturbed by their curiosity and continued on his way.
Upon reaching his wagon, Jonathan climbed aboard and informed Mary of the inn's location, as well as the available space for parking the wagon. After conveying this information, he took a seat at the driver's position and led the horse to the inn. Upon arrival, he secured the horse to a wooden post at the back of the inn, where several other wagons were also parked. Mary disembarked from the wagon, gazing at the illuminated sky. After taking a deep breath, she looked at Jonathan as he descended from the driver's seat. Stretching her entire body, she was reminded of her earlier meal, during which she had consumed only a small snack.
Jonathan turned to Mary and handed her one of the room keys, which she accepted before they both entered the inn for a meal and rest. Once inside, they observed several locals seated with friends, enjoying themselves amidst numerous empty glasses on their table, suggesting a recent celebration. Nevertheless, this did not concern Jonathan, and he proceeded to lead Mary upstairs.
They separated to their respective rooms, and upon closing his door, Jonathan noted that the accommodations were significantly more spacious than those of previous inns. The rooms were equipped with bathrooms, a marked improvement compared to prior establishments where guests had to rely on a bucket of hot water and a towel for personal hygiene.
Without hesitation, Jonathan decided to shower before resting. He entered the bathroom and began to remove his clothing. After ten minutes, he exited the bathroom with a towel draped around his lower body. Activating his 'Dimensional Storage' feature, he searched for his clothing and tossed the found garments onto the bed. As the Dimensional Storage feature began to fade, Jonathan unraveled the towel and dressed in his fresh attire.
Feeling revitalized after the shower, he lay down on the bed, contemplating the next steps in their journey. However, he soon began to feel dizzy, and his eyelids grew heavy, ultimately leading him to drift off to sleep. He awoke once more in the familiar Void, indicating another instance of teleportation. While he had grown accustomed to this phenomenon, it remained a source of intrigue. At that moment, The Figure began to emerge from below, slowly forming into an abstract shape.
"Well, hello again, Jonathan."
The Figure says, with a malevolent smile, it seems that The Figure has a suspicious plan for what's coming to Jonathan's Journeys.
"What do you want this time?"
Jonathan stood firm, his posture unyielding, his gaze sharp and unwavering. He scrutinized the mysterious Figure before him, noting the eerie confidence that radiated from the being's presence. There was something deeply unsettling about the way the Figure carried himself—something beyond mere words or gestures. Yet, Jonathan refused to show doubt, masking his caution behind a wall of measured silence.
The Figure, however, only chuckled—a soft, sinister sound that echoed through the still air like the whisper of a coming storm.
"Oh~ I've merely offered a warning,"
The Figure said, his tone laced with amusement and something darker beneath.
"You recall the kingdom you've visited recently, don't you? The one ruled by King Berthur Calder? And those trades you made with him—favors exchanged, goods delivered. Well, it won't be long before a message comes from his court, requesting your aid in striking down his enemies."
The Figure's voice was smooth, almost mocking, as he continued,
"I suggest you consider his plea carefully. There's more at stake than you know."
Jonathan narrowed his eyes, the weight of the Figure's words pressing on his mind like a creeping fog. Despite the warning, he refused to accept everything at face value. He had no intention of allowing a cryptic stranger to manipulate his decisions, especially when the stakes involved allegiances and warfare.
He maintained his composure, hiding the storm of thoughts surging beneath the surface. He knew he had to remain cautious. The Figure—whoever he was—radiated a power beyond mortal comprehension. Jonathan could sense it, even if he didn't fully understand it. Still, he would not submit to fear or coercion. Not yet.
Unbeknownst to him, the Figure's grin widened, malevolence gleaming in his eyes like a predator who had already caught the scent of prey. He wasn't just watching Jonathan—he was reading him, probing the corners of his mind and unraveling every strand of doubt and curiosity. The Figure saw beyond Jonathan's words, beyond his bravado, and into the vulnerable truths that even Jonathan himself had not fully acknowledged.
And so, the question lingered—looming and inevitable:
When the day comes, and Berthur Calder's summons arrives with the promise of battle and the weight of loyalty, what choice will Jonathan make? Will he rise to answer the call, forging an alliance in the flames of war? Or will he turn away, risking the wrath of both king and shadow?
Only time will tell whether Jonathan's defiance is strength—or a fatal miscalculation.
-To be Continued...