"I must first find the exits and come up with an escape plan," Todd said.
Hovering through the facility, he carefully studied his surroundings.
The corridors.
The rooms.
The doors.
The windows.
The location of the guards.
He committed everything to memory.
This was one of the abilities he had possessed since childhood. Todd could remember almost anything he read and reproduce the layout of places he had visited after seeing them only once. He had always considered it a useful talent, especially when playing games with Alice.
Tonight, however, it might be the difference between freedom and captivity.
After completing a mental map of the facility, he returned to the room where his body lay.
He looked down at himself.
"All right. Time to go back."
He tried to enter his body.
Nothing happened.
Todd frowned.
"What just happened?"
He tried again.
Still nothing.
"Come on..."
He attempted it several more times, but each attempt ended in failure. A growing sense of unease settled over him.
"Why can't I get back in?"
He looked at his body lying motionless on the table.
For the first time since discovering this ability, he felt genuinely afraid.
What if I can't return?
He tried to remain calm.
Think.
He remembered how he had returned to his body before.
He had thought about being inside it.
That was all.
Todd closed his eyes and concentrated.
I want to be in my body.
The moment the thought formed, something pulled him downward.
Todd gasped and sat upright.
He was back.
He placed a hand against his chest, feeling his heartbeat.
"Okay... okay."
He took a deep breath.
Then he looked toward the door.
His relief vanished.
It was locked.
"No, no, no."
He rushed toward it and tried the handle.
Nothing.
"I have to find a way out of this room before sunrise. Otherwise, any chance of escaping will be ruined."
He began pacing.
"Alice..."
He stopped.
What would Alice have done?
She would probably have told him to stop panicking and think.
Todd took another breath.
Then a thought occurred to him.
If I can leave my body while I'm asleep...
He looked at the wall.
Can I travel somewhere else while I'm awake?
He had never tried it before.
But then again, he had never expected to leave his body in the first place.
"There's only one way to find out."
He closed his eyes.
He concentrated.
And tried.
Nothing happened.
He opened his eyes.
"Okay. Maybe I need to try again."
He tried once more.
And again.
And again.
Each attempt ended in failure.
Todd's frustration grew.
"Why isn't this working?"
He paced around the room, rubbing his forehead.
Then he stopped.
What if I'm approaching it the wrong way?
When he had returned to his body, he hadn't tried to move toward it physically.
He had simply thought about being there.
Perhaps travelling worked the same way.
Todd closed his eyes again.
This time, he pictured one of the exits he had memorized.
The steel gate.
The trees beyond it.
The path leading away from the facility.
He imagined himself standing there.
Take me there.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then -
The room disappeared.
Todd opened his eyes.
He was standing behind a steel gate.
Beyond it stretched a dark forest.
He stared.
Then he looked behind him.
The facility was nowhere in sight.
"I..."
He blinked.
"I did it."
A grin spread across his face.
"I escaped!"
He jumped into the air, laughing.
"I can't believe it worked! It actually worked!"
He looked down at his hands.
"So that's how it works."
He began piecing the discovery together.
"When I'm asleep, I can leave my body and travel. And when I'm awake... I can apparently travel by thinking about a place I've already seen."
He smiled.
"That's amazing."
Then -
WEE-OOO! WEE-OOO!
Sirens erupted from the facility.
Todd's smile disappeared.
He turned toward the sound.
"What is happening in there?"
The sirens continued.
Todd took a step backward.
"Actually... I don't think I want to find out."
He turned and ran into the forest.
Alex jolted awake at the sound of the alarms.
"What?"
He sat up, still disoriented.
Then he heard the announcement coming from the facility's security system.
"Unauthorized magical activity detected."
Alex's eyes widened.
"The magic sensors?"
He immediately rushed toward the room where Todd had been kept.
As he approached, he saw that the door was still locked.
He slowed down.
"Okay... okay."
He stared at the lock.
"The door is still locked."
A nervous smile appeared on his face.
"That means he's still inside."
He took out his keys and unlocked the door.
Then he stepped inside.
And froze.
The room was empty.
Alex stared at the table.
Then at the floor.
Then at the walls.
"Where is the boy?"
He rushed toward the table.
Nothing.
He checked the corners.
Nothing.
He examined the door.
Still locked.
His breathing became heavier.
"How...?"
He looked around the room again.
"How did he escape?"
He sat down in a corner, burying his face in his hands.
Then he remembered the machine.
The cracked orb.
The impossible results.
Alex slowly raised his head.
"I knew something was wrong when that orb cracked."
He stared at the empty table.
"But how could a child perform something like this?"
He shook his head.
"No. This isn't possible."
His expression darkened.
"I thought only the Master Magi could do this."
He glanced toward the door.
The mothers must not know.
If they discovered that a child had escaped under his watch, he would have no explanation.
And even if he told them the truth, would they believe him?
He looked at the empty room.
"I'll have to think of something to tell them."
Todd ran through the forest.
Branches struck his arms as he pushed through the darkness. He stumbled several times but continued moving until the facility's lights were no longer visible between the trees.
Finally, he stopped to catch his breath.
He turned toward the direction he had come from.
The forest stood silent behind him.
"Alice..."
He clenched his fists.
"I'll come back and save you."
He looked down the slope ahead.
A dark opening was visible among the rocks.
A cave.
Todd approached it cautiously.
"I guess I can rest here until morning."
He peered inside.
The cave appeared empty.
"Fortunately, there don't seem to be any wild animals around."
He stepped inside.
Using a few dry branches he found nearby, Todd managed to start a small fire—just as Alice had taught him.
He sat beside it, allowing the warmth to settle over him.
For the first time since escaping, he had a moment to think.
His mind returned to everything that had happened over the past few days.
The strange voice.
The revelation.
The machine.
The impossible results.
The escape.
Then he remembered something the voice had said.
The quest to end the abominations had long ago started.
Todd stared into the fire.
"Does that mean there are others?"
He leaned forward.
"Others who still have magic?"
He frowned.
"Others who are fighting the abominations?"
The questions continued.
"What do these abominations even look like?"
"Where are they?"
"And why did that voice say I must find myself?"
Todd sighed.
His thoughts began to blur together.
The fire crackled softly.
Eventually, exhaustion overcame him.
He fell asleep.
A few hours later, figures emerged from the darkness.
They moved quietly through the trees, their footsteps almost impossible to hear.
One of them crouched beside the cave entrance.
"There he is."
Another figure looked inside.
"He's a child?"
The first man nodded.
"Yes."
The second man frowned.
"Are you sure this is the one?"
"The chief's orders were clear."
He glanced toward Todd.
"It doesn't matter how old he is. We take him to the Chief."
The men surrounded the sleeping boy.
Todd remained unaware.
The next thing Todd heard was the sound of voices.
"He's awake."
"Inform the Chief."
Todd slowly opened his eyes.
For a moment, he didn't know where he was.
Then he noticed the people standing around him.
Men.
Dozens of them.
Some were inspecting weapons. Others were engaged in friendly wrestling matches. A few sat around talking.
Todd looked around.
Where am I?
The place resembled a warriors' quarters.
But these men were unlike anyone he had ever seen.
They were remarkably tall and muscular, and many had intricate tattoos covering their arms, shoulders, and chests.
Todd stared at one of the tattoos.
Is that some kind of tribal tradition?
Before he could ask, two women approached him.
They bathed him, dressed him in traditional clothing, and prepared him to be presented before the Chief.
Todd felt increasingly confused.
"What is going on?"
Nobody answered.
Soon, two warriors escorted him through the village.
As they walked, Todd took in his surroundings.
The village was alive with activity.
People moved between buildings, children played in the open spaces, and merchants arranged their goods. Despite the unfamiliarity of the place, there was a sense of peace and order.
Todd looked at the warriors beside him.
Their expressions were stern.
Their posture was rigid.
But they did not seem hostile.
He continued studying the village as they walked.
The palace stood at the far end, beyond a broad path lined with traditional carvings and enormous statues.
As they approached the entrance, Todd noticed two towering lion statues standing on either side of the gate.
He slowed.
Something about them felt wrong.
Or perhaps... alive.
He could feel a strange pressure emanating from the statues.
It was subtle, but unmistakable.
Todd glanced up at one of the lions.
For a moment, he had the unsettling feeling that it was watching him.
He quickly looked away.
Okay. That's not creepy at all.
The warriors led him inside.
Todd's eyes widened.
The interior of the palace was far more elaborate than he had expected. Beautiful patterns adorned the walls, intricate artwork covered the pillars, and large vases stood in carefully arranged corners.
He had imagined a simple traditional structure.
Instead, the palace was magnificent.
He was led into the throne room.
At the far end sat the Chief, surrounded by several elders.
The warriors brought Todd before him and bowed.
Todd immediately followed their example.
The Chief smiled.
"Ah, Todd."
Todd froze.
How does he know my name?
"We are pleased to see that you are safe and well," the Chief continued.
Todd stared at him.
The Chief chuckled softly.
"I can see the question written all over your face."
Todd said nothing.
"Do not worry. We did not bring you here to harm you."
The Chief leaned back.
"Our chief priestess had a revelation."
Todd's eyes narrowed.
"A revelation?"
"She sensed a great source of power within Cave Mujhi."
Todd's expression changed.
The cave?
"The cave where you rested last night," the Chief continued. "I could not allow such a discovery to pass through our village without investigating it."
Todd looked around the room.
"What kind of power?"
The Chief smiled faintly.
"That is what we hope to discover."
Todd remained silent for a moment.
Then he bowed his head slightly.
"I extend my sincere appreciation for your hospitality, Chief. But if I may ask... where am I?"
The Chief's smile widened.
"You are among the people of Makonga."
"Makonga?"
"Yes."
The Chief turned toward two women standing nearby.
"Maidens, take him to his room. See that he is bathed, dressed, and fed."
He then looked back at Todd.
"And remember, we have a meeting with the chief priestess tonight."
Todd nodded.
The Chief rose from his seat, followed by his elders and guards.
As they left, Todd watched them go.
Wow.
He glanced at the warriors.
These people really do have the tall genes.
The maidens led Todd through the palace.
As they walked, he examined the artwork inscribed on the walls, the elaborate vases, and the intricate patterns decorating nearly every surface.
He was particularly fascinated by the symbols and designs tattooed onto the bodies of the people he passed.
There has to be a story behind all of this.
He was ushered into a beautifully decorated room.
After being bathed and dressed, he was given food.
Todd ate quietly, still trying to process everything.
Then the door opened.
A young woman entered.
Todd looked up.
For a brief moment, he forgot what he had been thinking about.
She carried herself with an effortless elegance. Her dark complexion glowed against the soft light of the room, and a pleasant fragrance accompanied her.
Todd stared for a second too long.
The woman smiled.
"You're Todd, right?"
"Y-yes, I am."
She gave a soft giggle.
"I am Wekem, the princess of this land."
Todd straightened.
"The princess?"
Wekem nodded.
"I couldn't resist coming to see who this Todd is. You've become quite the topic of conversation in the village."
She studied him.
"But I didn't expect you to be a child around my age."
She paused.
"Forgive me. That was rude."
Todd quickly shook his head.
"There's no need to apologise, my lady."
Wekem smiled.
"You speak rather formally."
Todd wasn't sure how to respond.
Before he could, a muffled voice came from behind the door.
"Are you two planning to talk all evening, or can I come in?"
Wekem rolled her eyes.
"Oh, stop joking around and come inside."
The door opened.
A boy entered and immediately walked toward them.
Without hesitation, he sat between Todd and Wekem, separating them.
Todd suddenly realized how close he had been sitting to the princess.
His face warmed slightly.
The boy grinned.
"Oh, I see. I've already got myself an admirer."
"Don't start," Wekem said.
She turned to Todd.
"This is my elder brother, Kubati, the crown prince. Don't mind him. He's always like this."
Kubati laughed.
"Ah, Todd. I see you've already gained my sister's attention. Nice move."
"Oh, please," Wekem muttered, rolling her eyes.
Todd smiled awkwardly.
Kubati leaned back.
"So, have you been shown around the palace?"
"Not yet," Todd replied.
"Then we'll be your tour guides today."
Wekem stood up.
"Come on. Let's hurry before it gets dark."
Todd followed them.
As the siblings continued teasing each other, he felt a strange warmth in his chest.
Their quarrelling reminded him of Alice.
For a moment, he wondered what she was doing.
I hope she's okay.
Wekem and Kubati first took him to the eastern wing of the palace, where the ancient relics were kept.
Inside the room were swords, crowns, talismans, and other objects Todd had never seen before.
He stared in amazement.
"These are all ancient?"
Kubati nodded.
"Some of them are older than the village itself."
Todd moved closer to a display case.
One of the talismans seemed to shimmer faintly beneath the light.
He leaned toward it.
"Does this one have magic?"
Kubati glanced at the object.
"Perhaps."
Todd looked at him.
"Perhaps?"
Kubati smiled.
"You ask a lot of questions."
Todd grinned.
"I'm told that often."
They continued their tour.
Next, they visited the medicinal quarters, where the chief herbalist prepared various potions and brewed alcoholic drinks. Todd watched with fascination as the herbalist combined ingredients in large containers.
They also visited the warriors' quarters, the training arena, and other parts of the palace.
Everywhere Todd went, he noticed the same symbols, carvings, and tattoos.
The village seemed to have a history far older than anything he had ever known.
Their tour was interrupted by a messenger.
"Your Highness," the man said, bowing.
Kubati turned.
"The Chief requests Todd's presence."
Kubati nodded.
"You may leave."
The messenger bowed again and departed.
Wekem looked at Todd.
"I suppose it's time."
Kubati smiled.
"Don't worry. We'll see you later."
"See you later," Wekem said.
Todd waved at them before following the messenger.
When Todd entered the meeting room, he recognized several of the faces from earlier.
The Chief sat at the front, surrounded by his elders.
But there was someone new.
An old woman sat among them, her presence commanding attention despite her silence.
Todd studied her.
This must be the chief priestess.
As if sensing his gaze, the woman turned toward him.
She smiled.
Todd felt a strange sensation run through him.
Not fear.
Not exactly.
It was something he couldn't explain.
The Chief rose slightly in his seat.
"Our guest has arrived."
He looked toward the elders.
"Shall we begin?"
The old woman continued smiling at Todd.
And for reasons he could not understand, Todd suddenly felt as though she already knew something about him.