Ori sat on a bench, enjoying his ice cream while Rika observed with a mix of amusement and annoyance.
"Hey, Ori, that was mine," Rika pouted, noticing her dwindling ice cream.
"Hehehe, my bad. As compensation, I'll grant you a wish. Anything you want?" Ori offered mischievously.
"Anything?" Rika asked, intrigued.
"Yep, as long as it's within my power," Ori confirmed.
"In that case, I'll save it for later," Rika teased. "But hey, do you live nearby?"
Ori chuckled, "Kinda."
"What kind of answer is that? I need to know where you live so you can't back out of your promise," Rika insisted.
"Don't worry, I always keep my promises. I live a bit far, but I'll be there when you make your wish," Ori assured her with a grin.
"Phew, that's a relief," Rika replied, smiling back.
"By the way, Rika, do you know where the library is? I want to look for some things," Ori inquired.
"Are you working on a history project? Nowadays, kids use their phones for that stuff," Rika remarked.
"Phone?" Ori looked puzzled.
"Yeah, like this," Rika showed him her phone. "Want me to show you how it works?"
"Can I?" Ori asked eagerly.
After Rika explained, Ori was intrigued. "That's handy. I think I should get one."
"You're such a character, Ori," Rika laughed. "Anyway, I think we should part ways here. Here's my number so you can contact me. See you next time!"
"Thanks for the treat. Catch you later!" Ori waved as Rika rode away.
"Now, time to find a place to live. I've got one in mind," Ori muttered to himself, ignoring the nagging feeling of being watched.
Drawing a circle formation, Ori invoked a spatial arcane spell, "Illegio somprantoni, tedapor" ["Spatial Arcane: Teleport"].
On Mount Kumotori, Ori surveyed the landscape. "This will do nicely."
Drawing another formation, Ori summoned an elemental arcane spell, "Illegio elebur, corianter shivilia" ["Elemental Arcane: Tunnel Drill"].
In a flash, a massive hole appeared, 80 meters wide and 500 meters deep.
"Next, solidification," Ori muttered, drawing another formation, "Illegio elebur, aruguno savagi" ["Elemental Arcane: Soil Solid"].
An hour later, exhausted but satisfied, Ori stood before his underground tower. "Phew, finally, my new home is ready. Now, for the final touch."
Drawing a spatial key rune, Ori completed his teleportation point inside his ring, ensuring easy access to his new home.
Meanwhile, Agent Matsuda received an urgent message. "Zzzzt, chief, come in. I lost the target; he disappeared in a flash," reported Agent Tako.
"What?" Matsuda's brows furrowed in concern. "Any progress?"
"We've lost track for now, chief," Tako replied, frustration evident in his voice.
Matsuda sighed, "Keep monitoring. We can't afford to lose sight of him."
As Ori settled into his new underground sanctuary, he marveled at the solitude and security it provided. But even amidst the peace, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Determined to uncover the truth, Ori delved deeper into the mysteries surrounding his existence, unaware of the shadowy forces closing in on him.
As Ori acclimated to his underground haven, he found solace in the tranquility it offered. The dimly lit chambers and winding tunnels became his sanctuary, shielding him from the chaos of the world above. Yet, despite the sense of security, a lingering unease persisted in the back of his mind.
In the quiet hours of the night, Ori would lose himself in ancient texts and arcane rituals, seeking answers to the questions that plagued him. He was driven by an insatiable curiosity, a desire to understand his own origins and the true extent of his powers.
But as he delved deeper into the mysteries of his past, Ori couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Shadows seemed to flicker at the edges of his vision, and strange whispers echoed through the empty corridors of his underground abode.
Determined to uncover the truth, Ori pressed on, his resolve unyielding in the face of adversity. He studied ancient spells and incantations, honing his skills with each passing day. And as he delved deeper into the arcane arts, he felt himself drawing closer to the answers he sought.
Meanwhile, Agent Matsuda and his team continued their relentless pursuit of Ori, their surveillance growing ever more intrusive. They monitored his every move, analyzing his behavior for any sign of weakness or vulnerability.
But Ori remained elusive, his underground sanctuary providing him with a shield against prying eyes. He moved with a careful precision, always one step ahead of his pursuers.
As days turned into weeks, Ori's bond with his underground home deepened. He explored every corner of its labyrinthine tunnels, uncovering hidden chambers and forgotten artifacts. And with each discovery, he felt a growing sense of connection to the ancient magic that permeated the walls around him.
But as Ori grew more comfortable in his new surroundings, the shadows that lurked in the corners of his mind grew darker. Whispers of a looming threat haunted his dreams, filling him with a sense of foreboding.
Yet Ori refused to be cowed by fear. He knew that he was on the verge of a breakthrough, that the answers he sought were within his grasp. And with each passing day, he grew more determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
As the tension mounted and the shadows deepened, Ori steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead. He knew that the path to enlightenment would not be easy, but he was prepared to face whatever trials awaited him.
For Ori was no longer just a wanderer searching for answers—he was a seeker of truth, a guardian of ancient knowledge, and he would stop at nothing to uncover the secrets that lay hidden in the depths of his own soul.
As Ori delved deeper into his studies and exploration of his underground sanctuary, he began to unlock the latent potential within himself. With each passing day, he felt the ancient magic of his surroundings seeping into his very being, empowering him in ways he had never imagined.
Through tireless practice and unwavering determination, Ori honed his arcane abilities, mastering spells and incantations that had once seemed beyond his reach. He pushed himself to the limits of his endurance, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to uncover the truth about his origins.
But as Ori's power grew, so too did the scrutiny of those who sought to control him. Agent Matsuda and his team intensified their efforts to track Ori's movements, deploying every resource at their disposal in their relentless pursuit.
Yet Ori remained one step ahead, his underground sanctuary serving as both fortress and refuge. He moved with a grace and agility that belied his years, slipping through the shadows like a ghost.
As the days turned into weeks, Ori found himself embroiled in a series of increasingly perilous encounters. He faced off against ancient guardians and dark creatures that lurked in the depths of his underground home, testing his strength and resolve to their limits.
But with each trial, Ori emerged stronger and more determined than before. He tapped into the ancient magic that flowed through the walls around him, channeling its power to overcome even the most formidable foes.
Meanwhile, Agent Matsuda and his team grew increasingly frustrated by their inability to capture Ori. Despite their best efforts, he remained elusive, slipping through their fingers time and time again.
But Matsuda refused to give up. He knew that Ori held the key to unlocking a power that could change the course of history, and he would stop at nothing to bring him under his control.
As tensions mounted and the stakes grew higher, Ori found himself facing a choice: to continue his solitary quest for truth, or to confront the forces that sought to manipulate him for their own ends.
In the end, Ori chose the path of defiance. He would not be a pawn in someone else's game, nor would he allow his newfound power to be used for nefarious purposes.
With newfound resolve, Ori set out to confront Agent Matsuda and put an end to his relentless pursuit once and for all. Little did he know that their final showdown would be a battle not just for his own freedom, but for the fate of the world itself.