Chapter 4 - From Dreams to Cinders

They arrived a little closer when Alexander saw a luxurious carriage guided by two healthy, well-treated horses, he said.

"That is no party, fire!" That is right. The farm was aflame. Hearing his voice, the kids rushed in to save their father. Alexander went right behind them.

What they saw made their hearts hurt, and their minds beg that it was just a dream. A half-dead Tom was lying on the floor holding his stomach while Richard, the debt collector, smashed his wounds with his feet and laughed softly. Around him, four bodyguards circled them.

"You told me to wait, and so I did, but you still didn't give me my money! Now my patience runs short, and your life comes to an end. Any last words?"

"R-run..." Said Tom with gritted teeth.

"Huh?" Richard turned around and saw the three newcomers. "Oh, it seems like the little rats arrived. Well, they will fetch a reasonable price on the market, you four, get them. It's time for us to finish this."

The four men started approaching the tearful kids and the frightened Alexander. They knew that Tom didn't have much time, but they did not have the luxury to concern themselves with him since Terry and Tinna fought two ninth-level cultivators each.

Terry kicked and punched anyone who got too close while Tinna, weeping, attacked one of the two men furiously. Richard got away from the fallen Tom, which gave space enough for Alexander to get close to him. The kids started losing the fight when Tom whispered to his guest.

"You... take care of the kids, they are young and lively, and they like you... Keep them out of trouble, principally Terry. He is too brave for his good. I'll go ahead of you, and we'll see each other someday."

"Hang there, Tom. You can take care of them. You have to see them grow!" But it was useless. His friend had already passed away, his lifeless eyes staring into nothingness.

Alexander closed Tom's eyes with shaking hands while a feeling of utter darkness and absolute despair filled his heart.

"So it is time for me to fulfill my part of the bargain. I thought it would take you longer, but still, a deal is a deal, and here you are. In exchange for what you gave me, I shall give you your future." An odd and powerful voice said on Alexander's head with booming power. His mind seemed like it could shatter just from hearing it. He lastly saw Tinna and Terry subdued when his scenery changed to the giant gate on the iron wall. The lock started trembling when an unknown force shattered it. The chains contorted, and with a loud sound, the gates opened, attracting his body to their inside.

A thick fog surrounded him, but he could see an enormous staircase that seemed eternal, but he did not feel cold anymore, and some power rushed his veins. He opened his eyes. The bodyguards seemed a little ruffled but intact. Terry and Tinna were pinned down on the ground when Alexander stood up. The other two guards looked at him in awe. Having felt a tremendous aura coming from this man, they backed away unconsciously.

"S-spirit realm!" One of them managed to squeeze out those words. Hearing this, both bodyguards seemed to understand that they could not win this fight alone and rushed to finish Alexander.

They were surprisingly fast, and Alexander saw a feint trick his eyes while the man kicked his side. He reacted a second too slow, but no pain came. On the contrary, the kick seemed to repeat Alexander's vision, as it happened again, and missed this time, surprising the man.