The Library and The Scholar

Inside Pak Rahim's settlement, Hffyl gathers his courage to broach the topic that weighs heavily on his mind.

"Okay, so you know how you said I fell from the sky?" he begins, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves.

Pak Rahim nods in affirmation, his expression serious. "Yes, we witnessed it," he confirms, his gaze unwavering.

Syafiq echoes Pak Rahim's sentiment with a solemn nod. "We saw you fall," he adds, his voice tinged with a hint of disbelief.

As Hffyl recounts the extraordinary events he can remember, skepticism clouds Pak Rahim's and Syafiq's eyes, evident in their exchanged glances.

"Young man, what you're saying... it's beyond anything we've ever heard," Pak Rahim remarks, his tone gentle yet cautious.

Syafiq chimes in, his tone equally measured. "The notion of time travel... it's like something from a fairytale," he adds, his expression mirroring Pak Rahim's skepticism.

Frustration creeps into Hffyl's voice as he tries to convey the urgency of his situation. "I know it sounds unbelievable. But you saw me fall from the sky. That has got to mean something, right?" he implores, his eyes searching theirs for validation.

Pak Rahim's demeanor softens, sympathy evident in his gaze. "It's a puzzle we can't ignore," he acknowledges, his voice tinged with understanding.

Hope flickers in Hffyl's eyes as he seeks reassurance. "So you... you believe me?" he ventures, his tone tinged with a mix of hope and desperation.

Syafiq offers a reassuring gesture, placing a comforting hand on Hffyl's shoulder. "We don't know what to believe yet. But we're willing to listen and help however we can," he assures, his voice steady and reassuring.

Gratitude washes over Hffyl as he absorbs their words. "Thank you. I just... I need to find a way back home," he confesses, his voice filled with determination.

Pak Rahim and Syafiq share a solemn glance, silently acknowledging the gravity of Hffyl's predicament.

"We'll do what we can to send you back home," Pak Rahim pledges, his tone resolute.

With a shared sense of purpose, Hffyl, Pak Rahim, and Syafiq contemplate their next steps.

"Hffyl, there are scholars who have studied ancient texts, seeking answers," Pak Rahim suggests, his voice thoughtful. "While time travel is rare in our tales, the unknown surprises us."

Hffyl leans forward, his interest piqued. "You mean there might be something in those texts that can help?" he inquires, hope blossoming in his chest.

Pak Rahim nods in affirmation. "It's a possibility. There's a library nearby with scrolls and manuscripts. Within its pages, we might find a clue," he explains, his tone tinged with cautious optimism.

Hope shines in Hffyl's eyes as he resolves to take action. "Let's go there then! Maybe there's a chance to reverse whatever brought me here," he suggests eagerly, his determination unwavering.

Syafiq interjects with a practical suggestion. "Before we do, let's gather more information about your glass bottle. Understanding its origins and properties could be crucial," he proposes, his voice measured yet decisive.

Pak Rahim nods in agreement. "Indeed, we should consult a scholar," he concurs, his tone decisive.

Hffyl's resolve strengthens as he reaffirms his commitment to finding a way back home. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes. If there's a chance to get back home, I'll seize it."

Inside the town's library, Pak Rahim leads the way with confidence, his steps echoing softly on the polished wooden floor. As they enter, the scent of aged parchment and ink fills the air, welcoming them into a sanctuary of knowledge.

"This is the town's library," Pak Rahim explains, gesturing around them. "A place that holds knowledge in high regard. Its wooden beams and carvings reflect the wisdom within."

The trio is greeted by towering bookshelves, each laden with ancient scrolls, manuscripts, and books. An elderly man, Ustaz Ibrahim, looks up from his desk as they approach.

"Salam sejahtera, Pak Rahim," Ustaz Ibrahim greets warmly. "What questions were you bothered by today?"

Pak Rahim explains their quest for information related to an unusual event, and Ustaz Ibrahim listens intently to their story, his wise eyes assessing the gravity of their situation.

"You tread upon paths that intertwine with the mysteries of existence," Ustaz Ibrahim muses, his voice tinged with reverence.

Under Ustaz Ibrahim's guidance, they meticulously search through the library's vast collection for information on similar phenomena. Hours pass, and Hffyl's eyes light up as he stumbles upon a manuscript detailing mysterious events that had occurred in the region.

"We might be onto something," he remarks, excitement lacing his voice.

Ustaz Ibrahim strokes his beard thoughtfully. "You know... there are tales that speak of journeys beyond our comprehension," he begins, his words laden with wisdom. "During the event of Isra and Miraj..."

He pauses, his eyes distant as he recalls ancient stories of miraculous journeys.

"During the Prophet's journey through the heavens," Ustaz Ibrahim continues, "it is said that he traveled through different realms and met various prophets of the past."

Hffyl interjects with a note of skepticism. "But that's the prophet. I am, however, just a kid. And if so, what does that have to do with the glass bottle I found?"

Ustaz Ibrahim nods, acknowledging Hffyl's valid point. "Indeed, the Prophet's journey was extraordinary," he agrees. "However, sometimes the answers to our questions are veiled in unexpected places."

He motions for them to sit, forming a small circle as they discuss the mysteries at hand.

"The glass bottle, the content, the sensations... they all connect in ways we don't yet comprehend," Ustaz Ibrahim explains, his voice gentle yet authoritative. "The mysteries of certain things are vast, and even our understanding of them is limited."

Hffyl's eyes shine with renewed hope. "So, it's possible? There might be answers that we could understand to all of this?"

Ustaz Ibrahim offers a reassuring smile. "With the Almighty, all things are possible. But deciphering such a mystery requires faith and understanding," he advises sagely.

Pak Rahim nods in agreement, his expression solemn. "We must approach this with respect and caution. Treading into such territories requires great understanding."

Walking through the bustling streets of the town, Hffyl finds himself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts and questions. As he reflects on the peculiar circumstances surrounding his arrival, Syafiq's voice breaks through his reverie.

"Perhaps it wasn't just about the glass bottle," Syafiq suggests, prompting Hffyl to consider the possibility.

"But who made that glass bottle?" Hffyl wonders aloud, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "How did it find its way behind my father's photograph? It just suddenly appeared out of nowhere."

Pak Rahim joins the conversation, offering his insights into the matter.

"Families often have heirlooms passed down through generations, many with stories lost in time," Pak Rahim explains. "Maybe your father was aware of it, or maybe it only appeared to you. It might have been safeguarded, meant for a special time or person."

Hffyl nods thoughtfully, acknowledging the wisdom in Pak Rahim's words.

"Whatever the reason, I think I need to complete something here," Hffyl resolves, determination flickering in his eyes. "Maybe then, I'll find a way back."

Their discussion is interrupted by the arrival of Datuk Aziz, a figure known and respected by many in the town.

"Gentlemen," Datuk Aziz addresses them, his tone solemn yet authoritative. "I've been searching for you."

Pak Rahim and Syafiq exchange curious glances as Datuk Aziz explains the purpose of his visit.

"The news of the boy who fell from the sky has reached the palace," Datuk Aziz reveals. "The Sultan himself has expressed an interest in this unusual event. He has extended an invitation to the three of you."

Syafiq inquires about the purpose of the Sultan's invitation, prompting Datuk Aziz to hesitate briefly before responding.

"The Sultan is intrigued by the mysterious circumstances surrounding Hffyl's arrival," Datuk Aziz explains. "He wishes to meet him and hear his story firsthand."

Pak Rahim offers a word of caution, reminding them of the complexities inherent in dealing with royalty.

"It's an honor to be invited by the Sultan again," Pak Rahim acknowledges. "But we must tread carefully. The palace has its intrigues and politics."

Feeling a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, Hffyl considers the implications of meeting the Sultan.

"Do you think the Sultan might know something that can help me?" Hffyl wonders aloud, his voice tinged with hope.

Datuk Aziz reassures him, emphasizing the Sultan's wisdom and resources.

"Our Sultan is wise and has vast resources at his disposal," Datuk Aziz assures Hffyl. "He may provide insights or connections we haven't considered."

With preparations underway for their audience with the Sultan, Hffyl, Pak Rahim, and Syafiq brace themselves for the next chapter of their extraordinary journey, eager to unravel the mysteries that lie ahead.