The subway train hurtled down the tunnel, its headlights piercing the darkness. Suddenly, the train burst through a grand man-made portal, a colossal archway of gleaming metal and pulsing energy.
Beyond the portal lay another side of the world, a realm of glittering cities and soaring towers that seemed to stretch on forever.
Libert's eyes widened in awe and astonishment as he gazed through the window, captivated by the breathtaking landscape that unfolded before him. The vibrant hues of the skyline danced in harmony with the setting sun, casting a magical glow upon the magnificent architecture below.
"Never ceases to amaze," a polished voice arose from the seat beside Libert, interrupting his reverie.
"I-it has a good view," Libert responded, his voice tinged with a mixture of fear and excitement, unable to tear his gaze away from the breathtaking panorama that lay beyond the glass.
"Sorry for the inconvenience, we will be arriving shortly at our destination," an authoritarian voice broke through the atmosphere, shattering the enchantment and injecting a sense of urgency into the air.
Libert turned his attention to the elder seated beside him, a distinguished gentleman named Mr. Xavier. The man exuded an air of mystery, his eyes sparkling with curiosity as they met Libert's inquisitive gaze.
"Are you a serf?" Mr. Xavier asked, his voice laced with genuine interest as if trying to unravel the layers of Libert's identity.
"Mhmm?" Libert mumbled, caught off guard by the unexpected question. After a momentary pause, he managed to find his voice.
"Yes, I am," he replied, his tone reflecting a mix of pride and vulnerability. He had grown up in the modest countryside, far from the opulent world he now beheld.
"Wow, the universe has favored you," Mr. Xavier retorted, his words carrying a hint of sarcasm that hung in the air like a bitter aftertaste. His gaze lingered on Libert, examining him with a mixture of scrutiny and amusement.
"A-are you a-also..." Libert began to inquire, his voice trailing off uncertainly as he struggled to find the right words.
"Do not place me at your level," Mr. Xavier interrupted abruptly, his tone growing colder, transforming the vicinity into an eerie space tinged with unease.
The old man leaned closer, his presence becoming more intimidating, like a serpent analyzing its prey.
"S-sorry," Libert stammered, his heart pounding in his chest.
He struggled to release the words from his trembling lips, feeling the weight of Mr. Xavier's disapproval bearing down on him.
He attempted to divert his gaze, but the discomfort remained palpable, an invisible barrier between them.
"I-I'm sorry," the teenager's voice now resembled the whimper of a wounded animal, his fear consuming him. He couldn't shake off the feeling of being judged, of falling short of expectations he couldn't even comprehend.
"Don't let it happen again," the old-aged man warned, his voice firm and authoritative.
Adjusting the collar of his impeccably tailored tuxedo, Mr. Xavier exuded an aura of superiority that sent shivers down Libert's spine.
"I-it won't," Libert managed to say, finally taking an extensive gasp of air as his lungs filled with much-needed oxygen.
The weight of the encounter hung heavy in the atmosphere, a lingering unease that made it difficult for Libert to breathe.
Suddenly, the train screeched to a halt, jolting everyone inside. "We have reached our destination," a rough voice announced, snapping Libert out of his uneasy reverie.
The train doors opened, revealing a bustling station that buzzed with the energy of a thousand stories waiting to be told.
"It was nice meeting you," Mr. Xavier offered his farewell with a disconcertingly welcoming smile, his true intentions hidden behind a veneer of politeness.
"Y-you too," Libert managed to stammer, his mind still reeling from the encounter. His instincts told him to distance himself from Mr. Xavier, to be cautious of the hidden depths that lurked beneath the facade.
The young man quickly vacated his seat, eager to put some distance between himself and the unsettling presence of the old man.
As he made his way toward the exit, a mixture of relief and anxiety flooded his veins. He yearned to escape the confined space of the train, to step into the unknown and forge his path in the enigmatic world that lay beyond.
Once outside, Libert took another elongated breath of air, feeling as if he had emerged from a miniature prison.
The bustling station enveloped him, the vibrant sights and sounds of the city surrounding him like a whirlwind of activity.
The air was filled with the scents of exotic spices, the melodies of street musicians, and the murmurs of countless conversations in languages he couldn't understand.
It was a symphony of life, a tapestry of diversity that both excited and overwhelmed him.
Lost in the sea of strangers, Libert's thoughts returned to the enigmatic encounter with Mr. Xavier.
He couldn't shake off the sense of foreboding that clung to him like a dark shadow tainting the edges of his perception.
What had the old man meant by his cryptic words? And why did he provoke such unease within Libert?
Pushing aside his lingering doubts, Libert's attention shifted to the figure that stood amidst the crowd, calling out to him.
It was his mother, Mrs. Nexus, her disheveled appearance and weary expression betraying her exhaustion. She rushed towards Libert, her voice breathless as she spoke.
"Why d-did you take off-" Her sentence was interrupted by her labored breath, her words tumbling out in a jumble of concern.
"I-I didn't-" Libert began to explain, but his mother quickly interjected before he could provide a valid response.
"Anyway, let's go home," Mrs. Nexus said, her voice carrying a mix of relief and worry. She took Libert's hand in hers, their connection a lifeline amidst the bustling chaos of the city.
The pair made their way through the streets, side by side, their footsteps echoing against the pavement. Libert's mind churned with a whirlwind of emotions and unanswered questions, but in his mother's presence, he found a sense of grounding and reassurance.