Chapter 19: Preparing for the Journey

Sam stood in the middle of his apartment, the flower mark on his hand glowing faintly as he contemplated the journey ahead. The discovery of Maha Lok had opened a door to endless possibilities, but he knew that preparation was crucial. He needed to understand the mechanics of his travel and ensure he was ready for whatever awaited him in the new world.

"Pushp," Sam called out, his voice echoing softly in the quiet room. "What will happen to this world when I travel to Maha Lok?"

Pushp's voice responded immediately in Sam's mind. "Traveling to Maha Lok will be like traveling to an extremely faraway place. You will be unable to connect to Earth through any electronic means. However, through me, you can keep an eye on all the events going on in this world."

A broad smile spread across Sam's face. "That's perfect. It means I won't need to worry about missing anything important here. You can alert me if there's an emergency."

"Exactly," Pushp confirmed. "I will monitor Earth and notify you of any significant events or emergencies."

Relieved by this reassurance, Sam turned his attention to the logistics of his travel. "Are there any restrictions on the means of teleportation between the two worlds, Pushp? I need to know if there are limits on how often I can travel back and forth."

"To the best of my knowledge, there are no restrictions on the number and frequency of travels between the worlds," Pushp replied. "You can come and go as you please."

This newfound flexibility put Sam at ease. He realized that he didn't need to make overly elaborate arrangements or plans. He could visit Maha Lok to get a sense of the place and then return to Earth whenever necessary.

"Great," Sam said, feeling more confident. "I'll start by taking a look around Maha Lok. I need to understand the conditions there before I can figure out how to gather the welfare value."

With that decision made, Sam began to pack a large trekking bag with everything he thought he might need. He made a mental list and started gathering items from around his apartment.

"Let's see," he muttered to himself. "Clothes, basic toiletries, snacks, energy drinks, energy bars..."

He laid out several sets of durable clothing suitable for various weather conditions, along with a sturdy pair of hiking boots. He added toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and a small towel. For sustenance, he packed energy bars, trail mix, and a few cans of ready-to-eat meals. He also included several bottles of water and some packets of instant coffee.

Next, he turned his attention to self-defense. He knew that venturing into an unknown world could be dangerous. He retrieved his Desert Eagle from a locked drawer, checking the gun and loading it carefully. He also packed several spare magazines, a bulletproof vest, and a sharp, reliable dagger.

Satisfied with his preparations, Sam secured everything in his bag, making sure it was balanced and comfortable to carry. As he worked, he couldn't help but wonder about the welfare value system and its significance.

"Pushp," he asked, his curiosity piqued. "Why is the welfare value the key to unlocking the next Lok?"

"I'm not aware of the exact reason," Pushp replied. "The previous owners of Pushp Lok never discovered the full explanation. However, there is something else I can tell you. An owner who visited Maha Lok before my creation left behind some records. I have read those records and have some limited information that might be useful to you."

Sam paused, intrigued. "Why haven't you shared this information with me earlier if you already have it?"

"Most of the information in those records is older than recorded history on Earth," Pushp explained. "It's extremely old and may be misleading. If you arrived in Maha Lok with potentially incorrect information, it could lead to a catastrophe. That is why I refrained from providing it. However, there is one part that seems reliable: the leaders of Maha Lok place great value on the welfare value. Why they value it remains unknown, but it is crucial to their society."

Sam absorbed this information, pondering its implications. "So, the welfare value is important to the leaders of Maha Lok. That could be a key to understanding how to gather it more effectively."

He finished packing his bag and zipped it up, feeling a sense of readiness. The adventure ahead was daunting, but he felt prepared. He had Pushp's guidance and a plan to explore Maha Lok and understand its intricacies.

As he stood in his apartment, he took one last look around, making sure he hadn't forgotten anything important. Satisfied, he slung the trekking bag over his shoulder and took a deep breath.

"Alright, Pushp," Sam said, his voice filled with determination. "Let's do this. Time to explore Maha Lok."

With a final glance at the flower mark on his hand, Sam focused his thoughts on the map. He willed himself to travel, feeling the familiar sensation of energy building up around him. The air shimmered, and a portal began to form, opening a gateway to the vast, uncharted world of Maha Lok.

Stepping through the portal, Sam felt a rush of exhilaration. He was leaving behind the familiar confines of Earth and embarking on a journey into the unknown. The possibilities were endless, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As he emerged on the other side, he found himself standing in a vast landscape unlike anything he had ever seen. The sky was a brilliant shade of blue, and the air was filled with the scent of exotic flowers. Towering mountains loomed in the distance, and a dense forest stretched out before him.

Sam took a deep breath, feeling a sense of awe and wonder. "Maha Lok," he whispered. "Let's see what secrets you hold."

He began to walk forward, eager to explore this new world and uncover its mysteries. With Pushp by his side and his newfound confidence, Sam felt unstoppable. The adventure of a lifetime awaited him, and he was ready to embrace it with open arms.

As he ventured deeper into Maha Lok, Sam marveled at the sheer beauty and diversity of the landscape. Each step brought new discoveries, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity. The journey ahead was filled with unknowns, but Sam was prepared to face them all.

The vast expanse of Maha Lok stretched out before him, a world brimming with possibilities. And with each step, Sam felt a deeper connection to this new land, ready to explore its secrets and unlock its potential. The future was bright, and Sam was determined to make the most of it.