Chapter 10: A Thirty Years Promise

Mark's fall finally came to an end as he hit the ground, but instead of the crushing impact he expected, he felt a gentle thud, as if he had somehow slowed down his descent. The pain that coursed through his body was still present, but it was no longer excruciating, and he could bear it without screaming.

As he looked up, his eyes were drawn to a figure standing a few meters away, his back turned to Mark. There was something about the man's stature, his glowing skin, and his hair that cascaded down his back like a golden waterfall, that made Mark's heart skip a beat. He had never seen anyone so handsome in his life.

Even before the man turned around, Mark knew that he was the one who had spoken to him earlier. There was an aura about him that commanded attention, and Mark felt himself getting drawn to him like a magnet.

And then, the man slowly turned around, revealing a face that could put angels to shame. His features were chiseled, his eyes piercing, and his lips curled into a mesmerizing smile that seemed to hold a thousand secrets. Mark felt his breath catch in his throat as their eyes met, not really understanding what's going on and who the man is.

The man cleared his throat and said to Mark, "My name is Alexander, and I'm a scientist. I've been here for some days now, and my mission is to check for any abnormalities in the netherworld pit. Well, that was until I saw someone bring your broken body and dump it on that mountain. Who would be so wicked as to put you here to be feasted on alive by chaos beasts?"

Alexander sighed and continued, "I can feel your pain, kid. Trust me when I say I know how it feels. But remember, when life throws different kinds of difficulties at you, don't relent. Keep facing them, because it will be more than worth it later. Giving up now simply means all that you have gone through are for nothing. All the suffering and bullying you've endured are just in vain..."

Alexander was cut short by Mark's crazy laughter. Though it might sound crazy, the pain, sufferings, loneliness, and desire to end it all could still be distinguished inside the crazy laugh.

Mark's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he tried to read Alexander's expression. "What do you know about pain?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander's smile faltered, and for a moment, Mark saw a glimmer of something else in his eyes - something that looked almost like sorrow. "I know what it's like to lose everything," Alexander said, his voice low and husky. "To be broken and battered, to feel like you're at the end of your rope. But I also know what it's like to get back up, to keep fighting even when it feels like the universe is against you."

Mark felt a shiver run down his spine as Alexander's words resonated deep within him. He saw something in Alexander's eyes, something that made him feel like this stranger understood him in a way that no one else ever had.

"Who are you?" Mark asked again, his voice a little stronger this time.

Alexander's smile returned, and he took a step closer to Mark. "I'm someone who's been where you are, kid," he said. "And I'm here to tell you that there's a way out. There's a way to overcome all this pain and suffering.

Mark just resume laughing as tears trickle down his eyes.

"Ah, kid, I see," Alexander said, his voice softening. "I understand. You've been through so much, and it feels like the universe is conspiring against you. But trust me, Mark, I know what it's like to feel like giving up. I've been there myself."

Mark's laughter slowly died down, replaced by ragged breathing. Alexander took another step closer, his eyes locked on Mark's.

"But here's the thing, kid. You can't give up. Not now, not ever. Because if you do, all the suffering, all the pain, all the bullying... it'll all be for nothing. You'll be letting them win."

Alexander's words hung in the air, and for a moment, Mark just stared at him, his eyes searching for answers. Then, in a voice that was barely above a whisper, Mark spoke.

"Who are you to tell me this? You don't know anything about me... about my life."

Alexander smiled, a small, sad smile.

"Maybe not, kid. But I know about pain. And I know about survival. And I'm telling you, Mark, you're stronger than you think, You just need to keep living and be fixed."

Mark's laughter was laced with despair as he shook his head. "It's too late for me, Alexander. I'm broken. There's nothing left to fix."

Alexander's expression was unwavering, his eyes filled with a deep conviction. "You're not broken, Mark. You're just... damaged. And damage can be repaired."

Mark snorted, his skepticism evident. "You really think so? You think you can just wave a magic wand and fix everything?"

Alexander's smile was enigmatic. "I don't need a magic wand, Mark. I have something much better. I can heal you, Mark. I can help you awaken your Bio-Chemical Beast."

Mark's breathing hitched, his heart racing with a mix of fear and hope. "What do you mean?"

Alexander's eyes gleamed with intensity. "I mean that I can help you unlock your true potential, Mark. But there's a catch. You must become a level eight Chimeran within thirty years."

Mark's mind reeled, his thoughts racing with the implications. "That's... that's impossible. I don't even know..... I can't become a Chimeran because I don't have any Bio-chemical beast, a scientist has once confirmed it when I was young that my bio-chemical beast was extracted from me when I was still a kid which leads to my disability, becoming a chimeran is impossible for me now let alone becoming a level eight in less than thirty years that's ridiculous."

Alexander's expression was unyielding.Try Mark, you must try. This is an opportunity for you to start all over again, don't tell me you're going to miss it?.

Mark's eyes dropped, his shoulders slumping in defeat. But then, with a newfound determination, he raised his gaze to Alexander's. "Fine," he said, his voice firm. "I'll do it. I'll become a level eight Chimeran in thirty years."

Alexander's face lit up with a radiant smile, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity. He nodded his head, his gaze drifting towards the horizon as if beholding a vision only he could see.

No one, not even the gods, knew what secrets lay hidden behind Alexander's enigmatic smile. What plans was he weaving? What destiny was he orchestrating? The wind whispered secrets in his ear, and his eyes sparkled with a knowing glint.

As Mark watched, a shiver ran down his spine. He felt like a pawn in a much larger game, one whose rules he couldn't begin to comprehend. Yet, he was ready to play, driven by a fierce determination to unlock the mysteries of his own existence.

"What's next?" Mark asked, his voice stronger than ever.

Alexander's gaze snapped back to his, his eyes burning with an inner fire. "Next," he said, his voice low and husky, "we begin your transformation."