Chapter 4

THE VEIL

 Back in the strange world, Commander Cane is in a chamber resembling a vast library. There are numerous shelves laden with ancient tomes, relics, and other historical materials. It had been a day since Commander Cane is assigned the mission to hunt down the escaped traitor. Shortly, the creaking sound of the opening door resonates, alerting Commander Cane to an incoming presence. Commander Cane peeks to see who had just entered, and upon seeing who it is, he furrows his brow in displeasure.

 "What's matter, Liak?" Commander Cane asks before returning a book to its shelf.

 "I've known you as a deceitful man who would do anything to escape justice and punishment. A man who refused to take responsibility for his actions but instead makes others suffer for his nefarious deeds," Liak says as he approaches Commander Cane with a scowl.

 "If you really know me as you claimed, you should also be aware that I abhor those who speak in riddles. So, speak plainly," Commander Cane replies with a hint of annoyance.

 "I'm sure you know what I mean. You know I was talking about the soldier you framed. Why did you do that?" Liak inquires, standing face to face with Commander Cane with a fierce gaze.

 Commander Cane chuckles softly before taking a deep breath and speaking. "And if I may ask you, why do you care? It's not that these little ones mean anything significant to you. You, of all people, should know that sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good. The boy is nothing but another punishment escape ticket."

 "Sacrifice, huh? You are selfish and a coward. I'm certain one day your tricky game will be over," Liak affirms with a nod.

 "Liak, don't act as if you won't do the same thing. So, if you'll excuse me, I have a fugitive to hunt. I'll return to the king with the head of my prey," Commander Cane boasts, walking past Liak with a confident stride.

 "Don't celebrate yet; I have a feeling it will be the other way around," Liak utters before disappearing behind the door.

EARTH

 "I had the worst night ever. I don't think I'll ever forget that. The mosquitoes showed no mercy. Luckily, I wasn't sucked dry by them," Malik complains with a shudder.

 "That's because our skin has thickened here, unlike on our home world," the man replies with a knowing glance.

 Malik touches his own skin, confirming if there are any signs of thickness. "Well, it feels the same to me. No extra layers of flesh added," Malik sayi with a puzzled expression.

 "Whatever," the man replies with a shrug.

 "So, what are we doing today? Just sitting and walking around till sundown? Or what?" Malik inquires as he walks alongside the man with a curious gaze.

 "Since you're a soldier, I'm sure you're 18 years old or just turned 18," the man begins with a thoughtful tone.

 Malik is perplexed by what the man is trying to point out. "I'm 18, just turned last month. How does my age have anything to do with what I asked you?" Malik asks with a raises eyebrow.

 "Which means you're legally an adult. So, to answer your question, I will find you a job, which you will be doing. If you disagree with my arrangement, I guess you'll just have to find a way of surviving on your own," the man replies, leaving Malik's mouth agape.

 "Hold on, did you just say you'll find me a job?" Malik repeats with a surprise tone.

 "I'm sure you're not deaf, meaning you heard me loud and clear," the man replies with a hint of sarcasm.

 "But how am I going to mingle with these aliens without raising an alarm?" Malik asks with a concern expression.

 "Don't worry, young soldier; you'll be fine," the man assures him with a reassuring smile. "The only way to raise an alarm is by committing a crime. So, act normally, and you'll get used to it in no time."

 Malik sighs, and they stop in front of a bakery shop with a vacancy banner. "If you say so. You sound like you've been to this world before. If I may ask, how long have you been interdimensionally traveling?" Malik ask with a curious gaze.

 "The day I turned 18, I traveled through space and time. It was fun, if you ask me, and I've been here before," the man reveals before they enter the bakery shop with a warm smile.