Elixir of Existence: A Glistening Tear of Life (Part 5)

As the conversation continued, it became evident that not all demons could easily breach the barriers separating the human realm from their own. Arthur clarified, "But some can pass and suffer bad injuries."

Bulldarox's response was chillingly matter-of-fact: "Well, I have stayed here for a week and devoured every human that comes in here." The gruesome evidence of his actions lay around us, manifesting as the bones and skulls scattered throughout the area.

A chilling realization dawned upon me, causing panic to surge within: "Aaarrrggghhh!!! How many have eaten and grown strong like this?"

The remnants of adventurers who had ventured into the dungeon only to meet a grisly end painted a grim picture. The kingdom's history of missing adventurers suddenly took on a much more horrifying context.

Amidst my hysteria, Arthur's reassuring voice broke through: "Boy, calm down."

A black smoke suddenly passed through the hole that separates the demon and human realms and it came towards us, till I passed out; after inhaling it. As it enveloped us, my senses were overwhelmed, and consciousness slipped away.

After that, I can't remember much about what happened. I only know that I will return home with my father and forget all of that.

… 

In the aftermath, my memories grew hazy, like shards of a fractured dream. I knew I had awoken to find myself returning home, alongside my father. But the details of our escape and the events that transpired after my encounter with the black smoke remained elusive.

This terrible news really shocked my father and mother. The barrier has been working effectively for a decade; it has thwarted demonic incursions. The fact that such an incident occurred was deeply unsettling, raising questions about the barrier's integrity and the potential reasons for its weakening. It cannot be this rare occasion to occur. Unless, the legendary barrier has been weakening. But what is the cause?

Haunted by uncertainty, a painful thought arose within me: "Am I... the reason behind this?" Guilt gnawed at me, fueled by the suspicion that my own actions or presence might have led to the barrier's vulnerability.

With a newfound sense of responsibility, I contemplated potential solutions: "I should learn how to pour my mana into the barrier to make it strong again or maybe I should create a new one."

The weight of the situation pressed heavily upon me, driving me to seek ways to rectify the damage that had been done and prevent further calamity. The journey ahead would be one of discovery, growth, and self-discovery, as I grappled with the consequences of my actions and the uncertain future that lay ahead.

...

(11.7.2004)

After 4 years, I have been living my life with my parents happily without interfering with the outside world. I have been staying at our house to keep us safe.

In a random city's street.

In a random city's street, amid the stifling heat of midsummer, our once peaceful existence was abruptly shattered one fateful night when a throng of people converged upon our house.

"Kill those monsters!" cried one of the men in the crowd.

"Die, evil!" shouted another.

"Insolence, cursed creature!" added a third.

"Arthur! Arthur! Get out of your house!" came the urgent call from yet another voice in the gathering.

With panicked urgency, my mother gathered my brother and me into her protective embrace, seeking refuge behind our father.

"What is this all about?" Arthur demanded, his voice tinged with apprehension.

Suddenly, a knight clad in gleaming armor emerged from the crowd, his presence commanding attention as he brandished a warrant in his hand.

"My name is Christoph Ercanbald, loyal knight of the Altyzurian Kingdom," he proclaimed. "Are you Arthur Amor?"

"Yes, that's me," Arthur replied, his tone wary. "May I inquire as to your purpose?"

"Mr. Arthur, today I am here to arrest you and your wife, Mrs. Amor, for residing in this country illegally," the knight declared solemnly.

Jessica's gasp of shock was swiftly muffled as she covered her mouth, realizing the gravity of the situation.

There must be a report from the villagers about my parents. They are ungrateful to us and have reported us to the Custodians of Order. They are the peacekeeper and have a similar role to the police like on Earth.

"Alright. I understand. But please spare our lives," Arthur replied, his voice tinged with apprehension.

"That won't be necessary. The decision is not in my hands. I hope you can give full cooperation," the knight responded solemnly.

My mom suddenly put an invisible spell and soundproof barrier within us.

"Listen, Oruvan. I need you to keep your brother with you. Promise me you will not get out of this circle. Understand?" Jessica urged, her voice urgent.

She passed Elijah to me with a hopeful face.

"But mom... Where are you going? I'm scared," I questioned, my voice trembling with fear.

"Don't worry. It's going to be fine. We will return soon. Remember how we used to play hide and seek?" Jessica reassured, her tone comforting yet strained.

I nodded to her.

"This time, you are going to seek for me and daddy. You must count till 100. Okay?" she instructed, her voice firm yet gentle.

"Alright mom. Please don't hide too far and make sure you reply if I call you," I pleaded, my fear palpable.

She nodded to me before leaving with Arthur. They walked outside, their hands being handcuffed by strange people I had never seen before. The knight looked strong and scary.

They all already left and went far away.

I pretend to listen to her and start counting. I knew this wouldn't come out good. They look like they are in trouble. Even though I already died once, I am still quite scared in this situation.

"One... Two... Three" I count slowly with a trembling voice.

I peek between my fingers looking at her walking outside with Arthur. Their hands got handcuffed by strange people that I have never seen before. That knight is looking strong and scary. 

They all already left and went far away.

I look around and put my brother on the couch. I try to make sure there is no one anymore. I think they all have gone.

But suddenly, when I was turning around, I was shocked when there was someone else and I thought it was the villager but they all were wearing masks to hide their faces. 

A robber trying to rob our house. They enter my house and search for valuable things. 

Luckily, the spell on us is still in effect. I take a couple of stones to divide their attention and throw it on the rooftop. 

When they came out and watched out for the noise, I sneaked in and took my brother out of there. 

I walk into the forest without thinking of anything. My mind was blank and all I could think was to run as far away as possible. As I walk without direction, I have a thought about whether our parents are bad people. They have been hiding something from us all the time.

But I believe my parents are good people and they must have a reason for keeping us away from the villagers.

I was stopped from wandering around as I suddenly remembered that I was in a new world that was full of monsters and wild beasts. I can't just go anywhere. That's too dangerous.

Maybe I should settle down here in the forest that is near to my house.

…

(On the way heading to the Capital of Altyzurian Kingdom)

Meanwhile, Arthur and Jessica were worried about us. They both are forced to walk for a hundred miles to go to the Capital.

"Don't worry. Oruvan will be safe." Arthur tries to comfort her wife with a glimpse of hope.

"But they are just kids. How could I not be worried?" Her motherly instinct still made her worry about their sons.

"I put trust in him. You knew him better. He is more mature than his looks" he gives her another good reason.

She sighed. She feels relentless to leave me and Elijah.

They both left and were taken to the palace prison. They were tortured to walk till reach the place, otherwise they would be dragged on the rough road.