2000-308. The fear of the unknown.

After Revan refused the offer, the family went on with their day, visiting their friends' houses to spread the good news.

As Alistair traversed the cobblestone path, his eyes were drawn to an array of magical feats unfolding before him.

He beheld countless fantastical creatures that were different shapes and sizes, each one more enchanting than the last.

Among these strange and wondrous beings, Alistair encountered humans whose very forms seemed to defy the limits of what he had previously thought possible.

Though still humanoid, they possessed extraordinary extra functionalities, making them both intriguing and awe-inspiring to behold.

They soon approached a store, its surface was painted yellow that shone like the sun hanging beyond the earth, and the brown edges were a spectacular piece of art with a perfect and smooth structure.

The store housed an ethereal green mist brighter than an endless garden, illuminating the architecture with its ecological beauty. Everything indicated that the materials used to construct this simple shop were more than meets the eye.

Revan walked ahead and placed his hands on the doorknob— he twisted it and pushed.

On the other side was an archaic viewpoint, and an old lady in front of them. It seemed she had long been expecting their arrival.

"Good morning, Madam Petri!" The parents greeted the lady in front of them.

"Ahh, welcome. I have been expecting the two of you," Petri said as she noticed the baby Penelope carried, and a mysterious light quickly flashed by her eyes.

She steadily trod to Alister, who lay on Penelope's arm.

"What a handsome child you both have," said Madam Petri.

Madam Petri's ragged white hair resembled gravel, with some strands stiff and unmoving as if they were mud.

Her left eye was a dull shade of red that seemed to absorb all light, while her right eye sparkled like stars in the dim room.

She wore a coppery brown leather robe torn at the hem, revealing glimpses of her worn boots beneath.

Around her neck hung thirteen gold pendants that clinked together ominously, as if summoning the presence of death.

"Thank you, Madam Petri," Penelope said with a ceremonial bow.

The shop was a treasure trove of potions, ancient relics, and archaic runes. The store's simple yet effective design showcased the mystical items on display. In the distance, a group of small, blue-skinned workers bustled about, attending to the needs of the store and its patrons.

"Oh no, I should be thanking you. You allowed me to witness such a cute child!" Madam Petri said as she smiled, her teeth showing a slight red tint atop the normal whiteness.

Madam Petri put her long-nailed hand to Alistair's face, and he reacted by crying.

'Please let me go!' Alistair thought as Petri's yellow nails traced a cold path across his face. The ebony-black haze that emitted from the feeble fingers scared him. It didn't help that the haze smelt of decayed flesh.

The stories and tv shows from his past life were resurfacing.

"What is his name?" Petri asked as she glanced up with bulging eyes.

"His name is Alistair, Madam!" Revan told the woman,

"I... see," Petri said. She strode feebly to an oak shelf, and she scattered the items on it. After a couple of shakes. Madam Petri found what she was looking for.

"Ara, here it is!" Petri said as she brought an object closer to the trio, it was a thin metal necklace, string length, but it was slightly gleaming with blue light.

"This will help in all his future endeavors," said Petri as she put the object around Alistair's neck, who did not return her beautiful sentiment as his hands moved to remove it.

'No, thank you?' Alistair thought, but his small hands were not as good as Madam Petri's.

"What a stubborn one!" Petri said, and Alistair vaguely heard a warning there, so he wisely accepted the 'gift.'

Revan felt slightly confused. And he did not seek to hide it.

"I have never seen you do this for other children?" Revan asked with a raised brow. "You also never did it for me."

"Well, he looks special." Petri glanced at Revan. "You were quite… stale. As normal as they all come!"

Revan felt a sharp pain in his heart, but he didnt take it to heart.

"Madam Petri, don't bully Revan," Penelope said as she placed her hand on Revan's left shoulder. "I have seen his baby pictures, and his uhh... good!"

Revan felt his heart shatter into a million pieces. However, he swallowed the pain and put on a stoic face.

"Believe as you wish, but my old eyes rarely ever lie — that child will be something," Petri paused, and her expression became serious, with her eyes gleaming like a bonfire.

Madam Petri raised her finger to the parents. "Now it is up to you to determine what that something will be… you shall be the lens he will use to see the world... Do not obscure his sight!"

Alistair felt the woman's aura become bottomless and all-encompassing, like a deep abyss without an end in sight. His respect for the old lady instantly grew to unimaginable lengths.

"Yes, madam!" Penelope bowed in a typical English manner– a curtsy, it could be called– in which a girl or woman bends her knees while bowing her head.

"Yes, Madam Petri!" Revan clamped his two hands together – his left hand in a palm, and his right hand in a fist – Theshow of determination and will, caused Petri to nod her head in approval.

"Then I am relieved," Madam Petri uttered before she stared into Alistair's soul. " I hope we will have wonderful talks, little one!"

Alistair had no visible reaction. He wasn't too fond of the woman because she gave off a story-book-witch vibe.

"I am sure he will appreciate your teachings, Madam!" Revan said, and he also noticed the sky from the reflection of an antique placed on the floor. "I think we will be off. It's getting late."

Petri said with a grin, "Indeed you should. I am sure little Alistair is already tired from you two's tireless wandering."

"Haha, yes!" Revan said and he awkwardly smiled.

They turned back and left the store, and Petri's face took into a despairing expression. "That boy can either bring the world to a peaceful era…or he will be the one to finally burn it to the ground!"