Unknown future
Upon opening his eyes, Zak was startled to find the mysterious man standing before him. To his right side stood the black owl, while the white owl perched on his left. Sensing something amiss, Zak cautiously began to retreat, but as he surveyed his surroundings, he realized he was engulfed in pitch darkness, with only himself and the mysterious man in sight. Puzzled by this unfamiliarity, Zak muttered, "Is this normal in this world? Why can't I catch a break?" The mysterious man remained silent, intensifying Zak's unease. Ceasing his retreat, Zak mustered the courage to inquire, "Who are you and what do you want from me?" A minute of unnerving silence followed, heightening Zak's fear, as the man slowly advanced towards him, causing Zak's heart to race uncontrollably.
He began to ponder whether it was an illusion or perhaps an effect resulting from choosing the potion magic course. This raised the possibility that other users of potions magic might have encountered similar experiences. However, he swiftly recognized the flaw in this theory, as it failed to account for Vellis' ignorance about the red book.
As the mysterious man approached slowly, he uttered, "You're from Earth, aren't you?" Upon hearing this, Zak halted his retreat, his expression transforming into one of surprise. It hadn't occurred to him that there might be other individuals from Earth who had perished and ended up in this peculiar world. Simultaneously, a sense of fear gripped him, as he wondered about the mysterious man's intentions and how he knew about his Earthly origin. He mustered the courage to inquire, "Who are you, and what do you want from me?" Pausing before responding, the mysterious man apologized, explaining that he possessed a body akin to a mere recording, rendering him unable to answer questions. He also reassured Zak, stating that he harbored no ill intentions. Nonetheless, these words failed to assuage Zak's heightened anxiety; his heart continued to thump vigorously against his ribcage.
Apologies, but this body will manifest after an individual is transported from earth to this place. Regrettably, I am pressed for time, hence I have left this body and some of its knowledge for you, hoping it will provide an explanation for everything. There is an impending threat approaching, and although I am uncertain if it has already occurred, this body and its memories should prove helpful. As Zak heard these words, he pondered if the mysterious man came from earth and wondered about the meaning behind the warning of impending danger. In case you stumble upon a red book containing potion ingredients, it can be assumed that you have received my gift. While I am not acquainted with you, I am aware that you have chosen the path of potion magic. Consequently, I have included instructions for various potions in the red book which may come to your aid in the future. My name is Christopher Campus, and be aware that magic might undergo transformation after the unfortunate event has unfolded. I would explain the detrimental things I witnessed in the future, but time is of the essence. As Zak listened attentively, he gradually inched closer, ensuring not to miss any crucial details.
Upon realizing that the mysterious man couldn't
provide answers, Zak pondered why, during their initial encounter, he had only posed the question "who am I". Incapable of querying, Zak simply continued to listen attentively. In response, the mysterious man divulged, "I am the chosen one, bestowed with the powers of darkness magic. Consequently, I possess certain insights pertaining to the darkness core. Upon seizing control of my body, you should inherit the knowledge I possess regarding the darkness core." The utterance triggered Zak's recollection of previous instances when the man had mentioned the light core, which emanated radiance and bestowed magical abilities, as well as the darkness core, capable of sowing chaos. Having come across these mentions during the potion incident in the room, Zak began pondering. Assuredly, the man cautioned Zak not to fear as he gradually approached him. Despite feeling apprehensive, Zak remained rooted in place, refraining from retreating. Once the man stood before him, he towered at precisely 6 feet and 1 inch, wearing a black hat that obscured his features.
The man approached Zak and raised his left hand, placing it on Zak's forehead. Instantly, Zak's vision became blurry, leaving him puzzled about the man's intentions of giving control over his body. Gradually, Zak's vision cleared, only to reveal that he was standing in his own room, but something felt different. He realized he had grown taller and, oddly enough, was dressed in a suit with a top hat adorning his head. Curiously Zak turned to face his bed and noticed his own body peacefully asleep. Confusion filled his mind as he tried to comprehend the situation. Leaving his body behind, he stepped out of the room, making his way into the bathroom. Closing the door behind him, Zak flipped the light switch and gazed upon his reflection in the mirror. To his astonishment, he saw the mysterious man who had just conversed with him in that peculiar dark place. As Zak pondered over the events unfolding, he couldn't help but wonder what destiny had in store for him.
Zak wondered aloud about what was happening as a surge of pain coursed through his head. He made an effort to suppress any screams, mindful not to disturb Zoey who would likely reach out to jack or Alice for help. The intensity of the pain escalated, causing him to collapse to the ground. Writhing in agony, he clutched his head, inadvertently dislodging the black top hat he wore. After enduring the torment for a while, the pain abruptly ceased, giving way to a peculiar series of memories that appeared unrelated. First, he saw himself on a large wooden ship, then an image of a smartphone, and finally, a memory of being injured amidst a forest. Zak couldn't comprehend what was unfolding as an onslaught of fragmented and disparate memories inundated his mind.