Locux and the shadow continued to watch as the past unfolded before their eyes. It was a marvelous and fascinating sight for Locux to see. His past life was extremely wonderful. He spent the day helping his father in the smith or spending time with his friends in the village. This was the most mundane yet pleasant lifestyle one could ask for. He didn’t have to always fear for his life and live in a state of constant worry. Locux had all the necessities a human needed such as food, water, shelter, and health.

This wonderfully normal life made Locux unease when he thought about his current situation. He was always fighting for survival while constantly in treading the fine line between life and death. How could he have ended up like this? What could’ve happened? These questions kept appearing within his mind as he watched the past unfold.

“Kid, don’t get distracted” The shadow saw the Locux in a state of apprehension. The shadow was an unearthly being. Hate, love, despair, and other feelings were silly and weak to him. One must have a mind as firm and as steady as a mountain in order to reach the apex.

“We’ve been here for a long time. When will I see what happened to me?” Locux was getting impatient as time passed by.

“Patience is an invaluable trait! You could benefit from it, brat.” The shadow was harsh and unrelenting with its words.

“Brat it’s been about a month according to you memories. Do you think a mortal such as you can live without food and water for a month?”

“Oh..uh” Locux was speechless. He finally remembered that he hadn’t eaten at all in a month. That was too strange. He was sure he’d die in a week without food or water. It shouldn’t be possible for him to last this long without food or water.

“Time and space are complicated with many forms and nuances. What may seem like a month here is actually a few hours in the present.” Shadow explained in an annoyed fashion.

“Kid, no more talking. You’ll soon find out what happened to you.”

The two continued to watch the scenes before their eyes. This particular scene was in front of the house of a girl called Holland. She had bright golden colored hair and a decently captivating face but that wasn’t the most noticeable thing about her. Her aura was particularly saintly. It was as if she was one of the favored daughters of the heavens.She was untouched and untainted by the world any normal person would feel the urge to kneel and pledge loyalty to her. This was a very strange girl, to say the least, but Locux seemed unaffected by this aura.

The two teenagers were called the future prime couple in the village. It wasn’t an official title. The title originated from the villagers. It was used to tease the two young folks relentlessly. They could only get embarrassed when called that.

“Locux.I heard a powerful deity force cultivator is coming to town tomorrow for the annual recruitment for the Reigning Earth sect” Holland looked visibly excited.

“They probably came for you. You’re not only the most talented person to arise from this village but you should also be comparable to the sect geniuses in potential. They’re using this method to show their benevolence and mighty stature. They wouldn’t do this if you weren’t here. Those sect people are all two faced. They never show their true intention.” Locux seemed to have an understanding of the ways of sect members.

“Locux, I think you’re being overly critical. You should be less suspicious of everyone you meet.” Holland was very kind and trusting.

“ Holland,you’re too trusting. One can never be too careful.” Locux was truly worried about her. She was talented but she seemed to have no sense of danger and the evil that lies within human nature. If she didn’t become more wary of others she could run into a lot of trouble. She could be taken advantage of or used as a pawn in someone’s scheme while being completely unaware.

Locux didn’t like people with no sense of suspicion towards others but he still liked Holland. He likes her because her trust came from a pure and untainted heart. She showed concern for all those around her and wouldn’t hesitate to help others even if it was detrimental to her. Locux was the complete opposite, he was wary of all those who weren’t from his village and he wouldn’t take a risk without sufficient benefit. That wasn’t to say Locux was a heartless person. He simply had a shrewd and calculating nature.

…..

The next day Locux woke up to a busy and lively town. The town was always lively but never to this extent. It was also pristinely and vibrant. Not a speck of dust or trash could be seen at all. It was as if it never existed. This was obviously for the recruitment ceremony of Reigning Earth!

“What a sight!” Locux was stunned by this wonderful display.

The town was filled with excited voices, smiles, and endless laughter.

“I’m gonna be a powerful deity force cultivator that’ll stun the world” one little snot nosed boy cried out.

“Me too” several others said.

It seemed as if this was going to be a very happy event.

When Locux heard the boys he let out a pitiful sigh.

“It’s too bad their hope is about to be shattered. It is very rare for deity force to appear in the world. Out of ten thousand people maybe one or two will have deity force that’s an optimistic estimate. The Gods don’t bless all people equally.” Locux knew of how rare deity force was and knew that more likely than none of these boys had it. He was also full of ambition when he was young but this ambition was shattered when he learned that he didn’t have deity force. Thankfully his parent consoled him shortly after learning of this.

At this time sounds from horns accompanied by drums traveled through the air. These sounds originated outside the village.

“Everyone, get on your best behavior! Make way for the procession! Faster, get the area set up!” The village chief, obviously nervous, gave a flurry of orders. This was one the grandest event in the village’s history. Other villages wouldn’t get a dignitary of the sect to visit them so they had to make the most out of this and not allow for any mistakes.

Locux had an amused look on his face when he saw the village chief and the other villagers in a frantic state.

“ Haha,let the festivities begin!” he was extremely and oblivious to the monumental changes and events that would come with the sect’s visit.