A few months passed, and my family and I went to see the ocean.
But this ocean wasn't like the oceans of Earth—it was made of stars.
Instead of algae trails, it shimmered with trails of timelines and stories.
Instead of coral, it held entire lower worlds.
Instead of fish, there were authors drifting through the currents.
And instead of waves, there was narrative destruction, crashing and shifting endlessly.
Yet somehow, despite its chaotic beauty, it didn't destroy this world—or anyone in it.
Later…
"Son, be careful."
"I know, Father," Lin Fu replied to me with a confident smile.
"Honey, what else would you like to do today?" I asked Mang Lu.
"Maybe just walk around town and do some shopping," she said with a smirk, "or maybe… something a little special when Lin Fu isn't around."
"Oh…"
I sat there in silence for a moment, caught off guard.
"Well, I guess shopping it is," I said at last.
Mang Lu frowned at me, pretending to be disappointed.
I laughed.
Later that day…
"Where should we shop first?" I asked.
"I'd like to look for some medicinal plants," Mang Lu said.
"Huh?"
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a jade pendant lying on the ground. I bent down and picked it up. It didn't seem like much—just a simple artifact.
"Hey, son," I called, holding up the pendant. "Would you like to refine your first artifact?"
"Yes, Father!" Lin Fu answered excitedly.
"Alright. We'll teach you when we get home."
At home…
"Son, it's time to learn how to refine an artifact. Come here."
"First, prick your finger and let a drop of blood fall onto the artifact."
"Now, let it accept the blood and…"
Flash.
"It's done."
"Well done, son."
"Now go ahead—find out what it is and what it's capable of."
I turned to leave.
"I have something I need to do."
I stepped out of the house—and into the void.
To be continued…