In a dark room, multiple members of the elite echelons of the United States government are seated around a redwood table with executive chairs accommodating. Agents from the Central Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, politicians, and ex-Special Forces are just a few to indicate what type of status the room holds.

At the head of the table remained a female chairman.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have something special to share with you all.”

A man hidden in the shadows replied, “Oh? Then this occasion must be important. I was under the assumption that we had a lead on that ‘man.’”

The chairman pointed towards the wall in front of her and the light of a projector emanated. A picture of a man was shown.

Spoiler :

Different voices began to dialogue.

“You mean to tell us that this man is the special news?” Voiced another man in the shadows.

A female blurted out a comment, “Ooow! Who is that eye candy?”

“That man is none other than ‘The Angel of Death, Jinn.’ Or ‘Malak’ as the Africans call him.” Replied the chairman.

!!

The room instantly became silent.

Someone commented timidly. “First and foremost, please tell us that this place is secure, chairman?”

The chairman crossed her arms, signifying that the secret conversation was now going to be dramatically heavy.

“That is not completely out of the question. Even with the walls completely silencing this room, the Malak’s artificial intelligence, Veda, can easily infiltrate this facility. Who knows, they could even be listening as we speak.”

Aside from the chairman, the faces of the people in the room were not an easygoing expression. They may be good at keeping up with their neutral facades, but, deep inside, there is an overwhelming fear.

“Our agents managed to gather reliable information about him.”

“Truly? Then what can you tell us about this eye candy of a man?”

“Our spies gathered eye-witness testimony of his hidden hideout deep within the grove of Morocco. The Muslims living there would occasionally forage in their groves and they saw someone resting on a hammock. Some were able to identify that man as the Angel of Death, Jinn.”

“Oh, that’s right! I forgot that the Muslims were the ones to give him that name. Then again, could this information be a trap laid by the Malak?” Said an unknown politician.

“No. This is indeed the real deal.”

All of the member’s eyes showed a glint in the dark room.

The ex-Special Forces member finally voiced his opinion.

“So, are we to personally investigate that place? I’m sure that everyone here knows what kind of man The Angel of Death is. He was the one who brought stability to Africa by massacring the wicked people. Essentially, he conquered an entire continent.”

Internally, the members of the dark room agreed to that point even though they did not show it outwardly. After all, the Malak is an enemy to the United States of America. Yet, being the superpower that they are, it is still impossible for them to catch or kill Jinn. The reason being is that Jinn combined with Veda is more than capable of facing off against a superpower like the U.S. Especially so when Jinn displayed his power by destroying the United States symbol of military strength, The Pentagon. Now, the location where The Pentagon once was, is a pile of disintegrated rubble.

Jinn was the only one in history to make America fall to its knees. However, there are those who wish to avenge The Pentagon. Or, is it revenge that they truly seek? You will find that most people go with the latter. Such is the way of the American people.

The conversation proceeded forward.

“I’m way ahead of you. You see, our spies managed to persuade one of the Muslims to approach his hideout in the guise of help. What they found was this.”

Another picture was displayed right beside the picture of Jinn and it was an image of a hammock tied between two trees and an out-of-place straw hut.

“Apparently, that place is completely abandoned.”

“...”

The members of the room were in silent thought.

They were weighing their options on whether they should investigate the straw-hut. Many of them wanted to take part in that investigation while others remained neutral.

Knowing this, the chairman took the chance and initiated the plan to assemble a team.

“I’ll be taking a small, elite team with me. If any of you wish to join, rendezvous at the airstrip tonight. That’s when we’ll be leaving.”

That signaled the end of the secret meeting. With that said, the chairman left her seat and walked towards her office balcony.

Overlooking the capital of the United States, the chairman took out a cigarette from her hidden breast pocket and lighted it with her silver lighter.

Inhale.

She inhaled the burning tobacco and blew out a puff of smoke. Puff.

Smoking tobacco eases the pain just a bit and produces a nice buzzing feeling in the mind. But, only for a short moment.

(Author’s Note: I do not endorse or propagate smoking.)

Suddenly, another female opened the door to her balcony. It was the woman who was fawning over the looks of Jinn. She too leaned on the edge near the chairman and lighted a cigarette with her.

Inhale.

Like the chairman, she inhaled and exhaled the smoke as if she was releasing her stress.

Holding her cig up in the air like a diva, she questioned.

“Why do the bad guys always look so good?”

Chuckle. The chairman lightly laughed at her statement.

Then, the woman asked a more serious question.

“It’s him isn’t it?”

Understanding the mood, the chairman answered seriously as well.

“It is.”

With that, the woman nodded her head and looked at the chairman in her eyes.

“In the end, you just couldn’t erase him from your mind.” Sigh. “Are you sure you want to do this Cindy?”

Looking back at the woman’s eyes, Cindy replied with the will of resolve.

“I do.”

***

“Live a normal life.”

I thought I had abandoned such thoughts...

Yet, I still hear it clearly in my head.

Back then, you were the one that made me want that.

If it was with you, I would have.

Still, it was too late.

Knock! Knock!

A loud pounding on the door awoke Jinn from his sleep. It’s already been a couple of days since the day Dario introduced the hooded man to his tribe. With that said, the tribe offered Jinn a place of residence that was abandoned not too far from the elder’s house. The abandoned building was reminiscent of traditional homes made out of wood and so is the rest of the homes of the tribe. Four walls and a triangular roof. A rather plain design.

Jinn floated atop his bed and landed near the door.

It was the young boy Dario. “Sir, Jinn. The elder wishes to speak with you.”

Understanding what that means, the hooded man nodded his head.

“Lead the way.” He said.

During the introduction between Jinn and the tribe, it was difficult to communicate due to the language barrier. However, they made do with simple gestures. It was then that the elder instructed Dario to teach the newcomer the language that they spoke.

To Dario’s surprise, the hooded man never forgot what he was taught. In effect, Jinn was now able to have simple conversations. It only took a couple of days for Jinn to memorize their dialect. And, Veda, being the Super Artificial Intelligence had no part in increasing Jinn’s language skills.

After all, if Jinn wished it, he could let Veda take over in that matter.

Most people would tend to make things easier for themselves and let the Super A.I. handle everything for them. That is not the case for Jinn.

Shortly, the two arrived at the elder’s residence at no time.

Knock. Knock.

The door opens and an elderly man with snow-white hair and a long beard to match it greeted the two.

“Ah. I’ve been expecting you two. Please, come in and have a seat.”

The elder had a modest home with modest furniture. Jinn and Dario sat while the elder brought along two cups and a teapot.

He poured the tea and an adoring scent permeated the room.

Dario and the elder watched Jinn as he gracefully sipped the cup in an elegant manner.

Sip. Sip.

Jinn thought for a second. Reminds me of Baihao Yinzhen. Rasul adored such a drink.

(Author’s note: Baihao Yinzhen means “White Hair Silver Needle.”)

Even though Dario and the elder could not see the eyes of the hooded man, his soft smile was all that needed to be seen. It was rare for Jinn to show such an expression. Though, the tea and reminiscent thoughts made him smile for a short moment. And, it was a way for him to show gratitude towards the people who offered him shelter, a new language, and a calming tea that soothes the soul.

The elder smiled back at Jinn, “I’m grateful that you find this simple tea satisfying.”

Jinn nodded at the elder’s words.

Dario commented, “Elder Saru is our tribe’s herbalist. He knows which tea tastes the best.”

“You flatter me too much Dario. This old man is merely an elder of this humble village.”

As the three continue to sip the calming tea, Elder Saru now begins a serious discourse.

“Enough with the pleasantries. Sir Jinn, Dario tells me that you know how to speak our language.”

“Indeed.” Replied Jinn.

“To think you would learn this continent’s dialect in a mere few days. Now please, what has brought you to us in this faraway land?”

Jinn thought for a few seconds, thinking that it would have been rude if he did not divulge some facts. He thought that they deserved that much, especially when Jinn has been shown courtesy and hospitality.

“There is a place that I wish to find.”

“I see. This place that you are seeking, is it someplace near?” Asked Elder Saru.

“It is very near. It is a place where great mountains stay afloat in the sky for all eternity.”

!!

Both Dario and Elder Saru were surprised.

It can’t be that place, can it?! Thought Dario.

“Sir Jinn, this place, does it have a grand castle atop the floating mountain?”

Jinn pointed his body towards Dario who was sitting adjacent to him. “You know of this place, Dario?”

Elder Saru intervened. “That place, Sir Jinn, is our tribe’s origin. We have been desperately trying to return to our ancestral homeland. Alas, we were cast out, framed by the people that we called our neighbors.”

“Oh? Pray, tell. I wish to know what has occurred.”

Elder Saru and Dario looked at each other and immediately nodded. They both trusted Jinn with the information. With that said, Elder Saru replied, “Young Dario, please tell our guest here of our tribe’s history.”

***

A lot of things were discussed between Jinn, Dario, and Elder Saru. Turns out, Jinn landed himself in what is called the Great Red Desert, “Hollow World.” Much like its name, it harbors great sand dunes, deadly monsters not seen in most places, and a foreboding aura encapsulating the entire desert. It is a place of death and great sorrow. From the details that Dario described, Hollow World is the oldest desert on the planet, and many wars were waged there many eons ago, giving birth to its nickname, the “Great Red Desert.” In fact, the blood shed on the sands is what made Hollow World what it is today. Many undead monsters from ancient times roam the great desert as remnants of a time long past.

Moreover, the border that they crossed in competition led them to the “Demonic Lands.” That was the place where the “Omen Tribe” settled.

The young boy Dario, as well as Elder Saru and the rest of the tribe once hailed from a great nation of holy origins. But, they were cast out. Betrayed by their neighboring countries they thought they could trust. The Omen Tribe was framed for instigating a secret war to conquer the entire world. Yet, the baseless accusations propagated towards the Omen Nation were not explained to Jinn. Apparently, it must have been something hard to say, as Dario and even Elder Saru were hesitant to reveal why they were framed. What is known is that this is common history and has already occurred for quite some time. The once-great Omen Nation has been reduced to systematic wars from many sides leading the nation to what it is today, poor and abase. Many people from the tribe left as time passed on. Some left to find their tribe a new home, whereas others left for survival’s sake. Though, Elder Saru pointed out that those who left solely for “survival” were nothing but cowards and traitors to their great nation to whom they owe their fealty.

Until now, not all is lost. The Demonic Lands are near to the origins of the Omen Tribe, the place that Jinn is seeking. However, the Demonic Lands is a treacherous environment. It is a place of mountainous regions where it makes it hard to cultivate the land. Ideally, the border next to Hollow World would serve as good land to plant crops, yet, being so close to the border of the red desert would make it a dangerous place to grow produce. Monsters and foreigners from different nations traverse those paths.

Finally, the place that Jinn seeks sits atop the highest peak of the world, The Heavenly Mountain - Holy Manalum.

Elder Saru warned that not even the great and wise dragons are unable to stretch their enormous wings that far in the sky. He also said that Holy Manalum is a different realm altogether and that no one to date has ever been able to return to the Omen’s origin.

After the long conversation that they had, a day passed since then.

Jinn was already preparing to journey to Holy Manalum. Turns out, Dario would be the one to guide Jinn to the entrance of the mountain at the least. A young boy like him or anyone for that matter wouldn’t even dream of trekking such a tremendous and arduous climb. But, that doesn’t apply to Jinn. After all, his whole anatomy is combined with super-nanomachines that is Veda.

Laying on the bed of the uninhabited residence, Jinn seemed like he was deep in thought as is usually the case with him.

“Sir, wouldn’t it be better to retrieve Regalia and head to that place?” Said, Veda.

“No. As long as the core remains undamaged, it would be inconsequential at this moment. I will retrieve the ship when the time comes.”

Veda bowed and replied, “Very well, sir.”

“In the meantime, prepare Regalia for quantum recovery.”

“By your orders, sir.”

Veda instantly transmitted Jinn’s orders and the Regalia was slowly being put back together through quantum technology.

“One last thing, sir.” Veda inquired.

Jinn looked at Veda in his holographic form. “Hmm?” He questioned.

“That old man, Elder Saru… I have a strange feeling about him. His appearance is that of a withered old man, yet, there is an odd aura surrounding him.”

Chuckle.

“Hmph. Your senses are quite sharp. That old man is suppressing his power. And, he most likely possesses ‘High Qi.’”

Veda lightly pinched his chin like a statue. What Jinn said proved his suspicions.

“If this world is like the archaic myths in our old world, then he must be in the Transcendence Realm.”

Jinn looked at Veda one last time and with a grin, “Bingo.”

You see, when the Regalia crash-landed in the red sands of Hollow World, it was unknown whether any other species aside from humans would actually exist on the unknown planet. Despite that common sense, the conversation they had yesterday opened their minds to a whole new world. Jinn and Veda did not detect any lies or deceit between Dario and Elder Saru. The entire dialogue was one of honesty and truth. And, Jinn is a master of the art of deception. If there was anyone to recognize that they were being told a lie, then it would be Jinn.

With all that said, Jinn and Veda quickly adapted to the strange, new planet and disposed of any cynicism.

It would seem quite unusual for any person to make such rapid changes. Then again, it goes without saying that Jinn is a special case.

In Jinn’s current position, do you think he’s worried at all?

-No.

He wields quantum energy at the tips of his fingers. A power thought to be science-fiction. Nothing more needs to be said on that account.

“Prepare for tomorrow’s journey. I intend to reach Holy Manalum with great haste.”

“Very good, sir. Perhaps, you will finally find the answers you seek.”

***

“So, what did you find out, Elder?” Asked the dark-skinned chef.

Elder Saru crossed his arms and his face held a serious demeanor. “Hmmm…”

“Come now, don’t tell me that the hooded stranger is dangerous now is he?”

“I-I could not perceive anything from that man.”

Surprised, the burly chef stood up. “Impossible! How could someone like you not detect his power? You are the best when it comes to gauging other people.”

Breathing in and puffing out air. “Be that as it may, the hooded stranger is quite an enigma. Still, the only thing I see from Jinn is someone of refined nature.”

The chef sat back down. “I-I understand. If the Elder has such an opinion of that man, then I can relax. Haha!” Extolling a hearty laugh, the burly chef drank the rest of his teapot. “Although tea is not quite my forte, you make a damn fine-brew Elder!”

Elder Saru smiled at the chef’s jolly remark. “One more thing, make sure to cook up something nice for our guest before he journeys to Holy Manalum.”

Cough! Cough!

“W-What! Why in the world would he go to such a place?!”

Sigh.

The Elder gave out a long sigh. “Stop yelling so much. You’re spitting everywhere on my table!”

“Gwahahaha! Apologies elder. We can always assign our finest carpenter to make you a better one!”

Elder Saru was visibly shaking his head and chuckled for a bit.

“Still, I can’t help but feel something whenever I look upon Jinn. That strange mantle that he wears and that insignia on his back. It’s like I’m forgetting something.”