Chapter 3: Stranger Among Shadows

Chapter 3: Stranger Among Shadows

"Then explain yourself. Strangers don’t last long here."

Kael’s voice sliced through the quiet like cold steel.

Rik’s throat tightened. He stumbled over his words.

"I… I don’t know exactly. I just… woke up here. One second I was reading, and then—"

Kael’s eyes flashed.

"Reading?" he repeated, sharply. "You think this is a place you wake up in by accident?"

He took a step forward, towering over Rik. His suit, somehow crisp even in the forest, rustled like thunder.

"Are you with them?" he asked. "Did they send you?"

"Them…?" Rik blinked. “No! I don’t even know who they are!”

Kael’s jaw tensed. He looked Rik up and down—hoodie, sneakers, trembling hands. A lost, tired boy.

Still, suspicion lingered in his gaze.

"You’re either lying," he said coldly, "or too foolish to understand what you’ve stepped into."

Rik’s voice cracked.

"I told you, I’m not lying. I just… I was in my room. Reading a story. I don’t even know how I got here, okay?"

Kael turned his back with a sharp breath, clearly unconvinced.

Rik muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else.

"Of course he doesn’t believe me… who would?"

The wind stirred.

Kael didn’t respond, but something in his posture shifted.

After a moment, he spoke—quiet, but firm.

"You have one day to prove you’re not a threat. Come."

He didn’t look back as he walked into the trees.

Rik stood frozen for a second. Then his legs moved on their own, following.

◇Author’s Note – (sorry for this note,But read it pecently maybe you can enjoy after reading it)

Well, well, well… our boy Rik just got hit with the ultimate fantasy version of “you have 24 hours to prove your worth or perish.”

No pressure, right?

Let’s take a moment to appreciate:

Rik: still confused, probably 75% anxiety, 25% hoodie.

Kael: serving main character energy with side-eyes sharper than swords.

Trust issues: sponsored by Chapter 3.

Honestly, if I fell into a novel and the MC glared at me like that, I’d just curl up under a magical bush and cry.

But not Rik. Nope. He’s out here trying to explain a completely unbelievable situation to a man who looks like he doesn’t believe in birthdays, let alone alternate dimensions.

So here's a challenge for YOU:

What would YOU say to convince Kael you’re not a threat?

Do you think Kael secretly believes Rik but just won’t admit it because... reasons?

Anyone else worried that Rik’s “one day” will turn into “one disaster after another?”

Comment below and help a poor newbie writer grow with your thoughts, support, and emoji-fueled chaos!

(And yes, the academy probably has a special form just for “mysterious new arrivals in questionable clothing.”)

See you in Episode 4—where hopefully Rik doesn’t accidentally insult Kael again.

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