Chapter 12: Visitors (1)
A few days later
Alex was inside his room on the alpha orbital ring of the planet Mars. During that time, various tests and checks have been carried out and so far, everything shows that he was out of danger. Perplexed by the phenomenon, countless experts on cosmic mana wave studies have tried to seek an audience with Alex, but he kindly refused as the attention he was getting was too much.
Of course, he never forgot to stay in touch with his parents and siblings.
"Huu…how do I go about this?" Laying on his bed, he thought of how to break the news of his experience and whom to break it to. During his time alone, he had gone over everything he experienced and understood that it could not have been a dream, as dreams required a premise to experience. It made use of what a person goes through day-to-day to create.
"Hey, Xex, do have any idea as to who's coming to pay me a visit?" Alex asked his AI pal. The evening prior, he was told to look forward to a visitor. When he attempted to refuse, he was told the visitor was one he could not refuse. He had racked his brain for potential people who fit in the category of "not taking a No for an answer" The pool was large, to say the least.
[Just as you have surmised, there could be many people on that list. However, I would pay close attention to those within Region 1 of Sector 2 and at the top of that list would be The Hero Hunter, Sir Zol Knight]
Alex quickly sat up with an excited look. Of course, he has heard of the Hero Hunter, Sir Zol Knight.
Who hasn't?!
The man was literally one of the pillars of humanity. A mortal god, some would call him, and as the guardian of Region 1 where the Sol system was based, he was the idol of all hunters.
"Really?" He asked, just to be certain.
Just like everybody else, Alex looked up to the man. His excitement was written all over his face. He looked to his watch, eager for confirmation.
[As I mentioned before, it was simply a wild guess. So, I wouldn't get my hopes up. Don't say I didn't warn you.]
Xex had to make sure Alex got the memo so he wouldn't be too disappointed when he didn't get to meet his hero. Xex could recall the number of times Alex searched for information on Sir Zol and his accomplishments.
"Fine." He responded downcast, lying back down. With nothing left to do, he decided to think more about his vision and even considered telling Sir Zol.
'Maybe he would believe me?... Would I believe me?' As Alex thought things through, looking at it from the perspective of another, he understood how ridiculous it might sound. Especially, when there was no premise.
'Maybe the fact that I survived the cosmic mana wave could give me some credibility?'
"Haa…." He sighed tirelessly.
[You've seemed out of it for some time now. Do you want to talk about what's bothering you? Maybe I could offer some assistance or recommend something.]
Xex offered. It had noticed how after the events of the cosmic mana wave, Alex had been lost in his thoughts more often than he ever did in his life.
"Haa… Well, I don't know." For a moment, he was not sure of what to do, but he then figured if he mentioned this to Sir Zol, it would eventually reach the higher-ups. The only problem was if they'd believe him.
"Fine… I'll tell you." So, Alex went ahead and told Xex what he had experienced in that dark and massive space.
...
[I see… And you are worried if anyone would believe you.]
"Exactly. So, what do you think?" Alex questioned. At least, if he heard what Xex had to say about his vision, it could offer some insights as to how to go about telling.
[While that is a vivid description, with no evidence, it could be seen as purely conjecture.]
Alex sighed again. This could probably be the most he had sighed in a short time. "I knew it. And since I don't know if anyone also had a similar experience as I did, it would be difficult to accept. The conclusions were also purely mine. Hmm, this is torture and I'm too young for this."
[I do think you should tell though. It may not be believed, but the fact that it is out there could offer a new perspective on how we see our universe and maybe even go further to determine its origin. After all, there is still a lot we don't know of.]
Hearing the take of Xex on his dilemma, Alex responded.
"Yeah, I suppose. All right, I'll do it. Once my visitor comes, whoever it is, I'd tell them." He boldly proclaimed.
Now all that was left to do was to wait. But he realized the specific day the visitor would arrive was not stated. Thankfully, he didn't have to wait long as shortly after making his proclamation, he heard a knock coming from the door.
Alex got up and moved to open it.
Before him was one of the personnel working on the orbital ring he had come to know as Philos, a dark-sclera human.
"Oh Philos, what's up?" Alex addressed, to which he reciprocated before passing his message.
"The director wants you to know that your guest will be here tomorrow." He said with a beaming smile.
"Oh okay. And do you by chance know who it is?" He was still curious as to who he was to meet. And as if predicting he would ask that, Philos continued, "Yes, your visitor is none other than Sir Zol Knight."
When he heard this, Alex's face bloomed into an excited smile.
"Really?!" Alex asked with an enthusiasm that surprised Philos, momentarily making him take a step back. He understood how he felt. After all, he would have felt the same if he were in his shoes.
"Yes, I'm sure," Philos reassured the overly excited Alex.
"Now if you'd excuse me, I have other things to take care of." Quickly regaining his self-control, Alex did not forget to thank him before closing the door behind him.
'Hehehe… I'm finally going to meet Sir Zol!'