Chapter 0 - Prologue

As the darkness receded, the young boy found himself in a bewildering surroundings. He lay in a lush grassy field, enclosed by the rough walls of a cave. Yet, it was unlike any cave he had ever seen. The ceiling twinkled with glittering jewels, mirroring the starry night sky.

"Where am I?" the boy wondered, his voice barely above a whisper. "What is this place?"

But as he sat up, his thoughts shifted from his surroundings to himself. A wave of confusion washed over him.

"Why can't I remember... who I am?" His eyes scanned his arms, his hands, as if searching for clues.

That's when he spotted the pond, its calm surface reflecting the dazzling ceiling above. He approached the water's edge, and his gaze fell upon his own reflection.

The face staring back wasn't that of a boy, but a man. His hair was long and unkempt, dark brown locks framing a strong jawline. Piercing blue eyes, reminiscent of sapphires, gazed back at him.

As he stood up, the boy's gaze instinctively dropped to his body. He was met with a shock he was completely naked, without even a scrap of fabric to cover himself. Yet, despite the initial embarrassment, he noticed something else: his physique was chiseled, muscular.

"What the...?" he muttered, stunned. "How did I…?"

A sudden, searing pain shot through his head, accompanied by a piercing ringing in his ears. The boy winced, stumbling slightly as the cave around him began to spin.

He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the disorientation. With cautious steps, he began to explore his surroundings, his senses on high alert. The soft grass beneath his feet was a gentle surprise, a comforting contrast to the turmoil within.

As he walked, his gaze swept across the cave, drinking in every detail. The glittering jewels above cast a mesmerizing pattern on the walls, and the air was filled with an otherworldly silence.

As the boy's gaze lifted, a radiant light pierced the darkness ahead. A gentle, melodious voice called out to him, echoing through the cave.

"Child, come here..." The voice was soft and soothing, yet seemed to carry an undeniable authority.

Despite being unable to see the speaker, the boy felt an inexplicable pull. He took a step forward, then another, drawn to the light.

"Who is it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Child, you have awakened," the voice replied, its tone warm with approval. "Come closer to me.”

The boy's caution was eclipsed by curiosity. He walked toward the light, his footsteps hesitant at first, but growing more confident with each step. As he approached, the light enveloped him, bathing him in its warmth.

As the blinding light receded, the boy's vision cleared, revealing a young woman with piercing green eyes and raven-black hair. Her gentle smile put him at ease.

"Child, welcome to this world," she said, her voice melodious.

The boy's mind reeled with questions. "Who am I?" he asked, his voice laced with desperation. "What am I?”

The woman's expression turned sympathetic. "You are human, Homo sapiens. But your reality... your past, is from a world long gone.”

The boy's confusion deepened. "I don't understand. What do you mean?”

The woman's gaze seemed to hold a deep sadness. "Even if I explained, you wouldn't grasp it, child. Your mind isn't prepared. But one thing is certain: you are not from this world.”

The boy's eyes widened, overwhelmed. "What do you mean? Where am I, then?”

The woman's smile faltered, and she hesitated before speaking. "This world is... different. Your memories, your experiences, they're from a reality that no longer exists."

"Then... am I dead?" the boy asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Or is this heaven?"

The woman's response was unexpected – a gentle, melodious giggle. "Hehehe... if this is heaven, then it's a good thing," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Safe to say, you're living in a world where there's nothing to concern yourself with. Now, take a deep breath and look at the skies.”

The boy hesitated, but her reassuring smile put him at ease. He filled his lungs with the cool, fresh air. As he exhaled, a sudden jolt of electricity coursed through his body.

He saw himself trudging through mundane days, lost in a sea of routine. Every day blended into the next: wake up, work, sleep, repeat. The vision shifted, and he found himself in a small, cluttered apartment.

A dinner scene unfolded before him: laughter and conversation flowed around a crowded table. Familiar faces surrounded him – loved ones, friends, or perhaps colleagues? – but their names and relationships eluded him.

Yet, amidst the warmth and camaraderie, his gaze drifted to a solitary figure standing by the window. The same face, the same weary eyes, stared out into the night, disconnected from the joy surrounding him.

The contrast was striking: a life filled with people, yet feeling utterly alone. The vision lingered, and the boy sensed a deep-seated longing, a yearning for something more.

"Is this me?" the boy asked, his voice laced with confusion and desperation. "What's happening?”

The young woman's expression turned sympathetic. "It seems you lived in a world... a reality, that I would call 2024. You were in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.”

The boy's eyes widened, overwhelmed. "2024? Malaysia? But... how?" His mind struggled to comprehend the impossible.

The woman's words dropped like a stone into still water, sending ripples of confusion through his thoughts. He felt disconnected from the life unfolding before him.

"I don't remember," he whispered, shaking his head. "I don't remember being there, living that life.”

The woman's gaze held a deep understanding. "Your memories will return, child. But for now, know that you've been... relocated. This world, this reality, is different.”

As the boy inhaled again, another vision burst forth, accompanied by a voice echoing in his mind.

"Hey Adam, come on! Let's hang out at the mamak restaurant!”

In this new vision, he saw himself, but with a startling difference – his body was rounder, softer. The image of his former self, with a budding paunch, left him both startled and perplexed.

Another vision shifted into focus. A woman, her face twisted in disdain, berated another version of himself. This time, he was thinner, frailer.

"Hey, stupid! She needs more dough! You're supposed to help her! Aren't you her husband?”

The boy's eyes widened in horror as he witnessed this version of himself being bullied. Confusion swirled within him, mingling with a deep-seated unease. He looked himself and suddenly the young woman approach him.

"Come, let me share with you," she whispered, her forehead touching Adam's. The connection sparked a vivid vision.

Adam saw himself as a frail, overworked version of himself, trapped in a never-ending cycle. By day, he toiled in a cramped office; by night, he scrubbed floors and took orders at a bustling restaurant. Even in rest, he wasn't free - his "wife" cavorted with other men on the very couch where he slept.

But this wasn't the only reality. The young woman's vision intertwined with his, revealing a world devoid of modern technology, where people leveraged the available resources to survive. No smartphones, no gadgets; just the raw power of nature.

Adam's eyes snapped open, confusion etched on his face. "This is Earth... the same but why does it look nothing like my world?" he asked.

The woman's finger gently silenced him. "Hush... try to focus…"

Adam closed his eyes once more, and a new vision unfolded. In this world, people understood each other without words. They wielded telekinetic powers and harnessed the force of nature. A single word echoed through his mind: “geomancy."

"Your past is incredibly complex," the young woman said, her eyes filled with empathy. "Is this how people lived in the past? But why did you experience such pain?”

Adam's brow furrowed, searching for answers. "I don't know... it feels nostalgic, somehow. Like a distant memory that still hurts.”

The woman's expression softened, and she enveloped Adam in a warm hug. "You poor thing... you've carried this burden for so long.”

Adam's confusion deepened, but he felt a sense of comfort in her embrace. "It's okay? But can you show me more?" He yearned to understand his past.

The woman's smile returned, and she nodded. Their foreheads touched once more, and a new vision unfolded.

Adam saw her, dressed in a primitive yet elegant attire – leaves, vines, and animal hides adorned her body. She knelt beside a river, gathering herbs, when she spotted him. Naked and vulnerable, Adam lay on the riverbank, as if washed up by the tide.

The woman's hands cradled his face, washing away the dirt and grime. Her touch ignited a sense of trust, and Adam felt a deep connection to this gentle soul.

As the vision faded, Adam's gaze lingered on the woman's attire. "Your clothes... they're made from plants and animal skins.”

The woman's laughter was melodious. "We live in harmony with nature. Our clothing reflects that.”

Adam inhaled deeply, stood up, and gazed at the young woman with renewed determination. "Well, it's better than nothing. Might as well take this as a start.”

The woman's raven-black hair cascaded down her back, framing her heart-shaped face. Her piercing green eyes sparkled with warmth, and her petite stature belied the calm, serene demeanor that radiated from her.

Her gaze met Adam's, and a gentle smile curved her lips. "You're ready to move forward?" she asked, her voice soothing as a gentle breeze.

Adam nodded, his resolve firming. "I have to. I need to understand this new world, and myself.”

Arke (formerly Adam) turned to Echo with a thoughtful expression. "Adam is my past. I need a new name, a fresh start." He looked at Echo, expecting her opinion.

Echo's smile lit up her face. "I think Arke suits you well. It means 'restorer' or 'sanctuary' – fitting for someone seeking a new beginning."

Arke's eyes sparkled. "I like it. Nice to meet you, Echo." He extended his hand, offering a handshake.

Echo's brow furrowed, clearly unfamiliar with the gesture. "Is this how you show friendship?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.

Arke's face flushed. "Uh, yeah... sort of. I think it's how we introduce ourselves or become acquainted." He chuckled nervously.

Echo giggled, her laughter infectious. "I'm not sure, but I'll play along." She took his hand, and they shared an awkward yet endearing handshake.

As they released each other's hands, Arke asked, "By the way, how do I... cover myself?" He gestured to his naked body, his face turning bright red.

Echo's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Well, Arke, I think the plants around us are more modest than you." She chuckled. "Let me get you some suitable clothing. We wouldn't want to scandalize the trees.”

Arke laughed, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. "Thanks, Echo. I think I'd rather blend in with the foliage.”

As Echo disappeared into the underbrush, Arke gazed out at the serene landscape. The warm sun on his skin, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the soft chirping of birds enveloped him. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he felt a sense of peace.

"Perhaps," he whispered to himself, "this is where my restoration begins."