North America – Time ??
As he drifted through the uncertainty of time, Alex's mind got caught in the shadows of the past. Memories of his childhood resurfaced—times spent with his father were now fading. For a moment, he thought of his mother, too. But she had never seen him. The only trace of her in their home was a faded photo his father carried in his pocket.
Before his thoughts could consume him, he snapped back to reality and realized he was standing in a valley surrounded by misty mountains. It was the most breathtaking natural view he had ever seen. It felt as if this land had never been touched by colonial mankind—pure and full of peace. Everything appeared in perfect harmony. While admiring the scenery, Alex suddenly noticed the injured dog in his arms.
Husky was on the verge of death. His breaths, weakened by the bullet wound, were slowing with each moment. When Alex realized Husky had sacrificed his life for him, an unbearable pain surged in his chest. An Ender had given its life for him… As his eyes fell on Husky's weakening body, a lump formed in his throat.
"Please don't die…"Alex had never imagined someone he had just met could affect him so deeply. Before taking his last breath, Husky jumped from Alex's arms and began to run, as if pointing somewhere. He finally reached the entrance of a cave, then crouched and gently gestured toward the inside with his paw. Then, he closed his eyes for the last time.
Standing at the mouth of the cave, illuminated by the magical lights inside, it felt as if time itself had paused. Rays of light carrying every color he had ever seen shimmered with the glory of a rainbow. Alex leaned toward Husky, who now lay quietly beside him. As Husky's fur slipped through his fingers one final time, tears welled in his eyes, but he pulled himself together."I'll never forget what you did for me, Husky," he said, his voice firm and deep."I promise you."
After digging a grave at the cave entrance and burying Husky, Alex was left alone with his grief. But suddenly, a strange sound broke the silence. It was a tone he had never heard before. He quickly looked around but saw nothing. When he realized the sound was coming from the sky, his heart nearly jumped out of his chest. He couldn't believe what he saw—it was a Griffin, the mythical creature of legends. With the head of a hawk and the body of a lion, it landed on the ground with all its majestic presence.
As the Griffin slowly crouched next to Alex, he realized there was someone riding it. This stranger stood out with gray hair and wore clothes made of soft fabric. He suddenly leaped down and began circling Alex.
"Wow, this is incredible. Look at those clothes! Sandra has to see this."
Alex could recognize that voice anywhere—it was Kai.
Even though he felt like he was speaking in his native tongue, Alex realized he was actually using a different language. It might have been a feature of Kaizen that allowed people to communicate easily. First, he looked at the Griffin, then turned to Kai and spoke excitedly."Oh my god, this is really a Griffin! Kai, where did you find this?"
"Hey, humanoid thing," said the Griffin, staring directly into Alex's eyes."I'm sure I haven't seen you before. Where did you come from, and how do you know my name?"
From his earlier experience, Alex could grasp the situation. Kai appeared younger and seemed to be living in a different time, which made everything even stranger."Great. Don't tell me I've been taken back to the dawn of mankind. Just answer me this—are there many more animals like that one?"
Before answering, Kai took a moment to study Alex. As he got closer, he examined the unique features of Alex's clothing and finally spoke.
"Plenty, I'd say...""I think I get it now. Those clothes are ridiculous, but they're different. You don't belong here."
"Congratulations, caveman," Alex said sarcastically."Guess who's responsible for this mess I'm in? Don't answer—it's you!"
Kai stepped back thoughtfully before speaking again."Strange… Don't worry, my friend. I'll do everything I can to get you out of this. Hopefully before the old man finds out."His eyes fell on the freshly moved soil nearby."So, first off, why did you dig up the ground and bury something?"
Alex was quietly pleased that Kai had called him "my friend" without sounding superior. For the first time, he didn't feel beneath him."A friend who came with me died. That was for him. Before he died, he tried to show me this cave. I think he wanted me to go inside. That's the only clue I've got. Will you help me?"
Kai crouched by the grave and spoke."Burying the dead, huh? We usually cremate them, but this works too. Like I said, I'll help you."
The cooperative and helpful Kai would've surprised anyone who knew him."You're surprising me. In the future, you're this annoying guy who never intervenes in anything. I like this version of you."Alex smiled at Kai after saying this, while Kai looked at him with a puzzled expression.
After a short moment of silence, Kai stood up and began walking into the cave."Alright then. I'm going first—follow me!"