Chapter 8 (Part 2)
Soon, Oliver, Sophia, Gregory, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany found themselves on the deserted land. They cautiously ventured down the port, their eyes darting left and right, wary of the treacherous path strewn with twisted wood and debris. They took slow and steady steps forward as they marched across the scattered rubble.
Houses stand as stubborn sentinels, defiantly blocking the roads, their walls marred by the remnants of shattered wood, bricks, and cobblestones. The once-majestic trees lie uprooted, their exposed roots like gnarled fingers reaching out in desperation. And there, in stark contrast to the calm sea, boats, including a colossal torn ship, rest upon the dry land, their hulls cracked and broken.
A putrid stench hangs heavily in the air as Oliver and his companions walk past a cluster of decaying fish corpses that attract an army of flies. The once-thriving forests have become barren brown wastelands, stripped of their former vitality. Displaced from the streets, carriages perch precariously on rooftops, their open doors dripping with water. Scraps of twisted metal and debris lie scattered among the wreckage, shrouding the path ahead.
As Oliver and his companions press forward through the desolate town, they spot a towering figure appearing from the dimly lit avenues. Accompanied by guards in thick uniforms wielding gleaming spears, a tall man struts forward and approaches Oliver and his group. Oliver instinctively halts, his spouse and friends mirroring his actions. They stand still, awaiting the approach of the other party.
The tall man's skin is like the beach around everyone, possessing a warm, sun-kissed tone that evokes memories of sandy shores. His eyes are like cinnamon, and his hair is reminiscent of pale ash that settles after a blazing fire. A long, flowing beard drapes down his chest, framing a face weathered by time.
The tall man wears a majestic golden crown atop his head, perched on his ash-grey hair, lending an illusion of additional height. He wraps a red mantle with intricate golden threads around his broad frame, billowing in the wind. A white silk robe trails beneath his crimson clothes, its hem brushing against the ground with every step he takes.
"Could that be..." Edgar speculated, peering out from behind Gregory's towering figure.
The tall man stood before Oliver. "Uhm... greetings!" the man spoke with a shy smile.
"...Greetings," Oliver nodded politely.
"Uhm. Uh! Due to your striking resemblance to the one I have summoned, we... we, uh... we have approached you to ascertain your identity. Please introduce yourself with your... full name," the man requested, his voice tinged with bashfulness, unable to maintain eye contact. "...Please?"
"Oliver. Oliver Podeshire."
The man extended his hand from beneath his mantle, reaching out to Oliver. "I am, uhm, King Benjamin Levi!" the man, Benjamin, introduced himself nervously, stumbling over his words. "It is I who, uh, who has summoned you to Kugi."
Oliver gently shook Benjamin's hand. "...It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty."
"Please," Benjamin humbly requested with a warm smile. "Don't call me 'Your Majesty'. Just refer to me as King Benjamin. I do not require such a formal title," he scratched his head.
"As you wish, King Benjamin," Oliver replied, bowing his head.
"...And what name should I address you by?" Benjamin asked timidly.
"Whatever pleases you, my King," Oliver responded, offering a friendly smile.
Benjamin bit his lips, taking a moment to think before taking a trembling breath. "Mr Podeshire...?"
"If it is your will to call me 'Mr Podeshire', I gladly accept," Oliver stated as he placed his hands on his back.
"Oh... right," Benjamin took a deep breath and smiled at Oliver, keeping his gaze locked on the ground. "So... Mr Podeshire... I can provide you with a recap of what has transpired in our realm if you want," Benjamin said.
"Oh, I don't require a recap, as I remember well what has happened here," Oliver stated. "A wave struck your land, and you seek my assistance."
"Yes..." Benjamin implored, his voice genuine and soft, clasping his hands together as he stepped closer to Oliver. "So, uhh... please! With your abilities, aid us in rebuilding this city. I beg you, Mr Podeshire. I hope you consider it!"
Gregory smirked, glancing at Oliver. "Oli, do your thing," he whispered.
Oliver smiled. "I shall reconstruct this city to fulfil your expectations, King Benjamin."
Oliver strides past Benjamin, continuing his confident stride until he comes to a halt. Oliver takes a deep breath, relishing in the sensation of the wind that gently tousles his hair. He then lifts a leg and stomps his foot onto the bricked floor.
A brilliant light emanated underneath Oliver's foot, illuminating everything in its path. The world around them transformed into a pure expanse of white, even for those who closed their eyes. A melodic chime resounded, gradually fading away along with the dazzling light.
Benjamin closed his eyes, then slowly opened them. The blinding whiteness dissipated, allowing his vision to be restored. His surroundings came into focus, revealing a scene of astonishing transformation that left him in awe, his jaw hanging open in disbelief.
Houses stood firmly on their foundations, returning to their rightful places while the debris and rubble in the streets disappeared. Trees sprouted from the earth, and their lush green leaves shimmered under the radiant sunlight. The mixed debris that once cluttered the roads had vanished entirely, leaving the surface glistening with cleanliness.
Boats that had previously been scattered throughout the city returned to the embrace of the watery sea. Meanwhile, carriages hanging on the rooftops found their place on solid streets, dry and repaired. The surrounding buildings no longer displayed any trace of cracked walls, shattered windows, or compromised foundations. Instead, they radiated a resplendent brilliance akin to freshly polished gems.
Benjamin gasped, his eyes darting towards Oliver. "H-how...?" he stammered, his eyes widening in astonishment.
"Hm," Oliver chuckled softly, a warm smile spreading across his face.
Benjamin folded his hands and stepped towards Oliver. "How may I repay you...?" Benjamin asked nervously, his voice trembling.
"I need no payment," Oliver replied, shaking his head gently.
"No, you deserve a reward," Benjamin insisted. "I'll give you... I'll give you gold!"
"No, King Benjamin," Oliver politely declined, gazing into Benjamin's cinnamon eyes. "I must refuse."
Surprised, Benjamin questioned, "Why?"
Oliver glanced at the floor briefly before meeting Benjamin's gaze again. "...For I am here to serve mankind, not for monetary gain," he explained with a charming smirk.
Benjamin clasped Oliver's right hand in his own, shaking it vigorously. "Bless you! Oh, bless you!" he cried out in joy.
Oliver's smile deepened, radiating warmth. "Bless you as well," he replied.
Benjamin's eyes became wide as his smile grew broader.
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