"Why don't you check the city? It's gonna be fun!" The orb insisted with excitement.
"May I go out? Give me some time to think it through." I made an excuse, trying to dodge the topic about the outside world.
I went outside, looking at the lush green landscape.
It's hard to imagine....that I will finally be able to see the outside world. I was isolated for years before, unable to enjoy my youth due to restricted discipline and regulations.
Now, the bird is free out of the cage. It can now wander to every iconic place in the world—a child's dream, and obsession.
But, why don't I feel elated? This is weird.
When I was a child, I was always all ears to hear a new concept, an interesting theory, anything that is captivating and new.
Now, I'm a depressed 17 year old guy, exiled from the sacred sanctuary due to questioning the teachings that had been passed down through my bloodline—the holy scriptures of Buddhism.
I just wanted to know everything, yet it ended in misery.
Hmm.....what if they also don't have any answers to my questions? Impossible, they have the scriptures, and the answers are all written there.
I pondered, completely immersed in my thoughts.
Suddenly, I heard a sound—a rock being thrown into the river.
Someone is here....
I went inside the hut, the place where I'm staying after my exile.
Wait, why the fuck am I even here...?
Ah, I forgot, this is also the place where I collapsed.
Damn it....am I that forgetful?
The orb showed up, anticipating my decision.
"Have you decided?"
"Not yet."
"I thought you liked green sceneries, why you suddenly went inside?" Feeling uncomfortable, he questioned my unusual behavior.
"Actually, there's someone outside, I can sense it."
"I'll look for it, don't worry—he or she can't see me." The orb sprinted like a lightning.
I sneaked, following the orb without him knowing.
Then, I saw an adult man, sitting at the trunk, wearing the same suit as me.
Another exiled monk?!
I showed up to him, leaving the orb puzzled.
"Do you know that guy? Why the hell did you show up?" The sphere-shaped light asked curiously.
Ignoring the ball, I asked the adult man.
"Who are you?"
"Quo Li?" The adult man immediately recognized me. Do I even know him?
He is obviously a monk, but his face is unfamiliar to me.
"Quo Li, the Genius who got exiled because of his otherworldly questions that others cannot easily comprehend. Instead of analyzing your claim, they took it as a violation to the law!" The adult man complained vigorously.
"Excuse me, do I know you?" I asked.
"Don't you remember me? Ha, you're still the same....a smart kid yet forgets easily...." He said in a mocking tone.
"I'm Wu Xianxi. I'm the one who voted you to stay in the kingdom...."
"You know, brat. You and my grandma shared similar questions regarding the holy book..."
"Sadly, she also got exiled due to the same reason."
"It was 30 years ago, I don't know if anyone can remember that....I think that event was deleted in the history documents."
"My grandma's smart, just like you. I grew up in her embrace—she's so lovely, and kind. She's my only parent—I don't have a brother, sister, mother, or a father. And now, because of them, I lost my only parent, my only source of encouragement to live. " His voice is shaking, feeling lamentful. The tears slowly fall down in his cheek.
"Fuck them all! Fuck them!" He burst in anger. The adult man's tears kept falling like a river.
"Let's go find her." I smiled, and tapped his back.
"If you want to find her, let's go to the outside world. We can't stay here any longer."
"No..! Kid, don't! It's dangerous! You're going to die!" The adult man held my shoulders tightly.
I looked at his eyes—it's filled with grief and sorrow. Just how fucked up is his life?
"The outside world! Ha! HAHAHAHAHAHAH! The man have gone insane, his uncontrollable madness drove him crazy.
"The outside world....it's not like in fantasies, it looks more like hell!"
"The people have lost their sanity! They completely lost their minds! I went there and I saw them killing each other!"
"In order to survive, I came back here—the place where I'm exiled!"
"Why not try to see it in our own eyes, Quo Li?" The orb said in encouraging, persuasive tone.
"Let's go."
"Do you have the balls to go there?!" The adult man is astonished with my bravery.
He thought that I was talking to him, seems like he can't really hear or see Orby.
"I want to see it, but the adult man said it's risky." His shimmering light darkened, indicating worriedness.
"We'll go. I don't care how fucked up it is. I'm a savior, I must save everyone." Courage and fearlessness filled my facial expression and body language. Strong poise, hard tone of voice, and unwavering conviction are all present in both outward and inner.
Perfect, my response answered the questions of both.
"You're trying to be a hero? Gosh, this is not some hero-type tv shows!" The twinkling ball chuckled.
"Are you sure, Quo Li?" The adult man showed concern.
"I'm serious, let's go to a city nearby."
I started to walk, the orb and adult man followed straightaway.
After 5 hours of "silent" walking, we finally reached our destination.
I expected to see these sceneries—buildings buried in flames, ruins, and psychotic people.
Maybe they are possessed....with some kind of syndrome?
"Hey, innocent outsider." A group of strangers rudely approached me.
Not good. They lost their self-control!
They surrounded me and adult man, except for the glowing orb.
Knives and bats...these guys are bad news.