@Simon blinked, his beer forgotten in his hand. “Wait, what? Chosen one? @James?”
James let out a nervous laugh, glancing around the now-silent pub. “Uh, I think you’ve got the wrong guy. I’m just… James. You know, the guy who accidentally burnt toast this morning and forgot where I parked my car last week.”
The Great Sage’s piercing gaze didn’t waver. “You are more than you know, James. The Art of Happiness and Joy has awakened something within you. A hidden potential, a strength that has remained dormant until now. This is the moment for it to awaken, to fulfill its purpose.”
James exchanged a wary look with Simon, who shrugged helplessly. “Okay, but… why me?” James asked, his voice shaky but tinged with curiosity.
The Great Sage stepped closer, her presence almost magnetic. “Because only you possess the balance of light and shadow, of joy and sorrow. The journey you’ve undertaken is but the beginning. You must now face the trials that lie ahead.”
Simon leaned forward, frowning. “Trials? Is this some kind of prank? Did someone hire you to mess with us? Because, if so, it’s kind of brilliant.”
The Sage’s lips curved into the faintest smile. “This is no prank, Simon. But your role is just as vital. You are the companion, the voice of reason. Together, you will face the challenges ahead.”
James shook his head, his bewilderment morphing into disbelief. “Okay, this is getting too weird. What if I say no? What if I just finish my beer and go home?”
The Sage tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light. “You can try. But the destiny that calls to you cannot be ignored. It will follow you, even to the ends of the earth.”
At that moment, a sudden gust of wind swept through the pub, extinguishing the candles and causing glasses to rattle on the tables. The room seemed to hum with an unseen energy, making everyone hold their breath.
Simon gulped. “Okay… maybe she’s not messing around.”
James sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. Let’s say I believe you. Where do we even start?”
The Great Sage reached into her cloak, pulling out a small, glowing orb that pulsed with a golden light. “Start by trusting yourself. This will guide you.”
James hesitated before taking the orb, feeling its warmth radiate through his palm. The pub erupted in whispers, patrons craning their necks to see the strange scene unfolding.
“Your journey begins now,” the Sage said firmly, her voice carrying an unshakable weight. “But remember, happiness and joy are not merely states of being. They are the keys to unlocking the truth.”
With that, she turned and strode toward the door, her cloak billowing dramatically behind her. As she disappeared into the night, James and Simon sat in stunned silence, the orb glowing faintly between them.
Simon cleared his throat, his voice barely a whisper. “So… another round of beers?”
James shook his head, staring at the orb. “I think we’re going to need something stronger.”
To be continued… 2025.