The Boy Who Saw Beyond

Chapter 36: The Mysterious Mentor In the days following his intense experiences in the historic town, Oliver found himself yearning for answers. The visions, the overwhelming emotions, and his connection to unseen realms weighed heavily on his young mind. Determined to understand his abilities, he began exploring parts of his hometown he had never ventured into before. One afternoon, while wandering away from his parents, Oliver came upon a maze of narrow, winding streets. He stumbled across a shop he had never noticed. Nestled between a bustling café and a bookshop, the storefront was quaint and unassuming. The faded sign above the door read Elric’s Antiques & Curiosities. A faint glow emanated from the dusty windows, casting shadows on the cobblestone path. Drawn by an inexplicable pull, Oliver pushed open the heavy wooden door. A tiny bell chimed softly as he stepped inside. The air was thick with the scent of old books, polished wood, and a hint of incense. Shelves lined every inch of the walls, cluttered with ancient artefacts, peculiar trinkets, and worn leather-bound books. Intricate rugs covered the creaky floorboards, and oddities hung from the ceiling, swaying gently despite the lack of a breeze. “Hello?” Oliver called out, his voice barely above a whisper. From behind a tall stack of books emerged a slender man with silver-streaked hair and piercing eyes the colour of amethyst. He wore a tailored vest over a crisp shirt, and a multitude of necklaces adorned with shimmering crystals hung around his neck. “Welcome, Oliver,” the man said with a warm smile. Oliver’s heart skipped a beat. “How do you know my name?” “Of course I do,” he replied, extending a graceful hand. “I’ve been expecting you. My name is Elric.” Oliver shook his hand, feeling a strange but comforting energy. “Expecting me? How?” Elric gestured toward a cosy corner of the shop, where two velvet armchairs sat beside a small, carved table. “Come, sit. There’s much to discuss.” As they settled into the armchairs, Oliver’s eyes wandered around the shop, marvelling at the objects that seemed to hum with hidden life. Elric observed him thoughtfully. “You’ve been experiencing things, haven’t you? Visions, emotions that aren’t your own, glimpses into worlds others cannot see,” Elric said gently. Oliver nodded slowly. “Yes… but I don’t understand any of it. Sometimes it’s too much, and I feel like I’m the only one.” “You possess a rare gift, Oliver—the ability to see beyond the ordinary veil of reality, to perceive the threads that bind all living things.” “Is it a gift?” Oliver sighed. “It feels more like a curse. I just want to be normal.” “An understandable wish,” Elric acknowledged. “But the greatest journeys often begin as burdens. It’s how we carry them that defines us.” Oliver considered his words. “Can you help me? Teach me to control it—if not get rid of it?” “I can’t take it away, but I can guide you to manage it. The path isn’t easy. It requires patience, courage, and an open heart. Are you ready to begin?” Resolute, Oliver met his gaze. “Yes. I want to learn.” “Very well,” Elric said, standing. He retrieved a small, intricately designed pendant from a nearby shelf. The stone at its centre shimmered with a swirling, galaxy-like light. He handed it to Oliver. “This is a focus charm. It will help you channel your abilities and shield you from overwhelming energies.” Oliver clutched the pendant, feeling a gentle warmth. “Thank you.” For the next hour, Elric taught Oliver foundational techniques—how to ground himself, how to shield his energy, and how to calm his mind through simple meditation. They practised sensing the subtle energies of various objects in the shop. Elric showed him how to listen to the whispers of old books and feel the history held within ancient artefacts. When Oliver checked his watch, he realized how much time had passed. “I should go before my parents worry,” he said, reluctant. “Of course,” Elric agreed. “But remember, this is only the beginning. Return when you're ready to delve deeper.” With gratitude, Oliver shook his hand. “I will.” He had a million questions, but time had slipped through his fingers like sand. “You have a great destiny ahead of you, Oliver,” Elric said. “Embrace it.” Stepping into the cool evening air, Oliver felt an unexpected calm. The weight he had been carrying now seemed lighter. As he ran back toward where he had left his parents, the world appeared more vibrant. The rustling leaves whispered secrets he could almost understand. The streetlights glowed with a pulse that seemed to match his heartbeat. He found his parents not where he had left them, but in a nearby shop, drawn in by bright sale signs. They had not meant to forget him—adults became caught up in things too. Passing by the park, he noticed a dog watching him intently. Remembering what Elric had taught him, he paused and projected a thought of kindness. The dog’s tail wagged gently before it trotted over, allowing Oliver to scratch behind its ears. “You’re not alone either,” Oliver whispered. When they reached home, his parents—unaware of the transformative afternoon he had experienced—continued discussing the day and the items they had bought. That night, as he lay in bed gazing at the pendant, he felt hopeful for the first time in a long while. He knew challenges lay ahead, but with Elric’s guidance, he believed he could navigate whatever mysteries awaited him. The journey to understanding himself had begun—and Oliver was ready to embrace his destiny. Little did he know he would meet Elric again, many years later.