20 Drifting Minds

Four realms decided where an individual's strength lied. Guardian's realm, a true beginning for any cultivator or a martial artist, who relies on his arduous physical training, strengthening his body internally and externally. This is when their strength begins to cross the realms of a normal human's strength.

Next is King's realms. Just as the name implies, it was the strength of a true king. More precisely, the strength of a hundred mortals. Not only does the individual attain greater strength, the person begins to form aura, which forms a protective barrier around the body. Though the physical body is able to withstand magical or spiritual attacks to a certain extent, the aura provides an additional layer to fully counteract those kinds of attacks.

Then came Emperor's realm. This realm allowed a person to imbue his specific aura signature onto a weapon to increase his strength and offensive capabilities. Richard being in the peak of Emperor's realm, had the ability to destroy several people in the King's realm and an Emperor's realm warrior at the same time. Such strength was due to his aura, coated to his sword and his physical prowess. People with such dangerous combination could only be counted on one hand.

Last but not least, the Cosmic realm. The final realm, when the person's aura transforms into true aura. People in that realm were considered an anomaly. Though an anomaly, there were only four people to ever have stepped into that realm. Indra being one of them, granted him flight, super strength and super speeds, which exceeded faster than the speed of sound.

Due to such differences in each realm, the number of people decreased immensely as they transcended each realm. Another reason why the final battle between him and Daemon had been considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest. Richard lauded Indra at his potential. With his new strength, eradicating DW-Industries was no longer a dream.

Especially Aaron, who was one of the four to ever step into Cosmic realm. Richard sighed in defeat. He had gained almost everything in life, that he knew for sure. Fame, money, great friends and even strength.

Such things, should've given him satisfaction; no endless amounts of gratitude. Despite all of this, the desire to protect that which was his, was missing. He has solemnly hoped that he could do things without always relying on his best friend. Indra, in particular noticed the change in his emotions.

Like the change in weather, Richard was very kind, yet unstable. Just like the past, whenever he was happy, he would switch back to being confused, or rather angry when something, even the slightest bit irritated him.

"Take it easy. I can imagine what it's like to have a lot on your plate. I do too. Besides, even if I said yes, it doesn't mean that others in your company would agree would they?" He looked back at Richard in anticipation.

Knowing him, he wasn't going to give up as saw Richard grin at his reply. That smile was so huge, all his hidden wrinkles, resurfaced. A man who was so young, full of vigor, and the eyes that yesrned for strength, was now an experienced and weak old man with the same look on his eyes. Indra chuckled a little at his friend.

Though he changed in appearance, with lots of his hair vanishing, and his trimmed mustache turning grey, his determination stayed the same.

"Don't worry, I am going to hold a board meeting in about a week or so, and that is when you are going to take over me as the new head of this pharmaceutical company." He folded his arms with pride, as if he had already convinced Indra.

"Fine. It looks like you're going to use that weapon of stubbornness on me. Even I can't win against it." Indra gave up as he raised his hands high in defeat.

"That's my man." Richard chuckled.

"Let alone managing the whole company, I do not have any experience in how all this business stuff works. I only learned some of the basics from Fred."

"Don't worry about that, I will make sure to guide you through through everything before you're ready."

"Well, then I can rest assured." Indra heaved a sigh of relief.

"But, we must make sure, our enemies do not find out about you." Richard stated.

"Don't worry, I've already concealed my aura. When the right time comes, we shall pluck them from their roots completely." Indra swore, as he looked at his clenched fists.

"Exactly. By the way, who is Fred? Was it the brown curly haired, skinny looking dude downstairs, who stood next to you?" Richard could not help but ask. To think the man downstairs had already been acquainted with Indra.

"Yeah. He's a good kid. He managed to teach me of all sorts of stuff about this new world. Remember how I met a person when I reached earth? It was him that I saw." Indra narrated, then asked,

"Oh, speaking of Fred I have a request." Richard found it unexpected, considering it was coming out of Indra. A man, who only gave and never asked in return. Without a question he was prepared to fulfill it at all costs.

"What is it?" Richard asked excitedly.

"Could you provide him a job? Though he might be inexperienced, he has great talent and I'm sure he is going to do well in this company." This way, Indra knew he would be able to return the favor, Fred had done for him.

A jobless person, taking care of another person and his needs with little money was something no other person would do. In a world where power or money dictated everything, Fred was a person who stuck out the most to Indra. That was when he decided to help Fred achieve his dream.

"Is that all? No problem, besides you are the CEO, so why even ask me?" He replied childishly.

"That's after I am one. Till then, it's all on you Wimpy."

"Oh speaking of that, please do not call me Wimpy anywhere else or even during the board meeting. Or else, everyone would make fun of me."

"Should I though?" Indra smiled sarcastically at Richard, who almost foresaw himself being ridiculed with laughter. Soon enough, another table in the office broke.

"Do you think, she'll be okay? I mean she clearly seems to hate me." Indra asked.

"Yeah, sorry about that. She is a very kind girl and is usually calm, but when it comes to me, she becomes like a little child." He explained.

"I hope that in due time, that lass understands what we both are yearning for." Richard said, as they both looked towards the door Ema had left.

--

Ema quickly rushed into her room and slammed the door, as she threw her reading glasses to the side and sat back on her chair, contemplating the events which happened. She was already beginning to hate Indra. Was she it an indirect hate on herself? Was she using Indra as a means of venting out her uselessness? Shaking her head, she leaned back in frustration.

Looking at the mess on her table, she then, walked out and headed over to the nearest vending machine. Being a fan of coca cola, Ema flicked a few fifty cent coins in, grabbed the coke, and started to chug it completely.

Through the corner of her eye, she noticed Ricardo and Alice walking along the office corridors. Looking at the duo, she turned away from them, not wanting to display her anger on them. Hoping that they would not want to ask her any questions, she remained still by the vending machine, checking her time.

The impatience was wearing on her too much. She prayed for them to walk away as soon as possible. However, her expectations betrayed her, as Alice and Ricardo walked up to her.

"What do you guys want?" Ema asked.

"Who is that man Ema, and why do you look so mad?" Alice asked, and Ricardo remained silent.

"Look, I'm really not in the mood right now so can we talk later?" Looking at each other Alice and Ricardo now felt endlessly curious. If Ema had replied straightforwardly, then they would've left casually. Psychology at it's finest. The duo remained still, however, refusing to leave.

"Come on just tell us. Why don't we talk this over dinner? Treat is on me, oh and your favorite one litre coke, how about that?" Alice smiled like a true businesswoman. Without realizing herself, Ema blurted 'yes', in agreement before covering her mouth.

"Well, what are you standing there for, hurry up and change, we will see you at our usual dinner place. Don't run away." This time Ricardo replied, before glaring at her.

"What did you say?!" Ema gritted her teeth as she screamed at him, both glaring at each other for a whole of ten seconds. Alice ignored their childish bickering and walked away. Soon enough, her demeanor turned serious. Many people in this company viewed Richard as a father; and worshiped him, close to akin, a God.

Today, however, the very same God was seen idolizing and even crying. This left her with multiple questions. Was it her boss' friend? Such chances were less, because that man with golden hair looked inexplicably young, very close to her age.

Her curiosity did not mean her willingness to get close to him. No, not that at all. Her eyes showed cautiousness, much like Indra's. Should that man become an enemy to her boss, and to the others in the company, she would be ready to face him. Even if Richard was like a grandfather figure to her.