64 – THE DIFFERENCE

As I sped off, I sensed another individual following me. It turned out to be Dan, the person Aleazm mentioned during our argument. He was believed to be the next in line to become a Juda class: Emperor after me. Dan was also a member of the special co-ops and a friend, but there was no time for pleasantries.

I asked, 'Who called for me?'

'Sir, General Aleazm,' he replied.

'Of course,' I thought. Aleazm was the General of the retrieval Division and dealt with the outside world regularly.

'Keep following me,' I said, increasing my speed. I turned to pass through a tunnel, heading straight for Aleazm's domain area.

As I passed through the tunnels, I saw different division members and special co-ops working together. They were informing people about the excuse I had made up and guiding them to the domains within this domain. Most of the division and even special co-ops members were unaware that this was a domain. This had its advantages, as it provided more than double protection directly on top of them. I wanted to help them, but I knew there were more important tasks awaiting me.

'I see his domain,' I said, feeling like I was seeing the light at the end of a tunnel, which I was has I entered an enormous cavern. Aleazm's domain was literally a lava zone. He had control over both fire and earth, allowing him to manipulate the lava that made up his domain. It was like an ocean of lava with small pieces of land floating on it. In the center stood a super massive volcano, with lava overflowing from its peak. Resembling a magnificent castle, it captured the attention of all who entered.

Even as I walk on lava, I remain unburnt and unscarred,' I thought, 'thanks to Aleazm's will.' I noticed a head emerging from the lava, resembling our shape but made entirely of lava. It was an elemental creature. It nodded at me and swiftly swam through the lava, prompting me to follow without hesitation.

I found this situation insane. Although I wasn't moving at full speed, the creature's energy and velocity were still astonishing.

'I remember that only the generals and the chief possess elementals in their domains,' I recalled, 'since they don't use their domains as frequently as Mul or the Grand Elder.' The Grand Elder, in particular, lacked elementals due to his constant use of energy to maintain balance between the five domains and protect the entire village. This depleted the energy that would otherwise be collected over time to create elemental creatures. His domain provided most, if not all, of the materials for building and illuminating the village, such as mud, stone, and crystal.

As I continued to follow the creature, it suddenly changed direction towards a tunnel leading out of the domain. Surprised, I still followed its lead. At the edge of the domain, the creature halted, and I did the same. It turned to face me, seemingly attempting to convey a message. It approached me and gently pushed me out of the domain.

I landed softly on the floor, bewildered. The creature retreated back into the domain, which then contracted and was absorbed back into Aleazm's soul space.

'I encountered numerous creatures like this on our journey here,' I pondered. 'If I were to face more than five of them simultaneously, I would surely be defeated… Perhaps we would all be defeated once they unleash their domains.'

Indeed, the generals were much stronger than us youths.