DILEMMA

"You're in a deep dilemma, Adrian. Where did you get this?"

Chris, 31 years old, working as a bartender, known to only some close people, possessed a unique and extraordinary ability—a jumper of unparalleled prowess. His presence was marked by an aura of boundless potential, an energy that seemed to shimmer around him.

With an athletic build and a lean, agile frame, Chris exuded a sense of readiness. His eyes, a striking shade of honey brown, reflected the worlds he had explored and the adventures he had undertaken. They held a hint of curiosity and a thirst for discovery.

On his skin, intricate, ethereal markings seemed to come to life, shifting in response to the cores within his soul. The patterns, fluid and otherworldly, represented his connection to the destinations he had encountered. When he focused his intent, these markings glowed, revealing his intention to jump and traverse space and time.

As a jumper, Chris wielded a power that extended beyond mere self-transportation. He had the ability to mark individuals, allowing him to link their fates to his own. With a touch, he could tether them to destinations of their choosing, promising an instantaneous journey to the places they desired.

In the world of transportation and adventure, Chris was an enigmatic figure, embodying the essence of boundless exploration and the endless possibilities that came with it. His presence, like the teleportation he wielded, was a conduit to uncharted realms and the promise of newfound horizons.

"Ah, dilemmas—those delightful little conundrums that life throws our way. You know, the kind of choices that make you question every decision you've ever made. So, here's to dilemmas, the unsung heroes of overthinking. Cheers to the endless debates and the "what ifs" that keep us wonderfully befuddled. After all, who needs straightforward solutions when you can have a healthy dose of delightful dilemmas?" Adrian was full of sarcasm, which made Chris speechless for a moment.

'Something is definitely wrong with his brain.'

"Give it to me straight, Chris," Adrian inquired, his worry intensifying inwardly. The unsettling gaze that had persisted after Henry's death had been relentless—during his shower, while getting dressed, even at breakfast, it never left him alone.

Chris pondered for a few seconds before saying, "You see, this is a mark of all knowing and observing. One must possess at least five cores. It's not even a joke. Whoever puts it on you could be stronger than five cores."

Chris contemplated for a few seconds before responding. "You see, this is a mark of all-knowing and observation. To place it on someone, you'd need at least five cores. It's not a joke. Whoever puts it on you is likely even stronger than five cores."

"So, do you have any solutions for this?" Adrian inquired, maintaining his usual expressionless demeanor. His emotions and expressions were reserved for his private space; the outside world seldom saw beneath his stoic exterior. It was his sanctuary.

"As you already know, when a person makes a core, they gain insights into different things. For us jumpers, it's more oriented towards teleportation and markings. So, you've come to the right person for this," Chris said with a sense of pride.

The darkness in Adrian's eyes almost became tangible after hearing Chris. "I know, Chris; that's why I'm here in the first place. Now, tell me if you can solve it or not."

"I'll have to burst your bubble, Adrian. It's a mark of high quality. I only have two cores. And let me tell you something: it wasn't someone of our kind, so you better not hold it against me," Chris whispered, leaning in closer to Adrian's ear. "It's the work of a shadow manifestor."

"You do know if this mark is what you're telling it to be; he knows that I'm here with you right now. So if he comes to find me, you won't be safe either. Find a solution for it now," Adrian said, his tone laced with threat and sarcasm.

Chris chuckled dryly and replied, "Relax, man. We've known each other for some time now. You don't have to worry too much. Even if I can't do something about the mark, I know someone who might be able to." With that, Chris flashed a reassuring, trust-me smile.

Adrian, with a touch of exhaustion in his voice, said, "When can we meet them? This mark is really getting to me. I've been on high alert since I got it, and it's taking a toll. Plus, I'll owe you one for this, so don't worry too much."

"Look, no need to mention it. I would've helped you out regardless," Chris replied with a sheepish grin, rubbing his hands together like a shrewd merchant. "I'll get in touch with her and let you know what she says. In the meantime, let's hope you don't find yourself in a real pickle."

"Let's hope not," Adrian replied with a smirk, taking a deep breath and feeling some relief that he might find a solution to his problem.

As Adrian wrapped up his conversation with Chris and prepared to rise from his seat, the bar's door creaked open, capturing their attention. They both turned their gaze toward the entrance, intrigued by the unexpected visitor to this dilapidated bar at such an early hour.

A man, clad in a sharp gray suit, appeared to be around fifty years old. His presence exuded an air of quiet authority and wisdom, as if he held a lifetime of experience within his very being. His black hair, although predominantly dark, bore a few subtle strands of gray, hinting at the passage of time and the experiences he'd amassed.

A well-kept beard adorned his face, its meticulously groomed contours framing a strong jawline. It was a testament to his meticulous nature, offering a blend of sophistication and rugged charm. His eyes, a deep and penetrating shade, held the wisdom of years gone by, each glance seeming to harbor the depths of a myriad of experiences.

What set him apart was the aura that emitted from him, a palpable energy that commanded attention. It was a blend of confidence and gravitas—an intangible magnetism—that drew people toward him. In his presence, you couldn't help but feel the weight of his knowledge and the sense that he was a person of influence who had navigated the complexities of life with grace and purpose.

Upon entering, the newcomer casually unbuttoned his coat, an act that, rather than soothing, sent a ripple of unease through both Chris and Adrian.