Heaven's Replica

"Khuk!"

Struggling with the pressure, I gasp for air.

"I warned you, didn't I?" The old man's voice echoes in my ears.

He had just said "hold on tight," but that warning hardly prepared me.

If you're wondering what's happening to me, I'm being pushed against the elevator by its relentless pressure.

Is it even fair to call it an elevator at this point?

This is no ordinary descent—it's a sideways rush, and the intensity of speed and pressure makes it feel like my body's tearing apart.

Meanwhile, the old man stands still, not even flinching.

After about three minutes that feel like an eternity, the elevator's pace begins to slow down, and it finally comes to a halt.

Losing my balance, I collapse to my knees.

Glaring at the old man who's smirking, I curse under my breath.

*I'll get you for this, old wizard.*

As the doors open, I glance outside the elevator, and before my eyes is...

"T-This... is this heaven?" 

I stammer, completely awestruck by the surreal sight before me. It's like stepping into a fantasy world, truly magical.

Summoning my courage, I step out of the elevator, following closely behind the enigmatic man. 

The environment is breathtaking—a vast expanse of lush greenery, stretching as far as the eye can see, even more stunning than a football field.

Let me describe the floors; they aren't tiles or sand but an evenly leveled, smooth grass, inviting you to kick off your shoes and relish its softness. 

Flowers of all colors and scents adorn the surroundings, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.

Yet, the most astonishing feature isn't the lake, though it beckons for a swim. It's the waterfalls cascading into the lake, adding to the beauty of this paradise. 

Birds are singing, butterflies flitting around, and trees swaying in harmony with the gentle breeze.

It's then that I realize: this isn't a basement—it's an entirely new realm far removed from the dilapidated house. The elevator is connected to this place, if it's a magical world it will server as a teleportation gate to this wondrous place.

I fall in love with it instantly. How could I have ever considered ending my life without witnessing this astounding beauty? I berate my past self for such thoughts.

Oh and for you information, I once thought of commiting suicide, but that's not important now right...hehehe

As I stand in wonder, the old man's applause snaps me back to reality. 

"Stop staring," he advises, leading me toward a large house in the distance that I hadn't noticed earlier.

"That's my base of operations," he explains, pointing. "Considering what you've been through to get here, I'll hasten the process so you can return home. I've set up a small table there."

He gestures towards a table adorned with various tools—a microscope, hammer, screwdriver, among others. It seems like a display, showcasing a range of professions.

"Now, may I have your necklace, please?" he asks, his tone firm.

Handing him the necklace, I request, "If you discover anything unusual, kindly inform me."

"I will. Surprisingly polite of you," he remarks, engrossed in examining the necklace.

"Old man, you've truly surprised me today. You're sharper than you appear," I compliment, but receive no response as he delves into his craftsmanship.

It's time to choose a fruit from the trees; a decision awaits me.

†*****Darwin's Perspective*****†

Throughout my life as a craftsman, experimenting with new materials has always fascinated me. 

However, lately, my enthusiasm has waned. I seek new minerals in forests worldwide to rekindle my passion for craftsmanship, faking seclusion for five years.

Yet, nothing thrills me. Until now.

This necklace has captured my interest from the start, and the fact that its wearer has faced death without fear intrigues me even more.

The material bears a striking resemblance to gold, enough to fool an ordinary eye, but its true nature eludes me. I have never encountered such a substance in all my adventures.

I need a closer look, perhaps during the weekend. I silently appreciate the boy for reigniting my passion, making me feel young again like in the good old days.

As I examine the necklace, a tiny hole catches my eye. Poking it with a screwdriver, I feel a sudden urgency—a sense that this is no mistake.

Turning it over, I notice inscriptions in Latin, materializing before my eyes. My knowledge of languages allows me to read it fluently:

"habita in tenebris ao non clypeus. Exsurge in lucem umbram tuam clypeum meus."

Translated, it means:

"Kept in the dark without a shield. Rise up in the light of your shadow, my shield."

"What does this mean...?!"

~Swish~

Confused by its meaning, I something rapidly approaching me with a speed almost equivalent to that of a bullet.

Slightly twisting my neck to the right, I dodged whatever it was by a hair's breadth.

~Tick~

Looking ahead to see what I dodged, it is a tree branch and it is stuck on a tree.

"That would have seriously injured me, had it been I didn't dodge, who attacks me? Could it be a intruder? No, I would have been informed"

Turning back, I search for the attacker and what I am seeing is unbelievable.

*What in the world...*