233 Kid (2/2)

Each step he took made the ground cave in ever so slightly, this isn't because he was heavy nor the ground being too soft, it is because the soil here is alive. If one stand in one place for a long time, the soil will start swallowing their bodies and would digest them to feed itself. This is why the name 'Immersion Forest' doesn't only apply to the immersive illusions this forest gave to it's invaders, it also applies to the ground as well.

The Immersion Forest is at least five kilometers in diameter. According what Raven told him, he just have to keep on moving forward until he reaches the core of the forest, he shouldn't be able to miss is as it was very obvious. There was a faint yellowish light in the depths of the forest, seemingly beckoning anyone to come over. That's his destination.

*Weng!*

Paul immediately halted on his steps. He looked forward and saw an incoming wave of yellow light. Paul too a deep breath and did no efforts to defend himself. He allowed this yellow light to wash over his body and waited.

Once he opened his eyes, he felt somewhat lost. He was standing inside a brightly lit hall filled with bookshelves. The table in front of him were filled with documents and letters, he unconsciously picked on up and saw a seal with a sign on it's surface.

Paul Gregory, Dean of the Heavenly Cloud Institute.

As soon as he read that line, something inside of him buzzed. He felt confused for a second but he ignored that feeling. Suddenly, the doors of his office flew wide open and a small figure could be seem rushing towards him.

The boy had a messy blonde locks, and a pair of auburn eyes. He was adorable, his cheeks were filled with baby fat, his limbs were a bit skinny but he had a bloated belly which added points towards his cuteness.

Paul felt an indescribable closeness to this kid. He didn't even notice that he was smiling as he anticipated the boy to rush towards him.

”Haha!” The boy laughed merrily as he ran towards Paul and yelled: ”Daddy! I'm here! I miss you.”

”Come here, baby.” Paul laughed as well, he felt that buzz inside of him once again but he was too happy to notice it. He placed the kid on his lap and showered him with kisses. The boy giggled since Paul's beard was tickling him. But he did nothing to stop him. ”Daddy missed you as well. Give me a kiss.”

The boy giggled once more and kissed his cheeks. Paul's heart swelled with love as he felt this. He lovingly pinched the boy's nose and asked: ”How's your day?”

”Good!” The boy answered actively, ”Mama took me to play with Justin and Angelo! We flew kites and eat sandwiches.”

”Hoh! When did you learn how to fly a kite?” Paul asked as he looked at the boy's eyes.

”Just today!” The boy answered, ”Grandpa Morel taught me how to!”

”That's nice.” Paul smiled and ruffled his hair, ”Next time, when Daddy's not busy I'll fly a kite with you, okay?”

”Really?” The boy asked, eyes sparkling as he felt excited about the idea. The expectant look on the boy's eyes made Paul's heart ache, he knew that he wasn't spending enough time for his son.

”Of course! Daddy will certainly finish his work and fly a kite with you. You don't know this but your Uncle Mark and Uncle Raven never won against me whenever we flew kites.”

”Really! Wow! Wow! It's settled then! Don't you forget about it! I'm gonna go tell Mom!” The boy kissed Paul's cheeks as he jumped from his lap and skipped his way out of his office with a big smile on his face.

Paul stared at the boy until he disappeared, when the boy's silhouette could no longer be seen. A mirthless smile appeared on his face as he whispered: ”Daddy won't break his promise. In the future, I will certainly fly a kite with you. I might not know your name or who exactly your mother is but I will keep you in my mind and my heart. Even though you are but an illusion.”

Paul unknowingly gripped his fist as a profound pain filled his chest. A few tears ran down from his face before he uttered a difficult word:

”Break.”

*Crack!*

He watched as the scenery shattered like broken glass. His vision blurred and when he re-adjusted to his surroundings, he found himself back in the middle of the Immersion Forest.

A determined glow appeared on his eyes as he mustered his strength and pulled his legs away from the sinking soil beneath him. After regaining his footing, he wiped away the tears on his face and continued walking forward with a straight back.