Astra and Bootstrap stepped out of the small, weathered temple and onto the rugged stone pathway that led into the hot, dense jungle. The air was thick with the scent of moss and earth, the sounds of unseen creatures creating an eerie symphony that echoed through the trees. There were glowing bugs that Astra could never have even dreamed of and large plants with colorful flowers that looked threatening even in dreams. The jungle stretched out before them, a vast and untamed land with secrets hidden in every shadow. Astra took a deep breath, trying to calm his beating heart so that Bootstrap wouldn’t look down on him as a child.

  “Magic is, like, everywhere. Interesting.” Astra mumbled.

  They paused on a small rise overlooking the vast expanding jungle to survey the landscape. In the distance, the thick canopy of trees gave way to a large ornate arcane temple, its walls adorned with glowing runes and vibrant banners that fluttered in the breeze. The temple seemed to pulse with a faint, otherworldly energy mixed with an ancient aura, drawing Astra’s attention like a beacon.

  Oh, the world seems so alive almost pulsating with energy. Wow. Astra thought.

  “We’ll need to restock our supplies and find a safe place to stay for the night,” Bootstrap said, his voice breaking Astra’s reverie. “That market up ahead should have what we require on our journey.” Bootstrap pointed towards a cluster of stone buildings in the distance.

  “Oh, wow that’s a big market place. Do you happen to know where we are or how to navigate through this jungle?” Astra asked curiously. When Bootstrap didn’t give him an answer, Astra added, “Maybe you actually don’t know and are too embarrassed to admit it to this junior traveler. Hmph.”

  As they made their way down the path, the jungle gradually thinned, revealing a bustling market area situated in front of a massive temple. Stalls lined the streets, offering a variety of goods such as fruits, trinkets, herbs, and relics while monks in crimson robes moved about with purpose, their faces calm and serene. The monks seemed to be performing some ceremony in front of the temple. Astra noticed that the monks’ robes were the same deep red as the temple’s banners, each adorned with intricate gold embroidery that caught the light. Astra was awestruck by how many people could be packed together into one location like this. He seldom saw people gather in such a bustling way without it being a military operation. Astra thought, This must be some sort of celebration. There is no way that this many people gather at the market every single day here.

  Bootstrap, making sure Astra wasn’t lost, grabbed Astra’s arm and led him through the market, weaving through the crowd until they reached a secluded corner. Astra looked like a lost tourist everywhere Bootstrap dragged him to. Astra could hear people around him talking in some indistinguishable language. Finally, when they got to where Bootstrap was dead set on going, there stood a small nondescript shop with a sign above the door that was faded and worn with the symbols barely legible. Bootstrap knocked three times in a specific pattern, and the door creaked open to reveal a dimly lit room filled with strange mechanical parts and glowing runes.

  Inside, an elderly magician with a long, silver beard and piercing eyes greeted them. His robes were deep blue, embroidered with shimmering silver runes that seemed to move on their own. Even the patterns on the door now looked like there was an eye on the door, and that it was sneaking a glance at them. The magician eyed Astra with curiosity before turning to Bootstrap.

  “You’re back,” the magician said in a gravelly voice. “And you’ve brought a companion.”

  “Just passing through,” Bootstrap replied. “We require a translation rune, good sir.”

  The magician nodded and shuffled over to a cluttered table, rummaging through a pile of stones. He selected a small, glowing stone and handed it to Bootstrap. “This one will do. The mark will allow him to communicate with others, but it won’t translate the words directly. Instead, it sends the meaning of his words and ideas into the mind of the person he’s speaking to. They’ll still hear him speaking in his language, but they’ll understand what he means.”

  “It will also translate the sounds of another person’s word that hits his ear so there will be no lost in communication.” The magician added.

  Familiar with the translation rune, Bootstrap took the stone in exchange for something that Astra didn’t get a good look at and tossed it to Astra. “Take this. This will make our travels smoother.”

  Oh, wow! My first real magic item. Astra caught the stones in his hands careful to not damage it. Wait, did that magician just speak my language or was that his translation runes?

  Astra examined the stone curiously as Bootstrap took his hand and pressed the stone to his palm. Bootstrap’s hands glowed real quickly. If Astra was not staring at them intently he might not have believed that he saw anything. A warm, tingling sensation spread through Astra’s hand as the stone left a faint mark on his wrist, glowing briefly before fading. Astra wanted to mention how fascinating that process was, but once again, he didn’t want anyone to think he was a child.

  “Thank you,” Astra said, looking up at the magician with wonder in his eyes, his eyes sparkling with flecks of curiosity.

  The magician nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Safe travels.”

  As they left the shop, Astra felt a renewed sense of excitement. The translation rune seemed like a small thing, but it made him feel more connected to the strange world he was now a part of. As soon as he got to a busy street corner, he yelled out with glee with both arms raised, “Hello world!”

  Some passerby glanced with worried looks while some made a wide arc around him to give him some space. A little girl passing by asked, “What’s wrong with that boy, mom?” The little girl’s kind mother just pulled her away saying, “Now sweetie, we don’t point at the sick. Let’s go let them be.”

  Whoa, I heard that! She said something in another language but I understood it! Hah! Astra giddy with joy waved at the passing mother and child.

  Astra didn’t mind the scene at all. He was just glad to be a part of this magical new setting. Assuming Bootstrap has also been here before too, he asks, “So was this planned or did we get lucky to find a place with a local magician?”

  “Don’t start counting your lucky stars yet. Especially not over meeting a small town mage. To believe in destiny is to give up your free will.” Said Bootstrap.

  “Also, there are plenty of ways to find translation services on every planet,” Bootstrap explained, brushing some dirt off his cloak. “Small translation runes, for example, are a common solution. They don’t require much mana to work passively, so mages sell them pretty cheaply. It’s a good business model. It’s something small and essential everyone’s willing to buy.”

  He paused, tapping his forearm. “Not that I trust the cheap ones, mind you. Some of them will translate ‘good morning’ into ‘declare war’ if they’re poorly crafted.” A wry smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Always invest in a quality rune, Astra. Or better yet, learn the language yourself. Less chance of awkward misunderstandings and more mana efficient.”

  “Ah, right, right. Makes sense. Well, wait. What is mana, and how do I know if I have it?” Astra asked with an inquisitive tilt of his head.

  Bootstrap adjusted the strap of his bag, his expression settling into the thoughtful demeanor Astra had come to recognize as his “lecture mode.” He raised a hand as if sketching an idea into the air. “All living and non-living things contain mana. It’s a ubiquitous force woven into the very fabric of existence. There are rare exceptions, of course, but for simplicity’s sake, think of mana as an extension of the fundamental forces you learned about in grade school—gravity, electromagnetism, weak force, strong force.” His voice carried the measured precision of a scholar but maintained a conversational edge that invited curiosity.

  “We, as sentient beings, have the unique ability to perceive and manipulate mana. Imagine it like commanding your own muscles: intuitive, yet complex. Simple actions, like using a translation rune, are as natural as moving your fingers to pick something up. But something more elaborate, say, casting a spell to summon zombies, requires not just knowledge but discipline and energy management. Get it wrong, and you’ll likely exhaust yourself before you even manage to raise one.”

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Bootstrap leaned forward slightly, his eyes catching Astra’s, his tone intensifying with a hint of enthusiasm. “Everyone perceives mana differently. For some, it’s a rush, a tingling sensation that surges through them when they’re doing something they love. Picture a runner finding their second wind, the way their body seems to defy exhaustion. That feeling, that power coursing through their veins? That’s mana in action.”

  He straightened, his gaze shifting as if addressing an invisible classroom. “For others, mana reveals itself in moments of stillness, in harmony with their own mind and body. When they relax, when they truly connect with their soul, mana becomes a tangible presence. It’ll feel like a calm, steady current waiting to be shaped.”

  Bootstrap’s tone softened, losing some of its professorial weight as he regarded Astra. “You’ll find your way of connecting to it, kid. When you get the chance, just try to relax and feel it. The mana is all around you, waiting to be noticed.” He tapped a finger against his temple, a small smile forming. “Trust me, once you sense it, the world will never feel the same.”

  While Astra let that last part seep into his subconscious, they continued through the market, and as they approached the arcane temple at its center, Bootstrap paused. “I’ll handle gathering the supplies,” Bootstrap said, his voice calm and deliberate. “Your task is to find us a place to stay for the night. Let’s meet back here in an hour.”

  Astra nodded and watched as Bootstrap disappeared into the throng of people. He wandered through the market, searching for an inn or a lodging house. Astra got lost while wandering sightseeing around and eventually forgot about his job. The vibrant energy of the place was infectious, yet a lingering sense of unease kept him on edge. Astra may not be familiar with a densely populated area like this market, but he was well aware of how fast a situation can turn if he met people desperate enough to do whatever they need to survive.

  As he passed by a stall selling strange looking gigantic dried fruits, Astra noticed an older man kneeling beside a young boy. The man wore a faded version of the crimson robes that the other monks wore, his uniform closer to a dull maroon. He had dark tanned skin like he was outside more often than the other monks and short cleanly cut black hair. He had a hooked nose and a face that was etched with lines of worry and fatigue, and his shoulders were heavy with responsibility. His hands trembled slightly as he placed them on the little boy’s shoulders. Astra started eavesdropping in the middle of their conversation.

  “I am sorry we were dealt an unfair hand, son,” the man said softly, his voice tinged with sorrow. “I know it is hard when all the other kids are playing with their new toys or eating their expensive meal. Trust me, it hurts me even more knowing that you have to put up a strong facade to spare my feelings. I do not even have much to leave you when I am gone. All I have for you are books and knowledge. If you know more about how everything out here works, then you will know more about how everything in there works.” He said as he pointed to the boy’s head. The boy does not seem to be making eye contact with his father but is still listening intently. “I want you to remember that I love you, and, no matter what, I will always be proud of you.”

  The boy who seemed to be no older than ten, looked up at his father with wide, tear-filled eyes. “But, father, what will happen to me when you are gone? I do not want to be alone.”

  “I think you have misunderstood me again. That is only if something bad happens to me on this business trip. I will always try to come back to you.” The man sighed, his gaze drifting to the temple towering over them. “You will have to trust me and be strong, my son. Knowledge is the greatest inheritance I can give you to help you navigate through society, but also, don’t forget, you have you mother’s determination and grit to get through everything else. It will guide you even when I am no longer here.”

  Astra felt a pang of sadness as he watched the interaction. The man’s words resonated with him, stirring up memories of his own uncertain past and the lack of any true parental figure in his life. The old monk’s love for his son and his hard working nature was commendable, a stark contrast to Astra’s experiences of being transferred from one uncaring foster home to another, never getting that stability in life that he wanted.

  Just then, Bootstrap returned, carrying a small bag filled with supplies. “Got everything we require,” he said, handing Astra a piece of dried jerky from the bag. “Here, you must be famished.”

  Astra took the jerky, realizing just how hungry he was and wondering how long he was zoning out for. As they made their way back through the market, Astra couldn’t help but think of Bootstrap and how they had met. Astra still had this uncanny feeling about Bootstrap. There was something about the old man that didn’t quite add up, but at the same time, Astra couldn’t help but trust him. Bootstrap seemed to be a genuine person who cared even if he’s a bit weird.

  As they continued walking further into the busy market space, a fortune teller stepped out in front of them stopping them in their path. She was a pale elderly woman in a shawl with sharp, piercing blue eyes that seemed to look straight through Astra. A black cat tattoo peeked out from under her sleeve on her forearm. Her fingers danced across the worn edges of the tarot deck, shuffling and twisting the cards in an endless rhythm. A smile played at her lips, her eyes gleaming with secret knowledge.

  “Would you like to see what your future holds?” she asked, her voice a melodic whisper that sent a chill down Astra’s very core. The sound reminded Astra of a mother’s voice calling to her tired child.

  Astra hesitated for a bit, something about this woman feels unsettling thought Astra, but curiosity got the better of him. He thought, Why not, what’s the worst that can happen? It’s just a fortune teller. I used to see them all the time back home.

  “Sure.” he replied, managing a small, warm smile.

  The fortune teller reached out and lightly touched his hand. Her fingers were cold, sending a shiver up his arm. It felt like she was digging through his mind with something he couldn’t see. “A boy with no past comes to find no future,” she said, her voice taking on an ominous tone. “But beware, young one. Stars were meant to be enjoyed at a distance, the closer you get to one the more it burns.”

  Astra’s heart skipped a beat, but before he could respond, Bootstrap’s voice cut through the moment. “No, we don’t require our fortune read,” he said sharply, appearing at Astra’s side with a stern expression. Bootstrap pulled on Astra to continue forward.

  Before Astra could process what the fortune teller had said, he felt a sudden shove at his side. He turned just in time to see a street urchin dart away without so much as a glance back, clutching Bootstrap’s bag in his small hands.

  “Hey!” Astra shouted, as the boy weaved through the crowd, disappearing into the narrow alleyways. With such a large crowd around and all the twists and turns of the market, the little thief had a large home field advantage.

  Without hesitation, Astra took off after the boy, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He heard Bootstrap who was faster shouting ahead of him. With that, the thrill of the chase had taken over. Astra dodged through the bustling market, narrowly avoiding a cart filled with cabbages as he pursued the thief. Ever the opportunist that he is, Astra pulled out a piece of jerky and ate it as he gave chase. Hunger waits for no one. This, Astra has known all his life.

  The boy was fast, darting through the alleyways with the ease of someone who had spent his life on these streets. The boy was like an oiled up pig in a pool party, easily sliding into every crevice and crowd he could find. Astra pushed himself harder, his lungs burning as he tried to close the distance between the boy and Bootstrap. Eventually, the sounds of the market faded into the background, replaced by the rhythmic thudding of his footsteps and the pounding of his heart.

  As Astra rounded a corner in a dark alleyway, he overheard angry hushed voices coming from the dead-end. He heard, “How did you get this gemstone? There is only one other.” He pushed himself harder, sprinting toward the narrow entrance. But as he approached, all he saw was Bootstrap standing there with the bag in his hand. Bootstrap’s face was wrinkled in careful contemplation.

  The street urchin was nowhere in sight, but Bootstrap was holding his bag once more, the gemstone clutched tightly in his hand.

  “We need to leave,” Bootstrap said suddenly, his voice tense. “It’s not safe here anymore.”

  Astra opened his mouth to ask why, but before he could, Bootstrap was already leading him toward the edge of the jungle. Nobody else in the market place seemed to have noticed them or the chase at all.

  Astra looked around at the people in the market. It was like everyone else was too busy to noticed us, or there was something magical going on to compel everyone to mind their own business. As they walked into the forest, Astra felt a sharp sting on his neck, like a big bug bite. He winced, rubbing the spot. “Stupid giant mosquitoes,” Astra whined.

  When they reached a secluded clearing, Bootstrap quickly pulled out the gemstone. He held it up, and it began to glow. The light intensifying until it enveloped them both. Astra barely had any time to react to the gemstone before they were yanked from the jungle. As it did last time, the world around them blurred, and they were teleported away in an instant. Once again, gravity shifted and the space around them distorted.

  The jump was jarring, the sudden shift in reality leaving Astra momentarily stunned. He blinked, trying to regain his bearings as the world around them solidified once more.

  “Where are we?” Astra asked, his voice shaking.

  “Somewhere safe, I hope,” Bootstrap replied, though his eyes gave off a flicker of concern. “But lingering here isn’t an option. We need to keep moving.”

  Astra nodded, still fight off the lingering effects of the jump. As they began walking again, he couldn’t help but wonder about the fortune teller’s words and the strange voices in the alley. The questions all swirled around in his mind like a hypnotic taunt. The more he thought about everything, the more questions he had. Who were the voices back there? What were they trying to do? Where did Bootstrap get that gemstone from? Several more questions echoed in his head as he walked with Bootstrap. However, for now, all he could do was follow Bootstrap and hope that the path ahead would lead him to the answers he sought.