After our conversation, I took a moment to survey the expanse of the desert.
Myself: Hm… let us depart from this desert and return to Rythmeus. What are your thoughts, Derek?
Derek: Certainly.
We commenced our journey toward Rythmeus’s grand palace.
Several minutes elapsed, and we now found ourselves standing before the palace’s imposing doors.
Derek: Goodness gracious… This place is colossal. I suppose it’s not surprising considering Rythmeus is larger than a typical residence, hehe.
Myself: Indeed, but fear not… Rythmeus is of a gentle nature.
I proceeded to knock on the door.
After a few moments, the door swung open, revealing Rythmeus standing before us.
Rythmeus: Ah, my dear companions… You have brought your friend along. I do not object.
Please, come inside.
We entered the palace, immersed in its splendor.
Rythmeus closed the door behind us and directed his gaze towards our presence.
Rythmeus: So… what is it that you two would like to engage in?
Myself: Yes, let us engage in conversation.
Rythmeus: Very well. Follow me, and we shall adjourn to a room where we can converse.
Rythmeus began leading the way, and Derek and I followed suit. After a few minutes of walking, we arrived at the door that granted entry to the designated room.
Derek: Goodness… This place is immense. I can only imagine how extraordinary it would be to reside here.
Rythmeus: You know… There are always accommodations available for guests. Now, step inside the room.
Rythmeus opened the door, moving aside to allow us to enter. As we stepped into the room, we observed that it was utterly devoid of furnishings. No chairs, tables, or any other objects adorned the space—it was a stark and empty room.
Rythmeus: There… Sit on the floor.
Rythmeus entered the room and closed the door behind him, joining us. We settled ourselves on the floor, our attention solely focused on Rythmeus, who stood before us, commanding our gaze.
Derek: Goodness… your stature surpasses the confines of this chamber.
Rythmeus: Haha… indeed… I can unveil something even grander, if you so desire~
Derek: Cease this flirtation!... My word…
Rythmeus and I shared laughter thereafter… Derek’s responses are truly priceless, and shortly after, Derek even emitted a few playful giggles.
Rythmeus: What seems to trouble you?... Are you unable to withstand a bit of banter?... I can bestow upon you even more when only you and I are in private~
Derek blushed upon hearing those words.
Derek: Liran… um… did you engage in any “exclusively intimate activities” with Rythmeus, perhaps?
Me: Indeed, why do you inquire?
Derek was left speechless upon learning that.
Derek: Um… I am not surprised.
Rythmeus: Very well… I was merely jesting, anyhow… Let us engage in conversation.
Me: So… I have conversed with Derek, and there are a few matters to address or attend to.
First and foremost, Derek has become a valued addition to our trio.
Rythmeus: I understand… but what will Derek do when confronted with certain deities?
Me: Well… now that Derek is part of our group, we will likely endeavor to locate and equip him with a suitable weapon… and it is imperative that he receives additional means of protection.
Rythmeus: I see… very well. Now, what other topics did you wish to discuss?
Me: Derek also requires assistance… he aspires to transform his life for the better, and that is one of the reasons why he chose to join us.
Rythmeus: I comprehend… how will he bring about these changes beyond collaborating with us?
Me: You see… Derek has been indulging in smoking, substance abuse, and engaging in other detrimental activities that can severely undermine his well-being. It is crucial that we offer our support in helping him overcome these challenges.
Rythmeus then expressed a faint “smile” for a brief moment.
Rythmeus: Ah… that sounds like an excellent decision, Derek. I am pleased that you have chosen to pursue that path… Liran and I will assist you.
Derek: Thank you… I truly need to break free from those harmful habits.
Rythmeus: So… Derek joins our cause not only to contribute to our plans but also because he seeks personal growth and a brighter future.
Am I correct?
Me: Precisely.
Rythmeus: Indeed, we are now a trio.
Derek’s face brightened with a gentle smile upon hearing those words.
Derek: Thank you, both of you… I truly needed your assistance.
Rythmeus: You’re welcome. Shall I make my way to your residence and remove these detrimental substances?
Derek: Yes, we can do that.
Rythmeus: Excellent.
Rythmeus then conjured a portal that led to Derek’s living room.
With a snap of “his” fingers, smaller duplicates of Rythmeus materialized.
Rythmeus: Derek, please accompany these clones of mine. They will explore your house and guide them to the unhealthy substances so that they can be removed.
Derek: Alright.
Derek stood up and approached the portal, accompanied by Rythmeus’s clones.
Me: I will remain here and observe…
Rythmeus and I observed as Derek stepped into the portal that led to his house, accompanied by the other clones.
We watched as some of the clones entered and exited the portal, carrying items such as cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances that could jeopardize Derek’s well-being.
DEREK’S PERSPECTIVE:
I assisted the clones in their search, helping them locate my possessions and allowing them to take them away. I must admit, it was challenging for me…
The things that provided me solace… were now gone.
Even though it was difficult, I understood the necessity of transforming my life for the better, just as Liran had suggested… Nothing worthwhile in life comes without its challenges.
I observed as Rythmeus’s clones diligently removed all of my belongings, and I getting increasingly nervous and stressed.
Me (thoughts): Oh goodness… I can’t handle this, I need to smoke.
He then made his way to his bedroom and sat down on the bed.
Me: Oh dear…
One of Rythmeus’s clones entered the room, displaying a sense of concern in its gaze.
Rythmeus’s clone: Derek, are you alright?...
Derek: I’m fine… it’s just difficult for me.
Rythmeus’s clone: Do not worry, there are more gratifying pleasures in life… beyond this.
Though you may currently feel despondent, powerless, overwhelmed, and feeble… it matters not, for you will feel and become better.
I believe in you.
Those words resonated deeply within Derek’s heart.
Derek: Thank you… I truly appreciate your kind words.
Rythmeus’s clone: You’re welcome. Now, come along… let’s go. We have successfully rid you of all these detrimental substances.
Derek: Alright…
Derek rose from the bed, standing up and leaving the bedroom.
Rythmeus’s clone embraced Derek briefly before releasing him. Moments later, it guided Derek towards the portal.
LIRAN’S POV:
I watched as rythmeus’s clones took everything that could harm derek… away from him, I knew that it was hard for derek… but its for the better.
Couple moments later, I see derek exiting the portal and started walking towards us.
Derek: hey guys…
Me: so.. are you alright? Do you feel well?
Derek: I feel alright, it sucks but its for the better.
Rythmeus: I see… well then.
Rythmeus then snaps “his” fingers, causing the clones to vanish along with the portal.
Derek: !?...
Me: yeah, rythmeus can do a lot of stuff.
Rythmeus: you might wanna stay here for a while… ill be watching you.
Rythmeus then snaps “his” fingers again, causing stuff to appear out of nowhere.
In the room we were situated in, there was a bed, table, chair, closet, and a TV.
Derek: ?!...
Rythmeus: You can stay here for now. We will likely make some further arrangements in your house.
Derek: Okay… thank you!
Rythmeus: You’re welcome.
.
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