"Okay, I'm on my way," Ron said.
The next instant, he teleported directly outside an old apartment door. He had sensed Carter's Ki and followed it here—to a worn-down house in a run-down neighborhood.
Ron glanced around, searching for Carter. Then he knocked on the door.
A few seconds later, footsteps approached from inside.
"Coming," a voice called.
The door opened, revealing Carter standing there.
"Hi," Ron said.
"Hi," Carter replied, stepping aside and gesturing for him to come in.
Ron walked inside. Carter led him to the living room.
There, Ron saw Future Lia, Ava, and a kid sitting at the table, eating fruit. The boy looked about nine or ten years old. He had white hair and an innocent face, dressed in black pajamas.
"This is the kid I told you about," Carter said.
Ron studied the boy carefully. He looked completely normal—just another kid his age.
"He is from my timeli—" Future Lia started.
"Wait, wait. Patience," Ron interrupted, glancing toward Ava.
"She knows," Carter said after noticing Ron's gaze.
"Oh," Ron replied.
Ava shot him a glare.
"One day you just vanish, and now—"
"I was on a mission given to me by Carter," Ron said quickly.
It was a lie.
Ava turned to Carter.
"Ah… yes. I gave him a mission. I forgot to tell you," Carter said smoothly.
Ron cleared his throat.
"Anyway… how do you know he's from Future Lia's timeline?"
"He knows about the battle where my Carter died," Future Lia said.
"Oh… then he might really be," Ron said thoughtfully.
"But how did this kid even get here?"
"He fell into a black-colored sea… and woke up here."
A black-colored sea?
Something doesn't feel right, Ron thought.
He glanced at Carter. Carter had the same strange look on his face.
"Let me handle this," Ron said.
He walked over to the boy, then knelt beside him and gently patted his head.
"Hi. How are you?" Ron asked.
"I'm fine. How are you, Uncle?" the boy replied.
"I'm good too. What's your name?"
"Kevin."
"Kevin. That's a very nice name. I'm Ron."
Kevin nodded.
"Kevin, let me show you around," Ron said.
Kevin nodded again.
This town is very different from mine, Kevin thought.
Ron took his hand and walked outside with him. After a few steps, Ron realized he didn't have a car.
He looked at Kevin and smiled.
"Let me show you a magic trick."
Kevin nodded eagerly.
"Close your eyes," Ron said.
Kevin obeyed.
Ron placed a hand over the boy's eyes—and instantly teleported them outside his own house.
"You can open them now," Ron said, removing his hand.
Kevin opened his eyes and gasped.
"What happened, Uncle?!"
"It's called magic," Ron said with a grin.
"Show me more!" Kevin said excitedly.
"Alright. Close your eyes again."
Kevin did.
A second later, Ron said, "Open them."
Kevin opened his eyes.
They were standing inside an amusement park.
"Wow!" Kevin exclaimed.
"Let's play," Ron said.
Kevin nodded enthusiastically.
They spent the day riding thrilling roller coasters. They tried the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, log flumes, teacups, pirate ships—everything.
Time passed in a blur.
Kevin laughed more than Ron had ever seen a kid laugh.
Soon, the sun began to set. Streetlights flickered on as Ron and Kevin walked along the footpath.
"Do you have a home?" Ron asked gently.
Kevin shook his head.
"No worries. You can stay with me tonight," Ron said.
Kevin looked up at him.
"Really?"
"Of course. Is there a problem?" Ron asked.
"That woman you're married to… she's angry," Kevin said honestly.
Ron laughed.
"Hahaha. You're talking about Ava. Don't worry—she just likes to joke around. Let me ask her."
Ron took out his phone and sent a text.
I'm bringing Kevin to stay the night. Okay with you?
He pressed send.
The reply came instantly.
NO.
Ron's eyes widened.
"Kevin… I think we have a problem," Ron muttered.
Ron quickly called Carter.
"Hey Carter, do you have a place for Kevin tonight?"
"Well, I'm still staying in that neighborhood. I'm alone—so bring him here," Carter said.
"Okay. On my way."
Ron hung up.
He looked at Kevin.
"Magic time."
"YES!" Kevin shouted happily.
Kevin immediately closed his eyes before Ron even said anything.
Ron chuckled and placed a hand on his head.
A second later, they were outside Carter's apartment.
Kevin opened his eyes the moment Ron's hand lifted.
"Amazing! How do you do this?" Kevin asked.
"I'll tell you tomorrow, okay?" Ron said.
Kevin gave him a thumbs-up.
Ron smiled, then knocked on Carter's door. Carter opened it instantly.
"Welcome."
Ron looked at Kevin.
"Tonight, you'll be staying with him."
Kevin tilted his head.
"Oh… this uncle. He died in my timeline."
Ron laughed awkwardly.
"Hahaha… let's not talk about that. You must be tired. Get some sleep."
Carter nodded.
"Come on. I'll show you your room."
"I'll get going," Ron said.
Carter looked at him for a moment.
"What is it?" Ron asked.
"You look lively," Carter said.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean… you're just like you were before Dream died."
Ron's eyes widened.
He's smart. No wonder he noticed.
But he can't find out that I went to the past, Ron thought.
"When you touched the purple dot," Carter continued, "did you go to the afterlife… or somewhere else and meet Dream there?"
"Nah. And where would I meet her?" Ron replied.
"In the past," Carter said.
Ron flinched.
"Hahaha… what are you talking about?" Ron said, sweat forming on his forehead.
Carter simply smiled.
"Anyway, I should get going," Ron said quickly. "I still need to give an explanation to someone else."
Carter nodded knowingly.
"Well, take care. And if she kicks you out of the house… you can come here. I have an extra room."
Ron nodded.
In the next instant, he teleported home.
He stood outside his door, his heart beating fast.
Ron knocked lightly.
The door opened.
Ava stood there.
"Hi, Ava… how are you?" Ron said nervously.
"Come in," she said coldly.
"We need to talk."
"Yes, boss," Ron said.
And he followed her inside.