An Awakener's Peradventure

Chapter 8: Riding to Camp

After thirty-seven minutes, Konstantin walked out of the cafeteria tired and forced to stand upright on the way out. He inhaled deep breaths before he took a step. He met with Afrim and said, "God, I feel awful."

"You were forced to expel a lot of waste."

"Yes, I'm aware. But why? The last thing you said before I left was something about NPIs."

"NBEs. Nanotech Biological Engineers. I used them to heal your body."

"Okay, that's great to know. But why do my intestines feel ruptured?"

"Yes that. See, the NBEs are designed to repair damaged tissue or muscles. After a while, the immune system recognises them as a threat. So, they get destroyed and are expelled as faeces."

"And how many did I expel?"

"About 3.8 million."

"Oh god. No wonder my ass is gaping."

"Oh, you'll be fine." Afrim smacked Konstantin's back so hard it forced him to bend back to his buttocks. "Let's get moving."

Konstantin waddled behind Afrim. "Isn't there any way I can walk properly?"

"Don't worry. It's not far from here. Besides, a little walk will help your joints to recalibrate themselves."

"Afrim, I know that you know that's not what I meant. I don't like walking like this. I feel ridiculous as I already am."

"It's only a few minutes away. We'll manage." Konstantin sighed in disappointment. He could complain further, but he was too tired to bother. They traversed a considerable distance over several hours across Mugeshka, passing through cities and towns alike. They arrived at a harbour at the north side of Mugeshka. By then, Konstantin was too exhausted to waddle further, while Afrim seemed to still be full of energy. Afrim lead him to the right side to a flight of stairs. There, a tiny dinghy awaited Afrim with unwavering patience.

"Alright get in," Afrim said.

"You said it was close, right?"

"That I did."

"So why did we walk across the entirety of Mugeshka?" Konstantin complained.

"I don't get out much. You say I shouldn't exercise for my age?"

"I'm not saying that you shouldn't..."

"Good. Then we agree. Now sit," Afrim said sternly. Konstantin plopped down, much to the annoyance of his buttocks. "We had a good walk, but I still need to get prepped for tomorrow."

"So where are we going now?" Konstantin asked. "How much closer can this institute be?"

"Very close now. Just an hour from here." He reached back to start the propeller. The engine puttered in annoyance. Afrim had to convince it to take them back. Eventually, it complied with Afrim's request. It let out loud purrs and Afrim guided it out of the port. From there, they travelled on to the northeastern side of Mugeshka. Konstantin felt very uncomfortable throughout. Every wave they passed over was pins and needles being stitched into his rectum. After an hour passed, he saw a tiny island with an enormous mountain that dominated most of the land with only a small sandy beach surrounding it. Afrim got up and said, "Konstantin, we're here."

They arrived at a wooden dock with a stone pathway leading into a forest. The beach glistened under the sunlight and the water was crystal blue. Close to the shore, large wooden boxes were arranged. Konstantin assumed they were bars or clubs, though he could not say for certain.

While he waited, Afrim tied the dinghy to a pole. He got out and asked, "This is supposed to be a learning institute for potential success?"

Afrim replied, "This would be our beach area. The institute is up ahead through the forest. But before we go in, I should warn you now about a few things. One: always stay close to me. Two: follow the stone pathway. Stray away and you'll be lost forever."