Tearha: The Number 139

Chapter Twelve: The Phantom Light

The back room of the Enhancer establishment looked no more than a normal workshop. Workbenches lined the two walls, with remnants of leftover crystals littered across them. A small compact forge was set in the rear of the room, with pipes running out of it and through the walls to get vented. Next to it was a shining new anvil and hammer. The workbenches had varying tools, from the common clamps and wrenches, to scholastic books on Enhancement, fine jewellery tools, and what looked to be a set of scientific instruments ranging from beakers, burners, and even a copper shelled microscope.

Miguel let the way in, saying, "Step into my office."

"Actually, Grandmaster," Hilde voiced from behind. "It's my workshop."

"Hilde," Miguel replied with a gentle stern, "Do watch the store."

"Ah... um... yes, Grandmaster," she was meekly heard saying before the door closed behind them. Miguel respected how direct the girl was, but wished she knew how to read social cues better.

"Now, where were we?" Miguel pulled out a chair for The Watcher and another one for himself. He sat next to the workbench of scientific instruments. "Ah, yes, you're from Earth."

The Watcher scanned the room, and Miguel gave him the chance to survey the location. It was common for people who were experienced in danger to take in their immediate surroundings. He did not know why, but The Watcher just felt like one of those experienced few. There was an aura of age around the man that transcended physical appearances, and a shadow of a long past that dragged behind the steps of his feet.

"We might not be from the same Earth," The Watcher admitted, finally taking the seat offered and turning back to Miguel. "I mean, have you read comic books? They have enough Earths to put wind and fire out of business."

"What makes you think the Earth we're talking about is different?"

"Well, for starters, I'm a pretty awesome character in my world. If someone like you existed, I would know," The Watcher bragged with a grin. He leaned back in his seat, "Have you seen me? I'm awesome, right?"

"I don't know if you're awesome or not. I just met you." Even by his standard, Miguel thought the man was somewhat odd, and he had met many odd people in his life. He pushed to regain his composure. "But you're right. You're right. Chances are, you are not from the same Earth. Let's do a checklist. What year are you from."

"Hah! I'm a time traveller. I come from wherever I want."

Sceptical, Miguel leaned back in his seat. "You really are a chronomancer?"

"That's what I said out there, and that's what I'm sticking to in here."

"What's the first rule of time travel?" From his knowledge, there was one rule that time travellers inherently knew. Like how pyromancers become resistant to heat, this was something instinctual and necessary for survival. "There's one rule all chronomancers abide by the moment they jump time. What is it?"

The Watcher folded his arms and raised a brow in suspicion. Without any joking tone, he answered, "I must never reveal the names I used before I started travelling. Otherwise, someone could go back and find who I was before, and collapse my entire timeline."

"Hm..." The Grandmaster rubbed his chin in thought. "Interesting. All chronomancers seems to have the same answer. I should study more into this..." he trailed off.

The Watcher cleared his throat, bringing Miguel's attention back. "Checklist? Different Earth?"

"Right. Different Earth." Miguel shook his head away from the train of thought. There were a lot of questions he wanted to ask The Watcher, but he guessed most of them will have to wait until the situation has been discerned. "So, let's start with major events. Tabulate the timeline. World War Two victor?"