Kiem sat in his dimly lit office, the afternoon sun slanting through the dusty blinds and casting long shadows across his cluttered desk. A faint but pleasant scent of petrichor, the earthy smell of rain after a dry spell, hung in the air, carrying a sense of tranquility. He was engrossed in a well-worn paperback, its pages whispering forgotten stories of distant lands and adventure. "Just a few more chapters to save the princess," Kiem muttered, turning a page with a rustle, it was his favorite edition of the book series. A sudden, sharp rap on the old wooden door shattered the peaceful atmosphere. Kiem glanced down at himself, feeling suddenly self-conscious. His usual work attire had been replaced by a comfortable fleece sweatshirt and a well-worn pair of relaxed-fit jeans, a testament to his escape into the world of the book. "Coming!" he called out, shoving the book shut with a thump and tucking it under his arm. The old door groaned as it swung ajar, revealing a disheveled Adler. His typically cheerful countenance was now filled with anxiety, and sweat glistened on his brow. Not only was he warm, Kiem realized with a sudden shock, but it seemed that Adler was practically emanating nervous energy. Read to Find out more about this....
30 parts