The 5th World

By Sitara

Discover the Fifth World, a new Earth where peace, harmony, and boundless possibilities await. Journey through mystical portals, navigate treacherous landscapes, and uncover the secrets of this extraordinary realm. Join a group of friends as they embark on a quest that will test their courage, friendship, and belief in a better future. "The Fifth World" is a captivating story that will transport you to a world of wonder and inspire you to imagine the limitless potential of humanity. Embrace the adventure and explore the possibilities in "The Fifth World."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sitara
• Release date: Jul 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223434542

Book preview

Prologue

I struggle to find the right words to begin the tale of what happened so long ago, as the memories remain vivid in my mind. These recollections haunt me, often rousing me from slumber with a jolt, causing me to cry out in fear. Part of me wishes to keep this story to myself, uncertain if there is anyone out there eager to listen, let alone believe the truth. Whether or not you choose to believe is inconsequential; my top concern is to share what was out there.

Our world is a place where respect among people has dwindled to a mere whisper. Decades of relentless crimes, witnessed through the lenses of our news outlets, leave little doubt that danger pervades every corner. Terrorism ravages major countries across the globe, each day bringing news of yet another appalling incident. Bombings, shootings, blind aggression, intolerance, and fear have become an ever-present part of our lives. The world, as we know it, has turned into a treacherous abyss.

People are left starving, resorting to the most desperate measures, even killing their fellow human beings for a morsel of sustenance. In this world, where survival hinges on such dire choices, I ask you: Is your own life and that of your family not of utmost importance? Do you not fear the perils that lurk in every shadow?

Now, allow me to take you beyond the realms of this known existence, into a place I refer to as the Fifth World. It is a world of unimaginable beauty, where peace, harmony, and happiness reign supreme. This is a place where the Earth has been reborn, restored to its former glory. It is a realm untouched by the chaos and destruction that plague our present reality.

In the Fifth World, nature flourishes abundantly, with lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, and vibrant landscapes as far as the eye can see. The air is crisp and pure, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the melodies of birdsong. The people who inhabit this world live in perfect harmony with their surroundings, respecting and nurturing the delicate balance of nature.

But how did this world come to be? How did humanity find itself on the precipice of such a transformative journey? The answer lies in the discovery of ancient portals, mysterious gateways that connect different dimensions and realities. These portals hold the key to the Fifth World, offering a glimpse into a future where humanity has learned from its past mistakes and embraced a new way of life.

In the following pages, you will embark on a remarkable journey alongside a group of courageous individuals who stumble upon these portals and dare to step beyond the boundaries of their known existence. They will face trials and tribulations, encounter allies and adversaries, and discover the true nature of their own inner strength.

Together, they will navigate through perilous landscapes, unravel secrets hidden within the portals, and confront their own fears and doubts. Through their experiences, they will come to understand the importance of unity, compassion, and the power of collective action. Their journey will serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for change.

As you turn the pages of this extraordinary tale, prepare to be transported to worlds beyond your imagination. Open your heart and mind to the possibilities that lie ahead. For within these words, a message of hope and transformation awaits, urging us all to reflect upon our choices, embrace our shared humanity, and strive to create a better future for generations to come.

Welcome to the journey of the Fifth World.

Chapter 1

"Who am I?

My name is Adam, I reside in a quaint little town where everyone seems caught up in their own bustling lives. My mother hails from the Asia, while my father born in a first world citizen. During my elementary school days, I was a small and frail child, garnering attention from my peers who were quick to taunt me, accusing me of using illicit substances. To my surprise, even at the tender age of eight, my classmates were already well-versed in the effects of drugs, likely influenced by their parents or television advertisements. Unable to ignore the constant teasing, I found myself engaging in fights with those who refused to stop their relentless taunting.

Upon returning home, my parents noticed the blood on my face, leading to numerous meetings with my teacher and principal. Disappointed, my parents placed the blame solely on me, emphasizing my lack of patience when interacting with classmates. These memories from my grade school years remain etched in my mind. There are moments when I contemplate meeting those who bullied and ridiculed me, but time has passed, and we have all grown, each with our own families.

At times, parents fail to acknowledge the hardships their children endure, focusing solely on the shame such circumstances bring upon them. Despite the challenges, I hold deep affection for my parents, both of whom supported my education and allowed me to pursue my interests. My father, an engineer in a prominent Canadian company, was a reserved and intelligent man. Visitors frequented our home daily, seeking my father's expertise in discussions regarding road construction and building expansion. Their conversations would echo through the house, often continuing late into the night.

My mother, an Asian beauty, possessed remarkable culinary skills, particularly when she prepared 'Food,' a traditional Asian dish featuring chicken or pork simmered in a delectable blend of vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, bay leaves, and peppercorns. She, too, had a calm demeanor and found solace in reading books and maintaining an immaculate home. I never witnessed any quarrels or conflicts between my parents, for my mother, being an Asian, epitomized the loving nature of a devoted wife.

I excelled academically in class, earning several medals for my achievements in science, math, and physics. My athletic prowess also garnered me numerous accolades. Perhaps it was my success that fueled jealousy among my classmates, leading them to try and bring me down. During my junior high years, many of my female classmates approached me, often seeking companionship or even a date. I wasn't exceptionally handsome nor unattractive, but according to them, I possessed an approachable, intelligent, and sporty aura.

Among the memories of junior high, one girl stands out—a crush I held so dear, even joked about by a couple of teachers. Reflecting on those times brings a smile to my face now. She was the epitome of perfection, while I, an ordinary boy, rarely mustered the courage to speak to her throughout the year. My shyness around girls I liked was so severe that I'd avoid making eye contact whenever we crossed paths in the school hallways.

Then, one day in summer of April, I made a decision. Gathering every ounce of courage within me, I wrote her a heartfelt letter, old-fashioned in style. Passing it to her friend, I watched as she accepted and read it. The contents of that initial letter escape my memory after two decades, but it initiated a series of discreet exchanges throughout the rest of the year. We engaged in beautiful, insightful conversations, sharing secrets despite being only fifteen years old.

Learning that she adored me for who I was eased my worries, yet I never found the bravery to speak to her face-to-face. One day, as I waited for her arrival at school, she was nowhere to be found. I assumed she was ill and chose to stay home. Days turned into a week, and still, she didn't return. I was devastated. While optimistic that she would eventually come back, I attempted to locate her address through the school records. To my surprise, I realized I only knew her name and appearance, never asking for her full name. Describing her to teachers and friends yielded no results; it seemed as though she and her friends had transferred schools for reasons unknown. Years passed without any news from her, yet her face continued to flash through my mind. I couldn't forget her.

Time moved on, and I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, following in my father's footsteps. I secured a position in one of Country’s top companies, facilitated by the CEO's friendship with my father. I enjoyed a generous compensation package, enabling me to purchase a car outright and acquire a house. I chose to live alone, relishing the tranquility that allowed me to ponder and envision the life I desired. In our bustling world, observing people from a metaphorical cloud, it becomes evident that they resemble zombies, engaging in monotonous routines. Being home alone serves as a respite from the challenges of work and the distractions that surround us. I often find solace in the silence, free from the interruptions of computers, mobile phones, incoming messages, and unexpected calls from the boss. It is in this stillness that I can calm my mind and restore balance.

While I do have friends, many friends, five individuals are my constant companions. Mark, known for his boastful nature but unwavering honesty; Sarah, reserved yet easy to get along with; Angelito, a towering figure with a gentle heart; Angela, friendly and intelligent; and finally, my opinionated friend Dexter, who always believes his suggestions and opinions are right. Our adventures continue in the next chapter.

Chapter 2

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My First Adventure

I began mountain climbing when I met my group of friends: Mark, Sarah, Angelito, Angela, and Dexter. They introduced me to the wonders of nature, the wilderness, and the mountains, igniting a passionate interest within me. Our first expedition took us to a mountain we referred to as the 'Mysterious Mountain,' located in in our country. Standing at 3,000 feet, according to the local government records, it was chosen as my inaugural climb. These five individuals became my climbing companions for future endeavors. Upon returning home, I dedicated my time to studying the mountain. It was renowned for its ecological richness, housing approximately 500 species of endemic plants and a few wild animals. However, snakes were among the creatures I dreaded encountering.

Packing my belongings, I prepared for the journey. We rented a vehicle to reach the jump-off point, where we encountered the local inhabitants. Arriving at a small house, we engaged in a conversation with one of the leaders. Following the mountain's rules, we were advised to hire two locals as guides, emphasizing the mountain's mysterious nature and the potential unknown dangers. Registering inside the house, I overheard Mark whisper in my ear, expressing his skepticism and belief that the locals merely wanted to earn money from us. Please be quiet, Mark. They might overhear you, I replied. Angelito explored the displays within the small house, calling Angela over to join him. What is it, Angel? Angela inquired. Take a look at these displays—they're real animal heads. A wild deer, bear, big snake, wild boar, and even a wild eagle. If these creatures originated from the mountain we're about to climb, it must be extremely dangerous. Let's turn back, Angelito warned. Oh, Angel, your mind always conjures up worst-case scenarios. Don't be afraid; we have guides who know the area and will keep us safe, Angela reassured him. The house gave me an eerie feeling, yet the people residing there displayed kindness, even offering us food. Having arrived in the late afternoon, they suggested we commence our climb early the next day and provided us with a place to stay, located 2 kilometers ahead at a neighboring house.

During our first night at this unfamiliar location, around 10 p.m., we gathered around a campfire, exchanging jokes. Suddenly, Dexter exclaimed, 'Hey, did you guys see that?' as he pointed towards a tree near a lamppost, around 50 feet from our lodging. We all turned and looked, uncertain of what we were searching for. Dexter claimed to have seen a white figure pass by—an incredibly fast-moving entity that quickly vanished before his eyes. Reacting to the moment, Sarah jumped up and yelled, 'Hello, is someone there?' In our intoxicated state, our voices sounded more like drunken shouts. No response reached our ears. Dexter and I approached the