บท 7: Richards history, part 1

Richard sat across from his father at the kitchen table, listening intently as his father spoke in a stern but caring voice. "Richard, the world is a tough place. You need to be able to take care of yourself and your family. Education and hard work are the keys to success. Don't ever forget that."

Richard nodded, taking in his father's words. He knew his father worked long hours at the factory to provide for their family. He respected his father's work ethic and determination.

As Richard grew up, he took his father's words to heart. He studied hard in school, excelled in math and science, and eventually earned a degree in mechanical engineering.

After graduation, Richard landed a job at a tech startup. He was eager to apply his knowledge and make a difference in the world. The pace of the startup was fast, and Richard had to quickly adapt to the high-pressure environment. He worked long hours and poured his heart and soul into his job.

As Richard worked, he learned the ins and outs of the tech industry. He became known for his analytical mind and problem-solving skills. His coworkers respected him and looked up to him as a leader.

Richard's world was one of innovation and progress. He immersed himself in the latest technologies and trends, constantly striving to stay ahead of the curve. He attended conferences, read industry publications, and networked with other professionals.

Despite his success, Richard remained grounded. He remembered his father's lessons about the value of hard work and living within one's means. He saved his money and lived modestly, always looking for ways to improve himself and his career.

Despite the success Richard had achieved, he remained humble and grounded. He continued to live modestly, saving his money and investing in his future. He knew the value of hard work and never lost sight of his father's teachings.

Richard's work in STEM was not just a job, it was a passion. He loved the challenges and rewards that came with working in a constantly evolving field. He was always pushing himself to learn and grow, attending conferences, reading research papers, and collaborating with colleagues.

As Richard walked to work one morning, his mind was filled with thoughts of his father. He remembered a conversation they had when he was just a boy. His father had been blunt about the harsh realities of the world, telling Richard that life was tough and that he needed to be self-sufficient and resilient in the face of adversity.

Richard remembered the conversation vividly. He had asked his father why life was so hard. His father had looked at him with a mix of sadness and determination and said, "Life is hard, son. But you're tougher. You can handle it."

Those words stuck with Richard throughout his life. They were a reminder of the importance of hard work and perseverance. As he walked through the bustling city streets, Richard felt a sense of determination and grit. He was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

Richard had come a long way from the middle-class upbringing that shaped his character and influenced his decisions. At 34 years old, he was a respected leader in his field, known for his analytical mind and problem-solving skills. He had achieved a level of success that few people could match, yet he remained grounded and dedicated to his work.

Richard's love for STEM had only grown stronger over the years. He was constantly seeking out new challenges and opportunities to learn. As he sat in a conference room with his team, he spoke passionately about the latest research in their field, pushing his colleagues to think outside the box and explore new possibilities.

One of Richard's colleagues spoke up, "Richard, how do you stay so motivated? You've accomplished so much in your career, but you still seem hungry for more."

Richard smiled and replied, "I never want to stop learning. There's always something new to discover, a new challenge to tackle. Plus, I owe it to myself and to the people who have supported me along the way to keep pushing myself."

As the meeting ended, Richard left the conference room feeling invigorated and inspired. He knew that he had a lot more to contribute to the world of STEM, and he was excited to continue his journey.

Outside, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city. Richard paused for a moment, taking in the beauty of the moment. He felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunities he had been given and the people who had helped him along the way.

As he walked home, Richard thought about the future. He knew that the world of STEM was constantly evolving, and he was eager to see what lay ahead. He also knew that he had a responsibility to use his skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world.

When he arrived home, Richard sat down at his desk and began to work on a new project. Suddenly his face went right arm and leg numb. Looking at his new project, everything began to spin, it confused him. Then everything went dark, he couldn't see anything, and the project disappeared in front of him.

He stood up, trying to yell, but suddenly his legs went weak, and he collapsed to the ground without a whisper. Richard lay on the ground, his mind racing with fear and confusion. He had never experienced anything like this before, and he didn't know what was happening to him. He tried to move, but his limbs wouldn't respond.

He knew he needed help, but he couldn't even reach for his phone to call for it. Panic set in as he wondered if he would ever be able to move again. He struggled to stay conscious, feeling like he was slipping away.

Just when he thought he couldn't hold on any longer, he heard the sound of his front door opening. Footsteps approached him, and a voice called out his name. It was his neighbor, who had noticed that something was wrong and had come to check on him.

Richard tried to speak, but his words came out slurred and unintelligible. His neighbor quickly realized that he was having a stroke and called for an ambulance. Within minutes, the paramedics arrived and rushed him to the hospital.

The next few days were a blur for Richard. He was in and out of consciousness, and his family and friends took turns keeping watch over him. But a medical error after another stroke he wasn't so lucky.

"Hello, my son," said Exaldera with a grin, taking on the form of a friend Oliver had known years ago. "I have some bad news. Heaven is no longer open to humans, and unfortunately, you cannot enter."

Oliver was shocked. "What? Then where am I going?"

"An angel will catch you up on that later. For now, farewell," Exaldera said, waving goodbye as Oliver was suddenly teleported into a massive group.

The courtyard was bustling with activity, as people moved around aimlessly, unsure of where to go or what to do. Some were crying, others were shouting, and many looked lost and bewildered. Richard could feel a sense of panic rising within him as he realized that he had no idea where he was or what was happening.

Looking around more closely, he noticed that the people around him were of all ages, races, and genders. Some were wearing clothes, while others were completely naked like him. Richard felt a sense of discomfort and vulnerability, not knowing how to react or what was expected of him in this strange new world.

As he continued to take in his surroundings, Richard noticed that the buildings surrounding the courtyard were unlike anything he had ever seen before. They were tall and grand, with intricate carvings and ornate decorations adorning their facades. The architecture reminded him of a bygone era, one that he had only ever read about in history books.

He also noticed that there were people dressed in armor entering and exiting the massive cave on the side of the courtyard. The cave seemed to lead to an underground city, with torches lining the walls and the sound of echoing footsteps reverberating through the air.

Despite the chaos and confusion around him, Richard couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of this new world. It was like something out of a fantasy novel, with castles, knights, and a sense of magic in the air.

He wondered what kind of kingdom he had stumbled upon and what adventures and challenges lay ahead for him in this mysterious place.

"Ah, so you are the most recent group," Sariel said, checking a long scroll.

Sariel, the angel who welcomed the group, was a striking figure, standing tall at six feet with an ethereal glow emanating from her skin. Her face was sharp and angular, with high cheekbones and a narrow chin. Her deep-set eyes were a bright shade of blue, shimmering with an otherworldly light that seemed to pierce through the souls of those she looked upon.

Her hair was long and flowing, the color of spun gold, and woven into a complex braid that cascaded down her back. She wore a simple white tunic that fell to her mid-thigh, cinched at the waist with a golden rope. Her bare feet seemed to hover just above the ground as she walked, and her movements were graceful and fluid, as if she were dancing with the air around her.

Sariel's voice was melodic and soothing, with a gentle lilt that put the group at ease. As she unfurled her scroll and began to speak, they couldn't help but be drawn in by her words. "Welcome, everyone. I know you're confused and have a lot of questions, so I will answer them now."

Sariel introduced the group to the new world they will be living in for the rest of their lives. Sariel called forth Hestus to scrutinize the group and create their clothes while she continued to speak.

"Retrieve your clothes and visit each guild to see which one you can join. I have to prepare for tomorrow's group, so I hope you enjoy your stay." With that, Sariel smiled and disappeared.

The tens of thousands of people in the group stormed the table, searching for their clothes frantically. Suddenly a loud booming yell echoed throughout the courtyard, startling everyone inciting silence from the loud crowd.