"This…! How? Unassisted flight is impossible. This violates the laws of physics!" Dr. Alex felt the world has been flipped on his head.
"The Eli's Staff… Is this ability related to it?" Neil asked his son. He too feels more than just bewildered by the display from Zachary.
The man in question, Zachary, slowly floats to the floor until his legs touch hard surface again. Standing tall, he answered his father's inquiry with casual tone and demeanor. As if what he just did was normal.
"Partially. If you want, I can teach you how to fly." Hearing this, Neil felt even more incredulous. However, he doesn't let it show on his expression.
"It can be taught?!" Dr. Alex who had been quiet for a while suddenly raised his voice.
"I'm not teaching you." Zachary stuck out his tongue at the doctor.
"I don't care! I wanna fly too!!" Dr. Alex insisted.
"Sure"
Really?!"
"Go ride a plane or a heli. Whichever, I don't care." Zachary smirked.
"…" Dr. Alex went quiet really fast. All his excitement fade into a dark place. And so does his face. It was ashen, and Zachary had no trouble laughing at him.
"What do you mean partially, and can it truly be taught? I doubt it's as easy as you said." Neil asked Zachary a string of questions.
"As expected of father. You caught on quick. Unlike that certain someone." Zachary's eyes briefly fell on the doctor before reverting back on Neil.
He took a few steps backward, and let himself freefall unto the sofa. Groaning with delight.
"If it is as is, no you can't fly no matter how good of a teacher I am. But, with Eli's Staff, I can turn it into the elixir I told you about." Zachary told the truth without hesitation.
"Quick question. Is the process replicable by any means?" The doctor chimed in.
"Probably? While I've finished studying the internal properties and effects of Eli's Staff on biological life, that doesn't mean I can claim to already know everything. To put into perspective, let's liken the Eli's Staff to fossil fuel. I have studied it's internal structure which had let me discover it can be turned into fuel for cars or other vehicles. Like diesel or gasoline." Zachary paused.
"Through different process, fossil fuel can also be turned into plastics and polymers such as : nylon and acrylic, asphalt, medical and health products, heck, even cosmetics." Zachary laughed.
For both listeners, Neil and Dr. Alex, Zachary's explanation made sense and easy to understand. Though fossil fuel had been obsolete for quite some times already.
It doesn't only cause a lot of pollution that the world are still recovering from, but were also quite inefficient.
It was around 50 years ago that fossil fuel were banned from use by El Malais Kingdom after their scientists discovered better, safer, and cheaper alternatives.
Since then, the revolution brought by intellectuals of El Malais quickly spread outward and swept across the world like the sunshine illuminating the world.
"Sigh… Unfortunately my son. The situation is way grimmer than you might guess." Neil's face turn a shade darker from the lighting as he lean on the table, his elbows propped on the table, the back of his hands supporting his chin.
"Is it related to why you're asking about the Eli's Staff you've given me, father?" Zachary asked. Neil answered him with a slight nod.
"Several days ago, the Royal Clan sent a few people to the depth of East Malais jungle to monitor the growth of Eli's Staff in several specific locations. They are also tasked with harvesting those that had reached maturity and be brought back for safekeeping." Neil paused for a few moments before continuing,
"The entire group, comprised of 7 individuals, seniors and experts not only in Eli's Staff biology, but also had been trained in several combat arts to respond to emergency situations. They also carry advanced weaponry, cold and hot weapons, in case their life was threatened, by wild animals or humans."
"It was basic procedure to report back to HQ using intercom devices every 3 hours on-field. Things were proceeding smoothly for the first 27 hours. Then the group stopped sending report for a prolonged period of time. Over 6 hours went by without any news."
"This was naturally noticed by responders at the HQ and they immediately reported this to higher-ups. 4 hours later, investigation team were sent on site to check on the situation, and found no trace of the group."
"However, when the investigation team arrive at one of the spot where several Eli's Staff were growing, they found only devastation. All yet-to-mature Eli's Staff were ripped out of the soil, and the ground had traces of chemicals. Clearly a mean of sabotage. All matured ones had been harvested. The investigation team concluded the scene were fresh. No more than 9 hours, no less than 3 hours."
"Could it be the first group doings?" Zachary asked. This time, Neil shook his head.
"Two days ago, the investigation team found clues. More accurately, whatever remains of the group. They found only a small piece of flesh and that too was charred. In the lab, the flesh was confirmed to be remains of one of the harvester."
"No other evidences?" Zachary asked, clearly this case has caught his interest. Once again, Neil shook his head.
"I can't think of any other explanation for this except that, the kingdom's secrets regarding Eli's Staff had reach the enemies. Lurking somewhere." Neil stated.
"Well, whatever right? The matters of the Royal Clan won't affect us. Even if it did, that's only because you are implicated by the fact of knowing the truth." Zachary shrugged.
"…" Neil fell silent for a few moments, mulling over something before letting out a heavy breath.
"… It feels like you're going to say something like we're related to the Royal Clan or whatever…" Zachary chuckled.
"We are." Neil chuckled softly and Zachary's reaction came swift.
"WE WHAT?!"
"Exactly as you said. We are part of the Royal Clan." Neil stated as he leaned back.
"I guess it's about time the boy learns of his origin. Right? Lord Malais." Dr. Alex who had been silent all this while, suddenly chimed in with a light laughter.
The man exchange a glance with Neil.
"Malais? Okay I didn't expect this. So Bohrson is just a fake surname then? Why though? Were we some exiles or something? Fallen out of grace?" Zachary was very amused by this revelation. It feels like he's in a drama or a story.
(A/N : He is, indeed)
"Your imagination are quite something, my son." Neil chuckled, and so does Dr. Alex.
"My name is Neil Bohrson Malais. The king's name is Aldon Adamas Malais. We are the descendants of the First King of El Malais. Adamas was the eldest son of the first king. Balta was the second, Bohrson was the third, and Akhator was the youngest. If we talk according to the family tree, the king is your distant uncle." Neil smiled.
"Oh… Alright, I think I've got the gist of it. So my name should be Zachary Bohrson Malais. But father, this side of history wasn't known to the public?" Zachary asked.
"It's the opposite, actually. It's a basic knowledge usually told by parents to their children. Though the subjects weren't taught in standard academic settings. I actually plan to tell you this during your 13th birthday celebration..." Neil smiled though there's no joy on his face.
"I've woken up now right? It's all already in the past, father." Zachary said in an effort to comfort his father. His tone light and casual as if painting his comatose state no bigger than talking about the day's weather.
"You're taking everything very well, my son. Well, I guess that's my genetics rearing it's head, so no surprise." Neil commented, understanding what his son is trying to do : cheering him up.
"The matter of the Royal Clan seems quite complicated isn't it. Why all the corners?" Zachary asked, shifting the topic.
"Because only those who possess the quality of a king can use the last name 'Malais'. It's a symbol of authority, and power. We can't have a bunch of unruly bastards causing chaos in the name of Malais now, can we?" Neil answered.
"Honestly, father? I thought you're just great at doing business. Guess all this wealth came from other channels then." Zachary stated.
"Hahaha… Not exactly. 'Congrats. You've guessed partially correct,'" Neil smirked.
"This great father of yours are not only great at doing business, but was actually the best candidate to succeed the throne. I'd have been the King now, if not for meeting your mother." Neil continued.
"Let me guess! It's political jargon." Zachary chimed in.
"True…" Neil smiled.
"Do you regret it?" Zachary suddenly asked.
"Why the hell should I regret not competing for the throne? As far as I know, your mother treats me better than how the queen treats her husband." Neil raised his nose high, an arrogant expression paints his face. Even closing his eyes to look more dignified."
"Aww~ so sweet. I think I need a bucket." Zachary snickered.
"Alex, look what you've done to my kid. Your attitude's rubbing off to him!" Neil pointed his finger to Dr. Alex, who in turn, point a finger to his own face, in confusion.
"You're jesting Lord Malais. He's your perfect copy. What was the saying? Ah yes. 'Like father, like son,' right?" Dr. Alex said, his face painted with fake politeness seeping out of the man's eyes. He almost couldn't contain his smirk.