Chapter 142: The Computer in the Bedroom

Navali was led by his bodyguard through the labyrinthine residential complex, much like one searching for an unsolvable path in Borges’s "The Garden of Forking Paths," until he finally arrived at his designated quarters.

Along the way, the bodyguard guided this "young master" of questionable legitimacy with an attitude of unwavering, sterile respect, as if he were attending to a most honored guest. Of course, perhaps this very air of deference was itself a form of detachment.

It was not until Navali reached the front of the residence—a two-story detached house with a small garden, far grander than the humble cottage of his grandmother back home—that the reality struck him. He had only ever seen such exquisite homes in children’s picture books or textbook illustrations. Although he had seen many magnificent buildings since arriving in the United States from Mexico, the thought that this was to be his home from now on left him feeling deeply unsettled.

"...Am I to live here from now on?"

The bodyguard, a white man, offered a faint smile and did not speak at first. He produced a key, opened the door, and placed it into Navali’s sweating palm before pushing the door wide for him. Only then did he reply:

"Yes, this is your room from now on, Young Master Navali."

Stepping into the house, Navali still felt as though he were in a dream. He followed the bodyguard through the rooms, his body stiff and uneasy, like a visitor on a tour. When the man finally stopped in the bedroom, he said, "Very well, Young Master Navali, my work here is done. Is there anything else you require?"

Navali remained silent, his gaze fixed on a dark, dormant machine sitting upon the bedroom desk.

"That is..." He pointed at the machine, his expression revealing a desire to ask, yet a hesitation to speak.

"Oh, that is called a computer. Let me help you turn it on."

The bodyguard switched it on. The screen flickered to life, and the operating system interface appeared before Navali. Soon, the bodyguard explained the meaning of the icons and how to launch various programs. The boy learned with remarkable speed, grasping concepts instantly; it was not long before he was navigating with the mouse with fluid ease. Though slightly surprised, the bodyguard thought nothing more of it.

Seeing Navali already mesmerized by the glow of the computer screen, and confirming that there was no reason for him to remain, the bodyguard silently retreated and stepped out of the room.

...

Before Navali, a world he had never known began to unfold.

In his small Mexican village, the most advanced electronic device he had ever used was a radio, which occasionally broadcast the latest news from Mexico and bits of international coverage. Aside from that, the only other technology he had seen were the black-and-white televisions in the homes of a few villagers, displaying a distorted, gray world on a flickering screen.

He had never imagined that such convenient, swift, and multi-dimensional devices could exist. By tapping dozens of keys and sliding his palm across the mouse to click or scroll, he could issue commands to the computer and connect to every corner of the world. This sensation felt strangely natural, as if he were born to sit before this screen.

Navali’s interest was ignited as never before. It was not merely an interest in using it; he was deeply curious about the entire process—from the "acceptance of commands" to the "calculation" and the "presentation of results"—and the profound principles underlying it all.

He was reminded of the Aztec myths his grandmother had taught him, specifically the description of Tezcatlipoca: He was the Wind of the Night, the Mirror of Smoke, the Enemy of Both Sides; we are all but his slaves. He was also the god of magic and sorcery, his heart harboring the laws of the universe, his eyes capable of seeing through the past and future simultaneously to select the world that most pleased him. Deep within his soul lay the complex rules that could weave all destiny—this was his highest authority, the god of fate.

Navali toyed with the computer with longing and awe. *Is this,* he wondered, *the result of divine revelation? Is this a tool to reach Tezcatlipoca?*

...

Navali sat entranced before the computer for hours. It was only when Estrella came to his side that he managed to tear his gaze away from the screen with great difficulty.

"Navali."

Estrella sat on the edge of the bed, watching him with deep, piercing eyes.

"Do you remember what your 'father' said to you today?"

Navali stared blankly at Estrella. His mind, completely occupied by the computer, took a long moment to recall Rubik, the man he called "father," and the words he had spoken. He slowly nodded.

Seeing his reaction, Estrella frowned.

"Listen, Navali. From now on, you are a member of the Evans family... though perhaps even that is temporary. Just as you were once called 'Patricio’s son' before you were born, then the 'Turnberta boy' when you lived with your grandmother, and now you are Navali Evans... in this world, a person can change their identity many times. But in the end, one can only be himself. Do you understand?"

Navali looked at her, uncomprehending. To him, he had only one deep-rooted identity: "Navali," or perhaps "Believer of Tezcatlipoca." The titles Estrella spoke of had meant nothing to him from the start. However, he keenly sensed Estrella’s attitude; she seemed to demand an affirmative answer. After a moment of hesitation, he nodded.

Seeing his wavering, a cold glint flashed in Estrella’s eyes.

"So—Navali, no matter what your surname may be in the future, whether Evans or Firmend, there is only one identity you must hold fast to: the person in this world most connected to your blood... Remember, you are my son. Estrella’s son."

The next moment, she suddenly reached out and gripped his shoulders tightly, forcing him to meet her gaze.

"Navali, I want to show you something."

Navali stared at her in silence. He neither nodded nor shook his head, simply allowing her to proceed. Estrella withdrew her hands, placed them on her bodice, and unfastened her clothing. Before long, her flesh was exposed.

And there, Navali saw her abdomen.

Then, he saw the "thing" upon it.