The Artificially Genius Doctor
First Imprint

The scorching sun shone on the city streets filled with rows of shops and stalls. Despite the hot air, the hustle of the city never receded. In the middle of the crowd, Tanti walked quickly towards the city center. He glanced at his phone, checking for clues from the AI machine his mother had given him. The clue leads him to an antique shop located on a small street, somewhat hidden from the hustle of the city.

"Silent Antique Shop", as written on the signboard. Tanti checked her phone once again, convinced that this was the place in question. He pushed open the heavy shop door, hearing the doorbell ringing softly.

The cool air inside the store instantly cooled Tanti's sunburned skin. He stared around, the sun highlighting various antique objects neatly arranged on old wooden shelves. In one corner, there was an ancient amulet with a gemstone in the center that glittered as it was buffeted by the sunlight coming through the window.

A gray-haired salesman, with thick glasses on his face, approached. "Hello, miss. Can I help you?"

Tanti pointed at the amulet. "I'm looking for this."

"Oh, that is the ancient amulet of the Xia dynasty. Very rare," he said with sparkling eyes, while taking the amulet.

"I need this," said Tanti, "Please pack it for me."

Before the seller started wrapping, he looked at Tanti deeply. "You have a strong aura, miss. Are you interested in astrology?"

Tanti was a little surprised but replied politely, "A little bit. Why?"

The salesman smiled, "I can see your life line. If you want, I can tell you a little prophecy."

Although hesitant, his curiosity made Tanti agree. The seller grabbed his hand, checked Tanti's hand line, his eyes watching closely. "You have a great destiny. I see there's a long journey you're going through."

Hearing that, Tanti's eyes widened. AI machines, crystals, labyrinths, all revolved in his mind.

The salesman chuckled looking at Tanti's surprised expression. "Don't worry, miss. You have the courage and intelligence to go through it."

Tanti smiled amusedly. "Thank you for the prophecy. I'll remember."

With an amulet in his hand, Tanti left the shop, her heart filled with curiosity and hope. A new adventure has just begun.

As dusk began to fall, the city sky was flooded with a reddish-orange color, giving a warm tinge among the rows of buildings. Lights began to be lit, signifying the beginning of the night market crowd located in the heart of the city. The spicy, sweet, and savory aroma mixes into one, tempting every visitor's sense of smell.

Tanto stepped into the night market with confident steps. The AI engine has given hints that the next material is here. Tanto's eyes swept over every stall neatly lined up, looking for a spice salesman who might have the materials he needed. Every now and then, she is stalled by a hawker scent that reminds her of her childhood.

At the end of the market, he found a spice stall with a variety of bottles and bags filled with spices. A middle-aged woman with a brightly colored veil stood behind the table, smilingly welcoming him.

"Good night, lads. Can I help you?" ask him kindly.

"I'm looking for a rare spice called 'Lunaria'. Do you have it?" ask Tanto with hope.

The woman nodded, "Sure, I have. Just a minute." He turned around, looking for something on the shelf behind him and came back with a small bottle containing a light purple spice. "This is the Lunaria you're looking for. Very rare and expensive."

Tanto nodded, "I'll take it."

As the woman was busy preparing her goods, Tanto's eyes were shifted to a hawker stall next door. He saw an old man roasting sweet corn, his distinctive aroma spreading seductively. Unable to bear it, Tanto approached the stall.

"One sweet corn, sir," Tanto said.

Tanto smiled, "Well remember me, Mr Dino? Yes, this sweet corn always reminds me of childhood."

Mr. Dino laughed, "How could I forget? You used to stop by every night, buy sweet corn to take home."

They laughed together, reminiscing about the good old days. After the sweet corn is finished roasting, Tanto pays and bids. He went back to the spice stall, took Lunaria's spices and paid for them.

As the night grew darker, Tanto stepped out of the night market with a satisfied heart. Although his mission has not been completed, fond memories of the past have given him a new spirit to continue the adventure.

With happy steps, Tanto held a bag that now contained Lunaria spices out of the night market. The sky of the city was now flooded with darkness, filled with the glitter of city lights and the sound of crowds. Suddenly, a figure dashed swiftly from the opposite direction, and before Tanto came to his senses, he had already collided with the figure, making the two fall together.

"Wine! I'm sorry, I'm not looking ahead" exclaimed the figure, rising.

Tanto snorted in annoyance, but when he saw the face of the person who had just hit him, his countenance turned startled. "Richo?"

Riko looked at Tanto with round eyes, then laughed. "Tanto?! Wow, it's been a long time since we met! How are you?"

Tanto got up, stroking the dust off his shirt. "just fine. You are, still as careless as you used to be," he replied with a smile.

Riko scratched his head, looking embarrassed. "Hehe, yes, it seems like I haven't changed." Then, he looked at Tanto's bag. "What are you looking for at the night market?"

Tanto told me about his search mission. Riko looked surprised and took out a small bottle from her bag. "Well, what a coincidence. I have this material, which I used to get when visiting villages in the mountains."

Tanto watched the ingredients in the bottle that Riko showed. "That! That's one of the ingredients I'm looking for!" he exuberantly exclaimed.

Riko smiled broadly. "Then, just think of this as our reunion gift. But, before that, how about we get coffee like we used to?"

Tanto nodded in agreement. The two old friends walked to their favorite coffee shop during High School. The shop still remains the same, with a warm aroma of coffee and a cozy atmosphere.

After ordering, they sat in their favorite corner. Riko begins to tell her about the adventures of her life during this time, while Tanto hears carefully.

"Remember when you got stuck in the school toilet because the door was broken?" riko asked with a laugh.

Tanto's face flushed, "Oh my God, do you remember that? That's a shame!" He chuckled, recalling the ridiculous memories of the past.

Riko laughed out loud. "Who can forget? The whole school heard your screams for help!"

The two laugh together, letting go of longing and old memories that warm the night. In the midst of laughter and stories, Riko gave the small bottle to Tanto. "This is for you. Hope you help."

Tanto thanked her with teary eyes. "Thank you, Riko. We should meet often."

Riko nodded, "Of course. Friends forever, right?"

The two friends hugged each other, promising to meet often and maintain their friendship. Tanto returned home with a flowery heart, not only because he found the material he was looking for, but also because he was reunited with his old friend.