In the soft morning light, Lleyn sat at the kitchen table, cradling a cup of hot tea in his hands. He had just woken up from a restless night, and his thoughts were already consumed by the challenges he faced in Eldoria in the past, and what he would face in this new life. Across from him, his parents, Leo and Ada, and his younger sister, Sera, gathered for a family conversation.
Leo cleared his throat, his gaze steady on Lleyn. "Son, we couldn't help but think about what you told us last night. About winning the lottery and all."
Lleyn took a deep breath, preparing himself for the conversation ahead. "Dad, Mom, Sera, there's something I need to clarify. I did win the lottery, but it happened a few weeks ago. Since then, I've been investing my money responsibly. I promise to be responsible in managing everything."
Ada's expression softened as she looked at her son. "Lleyn, we just want you to be careful. Money can change people, and we don't want it to change you."
Lleyn nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I understand, Mom. I won't let it change who I am."
Sera, his younger sister, couldn't contain her excitement. "So, does this mean we'll get some really cool gifts, Lleyn?"
Ada's stern voice cut through the enthusiasm. "Sera, we don't talk about gifts when your brother is sharing something important."
Lleyn intervened, trying to ease the tension. "It's okay, Mom. Sera, once everything settles down and my businesses show results, I promise to get you something special."
Sera's eyes sparkled with anticipation, and she smiled. "Okay, Lleyn, I'll be patient."
After the family conversation, Lleyn stepped outside to make a crucial call. He dialed James' number and waited for his friend to answer.
"Hello?" James' voice came through the phone.
"James, it's Lleyn," he said. "I need you to assemble a team within the next two hours for a mission. We're going to help a friend of mine who's in trouble and get her out of it if possible."
James paused for a moment, then replied, "A friend? We will take part in it as long as it does not involve anything illegal. We will not attack anyone unless we are attacked first."
Two hours later, Lleyn and James stood with their team, ready for the mission that lay ahead. The mission was shrouded in uncertainty, but Lleyn was determined to complete this quest.
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As the van rolled to a stop in the small town that marked their destination, Lleyn couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something peculiar was afoot. The quiet streets were illuminated only by the dim glow of streetlights, casting long shadows that seemed to dance with the night. Lleyn directed the driver, a seasoned ex-soldier from James' team, on the winding roads to their intended location.
Upon arrival, Lleyn's gaze fell upon a sight of a woman standing in front of the local police station who, according to the map, was Tasha. She appeared to be in distress, engaged in an animated conversation with a pair of police officers, her eyes pleading for help.
The policemen, however, seemed to view her as a nuisance rather than a person in need. Lleyn watched from a distance as they dismissed her with irritated gestures, leaving her outside the station. Tasha, overcome with emotion, dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face.
Lleyn exchanged a glance with James, who remained skeptical of the situation. He raised an eyebrow at Lleyn, silently questioning their next move. Lleyn, his curiosity piqued and his duty to complete the quest at the forefront of his mind, motioned for James to stay behind and approached Tasha cautiously.
He had to be careful, for he could not afford to reveal too much too soon. Once he was within earshot, he spoke softly, his tone filled with genuine concern. "Are you okay?"
Tasha's eyes, red and puffy from crying, met his gaze. She nodded, her voice trembling as she replied, "I... I don't know what's happening. They won't listen to me. I need help."
As soon as he saw her face, a feeling of dread flashed through his mind and Lleyn couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty. As memories were drawn out, he realised who she was. This woman before him bore the physical resemblance of Stella, one of the 7 Evils from his past life. Stella had been a heartless psychopath, using her accursed powers to manipulate the minds of humans without remorse. She had been a formidable adversary and one of the most dangerous individuals he had ever encountered.
But now, as he observed Tasha's vulnerability and desperation, she seemed nothing like the Stella he remembered. His past memories were not enough to judge this situation, and he needed to proceed with caution.
"I'll help you," Lleyn assured her with a calm determination. "Let's figure this out together. Do you know why you're here? What happened?"
Tasha shook her head, her shoulders trembling with fear and confusion. "They’ve taken her… My sister. But no one will listen to me."
Lleyn considered her words carefully. He needed to get her out of the police station discreetly, without drawing unnecessary attention. Then, he would have to find a way to help her, as her sister was most likely related to what would cause her to turn evil in the future.
With a glance back at James, who watched the scene with skepticism, Lleyn motioned for him to stay behind, silently conveying that he would handle the situation. Then, he turned his attention back to Tasha, offering her a reassuring smile.
"I'll help," he promised. "But you have to trust me and follow my lead. Can you do that?"
Tasha nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude and desperation. "Yes, please. I need to get my sister back. She is the only person I have left in this world."
Lleyn suppressed his doubts about her current character and who she was in his memories, and focused on the task at hand. He had a mission to complete, and Tasha was part of it, whether he understood her situation or not.