Chapter 5
The Present Future of the Past
*** Neo Roma - Noran embassy - living quarters ***
The Crimson eyes stared back at me, full of tens of years of insomnia. How long has it been since I closed them and delved into another place?
I just got up from bed, a tool that I now use to straighten my spinal cord. A window I stood by a thousand time, looking at a thousand ceilings, trying to search for memories long lost.
I fixed my eyes at the dying body before me, the curse has spread too much, already past my neck. The pain is becoming less bearable each day, I can't even breathe properly anymore without painkillers.
most of my internal organs failed or not functioning properly anymore. It started with my genitals, and now it's reaching my heart. Even the Noran, with all their medical might, could not even identify what's wrong with me, let alone lifting the curse. They were only able to prolong the effect, giving me a dozen more years more to live.
Without the kindness of lord Mekshima, I probably would have perished long ago, like most of the now extinct Laireen, which I can't remember any of them now, only glimpses flashes in my mind. I guess the curse is eating my brain as well.
Taking a final look at black veins, spreading from my bellybutton to almost every single corner of my body. I barely can identify my own body anymore. Why am I even living? Why didn't I disappear like the rest of the Laireen?
“Why?” I blurted, repeating my question in front of the holomirror.
“Because it is your fate”.
“I know Zao… I know” I sighed, gritting my teeth.
Needle after needle, I started my agonizing morning routine of painkiller doses that lets me survive another day without passing out from the pain.
When I reached my stomach, the final injection in the center of the curse, the image of that human healing the near-dead Grokati came to my mind. The regeneration rate was almost nothing like the Noran regeneration technology. It was way faster, and the Grokati didn’t seem to have any bad signs from the ritual the human did to him.
“Zao, do you think that human can- “
“Royal, it’s time. six minutes in the medical quarters” the voice of lord Mekshima echoed in my mind.
“yes master” I replied instantly.
Finishing the injection, I went to the stand where my armor lies. I put it on, letting it reshape on my body covering every inch of it. I wonder how many times I would have died if not for this armor lord Mekshima granted me.
“Zao, Shrink down. My body is not what it used to be and your weight in that form strains my back” I asked my partner who’s lying there on the bed.
“I can’t Ryola, you know we have to look as much intimidating as we can, so he can take us in, thinking that you’re useful to him”.
Getting out of the room, I went out to meet master Mekshima where the human and his Grokati companion reside. It has been four days and he still didn’t gain consciousness. The one armed Grokati still guarding him like a hound. Even tho he’s much weaker now since he lost most of his arms, he’s still dangerous to directly confront.
Every day, lord Mekshima and I stand here for hours, waiting for the human to wake up. I don’t know why my master is acting like that since that day at the colosseum, or why he’s taking that much interest in him, going as far as withdrawing items from the empire's treasury. But I am not in a position to ask anyway.
The human is finally waking up, probably due to the stream of saliva the sleeping Grokati above him leaking. He started staring at lord Mekshima and me for a few minutes with a piercing gaze. these strange eyes of his was far from a human’s, with multiple colors and shapes I’ve never seen before.
Lord Mekshima finally spoke, cutting the silence he intentionally allowed. He started introducing himself but the human interrupted him. He rudely continued speaking as if he already knew my master, which in turned feigned surprise, stating that he knows that the human was fed information from the AI inside his head. After that, we went to fetch the items my master has promised the human.
“Ryola, the time has come” ordered my master
“Yes, Lord Mekshima” I affirmed, readying myself for the last mission in my life.
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*** Adam POV ***
Not knowing how to react, I grabbed the Grokati’s shoulders, urging him to stand up. I put up a smile, happy that the Grokati acknowledged me. He stood up after a while, the usual grin is back on his round face.
The doors slid open again and the duo walked in again, accompanied by a large object hovering above the ground. it looked like a large metal box.
“Allow me to present you the promised gifts Mr. Adam” said Mekshima, shifting my gaze away from the chest to him.
“First of, know that you’re a wanted man, the empire is seeking the AI in your head, and they will spare no resource into obtaining it” the old Noran stated before taking out a metal plate from his pocket.
“This is a traveling pass to Cube61, my contacts there will keep you safe, arrange a fake identity, and provide you with everything you need into your next destination. Also, take this,” Mekshima handed out the metal plate, along with some futuristic looking long bracelet.
“I know you will not need It since the coordinator can handle most of its functions, but almost everyone in the universe wears one, it will make your cover more believable”
“Cordi? Some help here please?” I asked. what Mekshima said was too much, I needed clarifications.
“Since the events in the colosseum was broadcasted to trillions across the universe, the probability that some individuals, mostly in the Noran empire will seek your capture to extract me, with a high chance of killing you in the process since you possess a degree of threat to them and hold no value, except for being a walker” Cordi started explaining.
“Cube61 is a space trade hub, about ninety-seven quintillion cubic meters. One of many similar Cubes scattered around the universe with unknown origin. Cube61 is located at the center of the nearby Andromeda galaxy 3.1 million light years away from here”
“The device you holding is a common personal data assistance, PDA for short. A universal tool used for daily interaction like currency transfer and data keeping. I already scanned it and it doesn’t seem to have any tracking devices or harmful software on it”
I listened as Cordi explained almost everything I needed to know for now. without breaking eye contact with the Noran lord, I equipped the PDA and put the metal plate in one of its small pockets.
“I have transferred 50 thousand credits to the PDA as a sign of good will. You might need some money in your journey. Now all you need to do is to feed it your information. Though I wouldn’t recommend it unless you reach Cube61 and meet my contacts” communicated Mekshima with a proud tone.
“Well, going so far as acting against your empire’s interest is sure appreciated. I thank you Mekshima ... and that mysterious friend of ours” I communicated back to the Noran.
“Adam, do not trust this man”
“I don’t Cordi, let’s just wait and see how all this turns out”
“Now Mr. Adam, the trip to the cube is not exactly danger free. You will need protection along the way and I doubt that one armed Grokati would provide the proper protection you need”.
“Ryola” ordered the Noran to the woman is black armor next to him. After a slight bow, the piece of armor that was covering her face disappeared, showing the face of the woman. And god … She is beautiful, but I can’t see a grain of emotion on her rosy face like she’s some kind of a robot or statue. She didn’t even blink.
I stared into the gorgeous doll face of hers in complete amazement. A pair of big crimson eyes with two irises in each, a delicate nose and mouth. That woman is truly beautiful to the point that saliva was readying itself to swim out of my mouth. But I snapped back to reality when I saw some kind of tribal tattoo on her forehead.
The tattoo itself was nothing much, but what was behind it. Embedded in her skull, was a large eye socket. To the naked eye, it was not noticeable, but it was easy for me to detect it. the oval socket was twice as large as her eyes, with some kind of severed nerve endings at its back. it was like someone forcefully took out the big eye that used to be there and covered her forehead with a skin and drew a tattoo on it.
I tried to scan the rest of her body for … research purposes, but my vision was blocked by that strange black armor of hers so, I let it go and shifted my eyes at the oversized weapon on her back.
Upon meeting my gaze, the huge rifle starting emitting its eerie black miasma rapidly. Making me taking a step back.
“Fear not Mr. Adam, this is Ryola, the phantom of the dark sector, a sharpshooter with an extraordinary kill, and my faithful servant. She shall accompany you in your journey to the Cube, ensuring your safety and easing the process of meeting my contacts”
“Mekshima, I’m not sure if I want to be accompanied by her, I’m thankful for you and all but- “
“Mr. Adam. I assure you that she poses no threat to you or your companion. As I said, she’s just a mere tool to ensure you arrive at the cube safe and sound. And speaking of your companion, I have something here that he would very much appreciate” said Mekshima while tapping the large box on his right.
The box lid slid open. And as soon as my eyes met its contents, a loud thud boomed beside me making some cracks across the white floor. I hastily looked at the kneeling giant on my left, the still-wet green eyes of his were yet again filled with more tears than a few minutes ago, a mixture of feelings across his face making it hard to read his mood.
“F-FATHER” bursted Mahaar. Tears, snot and even drool filled his face. Roaring like an animal and sobbing nonstop.
In the chest, was a gigantic golden Grokati’s arm. One of Mahaar’s father’s i presumed. he took out the arm, hugging it with his one arm like it was his long-lost child. i stared at him with joy, trying to share the happy moment with him, but Mekshima cut me off and communicated again.
“This arm once belonged to the Grokati’s Octamanus, the only Grokati in history that could achieve the eight-armed form. These arms are now considered a national treasure for them. It cost me a small fortune to obtain such item, but seeing you risk your life in the colosseum to save this Grokati, I assumed that he is important to you. So, I decided to gift you this arm as a token of our … partnership. I doubt this one will be able to attach it since the arm rejected every Grokati who tried adding it to his body. It is more like a sentimental gift for him. That also explain that … unsightly reaction of his “
“Thank you Mekshima, this is a truly remarkable gift,” I said thankfully to the blue Noran lord, my heart is warm seeing Mahaar united with at least a piece of his father.
“Do not mention is Mr. Adam, it is but a simple gift. Now I shall take my leave, hoping that you have a safe journey to the Cube. The shuttle will take off ten days from now, be sure you are ready by then. Until we meet again, Earth’s walker”
And with that, Mekshima left. Leaving me in the room with the still crying Mahaar and the woman in black. Her face still unmoving, not caring the slightest about the Grokati wailing and sobbing like a newborn.
I shifted my eyes to her weapon, still emitting that black miasma.
“Cordi” I didn’t waste any time, trying to get all the information I can about this woman.
“This is a Laireen, a race now considered extinct. it is said that they had the best eyesight of any species in the universe, and can look directly at the person’s soul with their all-seeing eye located on their foreheads. As for the weapon, you did well being weary of it. This is the X-A0, an ancient weapon only mentioned in myths. A weapon that was considered the pride of the Laireen, with only one of them that can wield it per the choice of the X-A0 itself. It has its own conscious and is able to communicate in Laireen language”
Looking at the weapon, then at its wielder, I have her a nod, accompanied by a small friendly smile. I don’t know what that sly old Noran want by lending her to me, but time will reveal everything.
My stomach started to growl, the last meal I ate was a few days ago.
I told everyone present to follow me out of the room. Ryola on my right and Mahaar, who looks like he calmed down a bit, wiping snot with his gigantic hand followed us, still hugging the arm tightly.
Following Cordi’s directions, we arrived at the kitchen. A frog eyed white creature with long, thin fingers, accompanied by three humanoid robots met us. He looked like he was the chef of this place and the robots were his assistants. He was cutting up meat from a ten meters wide bull-like creature. The chef turned its head, giving me an angry look for intruding in his workspace before growling “what are you doing here?” with an angry voice, pointing a long knife with a glowing red edge at us.
I opened my mouth wide and pointed on of my fingers inside, stating that I was hungry.
“How many servings you need?” the chef said with a calmer but demanding voice.
I didn’t know the size of the meal, so I put all my fingers before him stating that I wanted fourteen meals. I always had this bad habit of ordering food way more than I can eat.
“A-Are you sure you want this much food? I understand a Grokati can eat more than an average person, but fourteen meals are an overkill” said the slightly shocked chef.
I totally forgot about my companion and the woman’s food, I was ordering only for myself. So, I pointed a finger at the Grokati and raising all my fingers again. Then pointed at the woman. thinking for a second, I put two fingers up, indicating that I wanted thirty meals total. There was no reaction from the woman. And the Grokati wasn’t even paying attention, looking at the golden arm like a teenager in love.
The chef just stood there with wide eyes, trying to comprehend how the trio in front of him will eat this much food. Not long before he gave up, probably thinking that we had more people with us.
“That’ll be 3750 credits, pay at the machine over there and go wait in the dining hall. Also, have some decency and go cover yourself with something” murmured the chef, pointing at the machine right outside the room across the hall.
I went and paid for the food, thinking about how expensive it was, especially in a hospital. I ignored the chef’s decency advice and led my companions into the near-empty dining hall, waiting for my food like a starving cat. Mahaar sat beside me, still holding the arm while Ryola sat across us, scanning our surroundings nonchalantly. Not long before the horrifying thought came to me.
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Shit, I have no teeth or tongue, how the hell am I going to eat?
“Cordi, I need tongue and teeth. I can’t eat like that. Also, it’ll be nice to talk once in awhile” I pleaded the AI.
*Crack*
I banged my forehead on the table, closing my eyes for the incoming pain.
[Crocodylus] [Hippopotamus] [Macrochelys] [Hyaenidae]
*Crack*
“Adam? Adam, what’s wrong?” I heard Mahaar’s concerned voice in the background, but I wasn’t in a state that allows me to even raise my head and look at him.
[Conodonta] [Carcharodon] [Piranha] [Camelus]
*Crack*
“ADAM” The Grokati started shouting, I can feel his hand patting my back. He must’ve put down the arm to check on me.
[Giraffa] [Felis] [Serpentes] [Chamaeleonidae] [Vermilingua]
I finally raised my head from the table, looked at the concerned Mahaar and grinned, only to be met with a weird look from the Grokati like I’m some kind of a monster.
what kind of teeth did she give me?
“What?” My first correct word in this world came right out of my newly formed mouth.
“Nothing… Looks like you can speak properly now, congratulations” replied Mahaar with a sudden mood change, his face reddening as if he is going to explode. And explode it did.
“BUAHAHAHAHAH, YOU NOW LOOK LIKE A BLAKATU, BUAHAHAHA” Roared Mahaar, tears forming in the corner of his eyes from laughter.
“Cordi, what’s he talking about?”
“A Blakatu is a deep ocean creature that lives on western corners of Masdak, the home planet of the Grokati”
Without saying a word back, I got up from my chair and started running. Searching for the restroom, there’s probably some kind of mirror there. After a couple of minutes and some weird looks, I finally entered the restroom and found a mirror, and...
“HOLY FUCK” I shouted. Tensed gasps can be heard from the stalls which I ignored and barked at my AI.
“CORDI, WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE? I LOOK LIKE A FUCKING POKEMON”
“Calm down Adam, this is the most efficient available DNA strands ensuring your surviv- “
“Why? Why god, who’d even look at this monstrous face. This is a face only a mother can love, and I’m not even sure my mother would” I interrupted her. i couldn’t believe how scary and ugly i was.
My eyes were bulged like a lizard, with multiple irises on top of each other that hosted yet another set of pupils and slits, for a human, it looked like something that came out of a horror film.
I had two types of eyelids. A dual white inner eyelid that closed horizontally and an outer one that covered my eyes completely like a chameleon.
My teeth were razor sharp like a shark, with big canines and huge molars, it looked very intimidating, and it wasn’t 32teeth anymore, there were teeth everywhere I looked.
Even my jaw’s shape changed slightly, but the weirdest of all was my tongue, I stuck out my tongue and flinched from shock. It was like a meter-long hairy tongue. I could stretch it to double its length. With snake-like tines, the tongue was forked at its heavy tip. I could even smell using it.
I stretched it out to its maximum distance which was almost as tall as me, surprisingly its muscles were so strong I could lift a heavy objects with it. Also, I could form some kind of sticky substance, like a frog or lizard catching bugs. As much as I hated how I looked, this was so convenient, just like the AI said.
After I calmed down a bit, the growling noise came again, indicating that my stomach is at its limits.
“Cordi, as much as I want to curse at you, this is kind of … cool. Thank you… Bitch” I said jokingly, no longer mad at her.
“Don’t mention it … Adamon” came back the AI giggling.
With a chuckle, I returned to the dining hall. only to find a mound of food on our table, with similar piles waiting on trolleys next to the table
Oops, I probably ordered a bit much, this amount of food can throw a feast for a small town. how the hell are we gonna eat all this? . Mahaar, I’m counting on you man.
I sat down and got ready to eat my heart’s content. Ryola, who was sitting across, didn’t mind anything that happened past the few minutes, wearing the same expressionless doll face as of nothing happened at all. I just ignored her and we all started to dig into the food.
Several hours have passed and I was still gnawing on a large chunk of meat in my mouth. The new teeth were marvelous. I could even eat bones like it was jelly.
Mahaar just sat back with bulged stomach after his fifth meal, Ryola took her time but surprisingly finished both her meals. That left me with 23 meals I almost finished the 22nd of them and working my way to the last one.
“By Gola, what’s in that stomach of yours, a black hole? How are you even going to dump that?” said Mahaar, looking at the mountain of plates on the table.
Ignoring the amused Grokati, I asked the AI interestingly “Oh! Cordi, how come I never take a shit. I know I can’t pee because I don’t have a penis, but what happens to the food that enters my stomach?”
“Your waste is converted to biomass right after digestion by the yocto machines. No need to waste energy” replied the AI to my disgusting question.
*BURP*
And with that, I finished my 23rd meal. Looking around, I saw literally everyone in the dining hall staring at me, including my two companions. Which I gladly ignored. I seem to not care about a lot of things lately.
“Mahaar, Ryola, let’s go explore the city, I want to see what it looks like” I told my companions. I wanted to see what the future looks like. And they instantly agreed, probably got bored from watching me eat all this time.
Dragging my newly formed giant belly, I led them out of the medical center.
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As soon as we left the main door, I nearly went blind. So, this is the future, I thought.
Just like what I saw in the master plan. With flat architecture design, endlessly tall rectangular skyscrapers filled the view. It was made from some concrete-like dark green material and full of colorful Advertisement banners and neon labels. the towers were stacked in an organized circular manner, just like what I saw in the master plan.
I could see the colosseum round shape over the horizon, with even more colorful advertisement banners hung all over it. Huge statues of alien and humanoid figures stood on its outer walls. Asking Cordi, she explained that these colossal statues belonged to the greatest Gladiators who ever set foot in Neo Roma’s colosseum, and this was that city’s way of immortalizing them.
It was almost dark when I looked up, scanning the sky.
What the hell is wrong with the moo- … moons?
There were dozens of what I thought to be moons, colorfully filled with light dots. Cordi explained that they are orbital habitats. full of entire countries and societies the fled the earth to indulge themselves in their luxury lifestyles. It was built by large mega intergalactic corporations for whoever could afford living there.
She also said that the original moon was destroyed in the war 1500 years ago, I tried to ask her about the war but she said she’s still collecting information about it.
Now, where is it? Wh-… there it is!
Finally, I found it. Ariel traffic flying over the skyscrapers in an orderly manner. The bluish lights coming out of every flying car’s bottom and sides. There were also non-flying vehicles of all sizes hovering in the streets. Small drones that looked like it was part of the police force hovering everywhere, scanning people walking and shopping under the neon signs.
I let out a defeated sigh. The future was so … predictable. I dropped the subject and asked my companions if there’s a certain place they’d like to visit.
“Yes, let’s go over and grab some clothes, these rags might fall anytime now. I lost my armor and PDA when I got captured, so we might go and retrieve that too” answered Mahaar right after I asked. He then looked at my body and continued “you also need some clothing for … you know, public decency. It is not exactly acceptable so walk the city naked” he added with a chuckle.
“Mahaar, as you can clearly see, I have nothing to … show” I pointed my eyes down at my groin before stealing a glance at the woman beside us already knowing that she didn’t care the slightest “Also, probably half the universe has seen my ass by now” I added jokingly with a chuckle.
“But I guess you have a point, let’s go suit up then,” I told them after getting coordinates for the nearest place that offered clothing. We found a place in a couple of minutes, a small shop in the corner of a street by the waterway.
I expected the future shops were like gigantic warehouses with alien merchants and robot helpers, but the shop was relatively smaller than what I had in mind, with enclosed shack-like stalls that people were coming in and out from.
I started to move into one of these stalls along with Mahaar. Just as I was starting to enter, I looked back to see Ryola just standing there.
“Ryola, don’t you want to buy anything?” I asked, knowing that women loved these kinds of shopping trips. But she just shook her head, indicating that she was fine where she is. I guess that weird armor of hers is enough.
So, I got in the shack, a spacious white place with a mirror-like cylindrical object in the middle and no signs of any clothes around. I raised my hairless eyebrow, wondering how am I going to clothe myself until a female monotonic voice echoed throughout the room.
“Welcome to CFS Mr.….
Warning! Unknow-“
Shit
“Welcome to the Collective Fashion Station Mr. Locke, please pick your desired brand” the monotonic voice instructed.
“Thanks, Cordi,” I gave thanks to my AI before continuing shopping.
An interface popped from nowhere before me, an endless sea of logos of different brands was shown, some of them written in English and some in some weird alien language I didn’t bother for its translation. I just picked a random one with English words, it had three curved lines mark with the word Addibos written under it.
“Addibos sportswear selected, launching projection interface…” echoed the voice while a carbon copy image of the weirdly proportioned me appeared on the mirror in the middle of the room.
I started browsing an endless amount of customizable wears. With every time I selected something, my image in the mirror instantly projected it, showing me how am I going to look like wearing it. It was smart enough to automatically accomodate my weird legs and elongated arms that nearly reached my second knee.
After what is felt to be hours of the overwhelming amount of selection and customization, I finally found something suitable that didn’t make me look like a peacock with its multi vibrant colors or too … weird.
Under the pre-historic section, I picked a pair of jeans, grey shoes, and a dark hoodie along with some comfortable underwear. Having the look of what I wore back then when I was a teenager. Also after asking Cordi I finally found out what that crazy shade of black color was. It was called Vantablack, it looked cool so I picked it as the color of the hoodie in the color selection panel.
She also told me that aside from a small selection of enthusiasts and fashion weirdos, civilizations didn’t care much about what people wear, assuring me that I don’t have to worry about looking like a caveman wearing these pre-historic themed clothes.
After I finally got out of the stall, wearing my new set of non-fashionable sportswear, Mahaar and Ryola were there waiting for me at the payment machine. Mahaar picked up a brown Hakama-like looking cloth for his lower part and some big black tank top for his upper body. On top of the tank top, he wore a brown sweater-like piece of cloth.
I don’t know how fashion works now, but I see he has a good sense of color combinations. He actually looks kind of cool. I thought, looking at the Grokati in style standing there.
With a quick awkward fist pump with my friend still holding the golden arm, I paid for the clothes and we went on our way.
Walking through the streets littered with all kinds of people. Human, aliens, weird beasts and robots. My AI started speaking.
“Adam, we’re being followed. Turn right into the next alleyway” warned Cordi, instructing me while a map-like object appearing in my vision, six red dots popped up right behind another three green ones that represented me and both my companions.
It seems that Cordi wasn’t the only one that noticed the pursuers, both my companions looked at me and I nodded in confirmation, signaling them to take the net right into the alleyway.
Not long after we walked through the narrow place, we turned to see the figures following us. Six men in military attire appeared in our view. While they were approaching, talking out their guns and rifles and formed a wide line, as if preventing us from escaping. One of them took a step forward and started speaking.
“We finally meet again … freak” said the man, his headgear is sliding up, showing his scar infested face.
“Do I know you?” I questioned the man, already knowing who he is per Cordi’s information.
“No need for introductions” the man spat before giving instructions to his men.
“Avoid the Grokati at all costs, even with one arm, he is still dangerous. I don’t know who this black woman is, but we can worry about that later. I want that freak in the middle alive if you can, if not, blast his damn head. GO” shouted the leader, signaling his men to commence their attack.
I took a combat stance, getting myself ready for the upcoming fight. With Cordi marking my targets, their weapons, and their possible movement paths while feeding me more information about the situation. But I instantly stopped and looked at the woman on my left. The weapon on her back started hissing and emitting the black miasma more than usual.
In a split second, four red dots horizontally formed on Ryola’s now covered face. Her weapon shrunk and morphed into two guns linked together by some weird black wire.
*PHT* *PHT* *PHT* *PHT* *PHT*
Five red shots fired from her weapon so fast that even with my enhanced vision, I couldn’t even see her hand motion, let alone the bullets itselves.
I looked back at the soldiers charging us, five holes the size of a baseball appeared where their hearts should be. Smoke and fizzing sounds emitting from the holes with the men frozen in their place like mannequins.
With five muffled thuds, the men fell one by one, leaving their leader with a slack jaw and a colorless face.
“W-What in the- “Blurted the unbelieving leader. Watching the corpses of his men lying there motionless.
Well, Mekshima really didn’t lie about her being that good. I thought to myself while making a mental whistle of amazement looking at Ryola.
I approached the man, who’s shocked expression is slowly turning into fear and asked him a question.
“Why are you after me?”
“If you think I would even tell a frea- UGH! “The man stopped mid-sentence as I grabbed his throat and lifted him up, remembering where I saw this uniform before.
So, these are the soldiers that I saw myself unconsciously blast on TV in my apartment, they’re here for revenge or something?
“I see now. Sorry Galavie, but I can’t allow you to leave here, I already have enough problems and I don’t want your petty grudge following me later. You already tried ending my life twice. And that … I cannot forgive” I stated to the convulsing man in my hand, with a slight turn of my wrist, the man’s neck snapped, I let him fall down and join his men in their eternal slumber.
My mood was so bad I didn’t notice the drones scanning the area after sensing the vanishing biosignals. It seems my AI took care of them as well. I looked back to both my companions and signaled them to follow me.
“we’re done exploring. Let’s find a place to rest from this long day” I ordered my companions and they nodded in agreement. I asked Cordi for the nearest hotel and picked a random one from the list she projected in my vision.
After finding the hotel, I tried to book three rooms for each of us. But Mahaar refused, stating that he wanted to be by my side so I ordered a larger room for both of us and a medium sized room for Ryola who surprisingly shook her head, indicating that she also want to stay in the same room as me.
I didn’t want to argue, so I booked a whole suite for all of us for the night. The hotel itself wasn’t much. About the same size as the ones in my old world, with statues and decorations all over the place.
The suite was spacious and comfortable. As soon as we entered, I started looking for a bed.
Mahaar tried talking to me but I told him that we can hold up the conversation till next morning and he agreed.
I slid into the bed and closed my eyes ... thinking about the events that happened today. But sleep came over and cut me off my thinking.
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*** Vega Atifo POV ***
“WHAT? What do you mean his bio-signature just disappeared?” I shouted at the soldier standing at room entrance.
“T-That’s what the specialists said a few minutes ago, I came as soon as possible to deliver the news, sir” replied the shaking soldier.
“THAT STUBBORN IDIOT” I roared, failing to contain my anger and worry for my brother.
He must’ve gone after that creature he captured, I gave him direct orders that he does not touch a hair on this creature. I told him to let it go. This guy is now protected by a goddamn Noran lord.
But I swear if something happened to my brother, not even death can save him from me. Noran lord or not, if he is the one who made my brother’s biosignal disappear, he should enjoy his remaining few breaths.
“Sir, I just got news, we found the body of captain Galavie with five of his team members, they seem to have bee- “
I raised my hand signaling the soldier to shut up. I took out my PDA, ordering every soul in the bounty hunters guild across the world.
“ATTENTION BOUNTY HUNTERS, THIS IS A CODE BLACK ORDER. EVERYONE IS TO TRACK THE BIO-SIGNAL CODE I AM ABOUT TO SEND YOU. YOU ARE TO LEAVE WHATEVER MISSION YOU ARE DOING AND TRACK DOWN THE TARGET ASAP, FAIL TO COMPLY AND I WILL END YOUR LIFE MYSELF”
I stormed out of the room, the image of my baby brother in my mind.
“La tua anima sarà vendicata, fratello” I uncontrollably spat the words in our ancient tongue from my salty mouth.