In the year 2018, a man named Nicolas, who had graduated from a middle-class engineering college in Canada, found himself in need of a good job to establish his life. He began searching for jobs online using his personal laptop but was let go from one position after just two weeks due to his insistence on using more expensive but higher-quality materials for bridge construction. After four months of unsuccessful job hunting and dwindling finances, he began to feel overwhelmed, teetering on the verge of giving up.

In this time of despair, Nicolas ventured into a local garden where many children were playing, hoping the peaceful setting might help him clear his troubled mind. However, he was soon overcome by a strange sonic disturbance that left him disoriented and panicked.

Just as Nicolas was about to collapse, a stranger named Roberto approached him, exuding a calming presence. Roberto had a calm demeanor, with eyes as blue as the ocean, a gentle voice, and an expression reminiscent of a curious mother with her child. This encounter marked the turning point in Nicolas's life, one that would take a dark and unexpected twist.

Nicolas: I... I... am fine.

Strange man: (with a gentle smile) Oh, it's good to hear that. I thought you might collapse. By the way, my name is 'Roberto.'

Nicolas: You have a nice name. I'm Nicolas.

Roberto: (with the same gentle smile but no response)

Roberto sat down next to Nicolas, his eyes fixed on the children playing. In an attempt to calm his racing thoughts, Nicolas decided to strike up a conversation with Roberto.

Nicolas: So, what do you do?

Roberto: Hmm... Well, I'm a college student.

Nicolas: (Surprised) What? You're a high school student? You look a bit young, like 16 or 17.

Roberto: (Laughing) I'm 17, and I'll be turning 18 next month.

Nicolas: (Laughing) No way, you must be kidding, right?

Roberto: No, I'm not.

Nicolas: Then how is that possible?

Roberto: I completed the 12th grade when I was 15. My parents sent me to primary school when I was just 3.

Nicolas: But it still doesn't make any sense. Did you skip grades or something?

Roberto: (Laughing) No, I didn't. Well, I was promoted directly from 8th grade to 10th grade because of my high intelligence. I could handle 10th and 11th-grade level problems easily, but I still had to take the 9th and 10th-grade exams. So after completing the 8th grade, I took the 9th-grade exams directly by learning a few formulas and problem-solving approaches.

Nicolas: (With a bewildered expression) I struggled during my 10th-grade exams, and here you are, making it sound so easy. I'm quite jealous.

Roberto: By the way, what do you do for work?

Nicolas: (With a hint of sadness) I've been searching for a job for six months, but I haven't had any luck, and I've run out of money.

Roberto: Maybe, I can help you...

Nicolas: (With excitement) Really?

Roberto: What kind of job are you looking for?

Nicolas: I'm an engineer.

Roberto: Great! I know someone who might be able to help you. Just keep in mind that he's quite wealthy, so be respectful. Can I get your phone number to contact you?

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Nicolas: Yes, of course.

After this encounter, Nicolas returned home, feeling like he had been given a fresh start. Two days later, Roberto called Nicolas to arrange a meeting with a prestigious engineering company.

The meeting went well, and Nicolas secured a new job with the renowned engineering firm. Over the course of two years, Nicolas not only found professional success but also found love. He married a young and beautiful American woman named Maria, and Roberto became his closest friend.

Their friendship took an amusing turn when, during a gathering at Roberto's house, Nicolas teased his friend:

Nicolas: You owe me, my friend... You owe me everything.

Roberto: (playfully) Oh, come on! Don't exaggerate.

Nicolas: (Angrily) What did you just say?

Roberto: I said your mouth stinks. I'm still baffled by how you managed to attract such a lovely woman.

Nicolas, irritated by the comment, punched Roberto in the face, which led to a two-hour-long brawl that left Roberto beaten and bruised.

Nicolas: (Laughing) Haha, I won, dummy. I trained in karate for three years. You didn't stand a chance.

Roberto: (in a pained voice) Yeah, yeah, whatever. I'm really hungry, man.

Nicolas: Well, come to my house. My wife is an excellent cook.

Roberto was surprised:

Roberto: (in amazement) She knows how to cook?

Nicolas: (grinning) Why are you so surprised?

Roberto: I never thought an American woman would know how to cook.

Both friends laughed at the stereotype. In Nicolas's home, the three enjoyed a meal prepared by Maria, during which they shared stories and laughter.

While eating, Nicolas finally decided to share some life-changing news:

Nicolas: You know, Roberto, there's something I need to tell you.

Roberto: (curious) What is it?

Nicolas: (With a hint of sadness) We're moving to Switzerland.

Roberto: (Shocked) What? Why?

Nicolas: I'm not joking. We received an excellent job offer from a big company in Switzerland, and it's a great opportunity for our child's future.

Maria chimed in:

Maria: Yes, I'm expecting.

Roberto, who was initially shocked, eventually offered his support:

Roberto: Well, I guess it's a good choice.

As they parted ways that day, Roberto left without saying much, his eyes welled up with tears. The next morning, Nicolas waited at the garden where they had first met, but Roberto never showed up. In the end, Nicolas went to the airport alone, still attempting to contact Roberto, who remained unresponsive.

Two years passed, and one fateful morning, two police officers arrived at Nicolas's Swiss residence. They had a pressing inquiry:

Policeman: Are you Nicolas Watson?

Nicolas: Yes, I am. What's going on?

Policeman: You'll need to come to the police station.

Nicolas: (Baffled) What? Why? Do you have a warrant?

The police officer presented a warrant, and Nicolas found himself in police custody. There, Detective Nelson shocked him with startling news:

Detective Nelson: Do you know someone named 'Roberto'?

Nicolas: Yes, he's an old friend of mine. Why do you ask?

Detective Nelson had a surprised expression as he delivered the shocking revelation:

Detective Nelson: Well, sir... He's responsible for the murder of 12 people—9 men over the age of 22 and 3 women above 20. He's on the most-wanted black list of the Canadian police, a well-known serial killer.

Nicolas couldn't believe what he was hearing:

Nicolas: No way! There's no way he could do such things. Perhaps you're mistaken...

Detective Nelson: No, we aren't. We just want to ask you about Roberto's whereabouts or any other information that could help us.

After providing all the information he had about Roberto, Nicolas was ready to leave but had one more question for Detective Nelson:

Nicolas: By the way, how did you find me?

Detective Nelson responded with a faint smile:

Detective Nelson: Your friend had the audacity to call the police station and challenge us to catch him. Unfortunately, we couldn't trace him, and he claimed responsibility for every murder, mentioning you as a clue to catch him.

Nicolas was perplexed:

Nicolas: But why me?

Detective Nelson: We're not entirely sure either.

Nicolas finally returned home, pondering who might be behind

Roberto's actions. As he opened the door, he was met with a chilling sight: Roberto was sitting in a chair, a knife in his hand.

To be continued...