"You're not going to wake up from anything. Allen's breath caught in his throat as Raven's words sliced through the haze of his thoughts like a knife. The air around him seemed to thicken with tension, suffocating him in its oppressive embrace. He struggled against Raven's tight grip, the pressure on his neck a stark reminder of his vulnerability. Panic surged through him as he realized the gravity of the situation, he was trapped, ensnared in a web of deceit and betrayal.Despite the fear coursing through his veins, a flicker of defiance ignited within him. He refused to be a pawn in Raven's twisted game, to succumb to the darkness that threatened to consume him. With a surge of determination, he summoned every ounce of strength he possessed, pushing back against Raven's hold with a survival instinct."I changed my mind. I don't want to help you out anymore, I just want to get out of here." Allen's words hung heavy in the air, a defiant declaration that echoed through the dimly lit c
As Raven's grip began to loosen around Allen's neck, a sense of relief washed over him, but it was quickly replaced by a surge of disorientation as a bright light started to cloud his head. The intensity of the light seemed to grow with each passing moment, engulfing his thoughts and senses in a blinding haze. Allen struggled to maintain his focus, his mind racing with a mixture of fear and confusion. What was happening to him? Was this the end, or just the beginning of something even more surreal? Despite the chaos consuming him, Allen's instincts urged him to keep fighting, to cling to whatever shreds of clarity remained amidst the overwhelming brightness. "I said stop that now." Raven's desperate yells filled the air, his face was a mixture of fury and frustration as he struggled to maintain his grip around Allen's neck. Despite his best efforts, his strength waned with each passing moment, his muscles trembling with exertion and fatigue. The urge to control, to dominate, still bu
The men had finally gotten out of earshot and Allen's breathing had gone back to normal. He stood from where he lay and sat on the floor as he dragged his knees toward his chest and clutched it tightly. He sat there for a couple of minutes before he released his knees and crawled toward the covering to check if the men had already gone. The whole place was empty and looked safe enough for Allen to pass, he crawled outside and stood, still scanning the area for any sign of threat. He began to make his way in the direction where he thought the exit was but after hours of walking under the scorching sun that filtered into the thick canopy of trees, Allen realized that he had been going in circles. The thought of it sent frustration crashing at his insides and he tugged at his hair, his hold threatening to rip his hair from his scalp. The memories had come back to him a long while ago and that only added to his frustration. He stopped walking sank into a log that was on the floor and sp
As Allen gradually regained consciousness, the world around him seemed hazy and disorienting. The soft glow of his bedroom ceiling lamp greeted him as he blinked his eyes open, struggling to shake off the remnants of sleep. The last thing he remembered was the sensation of falling, a sudden jolt of pain, and then... nothing.With a groan, Allen pushed himself upright, his muscles protesting the movement. His head throbbed mercilessly, a sharp ache pulsating at the base of his skull. It felt as though his brain was trying to break free from its confines, each heartbeat sending waves of agony through his senses.Fighting back waves of nausea, Allen reached up to touch the source of his pain, his fingers trembling as they made contact with his scalp. The moment his hand brushed against the tender skin, a surge of discomfort shot through him, eliciting a sharp intake of breath.His heart pounding in his chest, Allen slowly withdrew his hand, his eyes widening in disbelief as he inspected
—I've been here all along— Ultimate replied. "That's a big lie." Allen retorted. His eyes scanned the room, looking for where Ultimate's voice was coming from because he knew that it was whenever he put on the glasses that he could hear Ultimate but he was surprised to see that the sunglasses were nowhere to be found and he could still hear Ultimate. "I have questions, Ultimate." Allen suddenly let out. —Ask away— Ultimate responded casually. "How can I hear and feel your presence if the sunglasses are nowhere to be found and I haven't activated you by myself?" —I know that's what you were going to ask and I don't plan on answering that—"Why not?" Allen asked as he furrowed his eyebrows. —Because I do not wish to— it answered firmly. "Listen to me, I don't like it when I'm being toyed with."—Do you think I'm toying with you, how then do you explain the credit alert you received this morning?— Ultimate cut-in. Allen's eyes slowly drifted down to the floor, absorbing the weigh
—I'm going to show you something right now that is going to answer all your questions—"Really?" Allen replied as he shot his ear up. —Yes, and it has to be done before you go on to your next mission. Are you ready for it?— Allen hesitated for a moment before he answered. "Yes, I'm ready."—Okay then, close your eyes— Ultimate said and Allen did immediately as he was told. When he finally opened his eyes, he found himself standing in the middle of a vast, empty room. He was wearing a white jumpsuit, and his hair was short and buzzed. In front of him was a floating orb of light, which seemed to pulse with a life of its own."Hello, Allen," the orb said, its voice soft and soothing. "Welcome to the System."Allen's gaze lingered on the orb, its iridescent glow casting a mesmerizing spell that seemed to hold him captive. "The System?" he echoed, his voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. The very mention of such a concept sent a shiver down his spine, conjuring im
—Wake up now, dreamer boy— Ultimate's voice rang through the corners of the room making Allen's eyes flutter awake. "I'm ready, I'm ready." Allen continued to mutter against his breath. —That's enough now Allen, you are back on planet Earth—Immediately Ultimate said those words, Allen rubbed his eyes with both hands and turned to see that was back in his room. "He's gone?" Allen questioned. —Who is?— Ultimate asked. "The orb." Allen stuttered slightly as he spoke. —The orb is a non-entity Allen so it doesn't have a gender— Ultimate corrected. Allen shrugged his shoulders like it didn't concern him. "So what now?" Allen hadn't gotten all the words out yet when his phone beeped. He took the phone out of his pocket checked his notification and saw that he had a message from. He furrowed his brows as he opened the contents and read through. He shot his head up and looked into oblivion before he finally spoke. "My sister was hospitalized, I need to go see her."—You can't go— Ulti
After Allen had transferred the money to the club owner's bank account, he shook hands with him again before he walked slowly out of the building with his hands in his pockets. He put enough distance between himself and the club when he turned back to look at the club, taking in every detail of the building so he could contrast it to how the club would like when it is renovated and worked on. With determination etched on his face, he pressed forward, retracing each step with a sense of purpose. The path back home stretched out before him, winding through familiar streets and past landmarks that had become ingrained in his memory. Despite the temptation of convenience, he opted against hailing a taxi, choosing instead to rely on his own two feet, savoring each moment of the journey. Each familiar sight served as a guidepost, reassuring him that he was on the right track. His heart quickened as a sudden wave of realization washed over him, like a jolt of electricity surging through hi