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DICE [9] a
All night, Gala couldn't sleep soundly. His mind kept replaying his conversation with Dice, especially about his father. From what he remembers about Xavier, the man is gentle and often smiles. Quite the opposite of what Dice said. When Gala voiced his concerns, Dice just smiled awkwardly. Then...I don't know what Dice did, but in front of Gala, it's like a big screen where he sees someone he recognizes: Xavier. Walking cautiously with a large gun-like weapon slung over his shoulder. His eyes sharp, scanning the surroundings, his body moving agilely through trees and plants."This is Mr. Xavier hunting the owner of an illegal store in East Metro, sir. At that time, he hadn't met Mrs. Bellamie yet.""Does he ever age?""What do you mean, sir?" Dice is confused by Gala's question.While Gala shrugs, "Yeah... you said Xavier is around 800 years old. His face doesn't look old at all. Just as I remember him before he left me abruptly." There's frustration and anger in Gala's voice that he
DICE [9] b
Gala shakes his head in disbelief."Maybe because my programming can change the weight of an object to a size I can lift.""That makes more sense, Dice." Gala leans back on the sofa a bit. "You're really advanced.""That's just part of it, sir."That immediately makes Gala sit up straight again. "Is there more?""Hasn't sir been paying attention to what I've been saying?"Innocently, Gala shakes his head. "Looks like I do have a weakness, Dice."The holographic girl laughs softly."You can laugh too? I thought you only nod and smile oddly.""No, sir. Just a little. And only if I find it really funny. Like sir's recent statement. Weakness. Sir is not weak."Gala's brow furrows."Want me to show you anything I have? As a protector of a Horratio like your father and now you?""Anything?" Gala squints a bit. He's somewhat hesitant after hearing Dice's previous statement, but he's curious. Starting from a box the size of his fist that can change to as small as a pendant. The holographic gi
DICE [10] a
"Gala, can you be faster? The customers are waiting, oh my god!" Marta arrives with a flushed face. The circles under her eyes also look darker than usual. Gala quickly turns and thinks, he has already placed the glasses Marta should use in their designated spot. So, what's the problem now?"Are you looking for glasses?" Gala asks with a puzzled expression. The girl, who would actually be pretty if she just looked a bit more normal when applying makeup, sighs in annoyance. Her tied-up hair, with some strands sticking out, slightly obstructs her vision. Not to mention her lips not showing any signs of a smile."Yeah!""On the shelf, Marta. You can check it yourself."Gala feels like he's just informing, not engaging in a two-way conversation, but Marta's face, for some reason, turns purple. As if holding back anger, she raises her middle finger perfectly at Gala. "What did I do wrong?" he wonders. Following Marta's movements as she quickly takes the glasses, her back disappears from th
DICE [10] b
"Don't repeat yesterday's actions, Dice," Gala warns. They walk together where Gala pushes his bike. Dice is next to him. Whether walking or floating, Gala can't bring himself to look down. In the flat, Gala can still see Dice walking like an ordinary person. Perhaps it's the same now.This time, Dice displays a calming violet light. Making the usually empty hallway Gala's path home bright enough. Occasionally, there's the squeaking sound of rats scurrying around without fear. Sometimes, there's food residue in their mouths. Rushed to their nests, maybe."Alright, sir. Thank you for forgiving me." Dice pulls his stiff smile. The glow from his body intensifies. Making Gala turn to look at him. "Are you hungry, sir? What do you want to eat?""There's nothing in my fridge. It's useless." Gala straightens his path again. Tonight, he doesn't have a schedule to go to Mr. Jian's house. Besides, his body really feels shattered. There's been so much work today. Luke also added to his list of t
DICE [11] a
Gala shivers with cold. The flashes of memory from earlier terrify him. Luke's stern face makes it seem like Gala is taking his last breath. It replays in his mind until he can't sleep tonight. Despite drinking repeatedly, he thought it might help him forget along with the water passing through his throat. But it turns out it's all pointless.Gala even skips his dinner. He lets Dice do whatever she wants in the kitchen, which he finds a bit messy. Dice's presence turns out to be quite useful, keeping his stomach from growling too much.Since entering the small flat Gala occupies, Dice knows her master is in disarray. Along the way, he mutters, his hands shaking, not to mention his facial expression like someone confused. Dice wants to talk, but she abandons the intention. It's useless. Gala, in this distracted state, might be even more shocked to hear her explanation.Allowing Gala to enter his room without changing clothes, Dice glances at him briefly to see what her master is doing.
DICE [11] b
"Mom, why do the leaves keep falling? Will the tree die?" Gala asks. His hands, wearing bright orange gloves, tightly hold the hand of the woman he calls 'mom.' The woman turns, smiles, although her face is not too clear, Gala can feel the warmth of her smile there."There are times when leaves leave the branches of big trees, Gala. Later, new leaf buds will grow. New life will continue.""Will the tree not die?"The woman shakes her head. "Unless someone cuts it down.""Ah, that's cruel."Once again, the woman shakes her head. "Trees are useful for human life. It's just that sometimes they want things in excess. South Metro is still beautiful for us to enjoy, Gala. There's an even more beautiful place. West Metro. Someday, maybe you'd like to visit there?"Gala looks up, staring at his mother in confusion."Later, when we go there, you'll encounter many things that make you forget your origins..."Gala's forehead wrinkles. His heart beats irregularly, gradually faster. What he just e
DICE [12] a
All night long, Luke couldn't close his eyes. He was restless, especially when he arrived at the restaurant. His anxiety heightened when Gala entered through the back door. Their eyes met briefly, and Luke immediately turned away, avoiding as much as possible. His mind was filled with the terrifying image of Gala from the previous night, especially the way he stared. Like a hunter ready to pounce on his prey. His weapon was also ready to eliminate Luke at that very moment.Luke was right to suspect that Gala was hiding something. When it came to that reckless young man, Luke always felt superior. Gala never argued when scolded by Mr. Kim, even if it wasn't necessarily his fault. Gala always yielded to whatever his colleagues did to tease him. A loser, that's what Luke used to call Gala. But last night, Luke seemed to need a new courage to follow Gala.What was he doing? Was it true what Hanry said about him working extra outside?Or could it be that Gala was involved in arms trading b
DICE [12] b
"Is today the day you work at Mr. Jian's house?" Dice asks, playing with the colors on her body. Actually, yesterday when they were together in this dark alley, Dice wanted to comfort Gala. She knew she had gone too far pointing a gun at her employer. Although she knew the time limit for Gala to accept his fate was getting thinner, Dice still couldn't force it.The colors Dice emits make the atmosphere in the alley feel like it's in the middle of a nightclub. The twinkling lamp light serves as its center, with the loud background noise becoming its soundtrack. Gala had imagined himself being there, moving his body to the music he hears. But... to get a ticket to enter, Gala had to think hundreds of times."No. Earlier, Mr. Jian informed that there's a job out of town."Dice nods stiffly. "Looks like Luke won't bother you anymore."Gala chuckles. "I guess."They fall silent, enjoying the alley that rarely sees any signs of life."But I'm curious enough, Dice. Did Luke see you yesterday