SSS-Ranked Necro-Villain

Bitter Truth

Early the next day, Alex released Elizabeth and let her return.

Meanwhile, he headed for the clinic because of the letter but upon arrival, he noticed that the room had already been swept and arranged.

He got somewhat alarmed because he needed the letter. He had thrown it away that night without realizing it but now, he needed it more.

While he turned to return, a nurse came by and opened the door. Seeing her, he rushed over with hope that she might know about the letter.

"Excuse me, nurse," he said. "Have you by any means seen a brown envelope or a letter here?"

The nurse stopped what she was doing and stared at him for a while.

"Are you not the kid who was brought here with a broken leg?" She asked, sizing him up and down.

She could not help but wonder if she was mistaking or not.

"It is me," Alex replied and the nurse was surprised.

"How is possible?" She mumbled.

"I heal faster than my peers, I can call it a miracle," Alex replied.

It did not sound possible at all.

"I mean my ability is regeneration," Alex added and she sighed out.

"Ah, you could have said that earlier," the nurse said. If truly the boy's ability was regeneration, then it was explainable that his broken leg healed up within that period of time considering the fact that it was a difficult case like bone dislocation.

Having a sense of urgency, Alex leaned forward.

"Have you by any chance seen a brown envelope or letter?" He asked her again.

The nurse narrowed her eyes, inwardly wondering why the so-called envelope or letter was so important to the boy.

"No, I haven't seen anything like that here," she replied nevertheless.

"Are you sure?" Alex asked. He frowned deeply, the letter was his only means of contacting whoever dropped the letter at his doorstep, it was as important as finding those behind the death of his parents. "Perhaps it was swept away or something?"

"I personally assigned the cleaners that swept here and they did not mention anything like seeing a brown envelope," the nurse replied. After some time, she remembered something. "By the way, a boy with golden hair came by the day after you were discharged and claimed he was looking for you."

Hearing what the nurse said, Alex's widened his eyes. "You mean Peter?" He asked her.

"He did not drop his name," the nurse replied. "He left after checking the room for a while."

Alex's heart raced as the nurse's words echoed in his mind. Peter, his best friend, had been here? Why hadn't he mentioned it? And why hadn't he told him anything about the letter? Alex's mind was a whirlwind of confusion and suspicion.

'Is he truly aware that his father has a hand in my father's death?' He thought as he thought about what Elisabeth had told him.

"Do you know what time he came?" Alex asked, his voice tightening with urgency.

The nurse thought for a moment. "It was late afternoon, I believe. Just before we closed for the day."

Alex nodded, trying to piece everything together.

Peter had come by and looked around the room, but he hadn't said anything about the letter. Why would his friend come to the clinic and not tell him? And why hadn't he mentioned anything about it when they spoke the day before?

"Do you know if he took anything with him?" Alex pressed, hoping for any clue that might help.

The nurse shook her head. "Not that I saw. He seemed to be looking for something, but he didn't seem to take anything when he left."

Alex's mind raced faster. If Peter had been looking for something... could he have taken the letter?

"Thank you, nurse," Alex muttered, barely hearing her response as he turned to leave. His thoughts were now fixed on one thing: he needed to find Peter, and he needed to do it fast. There was too much at stake—the letter, the mysterious person behind it, and the truth about his parents' death.

He made his way out of the clinic, but instead of going directly to Peter's house, he decided to visit the usual spots where Peter might go. Alex wasn't sure if he could trust him anymore—not completely. Something didn't feel right.

His instincts told him that the answers were closer than he thought, and the next time he saw Peter, he would make sure to get to the bottom of everything.

------

Alex's footsteps echoed as he hurried toward the training center, his mind swirling with questions. If Peter had taken the letter, there had to be a reason—but what? And why would he keep it a secret? If he knew something about this whole mess, why wouldn't he come out plainly and tell him?!

He increased his steps, his mind racing with so many possibilities. He needed to see this his friend or he would not have a rest of mind.

The training center was bustling with activity as usual. The clang of weights, the hum of treadmills, and the sharp crack of fists against punching bags filled the air. Alex scanned the room quickly, his eyes narrowing as they landed on a familiar figure near the back.

Peter.

His golden hair stood out, and he was working on the speed bag, fists flying in a blur. For a second, Alex hesitated. This was his best friend—someone he trusted more than anyone else. But now? Now, there was doubt.

He took a deep breath and strode across the floor. "Peter!" His voice cut through the noise.

Peter stiffened for a moment, then without turning, he increased his pace, the speed bag bouncing wildly under his punches.

Alex's eyes narrowed.

'He's avoiding me'.

"Peter!" he called again, louder this time, as he closed the distance.

Without a word, Peter dropped his hands, wiped his face with a towel, and turned sharply toward the side exit.

"Oh, no, you don't," Alex muttered, breaking into a jog to cut him off.

Peter was quick, but Alex was quicker. He slipped around the benches and blocked the exit just as Peter reached for the door.

"Where do you think you're going?" Alex demanded, his tone sharper than he intended.

Peter sighed, shoulders dropping. "Alex… I'm kind of busy right now. Can we talk later?"

"No," Alex snapped. "We're talking now." He folded his arms, planting himself firmly in front of the door. "You were at the clinic. Why didn't you tell me?"

Peter's jaw tightened. "I didn't think it was important."

"Not important?" Alex's voice rose, frustration bubbling to the surface. "You knew I was looking for a letter, Peter! Did you take it?"

Peter shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Alex's eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Alex took a step closer. "Don't lie to me. The nurse said you were looking around the room. What were you doing there if it wasn't about the letter?"

For a moment, Peter stayed quiet, tension crackling between them. Then, he exhaled sharply. "Fine," he said, his voice low. "I found a letter under your bed."

Alex's heart pounded in his chest. "Where is it?"

Peter hesitated, glancing toward the door as if considering making a break for it. But Alex was too close—he wasn't getting away.

"I have it," Peter admitted. "But you don't understand. I was trying to protect you."

Alex's fists clenched. "Protect me from what exactly?"

Peter hesitated again, and for the first time, Alex noticed the worry in his friend's eyes. He knew far more than he did.

"I'll explain," Peter finally said, "but not here. Somewhere private."

Alex's anger cooled slightly, but the burning need for answers remained. "Fine. But you're not leaving my sight until you tell me everything."

Peter nodded slowly, and without another word, the two of them slipped out of the training center together. Whatever secrets Peter had been keeping, Alex was finally about to uncover them and nothing would stop him now.