Guilty And Grudge
Author: MELODEAROSE
last update2024-09-20 15:25:45

Thenma blinked slowly as his eyes fluttered open. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled his senses, and the ceiling above him was blindingly white. Pain radiated from his ribs and thigh, forcing him to stay still. He realized he was in the hospital, his body aching with every breath.

A soft rustle beside him caught his attention. Thenma turned his head slightly and saw Adeline sitting in the chair next to his bed. Her face looked gaunt, her once lively eyes now dull and lifeless. The cuts on her face from Evan’s abuse were faint but still visible, casting a shadow over her usually glowing appearance. Her shoulders were hunched, and her clothes were wrinkled, as though she hadn’t left his side for days.

Adeline noticed Thenma was awake and stood up, her movements slow and heavy. She looked at him for a long moment before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. "How… how are you feeling?"

Thenma’s throat tightened as guilt washed over him. He tried to answer, but the words stuck in his throat. How could he tell her how much pain he was in when she had suffered so much more?

"I'm glad that you finally open your eyes, Thenma. You've been unconscious for three days," she said, as Thenma could see her reliefs but the brightness was dull. Then he knew that there were so many complicated things that his sister had in her head, making it harder for Thenma to held his guilt.

"I… I’m sorry, Adeline," he croaked, his voice hoarse. "This… this is all my fault."

Adeline didn’t respond. She just stood there, her hands trembling slightly as she clenched the edge of her hospital pajama. She wasn’t the same bright, spirited girl she used to be. Evan had stolen that from her, and it was all because of him. Because he was too weak to protect her.

Before Thenma could say anything else, the door opened, and Collin walked in, carrying a small bag of food. He froze for a second, as Thenma who finally woke up was sending him a big happiness to surprise himself. Collin's face lit up with relief when he saw Thenma awake, he ran to hug Thenma who was still lying in the ward, forgetting about the fruit that had fallen on the floor.

"Oh my God, thank you... thank you. I thought I was going to lose you, Thenma!" Collin said with relief tears. He accidentally nudged Adeline's hand who was standing behind him, making him realize Adeline's presence and making him try to calm down again. That relief quickly turned into sorrow when he noticed Adeline’s expression.

"Thank God you’re awake," Collin said again in softly, wiping his tears and picking the fruits on the floor. "I was worried you wouldn’t pull through."

Thenma didn’t respond, he felt a little relief but his eyes flicking back to Adeline, who still hadn’t moved or spoken more. He felt a tear slip down his cheek. "I should’ve protected her, Collin… I should’ve protected her."

Collin’s jaw clenched as he placed a comforting hand on Thenma’s shoulder. "This wasn’t your fault, Thenma. This was Evan’s doing. That bastard and his friends…" His voice trailed off, filled with anger. "They’re the ones who should pay for this. Not you."

"I need to make them pay," Thenma whispered, his voice trembling. "There has to be something I can do. I can’t just… let this go."

Collin hesitated, glancing at Adeline before responding. "Thenma, Evan’s family is one of the most powerful in Boston. My family’s business even relies on them to some extent. If you try to get to Evan, my parents will pull me away from all of this before you can touch him. You’ll be alone."

Thenma’s fists clenched in the sheets, his knuckles turning white. "Alone? I’ve always been alone! And now Adeline’s… she’s like this because of me. I have to do something, Collin. I can’t just sit here and do nothing!"

Collin sighed, stepping back. "I get it, Thenma. I do. But even if you want revenge, you don’t have the power to take him down. Not on your own."

Thenma’s face crumpled as fresh tears spilled over. He looked at Adeline, who had turned her gaze to the window, staring out blankly. He wasn’t crying for himself anymore. He was crying for her.

"If I had one chance, just one," Thenma said, voice cracking, "I would take it. I’d do it for her, not for me."

Collin frowned, worried. "Thenma…"

"Excuse me..." A nurse came in, and her face looked like she had expected something when she saw Adeline in the room. "Miss Adeline, should we go back now?" The nurse approached Adeline, leading her back to her room with a gentle touch on the shoulder. The nurse looked at Collin and said, "I was worried when you wanted to go out for a while, I don't think I can watch over Miss Adeline properly without your help, Mr. Collin."

"Oh, ya... I'm back, I'll take care of Adeline."

"How is Adeline?" Thenma asked before the nurse left.

"Her body has better a lot, but we still have to keep an eye on Miss Adeline until she is completely ready. Thanks to Mr. Collin who always looks after her, and follows Miss wherever she goes. Yeah... even though she only goes to this room to wait for you to wake up every day. Oh yeah, I'll call your nurse right away, Mr. Thenma."

Nurse leaves, taking Adeline with her. That leaves Collin and Thenma who know went quiet, staring up at the ceiling with an unreadable expression. His lips parted slightly as if he were seeing something.

"Collin…" Thenma mumbled, his eyes narrowing. "Do you see that?"

"See what?" Collin asked, confused.

"The screen… on the ceiling," Thenma said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Collin looked up, but there was nothing there. He shook his head slowly. "There’s no screen, Thenma. What are you talking about?"

"It’s right there," Thenma insisted, his gaze still fixed on the invisible display. "I can see it."

Collin’s concern deepened, and he placed a hand on Thenma’s shoulder. "I’m going to call the doctor. Just… just stay here, okay?"

As Collin left the room, Thenma’s gaze shifted, and to his shock, the hologram screen moved from the ceiling to hover directly in front of his face.

[Congratulations, you have become a User! Ready for an epic and festive journey of revenge?]

Thenma blinked, his heart racing. "What… what is this?" he muttered under his breath.

The text on the screen flashed and changed.

[Enjoy a registration reward to start your journey, Revenger! Reward: $1,000,000]

Thenma’s eyes widened in disbelief. His breathing quickened as his phone, resting on the nightstand, began to vibrate. With trembling hands, he grabbed it and stared at the screen.

The amount was real.

"$1,000,000…" Thenma whispered, his heart pounding in his chest. "Where did this… how is this…?"

He glanced around the room, but no one else seemed to notice the holographic screen. It was as if it only existed for him. Thenma swallowed hard and took a deep breath.

"Who… what are you?" he asked aloud, trying to keep his voice steady.

The system responded immediately.

[I am the Great Revenger System, a tool designed to fulfill the greatest wishes of those who seek revenge. I have chosen you as my new User]

Thenma’s mind raced. "So… what can you do? How can I use you to get my revenge?"

[You must complete the tasks I give you] the system explained. [In return, you will receive rewards—money, power, skills, and knowledge that will enable you to exact your revenge]

"Tasks?" Thenma repeated, his eyes narrowing. "Like what?"

[Your first task] the system said, [restore your health points. They are dangerously low after your recent injuries. Completing this task will grant you a bonus]

Thenma’s thoughts whirled. If this was real—if this system could help him—then he could finally do something about Evan and his friends. He could make them pay for what they did to Adeline.

"Do you know who I want revenge on?" Thenma asked cautiously.

The screen flickered, and a list appeared before him. At the top was Evan Clauster, along with a detailed profile of his background and the reasons for Thenma’s hatred toward him.

Thenma’s heart pounded in his chest. This was real. This system knew everything.

"Yes," Thenma whispered, his voice growing stronger. "I’ll do whatever it takes."

The system responded with a new task.

[First, increase your health points. Once completed, we will begin the true path to vengeance]

With newfound determination, Thenma pushed himself up, ignoring the pain that shot through his body. He had no time to waste. He had to get started.

Collin returned just as Thenma struggled out of bed. "Thenma! What are you doing? You’re still injured!"

But Thenma didn’t stop. His eyes blazed with purpose. "I’m going to get stronger, Collin. I’m going to make them pay."

"Thenma!" Collin called after him, but Thenma was already out the door, leaving behind his hospital room and the life of weakness he no longer intended to live.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan the code to download the app

Related Chapters

  • THE GREATEST REVENGER SYSTEM   The Great Revenger System

    Thenma stood in the doorway of Adeline’s new apartment, watching as she sat on the couch, staring blankly at the TV.After earned his first fantastic amount from registration reward, the first thing Thenma wanted to do with the money was to provide his sister a better life. He paid Adeline's top medical service to her physically and mentally's health, and bought a luxury apartment for their new living. Normally, Adeline would asked hundred times to make sure where did Thenma got such a money, but she kept her mouth shut like she didn't care, or she just didn't concerned about that because her head was full of something else.The apartment was modern and clean, with large windows letting in natural light, but the brightness didn’t reach her. Her once vibrant energy was gone, and she seemed like a shadow of the girl she used to be."Adeline," Thenma said softly, trying to put on a smile. "Look at this place. It’s beautiful, right? You don’t have to worry about anything anymore. We’ve go

  • THE GREATEST REVENGER SYSTEM   Something To Bring The Devils Down

    Penelope was sprawled across the mattress like she owned the place, dressed in one of Evan’s shirts, her hair cascading over her shoulders. Her eyes flicked to Thenma as he entered, her expression momentarily startled before it shifted into her usual look of disdain. "Oh, I didn't see ya there," she drawled, a mocking smile playing on her lips. "What are you doing here, Thenma? Did you finally grow a spine, or are you here to get humiliated again?" Thenma stepped further into the room, his jaw tight. "I’m here for Evan. Where is he?" Penelope scoffed, sitting up slightly. "He’s not here, obviously. He’s out at some fancy party with his dad, like you know, he's not an ordinary person with ordinary daily things to do; wake up, survive, then sleep." Penelope still bragging about Evan, forgetting about the evil side of him. No wonder, since they were shared the same devil so they were a perfect match. "What’s the matter, Thenma? Did you really think you could come here and challenge

  • THE GREATEST REVENGER SYSTEM   Breaking Point

    Thenma paced outside the emergency room, his heart racing, his mind swirling with dread. The white walls of the hospital felt cold, sterile, and suffocating as he waited for any news about Adeline. His hands trembled, clutching Adeline's phone tightly. Every second felt like an eternity, the weight of guilt pressing down on him harder with each passing moment. As the doctor emerged, Thenma rushed forward like he was running for his life, his voice shaky. "How is she? Is she… Is she okay?" The doctor looked grim. "She overdosed on tranquilizers. We’re doing everything we can, but she’s in a critical condition. You need to prepare yourself for anything." The words hit Thenma like a punch to the gut. His knees buckled slightly, and he caught himself against the wall. "No… no, please… she has to be okay," he whispered, eyes red and glossy with unshed tears. His hands clasped together, fingers digging into his palms as he muttered prayers under his breath. “Please… please, don’t take h

  • THE GREATEST REVENGER SYSTEM   Far From Top

    Thenma walked through the school gates after a week of absence, his heart heavy with grief and anger. The weight of Adeline’s condition—her coma—was crushing him. He had tried to focus on other things, but his mind kept drifting back to his sister, lying motionless in that hospital bed, her life hanging by a thread because of the pills that had nearly destroyed her brain. Every time he thought of her, his desire for revenge burned hotter, fiercer. This wasn’t just about justice anymore. It was personal.Thenma made his way to the main building, keeping his head down as he recalled the events of the past week. Penelope's arrest had been all over his mind. He had envisioned it would ruin her reputation, expose her for the fraud she was. The school's "goddess" who had pretended to be perfect was nothing but a drug dealer in disguise, and he had wanted everyone to know that. Thenma would want to see Penelope's followers turn on her, disgusted by the truth.But when Thenma looked around,

  • THE GREATEST REVENGER SYSTEM   The First Arc Quest: Start!

    The bass-heavy music pounded through the nightclub, vibrating the walls as Thenma slouched over the bar, an empty glass in his hand. His mind was a blur, lost in the haze of alcohol. Neon lights danced over the glossy liquor bottles behind the bar, but none of it mattered. He tilted his head and motioned to the bartender with two fingers. "Another one," Thenma mumbled, slurring slightly. The bartender raised an eyebrow but silently refilled his glass. Thenma swirled the amber liquid, watching it slosh against the sides. “Cheers,” he muttered under his breath before downing the shot in one go. Despite the burn in his throat, nothing could numb the weight pressing down on him. His attempt to arresting Penelope had failed spectacularly. No matter how carefully he’d planned, it hadn’t been enough. Evan Clauster’s family influence was everywhere, even among those who were supposed to uphold the law. Thenma clenched his jaw, the taste of bile rising in his throat. Detective Miles,

  • THE GREATEST REVENGER SYSTEM   Sneaking Into The Nightfangs Territory

    The streets of District 7 buzzed with uneasy energy as Thenma parked his car under the shadow of a flickering streetlamp. The air smelled of rust and oil, mingled with the faint bitterness of smoke. Ahead, the underground casino loomed like a beast of shadows and neon, its muted glow spilling across cracked pavement. [New Objective: Infiltrate the Nightfangs' network] Reve’s voice chimed in his mind, cold and steady as always. “Got it,” Thenma muttered, tugging the hood of his jacket lower over his face. His hands brushed against the small earpiece tucked securely in place. “Start scanning for entry points. We don’t have time for games.” [Analyzing... Front access secured by biometric authentication. Alternative entry detected: Side ventilation shaft. Probability of success: 78%. Risk level: Moderate.] Thenma grimaced. “That doesn’t sound promising.” [Risk mitigation advised. Disguise effectiveness may provide higher success rates.] “Fine,” he muttered, pulling a small fa

  • THE GREATEST REVENGER SYSTEM   Physical Conditioning Program

    Thenma gritted his teeth as the blood from his wound seeped through his jacket. His pulse was a steady thrum in his ears, but it wasn’t the rush of adrenaline anymore—it was the toll of too many close calls. His arm, bleeding freely now, burned with every movement as he swerved the motorbike through the dim, chaotic streets of District 7. "Reve, what's my status?" he muttered through clenched teeth, weaving past a group of pedestrian traffickers who shot him suspicious glances. [Pursuers: Three vehicles detected. Optimal escape route: Overpass 6B. Risk level: High.] Thenma’s grip tightened on the throttle. He didn’t need to hear it. He knew the Nightfangs wouldn’t give up. The sound of roaring engines behind him was enough to know they were still in pursuit. There was no turning back now. He floored the accelerator, the engine roaring in protest, but the adrenaline dulling the pain in his side. The overpass was approaching—a narrow stretch, perfect for a risky maneuver. But the

  • THE GREATEST REVENGER SYSTEM   The Shipment Clue

    Two days had passed since Thenma started the Physical Conditioning Program. His body had pushed past every limit—each set of push-ups, each sprint, each hold until his muscles burned. He was too focused on one thing: getting stronger. The pain was temporary. The end goal was what mattered. [Physical Conditioning Program] Objective: Complete exercises to improve strength, endurance, and agility. Exercise Focus: Push-ups, Sprints, Endurance Training. Current Status: Injured. Reduced efficiency. Exercise Results: Strength: +3 Endurance: +4 Agility: +2 But something wasn’t right. His left arm—the one still recovering from injury—was throbbing with sharp, painful jolts. His legs felt like lead, and his breath came in ragged bursts. Sweat soaked his clothes, dripping to the floor. [Warning: Current physical state is critical. Health at 35%. Continuing strenuous exercise could result in permanent injury.] "Just a little more," Thenma grunted, as he dropped to the floor f

Latest Chapter

  • James Found Out

    It hadn’t taken long for Katarina to become the center of Rover Verelli’s attention. With her sultry voice, stunning beauty, and her practiced persona as a charming drinking companion-for-hire, she quickly found her way into Rover’s inner circle—just as Thenma had instructed. She hadn’t told her father what she was really doing at Verona Lounge, and she had no intention of doing so. Thenma had agreed to keep it between them.Before returning home each night, Katarina always made sure to change out of her seductive attire and slip into casual clothing—something she would’ve worn on any ordinary day. With a calm expression masking her double life, she stepped through the door of her home that evening.But she didn’t expect what was waiting for her.“Thenma… what are you doing—?”Her question was abruptly cut short.Her eyes widened in horror as she saw Thenma reel backward from a powerful punch to the face. Standing over him was her father—James—his face a mask of fury.“How dare you us

  • Wolf's Den

    The air outside Verona Lounge was thick with humidity, carrying the scent of city smog and the lingering aroma of cheap perfume from the women who worked its sidewalks. The neon sign flickered in crimson hues above the entrance, casting an eerie glow onto the pavement below. It wasn’t just another nightclub. It was a place of power. A place where shadows lurked in the corners, where men with deep pockets and darker secrets indulged in pleasures that couldn’t be spoken of in daylight. And tonight, Katarina Whittaker walked into it willingly. Getting in hadn’t been as simple as she expected. The underground broker she was forced to meet had slid her a note with a single, cutting remark: “Verona Lounge doesn’t take random city whores. If you’re not from Anony, you’re out.” That in itself was enough to raise suspicion. Katarina had worked through Blostom’s nightlife before. Clubs like Verona Lounge were supposed to be filled with girls from all backgrounds—runaways, desperate wome

  • Talking Plans

    The ride to Thenma’s apartment was silent, save for the occasional hum of the engine. Laura wasn’t sure why he had brought her here instead of discussing the plan elsewhere, but she didn’t question it. Not yet.The apartment building was tall, sleek, and modern—one of those places where the city’s wealthier residents lived, far removed from the chaos below. The 11th floor gave a perfect view of Blostom’s restless streets, yet inside, it was eerily quiet.Thenma unlocked the door with an effortless motion, barely knocking before pushing it open. The moment it swung wide, a bright voice greeted him."Thenma!"A girl rushed forward, her excitement clear in her tone. Katarina Whittaker—young, bright-eyed, carrying the kind of energy that could light up a room. Her long, honey-blonde hair bounced slightly as she reached for him, but then she froze.Her smile faltered.Her warm brown eyes flicked from Thenma to Laura.Someone she didn't recognize.And even though Katarina didn’t say a word,

  • Something Off About Everything

    The city of Blostom was awake in its usual rhythm—cars streaming through the roads, people rushing in and out of the Prosecutor Building Center, and the occasional blare of sirens in the distance.At 10 a.m., a sleek, midnight-black sports car sat idly in the parking lot, the tinted windows shielding its occupants from prying eyes.Inside, Thenma was relaxed—too relaxed. One hand rested on the wheel while the other lifted a can of soft drink to his lips. Across from him, Laura Finch sat with her arms crossed, brows slightly furrowed.She hesitated for a moment, then exhaled."You’re saying Joey gave you the hint… through a sandwich?"Thenma smirked, glancing at her sideways. “Mr. Douglas.”Laura rolled her eyes. "Joey."Thenma let out a chuckle, taking another sip of his drink. "Yeah, a sandwich. Pretty creative, huh? The guy used mustard to write the damn coordinates. Real old-school spy shit."Laura’s gaze sharpened, her skepticism evident. "And you’re sure you got it?"Thenma’s smi

  • We Know ⚠️ Content Warning ⚠️

    ⚠️ Content Warning: Mature & Disturbing Themes ⚠️This chapter contains graphic depictions of violence, sexual exploitation, non-consensual acts, drug use, and psychological manipulation. It explores dark themes such as human trafficking, abuse, and inhumane experiments. Reader discretion is strongly advised.If you are sensitive to such topics, please proceed with caution or consider skipping this chapter. Your well-being is important.---Laura stiffened at the sound of Kato’s voice behind her. She turned swiftly, masking her initial surprise. The way he stood there, casual yet calculated, made her uneasy—like he had been there long enough to hear every word exchanged between her and Thenma.She swallowed down her nerves, reverting to the version of herself that Kato knew: cold, distant, untouchable.“Just talking to a friend,” she said, her tone indifferent. “Inside was too loud.”Kato’s smile was polite, yet it held the weight of something unspoken. He didn’t trust her. That much

  • One of The Girls

    The air in the VIP room no. 5 was thick with perfume and the slow, hypnotic beat of the lounge’s private playlist. Dim golden lights flickered, casting seductive shadows as the women moved around Laura, their bodies swaying in a practiced rhythm.On the sleek glass table before her, a bottle of Château Margaux sat half-opened, its dark red liquid reflecting the ambient glow of the room. Crystal glasses clinked as one of the girls poured a drink, offering it to Laura with a teasing smile."You're not drinking," the woman purred, running a manicured finger along the rim of the glass. "Are we not to your taste, Miss Finch?"Laura barely spared her a glance. Seated at the center of the long leather couch, her body language remained unreadable—casual but detached. The women surrounded her, draping themselves across the seating, their movements fluid, seductive. Some continued their sultry dance on the polished pole in the middle of the room, twisting and arching like sirens luring in sailo

  • The Point Is To Go Back

    Thenma stared at the numbers, his breath catching in his throat. A code—coordinates, precise and deliberate. It took him a moment to process that Joey had done this. That Joey, after all his irritation and refusal to cooperate, had finally shown his hand.A quiet part of him had started to believe Joey would never come around. But this—this was proof. A silent acknowledgment. A sign that Joey was choosing to trust him.Disbelief flickered in Thenma’s chest, quickly followed by something deeper—gratitude, relief. But he didn’t let it show. He could still feel the weight of unseen eyes on him, the invisible threads of surveillance tightening around the café.He quickly memorized the sequence, engraving it into his mind before carefully pressing the sandwich slices back together. Then, without hesitation, he took a bite, forcing himself to eat naturally, to move like nothing had changed. He chewed slowly, letting the taste settle, disguising his satisfaction with the meal.And for the fi

  • Way To The Key

    Laura barely had time to stop the car when Thenma threw the door open and rushed out. His movements were sharp, precise—like a man who had just connected an important piece of a puzzle and couldn’t wait to confirm it.She watched as he strode toward the small café across the street, completely absorbed in his mission. His urgency was palpable, like nothing else mattered except reaching Joey.Laura frowned, leaning against the steering wheel. "Are you ever going to tell me why you dragged me all the way here?"Thenma, already halfway across the road, glanced back briefly. "Not now. You can head back first. I’ve got things to do here."Laura scoffed in disbelief. "Are you serious?"Thenma didn’t respond. He simply pushed open the café door, stepping inside without looking back.The warm aroma of coffee greeted him, blending with the low hum of conversation. The moment he entered, he forced himself to slow down, suppressing the restless energy that had driven him here. He had to act natu

  • The Case Takes Two

    The soft hum of the car’s interior light cast a faint glow over Laura Finch’s face as she gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles pale against the leather. She hadn’t started the engine yet, and the silence in the car was suffocating. Next to her, Thenma slouched in the passenger seat, exuding his usual air of defiance.Laura’s sharp, cold gaze bore into him, the irritation on her face unmistakable. “Don’t waste your time staring at me like that, Prosecutor Finch,” Thenma said, his voice low but laced with mockery.Laura scoffed, leaning back in disbelief. “Then stop acting like I’m your damn parent, boy. Do you have any idea how many files I had to skip to drag you out of that police station?”“Sorry, Mom,” Thenma replied dryly, tugging his leather jacket tighter around him as if to shield himself from her frustration. But his mind wasn’t on her scolding—it was still back in Anony, replaying Joey Douglas’ panicked gestures over and over.Laura shook her head, her lips presse

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on MegaNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
Scan code to read on App