《At the End of Your World QED》


 Chapter 1: The Beginning of the End

    ¡°Hey, why don¡¯t we make a promise?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Whatever happens I want you to promise to me that you¡¯ll live.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    The thick smell of metal fills my nose.


    My vision is pitch black.


    As I slowly open my eyes, I realize I¡¯m looking down at the pavement. I see the ground beneath me. It seems I¡¯m on a sidewalk, but I can¡¯t figure out why my surroundings smell like metal.


    I glance around and catch something out of the corner of my eye.


    For some reason, a huge crowd has gathered around me, but they aren¡¯t staring at me. They¡¯re fixated on something else. Confused, I turn around.


    And then I see it.


    A dead body.


    A bloody corpse lies right beside my feet.


    And I recognize whose body it is.


    The bloodied clothes, the hair, the physique, and that bag¡ªthey¡¯re all familiar to me.


    The person lying dead on the ground is me.


    For some reason, as I look at my corpse, I can¡¯t scream or even cry. Am I in the afterlife? Have I become a ghost?


    Despite being dead, I don¡¯t feel a thing.


    I watch as the crowd grows around my body. The police arrive and start pushing curious bystanders back. I wave my hand in front of the officers, but they don¡¯t react. It¡¯s clear they can¡¯t see me.


    I watch as the police gather around my body, examining it.


    I kneel beside one of the officers, who¡¯s taking pictures for evidence.


    "Well, you don¡¯t have to look too hard. Even I can tell I committed suicide." I rest my elbows on my knees, staring as the officer takes photos of my corpse from every angle.


    An older man, probably in his early 50s, scribbles something on a clipboard while ruffling his hair in frustration.


    ¡°Hah... another body to examine. Let¡¯s see¡ªthe victim is a 26-year-old woman named Sheng Xiao Li. Company worker. Neighbors describe her as ¡®quiet and stoic.¡¯ Yeah, this case is pretty clear. It¡¯s a suicide."


    Xiao Li, huh? So that¡¯s my name. For some reason, I don¡¯t remember anything about myself since opening my eyes.


    I place my hand on my chin as I stand and glance around the crime scene.


    Now what? I mean, I¡¯m dead. Does that mean I can just walk around and do whatever I want?


    As I wander through the crowd, I spot two peculiar figures dressed in suits, holding what looks like a tablet. A tall man with black hair and a piercing smile walks toward me. Beside him is a short girl with black hair tied into a pigtail streaked with pink. She¡¯s so small that she barely reaches the man¡¯s shoulder. From one glance, it¡¯s clear they¡¯re both Asian. No one else around seems to notice them.


    I cross my arms once I confirm they can see me.


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    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you two are dead too?¡±


    The tall man and short girl abruptly stop in front of me and bow. The man speaks in a polite, apologetic tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m very sorry for the delay, Ms. Sheng. You must be confused about the situation right now¡ª"


    ¡°I don¡¯t need an apology. I just need to know what I¡¯m supposed to do now that I¡¯m dead.¡±


    ¡°Well, it seems we don¡¯t need to explain that part. That makes things easier since you¡¯re remarkably calm for someone who just died!¡± The short girl beside him taps away at the tablet, typing into what appears to be a document.


    The man gives her a slight nudge, visibly annoyed.


    ¡°I apologize for my partner. I should properly introduce myself. My name is Park Seo-Jun, and this is my colleague, Sasaki Reina. We¡¯re here to escort you to your afterlife evaluation. Please follow us.¡±


    ¡°Oi, it¡¯s Sasaki Reina-senpai, got it?!¡± She glares at Seo-Jun before turning back to me with a bright smile. ¡°I¡¯m Sasaki Reina-senpai, here to assist you!¡±


    ¡°Uh¡ªwhat is an afterlife evaluation? Are you taking me to heaven or something to be evaluated?¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not heaven. I think of it more like a random shady company, though~¡± Reina replies, still typing on her tablet as she walks toward the apartment complex. ¡°Let¡¯s go, everyone!¡±


    Seo-Jun sighs and looks at me. ¡°This way, please. We¡¯ll explain what the Afterlife Evaluation is on the way to our destination.¡±


    I follow them toward the apartment complex.


    ¡°Wait, why are we heading into the apartment complex and not somewhere else?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ll see.¡± Seo-Jun presses the elevator button, and it opens immediately. I stare at it in confusion.


    ¡°Uh, wait, why does the elevator look different?¡±


    The interior of the elevator is unexpectedly fancy. It¡¯s all white with a huge mirror on one side, and there¡¯s a camera fixed on the ceiling. For the first time since I died, I see my reflection¡ªI¡¯m still wearing my bloodstained jacket and shirt, though I feel no pain. My hair is a total mess, too. Well, at least this elevator looks more inviting than the dingy, smelly one from the apartment.


    ¡°Oh, just get in! It¡¯s a normal elevator!¡± Reina pouts as she pushes me inside.


    I glance at the elevator panel. There are only three buttons: open, close, and one labeled ¡°0.¡± Reina presses the ¡°0¡± button, and the doors close.


    ¡°This elevator¡¯s going to take a bit, so while we wait, I¡¯ll ask you a few questions about your identity before explaining everything. Is that okay, Ms. Sheng?¡±


    ¡°Uhm, yeah¡­ sure.¡±


    ¡°Alright! First, I just need some basic information. What¡¯s your name, age, height, and weight?¡± Seo-Jun reads from Reina¡¯s tablet.


    ¡°My name is Sheng Xiao Li. I¡¯m 26 years old. I think I¡¯m about 165 cm tall? As for my weight, I don¡¯t really keep track, so I¡¯m not sure.¡± Reina types as I speak.


    ¡°We¡¯ll check your weight later, then. Okay, next we¡¯ll move on to the interrogation questions. Do you remember anything from before you died?¡±


    At that moment, the realization hits me.


    I can¡¯t remember a single thing aside from my name and age.


    I look down in confusion, trying hard to recall anything, but nothing comes to mind.


    ¡°W-what? I can¡¯t¡­ remember anything¡ª¡±


    ¡°Ms. Sheng, please remain calm. This is normal. You¡¯re not supposed to remember.¡±


    I look up, puzzled. ¡°Huh? But why?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s protocol for everyone. No one remembers anything from before they died. We¡¯ll explain more later. Please continue answering the questions for now.¡±


    ¡°A-alright.¡±


    ¡°Next question. Do you know the cause of your death?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure, but I think I committed¡­ suicide.¡±


    Reina pauses briefly after hearing this but then continues typing, shaking her head.


    ¡°I see. Thank you for answering.¡± Seo-Jun glances at the camera in the elevator and gives a slight nod.


    ¡°We¡¯ve concluded that you are permitted to enter the afterlife.¡± Reina puts away her tablet and steps out of the elevator, with Seo-Jun standing beside her.


    A blinding light floods my vision. As the doors open, I find myself in a massive space filled with people in suits milling about. The sounds of idle chatter and footsteps echo around me. I step out into a grand lobby with a glass ceiling, which explains why the light was so intense when I exited the elevator. I look at Seo-Jun and Reina as they stand side by side, bowing once again.


    ¡°This is the company you¡¯ll be staying at from now on. Think of it as the afterlife. Once your evaluation is complete, you¡¯ll either work here, be reincarnated, or face punishment depending on your deeds during your life.¡±


    Seo-Jun and Reina step aside from the elevator.


    ¡°Welcome to Quod Erat Demonstrandum.¡±

 Chapter 2: Interrogation

    I entered a large lobby filled with people in suits bustling around. In the center was a long reception desk where a line of people were waiting to ask questions. On either side of the desk were gates that required some kind of ID scan to enter what appeared to be an area with more elevators. I took a seat on one of the many chairs in the lobby, joining other civilians who seemed to be in a similar situation as me.


    As I scanned the room, I noticed that most of the people around me were elderly or middle-aged men and women, with a few teenagers scattered here and there. A lot of them had clean, presentable clothes, unlike me. Glancing down at my own clothes, I realized I probably stood out¡ªafter all, I looked like I¡¯d just walked off a horror movie set, which might explain why so many people were giving me curious looks.


    ¡°Okay, before you start your afterlife evaluation, you¡¯ll need to get your identity checked first! Think of it like getting your passport checked at an airport. Oh yeah, here, wear this.¡± Reina handed me a lanyard with an ID attached. It had my name and picture on it¡ªa horrible passport photo, to be exact. Beneath the photo was a blank box.


    ¡°This ID acts as your passport into the afterlife, so make sure you always have it on you. Don¡¯t lose it. Everyone here has one,¡± Seo-Jun said, pulling out his own ID to show me.


    ¡°Another identity check? Didn¡¯t we already do this in the elevator? And what¡¯s with the blank box? Do I need to sign it or something?¡±


    ¡°Ahh, no need to worry about that box. Someone else will assist you with the next step. Just head over to that machine and get a ticket,¡± Reina instructed, gesturing toward a kiosk.


    They led me to the machine, and I stared at the screen displaying a question.


    What language are you fluent in? (You can pick more than one.)


    As I was about to make my selections, the screen filled with a ridiculous number of language options. I leaned closer, scrolling for what felt like forever before I could pick English and Chinese (Mandarin).


    ¡°Why are there so many options? You guys should add a search bar¡­¡± I grumbled, squinting at the screen.


    ¡°Well, you wouldn¡¯t want to be interrogated in a language you don¡¯t understand, right? QED has branches with employees who speak all kinds of languages, and the people who die every day are just as diverse. Makes sense we cover all the bases,¡± Reina shrugged.


    ¡°Good point. I just didn¡¯t expect so many options for an afterlife company.¡±


    ¡°Haha, yeah, when you think about it, it does operate like a big company!¡±


    After six long minutes, I finally managed to pick my two languages and pulled the ticket from the machine. I found the nearest chair and sat down, crossing my legs.


    ¡°So I¡¯m just supposed to wait until my number is called? What happens after the identity check?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Seo-Jun confirmed. ¡°Once your number is called, head to the desk, and they¡¯ll guide you through the next steps¡ª¡±


    Just as he was about to finish, Reina crashed into him, eyes glued to her tablet.


    ¡°Shut it, Seo-Jun! We have to go NOW!¡±


    ¡°Ugh, what now?¡±


    ¡°Look.¡± Reina shoved the tablet into his hands.


    Seo-Jun¡¯s eyes widened before he quickly handed it back to her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening, but you two should probably go,¡± I said, standing up and giving them a gentle push in the opposite direction.


    ¡°I apologize for the inconvenience, Ms. Sheng, but an urgent matter has come up,¡± Seo-Jun said with a bow.


    ¡°I get it, I get it! Go already!¡±


    Reina clasped her hands together in apology as she ran toward the elevator. ¡°If we meet again, I¡¯ll treat you to something! Sorry I couldn¡¯t give you the full tour!¡±


    ¡°You really don¡¯t have to!¡±


    They disappeared behind the elevator doors. I plopped back into my chair, exhausted.


    Then, out of nowhere, a memory surfaced.


    I remembered that I disliked talking to people. It always made me tired. Really, really tired.


    As I sat slumped in the chair, trying to recover my energy, I noticed an elderly woman next to me staring. I quickly sat up straight, feeling awkward under her gaze.


    ¡°You look tired, my dear. No need to be alarmed. Would you like some tea?¡± the woman asked in Mandarin, holding a flask from which steam was rising. The smell of Oolong wafted through the air.


    ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯m fine,¡± I responded in Mandarin.


    ¡°I insist. You look thirsty.¡±


    ¡°No, thank you.¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t mind. You look like you need it, dear.¡±


    I sighed quietly. There¡¯s a saying that if someone offers something three times, you should accept it out of courtesy.


    ¡°Well, thank you, ma¡¯am,¡± I said, taking the tea from her.


    I took a sip, and my eyes widened in surprise. I¡¯d had Oolong tea before, but this one had a strong, unique, flowery taste. It was¡­comforting.


    For some reason, it tasted like home.


    I missed this kind of tea¡ªand the home it reminded me of, even though I didn¡¯t remember much about it.


    Looking around, I realized I was probably one of the youngest people here, aside from a few teenagers.


    I lived a short life, and I took it for granted, didn¡¯t I?


    I rubbed my eyes and glanced back at the old lady.


    ¡°This tea is delicious, ma¡¯am. Did you brew it yourself?¡± I asked, feeling a sudden enthusiasm for the conversation.


    ¡°Yes, it was home-brewed. I made it from the camellia sinensis plants I grew in my garden, but are you okay, my dear? Your eyes are red...¡± The old lady gazes at me with concern.


    I rub my eyes even more, trying not to panic. ¡°Oh no, it¡¯s nothing! Just some dust got into my eyes when I rubbed my face!¡± I lie smoothly, not wanting to admit that I cried over a cup of tea. Gotta preserve my dignity somehow.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re fine? There¡¯s blood on your clothes. Are you hurt anywhere, dear?¡±


    ¡°No! I¡¯m perfectly fine, haha! No injuries either!¡± I gulp down the rest of the tea as sweat starts to bead on my forehead. I return the empty cup to the kind old lady, who still looks at me with worry.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. But aren¡¯t you still young? How old are you? What happened that led you to die so early? Were you... murdered?¡±


    I¡¯m sweating even more now, realizing this sweet old lady is turning into an impromptu interrogator. I force a smile, gripping the sides of my chair tightly. I drank her tea, so now I owe her answers. Smart tactic.


    ¡°I¡¯m 26 years old, ma¡¯am. As for my death, I don¡¯t remember anything, so¡­ I guess I was murdered?¡± I force out the answer, though all I want to do is escape.


    ¡°Oh, I see¡­ I¡¯m sorry, dear, I must be prying too much. I was just curious about what happened to you. But do you mind if I ask just one more question?¡±


    Relief washes over me. One more question? I can handle that.


    ¡°If it¡¯s only one, sure.¡±


    The old lady places her flask back in her tote bag, then looks straight into my eyes.


    ¡°I ask this out of concern, dear, but are you not worried that you¡¯ve left behind a husband and child? Or perhaps¡­ a boyfriend?¡±


    I choke on my own saliva, coughing violently as I nearly fall off the chair. Here it is¡ªthe classic Chinese family question.


    ¡°Oh my, are you alright, dear?¡± She pats my back as I struggle to catch my breath.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, even though my memory is hazy, I¡¯m 100% sure I didn¡¯t have a boyfriend, let alone a husband or kids,¡± I manage to say between coughs.


    Someone, please rescue me from this situation.


    Just as I¡¯m about to make a hasty excuse and escape to the bathroom, my number gets called. I leap out of my chair at lightning speed and walk briskly toward the receptionist desk, looking back briefly to bow to the kind old lady before bolting.


    At the desk, I collapse onto it, trying to catch my breath. Too much social interaction for one day. I feel like I¡¯m going to pass out.


    I look up at the receptionist, a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. She smiles at me awkwardly, probably wondering why I look like I¡¯m about to faint. I force a polite smile back.


    ¡°So, what am I supposed to do now?¡±


    ¡°Please hand me your ID.¡± I pass it over, resting my chin on my hands as I wait.


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    The woman glances at my ID and starts typing on her computer. She looks up at me again, about to speak, when the phone beside her rings. She frowns and picks it up. ¡°This is the lobby. Yes, that¡¯s correct¡­ Okay, please hold while I check.¡± She scans the computer while holding the phone, then glances at me. ¡°Do I take her upstairs? Understood.¡±


    She hangs up and looks back at me. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the inconvenience, Miss Sheng, but you¡¯ll be taking the interview elsewhere. Please scan your ID at the gate to your left and follow me.¡±


    Confused, I scan my ID and walk through the gate, following her down a hallway lined with elevators. We stop in front of the largest one at the end. It¡¯s the only one without any labels or numbers. She presses the ¡°up¡± button, and the doors open, revealing a sleek, marble interior. The only unusual thing is the absence of floor buttons¡ªjust open and close ones.


    As I start to ask about it, the woman scans her ID at a camera, and the elevator begins moving. A few moments later, the doors open into a hallway full of greenery, with sunlight streaming through a glass ceiling. We walk along a stone path flanked by trees and a small stream, heading toward a large wooden door.


    I have so many questions, but I¡¯m too drained from all the socializing to ask them. If I keep this up, I¡¯ll die again from exhaustion.


    We stop at the door, and the blonde woman finally introduces herself. ¡°My name is Lune Barlowe. If you have any questions in the future, feel free to visit the lobby. Good luck, Miss Sheng.¡±


    Her sudden introduction and well-wishing annoy me for some reason. Whatever is behind this door is going to change the course of my already dead life, isn¡¯t it?


    ¡°Thank you, Miss Barlowe,¡± I say, taking a deep breath. I push open the heavy wooden doors and step inside.


    I find myself in a massive indoor garden, with a stone path leading deeper into the greenery. At the end, in an open area beneath a large tree, two people are seated at a table, sipping tea. One is a regal middle-aged woman, and the other, a man dressed in Victorian-style clothing, seems to be serving her.


    Before I can introduce myself, the woman speaks, not even turning in my direction. ¡°What are you doing just standing there, darling? Come, join us.¡±


    I can tell she¡¯s blind, so I sit down without hesitation.


    ¡°You¡¯re tense, darling. Help yourself to some food.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, um¡­¡± I stammer, looking at the table laid out with cheese, bacon, eggs, and jam. I grab a few slices of cheese and put them on my plate, unsure of what else to do.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t introduced myself yet, have I? I¡¯m Perenna Clarke, and this gentleman here is my partner, Allen Grantham.¡±


    Allen nods politely without saying a word. I bow back from my seat. He doesn¡¯t seem to want to talk, but there¡¯s probably a reason for that.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you have many questions, and I can already guess what they are. But before we get into that, I need to give you your afterlife evaluation.¡±


    ¡°What exactly is an afterlife evaluation? And why was I called here instead of going through the normal process downstairs?¡±


    ¡°The evaluation is already complete, darling. I didn¡¯t need to ask you any questions because I¡¯ve been watching you this whole time.¡±


    I stare at her, bewildered. Despite her closed eyes, I can feel her gaze locked on me. My mind races with confusion. ¡°What do you mean, you¡¯ve been watching me?¡±


    Perenna takes a sip of her tea, her movements deliberate. ¡°I¡¯ve been observing you since you were a child. I¡¯ve seen you grow into the person you are now, though your life ended in a way I didn¡¯t foresee.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t remember anything about my life¡­¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s intentional. If people remembered their lives after death, it would cause immense suffering, especially for those like you. That¡¯s why you¡¯ll regain your memories gradually while working here, bit by bit, until you understand your fate.¡±


    ¡°Wait, I¡¯m going to work here?!¡±


    ¡°Look at the box under your name on your ID. It¡¯s red, correct?¡±


    I quickly check my ID. Sure enough, the once-empty box is now a solid red.


    ¡°What does this mean?¡±


    ¡°It means you¡¯re slated for eternal punishment in Gehenna.¡±


    My jaw drops.


    ¡°Gehenna? Isn¡¯t that hell?!¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is. You¡¯re to suffer there forever unless you work it off.¡±


    I stare at her, completely lost. ¡°What¡­ what did I do to deserve this?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll discover that as you regain your memories. That¡¯s part of the reason you¡¯ve been brought here.¡±


    ¡°And how do I escape this punishment?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I called you, darling. I¡¯m offering you a choice. Either accept my offer and work for QED, or spend eternity in Gehenna. It¡¯s quite simple.¡±


    The choice is obvious. No way I¡¯m choosing eternal suffering.


    ¡°I¡¯ll work here.¡±


    Perenna smiles gently. ¡°Good. Your task will be to guide souls to QED, recover your memories, and eventually take my place as Overseer.¡±


    ¡°Take your place?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I was once like you. The only way I escaped Gehenna was by working my way up to become a leader. I see the same potential in you. You remind me of my younger self.¡±


    For some reason, seeing someone place so much trust and responsibility in me made me nervous. All I could do was stand up and bow in response to her offer.


    ¡°If that¡¯s how you see me, I¡¯ll do my best to live up to your expectations, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Well, then it¡¯s settled. You¡¯ll be working here until you regain all of your memories and earn enough recognition to surpass me. Now, raise your head, darling. I¡¯d like you to meet someone.¡±


    Perenna slowly stood up from her seat, with Allen taking her hand to help her walk deeper into the garden.


    ¡°Follow me. We¡¯re going to my office. Your partner is waiting for you there.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Partner? I thought I was going to do this alone?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you met the reapers who helped guide you here, right? That¡¯s the job you¡¯ll be doing. Back in my day, Allen was my partner too, wasn¡¯t he?¡±


    Allen, still silent, nodded beside her as he opened another set of wooden doors leading to the office.


    The doors revealed a stylish modern office with dark wooden interiors and warm lighting. A large desk with a chair was placed in the center of the room. As I looked to my right, a man stood up and approached Perenna.


    What fascinated me wasn¡¯t how impressive the office looked, but how unreal the man standing before me seemed. Out of all the strange things I¡¯d seen today, this guy had to be the most alien. He didn¡¯t even seem real.


    His hair, his pale skin, even his suit¡ªall in slightly different shades of white. The only color standing out was his blue eyes. If I had to compare someone in QED to an angel, I would¡¯ve said Perenna. But now that this guy was here, she wasn¡¯t even in the running. I tried not to stare, but ended up squinting at him like he was an exhibit in a zoo.


    The man noticed my staring and smiled.


    ¡°Is there something on my face?¡±


    ¡°This might sound rude, but¡­ are you real?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°I mean, your hair and eyebrows. Did you dye them? You look too young to have white hair all over your body. And your skin¡ªit''s so pale, it¡¯s like there¡¯s no blood running through you at all.¡±


    The man touched his neck, clearly embarrassed. ¡°Ah, I have a condition called albinism. It¡¯s inherited. My body doesn¡¯t produce much melanin, which is why my hair and skin are white.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see. That¡¯s interesting.¡± I suddenly felt guilty for asking if he dyed his hair.


    Perenna cleared her throat as our conversation ended.


    ¡°Since you two seem to be getting along already, I¡¯ll hand over your first task.¡±


    Allen handed me a tablet similar to what the two held earlier.


    ¡°Your task is to find the soul of a schoolgirl and bring her back safely. It should be easy enough, right? You just need to uncover how she died and locate her wandering soul. She passed away only a few seconds ago, but you must hurry before her soul drifts too far. Good luck.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the assignment, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and one more thing. We have a suit tailored just for you, darling. Try it on and see if it fits. If any adjustments are needed, let Allen know.¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much for the suit. Where can I change?¡±


    ¡°Just go to your left, and you¡¯ll find the restroom.¡±


    ¡°Got it, thank you.¡±


    I took the suit from Allen¡¯s hands and headed to the restroom to change. Looking at myself in the mirror, I felt oddly fancy in the black linen suit. The pants were comfortable, and although my hair was messy, I quickly fixed it, tying it into two neat buns before leaving the restroom.


    Before I knew it, I was thrust into my new job, now stuck in an elevator with a nervous man.


    He was looking at his tablet but suddenly looked up, realizing something.


    ¡°Oh! I just remembered, we haven¡¯t introduced ourselves yet!¡±


    We stepped out of the elevator and stood facing each other in the hallway.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll go first. Nice to meet you, my name is Sheng Xiao Li. I¡¯m 26 years old, and I¡¯m new here at QED. Please take care of me.¡± I raised my hand for a handshake.


    Callum stared at my hand, then looked at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m not comfortable with physical contact. I¡¯m a germophobe, you see.¡± He lifted his arms, revealing white gloves on both hands.


    ¡°Haha, sorry about that. I didn¡¯t know. I¡¯ll keep my distance from now on.¡± I stepped back slightly, retracting my hand.


    The man panicked a bit. ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t mean to imply you¡¯re dirty or anything! I don¡¯t want you to distance yourself! I just can¡¯t do physical contact with anyone.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for letting me know. I¡¯ll keep that in mind from now on.¡±


    An awkward silence filled the hallway as I heard him fidgeting.


    He coughed, composing himself. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Miss Sheng. My name is Callum Dalais. I was 23 when I died, so I guess I¡¯d be 25 now. I¡¯ve been working at QED for nearly two years, and I¡¯ll do my best to help you as your new partner.¡±


    ¡°Just call me Xiao Li. We¡¯re co-workers now. But we should get going. Our client¡¯s waiting.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Callum followed me at a distance, almost like he was the newcomer, not me.


    ¡°So, Miss Sheng¡ªuh, Xiao Li, do you know where we¡¯re going?¡±


    ¡°Well, when I first arrived, we used the elevator lobby, so I¡¯m guessing we just head back there to reach the real world?¡±


    Callum smiled. ¡°That makes it easier for me¡ªno need to explain.¡±


    We scanned our IDs and made our way to the elevators.


    ¡°All I know is, this elevator takes a while to reach its destination.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, no kidding. I¡¯ve been working here for a while, and it always takes ages for the elevator to open.¡±


    We stood at opposite ends of the elevator. Callum impatiently tapped his foot, and the awkward silence filled the space again. I opened my mouth, desperate for conversation.


    ¡°Hey, can I ask you something random?¡±


    ¡°Sure, go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Why did you change partners?¡±


    As soon as I asked, his mood shifted.


    ¡°All I can say is, she was difficult. No sense of boundaries¡­ But I can already tell you¡¯re different. You like your own personal space, and so do I.¡±


    He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, mirroring me. He smiled again, but this time, something was different. His nervousness had vanished. He tapped his fingers on his arm, staring at me with an unsettling intensity.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that. I¡¯m not interested in getting into your personal space.¡± I uncrossed my arms and leaned back against the ledge.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a relief. I feel like we¡¯ll make great partners. I really hope you last longer than she did.¡±


    Our conversation ended on an ominous note as the elevator doors opened. We stepped out into what seemed to be a religious private school. A statue of Mother Mary greeted us, and the heat, combined with the surroundings, made me think we were in Southeast Asia.


    I started sweating, not from the heat, but because something felt off.


    I should have been worrying about the girl and my first task, but all I could think about was what to do next. My gut was telling me that my new partner might be a little suspicious.


    Why? I didn¡¯t know. But I¡¯ve always trusted my instincts.


    Because they¡¯re always right.


    Callum is kinda weird.

 Chapter 3: Every Person for Themselves

    I looked around the school, surveying the area. The first thing I noticed was the heat, heavy even from inside the building. I really want to take this jacket off¡­


    We were standing in the middle of a school lobby. White tiles, white walls, white ceiling¡ªit was all a little too clean. On the right were classrooms, and ahead, a hallway led to a computer room and an empty discussion room. There were no students. The sun was already setting, so I guessed most of them had gone home.


    Callum interrupted my thoughts, his eyes glued to his tablet.


    ¡°Hm, it seems our client is 17 years old. She¡¯s in her second year of high school. This is an all-girls¡¯ school from elementary to senior high¡­ in the Philippines.¡±


    ¡°How unfortunate for her to die so early¡­¡±


    ¡°It is unfortunate, but it¡¯s part of our mission to handle cases like this. After all, you¡¯re being punished, which means your cases won¡¯t be easy. You might end up in Gehenna.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Callum looked up, confused. ¡°D-didn¡¯t they explain it to you when you first arrived? Your punishment determines how hard your cases are.¡±


    ¡°No?! I was taken upstairs immediately! No one told me anything!¡± I shouted, my frustration bubbling over.


    Callum sighed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯ll explain, but let¡¯s search for the girl¡¯s body or soul while we talk. She could be wandering around.¡±


    We started walking through the building and crossed a small bridge that led to the grade school classrooms. The hallways and rooms here looked much older, worn down. It was clear we¡¯d just left a newer building, probably for the senior high students. The place was still empty, no sign of anyone around.


    ¡°So, what do you mean by my punishment determining how bad my cases will be?¡±


    ¡°¡®Bad¡¯ might be the wrong word. ¡®Unpleasant¡¯ is probably closer.¡±


    ¡°Unpleasant in what way?¡±


    ¡°Do you watch true crime documentaries, Xiao Li?¡±


    I thought for a moment, then remembered: hours of watching YouTube videos in bed. Yeah, I was really into that stuff.


    ¡°Yeah, I do. Now that you mention it, thanks for reminding me.¡±


    Callum¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re already remembering things?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I guess so. It¡¯s coming back, bit by bit.¡±


    He coughed. ¡°Well, think of your cases like those¡ªserious crimes, the kind you¡¯d see in those documentaries.¡±


    I froze. ¡°You mean murder, mass killings, that kind of thing?¡±


    ¡°Basically. The worse your past life was, the harsher your cases will be. Reapers who did good while they were alive just help the elderly pass on. But people like you¡­ well, you get the hard ones.¡±


    ¡°What the hell did I do to deserve this?¡±


    ¡°No idea. But you¡¯ll remember eventually.¡±


    I hung my head, dreading what lay ahead. I liked watching true crime, but handling these cases myself? Not so much. We kept walking in silence, until Callum suddenly stopped, as if something occurred to him.


    ¡°Oh, before I forget¡ªthere are three rules you need to follow. Since you almost ended up in Gehenna, you¡¯re under extra surveillance.¡±


    ¡°Is that because I might do something bad when I get my memories back?¡±


    ¡°Exactly. There¡¯ve been cases like that before, especially with reapers who have red boxes like you.¡±


    ¡°Red boxes?¡±


    Callum held up his ID. ¡°Yeah. See mine? It¡¯s blue.¡±


    I stepped back a little. His smile was eerie, a wave of darkness rolling off him, making me realize I might¡¯ve insulted him.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry for assuming! I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª¡±


    Callum waved it off, but the tension lingered in the air. I sped up, eager to change the subject.


    ¡°S-so, you said you¡¯ve been here for two years and still don¡¯t remember anything. Is that¡­ normal?¡±


    I looked back at Callum, who had stopped dead in his tracks. Oh no, did I just say something wrong?


    ¡°Can you stop asking so many questions?¡± His smile didn¡¯t fade, but his tone was unsettling.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry! I just wanted to get to know you better¡­¡±


    Callum clenched his fist, then relaxed, sighing. ¡°I appreciate the curiosity, I guess. At least you care. Look, I don¡¯t remember anything about my past. That¡¯s why I chose to handle tougher cases. After two years of just helping old people, I needed something more.¡±


    As his voice calmed down, I finally looked back. His expression was serious now, and his blue eyes locked onto mine. I took a small step back, unnerved by how intense he suddenly seemed. It wasn¡¯t something I did consciously¡ªit just happened.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you trust me a bit, but what did you mean by ¡®compared to other women¡¯? What exactly did they do to you?¡±


    Callum stepped closer, his smile returning. ¡°Let¡¯s just say they were¡­ too hands-on. I¡¯m a germaphobe, so I¡¯m not a fan of people getting touchy with me.¡±


    Figures. I felt bad for him. With how attractive he was, I could totally imagine people invading his personal space. If anyone did that to me, I¡¯d be irritated too, but for him, it must be even worse¡ªhe probably thought they were dirty.


    ¡°If it were me, I¡¯d just¡­ punch them.¡±


    Callum blinked slowly before bursting into laughter, tears forming in his eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t do that!¡±


    Ah, that smile¡¯s way too bright. I could feel myself melting into a puddle of ash right there. This was the first time I¡¯d seen him genuinely laugh, and I kind of wished he¡¯d do that more often instead of grinning at me so creepily all the time.


    ¡°Well, if it happens again, I¡¯ll protect you. I promise to be the best partner you¡¯ve ever had!¡± I grinned and extended my hand, knowing full well he wouldn¡¯t take it.


    ¡°Hah! Are you trying to act like my knight in shining armor?¡±


    ¡°Nah, just joking. But seriously, if someone was too handsy with me, I¡¯d get mad too. Just call me, and I¡¯ll take care of them.¡±


    Callum laughed so hard he had to clutch his stomach. Well, at least the tension¡¯s gone. I was seriously starting to get freaked out earlier.


    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m older than you, so let me handle things. Let¡¯s just keep looking for now¡ª¡±


    Before I could finish, a bloodcurdling scream echoed through the hallway, coming from the courtyard below.


    Callum and I looked at each other and took off running without hesitation. I tried to keep up with him, but he was way faster than me. Damn, I¡¯m really not athletic. By the time I reached the courtyard, I was gasping for air, leaning on a lamppost for support.


    ¡°W-What happened?¡± I managed to ask, still trying to catch my breath.


    Callum was already there, covering my eyes before I could get a good look. I turned toward him in confusion, but his gaze was fixed on something in front of us.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look,¡± he said, his voice low.


    Even with his hand blocking my view, the smell of iron hit me, and I knew what I was about to see. I glanced down and saw blood staining the grass. To the right, a teacher was sitting on the ground in shock, trembling.


    ¡°I-I need to call the police!¡± the teacher stammered before stumbling away.


    I reached up to move Callum¡¯s hand but hesitated, remembering how he hated being touched. I was surprised he even placed his hand so close to my face despite that. Letting my hand drop, I looked at him. ¡°You don¡¯t have to cover my eyes. I can handle it. I¡¯ve already seen a corpse before.¡±


    ¡°Have you seen one splattered on the ground?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It was my own.¡±


    Callum looked at me with concern before slowly lowering his hand.


    What I saw was disturbingly familiar: a severed body lay before us, blood pooling around it as if the girl had fallen from a great height. Her face was hidden, pressed into the dirt.


    I glanced up. The courtyard was directly below the rooftop, which had no fence. It was eerily similar to how I died.


    ¡°Another suicide, huh?¡± I muttered, reaching for the tablet. ¡°I¡¯ll log it now.¡±


    Callum knelt beside the body, his expression shifting as he inspected it. His eyes widened slightly, and he let out a small gasp.


    ¡°Xiao Li, I don¡¯t think this is a suicide.¡±


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    ¡°Huh? But why? It looks like one.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so either,¡± a voice suddenly cut in from behind.


    I spun around and nearly screamed. A petite girl, drenched in blood from head to toe, stood there in her black-and-white school uniform. She casually patted dirt off the hem of her skirt, despite being soaked in blood, and cleared her throat.


    ¡°Ahem, nice to meet you. My name¡¯s Nora Santos¡ªor at least, that¡¯s what it says on my ID. I¡¯m 17.¡± She looked at the corpse on the ground and sighed. ¡°I guess I just died, huh? But I can¡¯t remember anything except my name and age.¡±


    Before Callum could respond, I raised a hand to stop him, flashing a smug smile. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s normal. It¡¯s protocol to forget everything before you pass on. No worries.¡±


    Callum gave me a puzzled look, but I just grinned back at him. ¡°See? I can handle your job too.¡±


    ¡°Xiao Li, this isn¡¯t the time to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Um,¡± Nora awkwardly scratched her head. ¡°Are you guys my guardian angels? Did you come to help me get revenge for what happened?¡±


    She rushed up to me, grabbing my hand, her eyes wide with wonder.


    I blinked slowly at her. Wow, she¡¯s really energetic for someone who just died.


    ¡°Haha, no, not revenge. We¡¯re not guardian angels. We¡¯re just here to guide you to the afterlife.¡±


    Nora pointed up to the balcony, her expression turning blank. ¡°The first thing I remember is waking up and seeing a bunch of girls up there, staring at my body. Are you going to do something about that?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not saying they pushed you, are you? How can you be so sure?¡±


    Nora knelt beside her own corpse, studying it for a few moments. ¡°Yep, just one look, and I can tell. You might want to look for evidence, but I¡¯m sure of one thing¡ªeven though I can¡¯t remember much.¡±


    ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡±


    She stood and looked us both in the eye, her expression bitter.


    ¡°I know for a fact that there¡¯s no way in hell I¡¯d ever choose to commit suicide.¡±


    A chill ran through me. Callum crossed his arms, smirking down at the girl.


    ¡°I like your attitude. How about we look for those girls together?¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± I gasped. ¡°We¡¯re only supposed to confirm her death, write it down, and escort her to QED! Why are we chasing down girls now?¡±


    Callum put a finger to his lips and whispered, ¡°Just keep it between us. Besides, if she¡¯s not satisfied, the elevator to QED won¡¯t work.¡±


    I sighed heavily. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s do it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Callum added. ¡°I¡¯ve got a pretty good idea who those girls are.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Already? How?¡±


    ¡°Just watch.¡± Callum gestured for Nora to follow. ¡°Come on, Nora.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± she chirped, trailing behind us as we headed back toward the newer building.


    ¡°Hey, miss and mister, you¡¯re both really pretty! Where are you from?¡± Nora asked as we climbed the stairs to the senior high classrooms. She clung to the back of my suit like a lost puppy, her eyes wide with curiosity.


    I ruffled my hair at the sudden compliment. ¡°You think so? I¡¯m pretty average¡­¡±


    ¡°Guess our nationalities,¡± Callum suggested with a smirk. ¡°Then we¡¯ll introduce ourselves.¡±


    Nora pouted and hit my shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t sell yourself short! If you¡¯re average, I must look like an ogre! But hmmm, let¡¯s see¡­ you¡¯re Chinese, and mister over there is¡­ European? Your hair¡¯s white though, so I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°Now that you mention it, I don¡¯t know his nationality either¡­¡± I mused. ¡°He does look kind of European though.¡±


    We arrive at the 4th floor. Callum chuckles to himself after hearing Nora¡¯s energetic response.


    ¡°You¡¯re right! How amazing! I¡¯ll introduce myself then, it¡¯s nice to meet you. My name is Callum Dalais. I¡¯m actually Scottish.¡± Callum bows as he finishes introducing himself to the small girl.


    ¡°You¡¯re Scottish?!¡± I turn to Callum in shock, but then remember I need to introduce myself too. ¡°Ah yeah! My name is Sheng Xiao Li. I¡¯m Chinese. I¡¯m pretty sure I also lived in Guangzhou.¡± I bow awkwardly.


    Nora looks at both of us in amusement and suddenly hugs me out of nowhere. I let out a small yelp as she grabs onto me.


    ¡°You¡¯re so funny, Miss Xiao Li! Actually, I just remembered that I¡¯ve been learning Mandarin in this school from kindergarten to senior high! You¡¯re really pretty! You look like one of those rich pretty older sister characters I usually see in Chinese dramas! Can I call you jiejie then?!¡±


    I grab the kid¡¯s head, trying to pull her away, but she clings to me like superglue. ¡°I don¡¯t care, but get off me, please!¡± I look at Callum, silently pleading for help, but he just looks away, shrugs, and smirks. This jerk.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna! Let me call you *jiejie* first!¡± I use both of my hands to pry Nora off, but it still doesn¡¯t work. I¡¯m stuck in place, my arms being crushed together by her immovable grip.


    ¡°Fine, fine! Let me go first!¡±


    Nora immediately lets go. I kneel on the floor in pain, trying to catch my breath. Callum looks down at me, still smirking.


    ¡°Are you a grandma or something? Is being squeezed by a kid that painful, grandma?¡±


    ¡°S-shut up¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, jiejie! Don¡¯t die on me, please!¡± Nora hugs my limp body, her eyes tearing up.


    ¡°I¡¯m already dead! I can¡¯t die twice! Just¡­ give me a break¡­¡± I catch my breath as Nora wraps her arm around me to help me stand. We follow Callum down the hallway, ignoring the classrooms. He stops in front of the restroom and stares at the door. Faint chatter can be heard from inside.


    ¡°Seems like I was right. They¡¯re hiding here. I thought I heard a few girls talking a while ago.¡±


    As I approach the door, I can clearly hear the voices of three girls arguing loudly.


    ¡°What the fuck do we do now?! I didn¡¯t mean to push her off! She fell by herself after I just pushed her a little bit! She¡¯s 17 but acts like a special kid all the time! She was a pain in the ass during group projects, and it seriously pissed me off! I just wanted to teach her a lesson, that¡¯s all!¡± Girl 1¡¯s voice echoes through the door, loud enough to be heard in the hallway.


    ¡°I-I had nothing to do with this, okay? I was just watching!¡± Girl 2¡¯s voice trembles, a mix of fear and confusion.


    Silence follows before the third girl speaks. ¡°Shut up and don¡¯t say anything about today. They¡¯ll think it¡¯s a suicide. We were never here. Got it?¡±


    Nora¡¯s hand shakes as she clings to my suit, her eyes wide with fear. I ball my fist, anger rising as I listen to their conversation.


    ¡°Are you going to open the door?¡± Nora asks quietly, her hands still trembling.


    ¡°Yes, they can¡¯t see us, so to them, it¡¯ll just be like a gust of wind blowing the door open,¡± Callum explains, concern in his eyes as he looks at Nora.


    ¡°Is that so? Then excuse me for this.¡±


    I kick the door open with my heel. The loud bang echoes through the quiet hallway, causing the girls inside to scream in unison as they huddle near the sinks.


    ¡°What the fuck was that?!¡± A girl with a ponytail yelps, backing against a wall, phone in hand.


    ¡°Calm down! It was just the wind! There¡¯s no one here!¡± A tall girl with short hair scans the room, her gaze passing over the three of us. She relaxes after a moment.


    ¡°You better make sure there¡¯s no one here. Or we¡¯re doomed...¡± The third girl grips her bag tightly, her long hair disheveled.


    I look at the three girls, a sudden and overwhelming urge to pummel them to the ground surging within me. I reach out to grab the girl with the bag¡ª


    ¡°Xiao Li, don¡¯t.¡± Callum steps between me and the girl, his expression serious.


    ¡°Move. I need to teach these brats a lesson.¡± My hands tremble with rage, and I can¡¯t understand why Callum is stopping me.


    ¡°You¡¯re about to break the third rule. Calm down. I understand why you¡¯re angry¡ª¡±


    ¡°If you really understand, then get out of my way!¡±


    ¡°Xiao Li¡­ you¡¯re scaring the kid¡­¡±


    His words hit me like a ton of bricks. Slowly, I turn to look behind me. Nora¡¯s face is twisted in both fear and sadness. She weakly grips my suit, staring at me.


    ¡°*Jiejie*, please don¡¯t do anything to them¡­ it was all my fault¡­ it¡¯s because I was such a burden to them¡­¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t believe what they¡¯re saying, Nora! None of this is your fault! I¡ªI¡¯m sorry, Nora¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to scare you. I was just so angry. I¡¯m so, so sorry.¡± I hug Nora tightly, trying to comfort her as she clings to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting out of here! I can¡¯t take this anymore!¡± The girl with long hair bolts from the restroom, running frantically down the hallway.


    ¡°That idiot!¡± The girl with the ponytail curses under her breath. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± The short-haired girl follows, and they both flee in a hurry.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s time to bring her to QED. This case is closed. It was murder.¡± Callum says coldly as he types on his tablet and leaves the restroom.


    The elevator ride to QED is strangely quiet. Nora clings to the back of my suit, silent. Callum asks her a few basic questions, and she responds in short, quiet sentences. The elevator doors open to a bright light flooding the lobby. We walk toward the receptionist desk, surrounded by the murmur of conversations, as we silently guide Nora to the machine.


    I kneel down to meet Nora¡¯s eyes. She¡¯s staring at the floor, her tears falling silently as she begins to tremble.


    ¡°So, I guess this is where we part ways, huh, jiejie? I don¡¯t want to leave¡­¡±


    ¡°From here on, Nora, your life will be wonderful. Before you know it, you¡¯ll be living a better life than the one you just had. Once you¡¯re reincarnated, you¡¯ll be happy. I promise.¡± I pat Nora¡¯s head gently, a sad smile on my face.


    ¡°Reincarnated? But that means I won¡¯t remember you or anything! I don¡¯t even remember much about myself! I don¡¯t want to go!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a reason you¡¯re not supposed to remember anything after you die. It¡¯s so you can move on without worries.¡± Callum takes a ticket from the machine and hands it to Nora with his gloved hand. ¡°When your number is called, go to the lady at the counter. She¡¯ll explain everything from here.¡±


    Nora refuses to take the ticket, clinging to me instead. ¡°I don¡¯t want to forget everything that happened today! Not when those bullies are still alive!¡±


    Callum kneels beside me, looking up at her.


    ¡°And what if I told you that those bullies will eventually face their karma?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about, Callum?¡±


    Callum hands me the ticket, smiling. His gloved hand holds it out as I take it.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just that there¡¯s this unknown entity in QED that takes revenge for the victims. It all started a year ago, from what I¡¯ve heard. The higher-ups are investigating it, but this person seems to target and kill people in the real world who caused the deaths of the victims.¡±


    ¡°Will that person punish them? C-can they take revenge for me?¡± Nora¡¯s eyes widen as she looks at Callum, gripping her skirt tightly.


    I stare at Nora in disbelief. ¡°Nora, do you want them to die?¡±


    ¡°I may not remember everything, but jiejie¡­ I loathe them. My memories might not be there, but my feelings are. When I saw them¡­ I felt nothing but fear and resentment. If that¡¯s all it takes, then I think¡­ I can move on.¡±


    I stand in front of Nora and grip her shoulders. ¡°Nora, you stopped me from harming those students a while ago. Why do you suddenly want them to die?!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I just didn¡¯t want you to do it, jiejie. That would be selfish of me. If it was someone else, I¡¯d feel relieved to see them dead.¡± A blank expression crosses Nora¡¯s face. ¡°Now that I heard this news¡­ I-I think I can go¡­¡±


    The speakers in the lobby crackle as a new number is called.


    ¡°Number E-1799, please head to counter 3.¡±


    Callum stands up and begins typing on his tablet again. ¡°Xiao Li, give her the ticket. Her number is being called.¡±


    ¡°Jiejie and Mister¡­ Thank you so much for guiding me. We may have only met for a short time, but I really appreciate you both for taking care of me. Just knowing that there are two people who will remember me makes me feel relieved, and knowing that someone will take revenge for me, I guess¡­¡±


    Before I realize it, Nora snatches the ticket from my hands and hugs me tightly. She runs to the counter, tears streaming down her face, waving goodbye.


    ¡°Thank you, jiejie! Thank you, Mister! I love you both!¡±


    I wave back, unsure of how to feel about this short-lived meeting.


    ¡°Hey, Callum?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Do you think she¡¯ll be happy in her next life? Do you think she¡¯ll live longer, too?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure she will.¡±


    I slump into the empty chair beside me, rubbing my eyes to hold back tears.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna miss that kid.¡±

 Chapter 4: Co-workers

    Callum slumps into a chair, leaving a seat between us.


    ¡°Most of the time, when I see clients off like this¡­ it feels frustrating. There¡¯s no closure for the victim. People move on with their lives, and more often than not, the perpetrators face no real consequences. It makes me angry," he says, his voice heavy with resignation. "It was a short meeting. But what did you think, Xiao Li, about your first case?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ sad¡­ and exhausting. I need a two-day break. I¡¯ve had enough socializing for one day.¡±


    It¡¯s been around four hours since we left QED. I glance up, noticing the bright sunlight still streaming through the lobby ceiling.


    ¡°Is it always daytime here? I thought it¡¯d be afternoon by now.¡± I turn to Callum, puzzled.


    ¡°I have a theory about this place,¡± he says, leaning back. ¡°Every time I¡¯m here, it never turns to night, and it never rains. I¡¯m guessing since this is the afterlife, the usual rules of weather don¡¯t apply.¡±


    ¡°Is there an entrance or exit? I want to see what¡¯s outside this place.¡±


    Callum chuckles. ¡°I¡¯ve been searching for one for two years. All I¡¯ve found are doors leading to storage rooms.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡­ disappointing,¡± I sigh. ¡°But I¡¯d really love to visit the real world again. I just realized I never traveled anywhere except Guangzhou when I was alive.¡±


    ¡°If you could go anywhere for dinner, where would it be?¡± Callum asks, a teasing smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any money, though.¡±


    ¡°Ah, about that¡­¡± Callum lifts his ID card. ¡°Every time you complete a case or join as a newbie, points get added to your account. Points are our currency here¡ªand in the real world. You can use your ID or your phone to pay. If you check your phone, you might already have some money.¡±


    I pull out my phone and find a new app on it. ¡°Oh, yeah. This app just appeared. It says ¡®QED¡¯.¡± I tap it open, and the home screen displays: Wallet: 100 points. Callum leans over, peeking at my screen.


    ¡°Looks right. I got 70 points after my first case. Your starting balance is 30 points.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re saying I can use this in the real world? How does that even work?¡±


    ¡°Your points convert to real-world currency once you use them outside QED. One point is roughly equal to a little less than a pound, I think.¡±


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s quite a lot for just one case.¡±


    ¡°The pay in this division is pretty good. You earn around 40,000 points annually, mainly because our cases are tougher and¡­ more disturbing.¡±


    ¡°Hearing that makes me feel a lot better. I can finally eat in peace without stressing over money.¡±


    ¡°So, what do you feel like eating? I¡¯ll treat you¡ªsince you¡¯re new and all.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ but I¡¯ve been craving Korean barbecue for a while n¡ª¡±


    Before I can finish, a sharp slap lands on the back of my head, jolting me forward. I wince, stunned by the sudden sting.


    ¡°I was eavesdropping, so why don¡¯t we all go eat dinner together?¡± a familiar voice chirps behind me. ¡°It¡¯s 10:42 p.m. in Korea right now! Let¡¯s get some Korean barbecue, guys! We have to celebrate Xiao Li joining the team!¡±


    Reina grins at me, completely unfazed by the throbbing pain she¡¯s just caused. Seo-Jun, standing beside her, playfully nudges her shoulder in protest.


    ¡°Sasaki, I know you¡¯re excited to finally have a new co-worker you¡¯re interested in, but please don¡¯t hurt her,¡± Callum said, his voice carrying a hint of warning.


    I whipped around, glaring at the trio. ¡°Don¡¯t hit my head like that! I¡¯m seriously going to punch you if you do it again!¡±


    ¡°Hehe, sorry about that,¡± Sasaki said, not looking sorry at all. ¡°I was just so happy when I heard you were going to be working here from now on. Nice suit, by the way! It looks pretty neat on you!¡±


    I squinted at them, still trying to make sense of everything. ¡°How did you guys even know I was going to be working here?¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Sasaki grinned, pointing a thumb at Callum, ¡°a little white dove here told us. He¡¯s our friend too, y¡¯know!¡±


    I raised an eyebrow at Callum. ¡°You know these two?¡±


    ¡°We pretty much joined QED at the same time, so we naturally became friends. Anyway, wanna join us for dinner? It¡¯s your call,¡± he said, flashing an easy smile.


    I stood up, glancing between them. ¡°Do I have to pay for anything?¡±


    Seo-Jun tugged Sasaki closer, pointing at her dramatically. ¡°Sasaki¡¯s paying today.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I said I was treating!¡± Callum protested.


    ¡°She¡¯s loaded with points because she¡¯s been making me do cases non-stop. She says she¡¯s bored. Let her pay, please.¡± Seo-Jun patted Sasaki¡¯s shoulder and smirked. ¡°Right, grandma?¡±


    With a swift jab, Sasaki¡¯s fist landed in Seo-Jun¡¯s stomach, and he crumpled, clutching his gut. ¡°Shut it, brat! I told you to call me Sasaki Reina-senpai! And I¡¯m not that old!¡±


    I blinked, trying to piece this all together. Sasaki looked so young. There was no way she was older than Seo-Jun¡­ right?


    ¡°Wait, so how old are you, exactly¡­ Reina-san?¡±


    She turned to me with a bright smile. ¡°You can just call me Sasaki. No need for honorifics, except for this idiot¡ªhe doesn¡¯t respect his elders.¡± She pointed at Seo-Jun, who was still smirking despite the pain. ¡°You¡¯re 26, right? That makes me your senior, too!¡±


    ¡°Wow, I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re older than her¡­¡± Seo-Jun mumbled, reconsidering what to call her.


    Sasaki swung her leg, lightly kicking Seo-Jun¡¯s shins, but he managed to stay upright. It was clear this kind of back-and-forth was normal for them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to this brat,¡± she continued. ¡°My age is a secret, but Seo-Jun was only 21 when he died, so he¡¯s technically 23 now. Compared to everyone else, he¡¯s just an annoying kid, right, Seo-Jun?¡±


    Seo-Jun¡¯s grin turned mischievous. ¡°Well, at least I¡¯m not a grandma hitting her thirtie¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, Sasaki slapped a hand over his mouth. Things were about to escalate when Callum stepped between them, his arms crossed, his foot tapping the floor.


    ¡°Would you two please behave?¡± he said, voice firm but calm. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure you¡¯re both sensible people. Why don¡¯t you settle this like adults?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t see his expression from where I stood behind him, but the shift in his tone was enough to make both of them freeze. Sasaki coughed, regaining her composure, and let go of Seo-Jun.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. My bad,¡± she said, smoothing her hair down.


    ¡°I¡¯m very sorry,¡± Seo-Jun added, bowing slightly.


    ¡°You both need to set a good example for our newbie Xiao Li, okay?¡± Callum said, his tone softening, yet still holding an edge.


    For some reason, it felt like a mother scolding her kids.


    ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Yes, I agree!¡± Sasaki and Seo-Jun replied in unison, their voices surprisingly meek.


    I scratched my head, still trying to digest the odd dynamic. ¡°Hey, how about we go out and eat already? I¡¯m starving. I don¡¯t really mind your age or anything.¡±


    Sasaki lights up as I said this. She walks beside me and responds. ¡°Okay lets go then!¡±


    We walked toward the elevator, heading back to the real world. Sasaki, however, veered past the usual elevator and approached one guarded by a gate with a passport scanner.


    Callum glanced back at me and said, ¡°Ah, but before that, we need to get your fake passport and ID. You can¡¯t go back to the land of the living without them.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right! I almost forgot about that,¡± Sasaki replied.


    ¡°Huh? Why do I need a passport? Aren¡¯t I already dead? Plus, people can¡¯t see us anyway,¡± I protested.


    Seo-Jun placed his hand on his hip as he explained, ¡°You see, Xiao Li, when we go out to eat, buy essentials, or do anything else, you need a fake identity. We can¡¯t go back to the real world using the same name and face as dead people.¡±


    ¡°I thought you said people couldn¡¯t see us,¡± I replied, still confused.


    ¡°Well, when we want to be seen, we use our IDs! All you have to do is scan it on the machine beside the elevator, and tada! You¡¯ll be visible to the living. No one will recognize you, though!¡± Sasaki grinned.


    ¡°I think I remember where that department is. Follow me,¡± Seo-Jun said, gesturing for us to follow him. We turned and walked in the opposite direction of the waiting area.


    After a minute, we arrived at a door labeled ¡°Identity Information Services.¡± Seo-Jun pushed it open, revealing a large office filled with cubicles. Employees were typing away, engrossed in their screens. The atmosphere felt like a bustling service center.


    Seo-Jun walked to a nearby desk and leaned against the ledge of a cubicle. Inside sat a man with glasses and curly hair, furiously clicking his mouse while staring intently at his computer. Dark circles under his eyes hinted that he hadn¡¯t slept in days. He was so focused that he didn¡¯t even notice Seo-Jun¡¯s presence.


    Seo-Jun knocked on the side of the cubicle, causing the man to jump and fall out of his chair. Sasaki bit her lip, struggling not to laugh.


    ¡°What the hell?!¡± the man exclaimed, regaining his balance.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Ji-ho!¡± Seo-Jun said, a playful grin on his face.


    Ji-ho slowly crawled back into his chair, glaring at Seo-Jun. ¡°Don¡¯t ¡®what¡¯s up¡¯ me. I¡¯m pretty sure you¡¯re just here to ask me to do something again, right? I can tell because you brought your friends.¡±


    Seo-Jun leaned in, placing his chin on his hand. ¡°Well, it¡¯s great that I don¡¯t have to explain. Can you get my friend¡¯s passport here ASAP? I¡¯m sure you can do that in under ten minutes.¡±


    Ji-ho stared at him, perplexed. ¡°No way. Just do the application online and wait for it to get printed like everyone else. It takes a week to arrive anyway.¡±


    I hesitated, glancing at Seo-Jun. ¡°Yeah, I think he¡¯s right. I don¡¯t feel comfortable asking him to do all of this.¡±


    Sasaki turned to me, her expression reassuring. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, Xiao Li. Just watch. He did this for me too.¡±


    Seo-Jun leaned closer to Ji-ho, peering at his computer screen. ¡°That seems hard. What are you even editing?¡±


    Ji-ho sighed, continuing to type. ¡°Well, you know how when people die, they see a flashback of their lives all at once? I¡¯m editing some grandpa¡¯s vision of that before he kicks the bucket in, like, two hours.¡±


    ¡°You guys do that?¡± Callum asked, surprise evident in his voice.


    ¡°Well, yeah. My division handles that along with passports and IDs. I didn¡¯t want to become a reaper, so I volunteered for this instead. I want to be rich in my next life, even though I¡¯ve got a blue box, so I¡¯m working for it,¡± Ji-ho explained, readjusting his glasses.


    ¡°That¡¯s really admirable. I didn¡¯t know you could do that,¡± Callum said, leaning in to get a better look at Ji-ho¡¯s screen. I followed suit.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a blue box too, right? Seo-Jun told me. You¡¯ve done so much work you could become a billionaire once you reincarnate. Why are you still a reaper?¡± Ji-ho asked, glancing at Callum¡¯s ID.


    ¡°Hmmm, well¡­ that¡¯s a secret,¡± Callum replied, his gaze drifting to me. As soon as our eyes met, I looked away.


    ¡°Stop changing the topic and process her passport already,¡± Seo-Jun insisted, stepping into the cubicle and kneeling beside Ji-ho¡¯s chair. ¡°Please?¡±


    ¡°You know you don¡¯t have to do all this for me. I can wait a week,¡± I interjected.


    ¡°What¡¯s in it for me?¡± Ji-ho asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll treat you to a free dinner with soju. Unlimited alcohol, too,¡± Seo-Jun offered.


    At the mention of free food and drinks, Ji-ho¡¯s eyes lit up with glee as if he became a completely different person and he grabbed Seo-Jun¡¯s hand enthusiastically.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it done in ten minutes!¡± Ji-ho exclaimed, suddenly energized.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you understand!¡± Seo-Jun replied with a satisfied grin.


    True to his word, ten minutes later, Ji-ho handed me a passport and driver¡¯s license.


    ¡°Well, now that¡¯s done. I¡¯m getting back to work,¡± Ji-ho said, pointing a finger at Seo-Jun as he walked away. ¡°You better keep your promise.¡±


    ¡°Roger that,¡± Seo-Jun replied, a smirk on his face.


    I opened my passport and was startled to find that my face and name were different. The photo showed a petite woman in her late twenties with brown wavy hair, and the name read ¡°Chen Liyuan.¡±


    ¡°Wow, this person is pretty. Is this supposed to be me?¡± I asked, incredulous.


    Sasaki stared at the passport and then back at my face in disbelief. ¡°Huh? No way! You must be joking. This woman looks average compared to you!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± I replied, slightly taken aback.


    ¡°I agree,¡± Seo-Jun chimed in, nodding.


    Callum leaned in, still maintaining a respectful distance, to examine my passport and ID. He scrutinized my face, his brows furrowing in thought. ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s right. This ¡®Liyuan¡¯ person looks cute, but I prefer more mature-looking women. Like you.¡±


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Ah¡­ thanks. I honestly don¡¯t know how to feel about that,¡± I said, leaning back a bit in embarrassment. I tucked the passport and ID into my body bag.


    We walked back toward the elevator, scanning our passports at the machine beside the entrance. It worked like the passport scanners you¡¯d find at airports. As soon as I scanned my passport, the gate opened, and I waited for the others to finish.


    The elevator doors slid open, and we all stepped inside, ready to head back to the world of the living.


    The elevator doors slid open, revealing the polished marble floors and soft lighting of a luxurious hotel lobby. As we stepped out, the cool night air greeted us, and it took me a moment to realize we were in Korea. Neon street signs glowed in the dark, and the hum of the city at 11:16 p.m. was alive with the sounds of laughter, sizzling food, and clinking glasses. People crowded small, makeshift tables on the sidewalks, drinking and feasting beneath the moonlit sky.


    ¡°Ah, I recognize this street,¡± Sasaki said, striding beside Seo-Jun. ¡°So, we¡¯re going to Miss Kim¡¯s place again, huh?¡±


    ¡°Miss Kim?¡± I asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Oh, she¡¯s just this old lady I visit sometimes. She runs a little Korean barbeque joint and treats me to free food now and then,¡± Seo-Jun replied casually, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.


    Sasaki let out a dramatic sigh. ¡°Yeah, but Miss Kim only gives him free food. I asked once why she was so generous, and all she could say was ¡®because he¡ªgood face,¡¯ in her broken English. I was so mad. This idiot¡¯s got pretty boy privilege.¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t mind giving you free meals like that?¡± Callum asked, sounding genuinely puzzled. ¡°Won¡¯t she lose money?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an Asian grandma thing,¡± I said, laughing a little. ¡°They tend to do that if they like you. Sometimes they even start seeing you as their own kid.¡± I could almost picture it, recalling a few similar encounters in my own life.


    We climbed a narrow, creaky staircase in an old building, the hallway dimly lit and smelling faintly of grilled meat and soy sauce. At the end of the corridor, an open glass door led into a tiny, cozy restaurant.


    ¡°Well, whatever. Let¡¯s just get in there and enjoy some free food, yeah?¡± Seo-Jun said with a grin, pushing the door open. The place was small, with only five tables crammed together, each with two chairs. The atmosphere was warm, homely, and for now, completely ours.


    We took our seats at a long table, and Seo-Jun made a beeline for the kitchen. ¡°Miss Kim! I brought some friends today!¡± he called, his voice echoing down the narrow room.


    I could faintly hear the chatter of an elderly woman replying to him in Korean, but the words were lost on me. A moment later, Seo-Jun emerged, balancing trays stacked high with raw pork belly, beef, and all the necessary utensils. Right behind him, Miss Kim followed, carrying a tray of steaming rice in four neat metal containers.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help,¡± Callum said, springing up to take the tray from her, making sure to keep a respectful distance. Miss Kim¡¯s eyes widened as she took in his appearance, and she gasped.


    ¡°Why your hair white? You dye it?!¡± she asked, her English thick with a Korean accent. ¡°Not good for natural hair, you know!¡±


    ¡°No, no!¡± Callum quickly reassured her, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°It¡¯s natural! I was born with it¡ªit¡¯s, uh, a genetic disorder.¡±


    Miss Kim¡¯s eyes narrowed thoughtfully before she nodded, her expression softening. ¡°Aigoo, poor boy. But handsome! Good face,¡± she said, patting him on the shoulder before bustling back into the kitchen, leaving Callum standing there, a little stunned.


    ¡°She¡¯s already taken a liking to you,¡± Sasaki teased, smirking. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll be getting even more free food now.¡±


    Callum chuckled, shaking his head as he set the tray down on the table. ¡°Well, I guess that¡¯s¡­ good? Though I¡¯m still not sure how to feel about it.¡±


    Seo-Jun was already at work, expertly placing the slices of meat onto the grill, the hot surface hissing as the pork began to sizzle and brown. The aroma of garlic and sesame oil filled the air, making my mouth water. As we sat there, surrounded by the warmth of the grill and the low murmur of conversation, I couldn¡¯t help but feel like, just for tonight, we¡¯d found a small pocket of normalcy in an otherwise strange and complicated world.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy about eating. She¡¯ll probably be back with even more side dishes in a few minutes.¡±


    I look around the cozy little restaurant, feeling a bit more at ease now that we¡¯re settled. The smell of grilling meat wafts through the air, mixing with the faint aroma of garlic and sesame oil. It feels warm and homey, a nice change from the sterile atmosphere of QED.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m still curious,¡± I say, turning to Seo-Jun. ¡°How did you even get to know Miss Kim?¡±


    Seo-Jun shrugs as he flips the pork belly, making sure each piece gets a nice sear. ¡°I just wandered in here one night when I was on a break, and she sort of took pity on me. I looked really tired, I guess. She gave me some food, we chatted a bit, and I just kept coming back. It¡¯s kinda like I¡¯ve been adopted by a random grandma now.¡±


    Sasaki snorts. ¡°Lucky you. I asked her for a free refill once, and she scolded me like I was trying to steal her whole restaurant.¡±


    ¡°Pretty boy privilege strikes again I see,¡± I tease, and Seo-Jun rolls his eyes but grins anyway.


    Miss Kim comes back out of the kitchen, carrying a tray full of small plates with different side dishes¡ªkimchi, pickled radish, bean sprouts, and more. She sets them down on the table with a bright smile, her gaze lingering on Seo-Jun. ¡°Eat, eat! Good food, make strong! You eat well, yes?¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you so much, Miss Kim,¡± Seo-Jun replies in fluent Korean, his tone respectful but easygoing. ¡°We¡¯ll enjoy the food.¡±


    Miss Kim nods approvingly, then turns to the rest of us. ¡°You friends, too. Eat much! No leave table until full!¡± She gives us a firm look, like a strict but loving grandmother, and I can¡¯t help but smile.


    As she heads back to the kitchen again, we start filling our plates, the atmosphere relaxing into a casual, friendly vibe. The food is delicious¡ªperfectly grilled meat, fluffy rice, and the tangy, spicy side dishes that complete the experience. It feels almost surreal to be sitting here, sharing a meal with these people I¡¯ve just met in such unusual circumstances, yet everything about it feels surprisingly normal.


    ¡°I gotta say, Seo-Jun,¡± I remark as I pick up a piece of pork belly with my chopsticks, ¡°you sure know how to pick your spots.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad you guys are enjoying it,¡± he replies, leaning back in his chair, satisfied. ¡°Miss Kim¡¯s place is the best. Plus, it¡¯s not every day you get to hang out with good company, right?¡±


    The conversation flows easily as we eat, jumping from lighthearted jokes to the other three sharing their experiences about working in the company. For a while, it feels like we¡¯re just regular people, enjoying a late-night meal together, forgetting about everything else.


    The meal was long and leisurely, filled with laughter, sizzling meat, and the gentle clink of chopsticks against metal bowls. By the time we left Miss Kim¡¯s cozy restaurant, it was past midnight, and the streets had quieted down, leaving just the soft hum of distant traffic and a few murmured conversations from late-night strollers.


    We walked back to the hotel, feeling pleasantly full and slightly drowsy. The neon signs that had blazed brightly earlier now flickered, casting sporadic bursts of light onto the pavement. Sasaki stretched her arms over her head, letting out a satisfied groan. ¡°I¡¯m so stuffed, I don¡¯t think I can eat for a week.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Seo-Jun said, smirking. ¡°Until tomorrow when you¡¯re begging for tteokbokki.¡±


    Sasaki opened her mouth to retort, but Callum quickly stepped between them. ¡°We should get back to QED before it¡¯s too late. The gates close after a certain time, don¡¯t they?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I know.¡± Sasaki rolled her eyes but started walking a little faster, making her way toward the hotel entrance.


    We filed into the lobby, and the cool air-conditioning hit us, banishing the lingering warmth of the grill from our skin. It felt strange being back here after the easy comfort of the restaurant, like stepping out of a dream and into a harsher reality. We rode the elevator up in silence, the faint hum of the machinery the only sound, until the doors slid open to reveal a corridor that led to another elevator¡ªa different one. The kind of elevator that didn¡¯t just go up and down, but between realms.


    Sasaki led the way, waving her ID card in front of a sleek scanner. The gate clicked open, and we stepped inside. The elevator was dimly lit, a stark contrast to the bright, bustling streets we had just left.


    As the doors closed behind us, I caught a glimpse of my own reflection in the shiny metal walls. It was strange to think that the face staring back at me wasn¡¯t really mine, at least not in this world. The others looked the same in my vision, but in the reflection of the mirror stood 4 strangers. I touched my cheek absentmindedly, still trying to get used to the idea of a fake passport and ID.


    ¡°Hey, you okay?¡± Callum¡¯s voice broke through my thoughts. I looked up to find him watching me with a concerned expression, his usual easy going demeanor softened.


    I smiled, a bit forced, but sincere. ¡°Yeah, just¡­ weird to think about. You know, the whole ¡®dead but not really dead¡¯ thing.¡±


    ¡°It takes some getting used to,¡± Seo-Jun said from the other side of the elevator, leaning back against the wall with his hands in his pockets. ¡°But you¡¯ll get there. We all did.¡±


    The elevator began to move, and I felt a strange sensation, like the ground was shifting beneath my feet. It wasn¡¯t like a regular elevator ride. Instead of just going up or down, it felt like we were being pulled through something thicker, almost like swimming through syrup. The air seemed to hum around us, charged with an invisible energy, and I couldn¡¯t help but hold my breath until the sensation passed.


    When the doors finally opened, we were back in QED. The stark, pristine hallways stretched out before us, as if we had never left. The quiet was a little unnerving after the noise and life of the streets above. It felt as though the place was watching us, waiting for us to get back to work.


    "Well, I guess it''s time to call it a night. Let''s head back to our apartments, shall we?" Callum said, pulling out his tablet and typing something into it.


    I glanced up at the ceiling, noticing the sky overhead was still bright and blue, as if it were the middle of the day. "But... it''s still daytime."


    "The concept of ''time'' doesn''t really exist here," Sasaki explained, rubbing her eyes as she stared at the sky visible through the windows above. "Once you start feeling sleepy, that''s your cue to head home. QED runs 24/7. There are always other reapers on duty, even when we''re asleep."


    We made our way down the narrow hallway, our footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor. Callum led the way, his tablet in hand, while Sasaki and I trailed behind, with Seo-Jun keeping pace beside me. The bright overhead lights cast a warm glow over everything, creating a cozy atmosphere.


    As we approached the elevator, I felt a mix of anticipation and fatigue wash over me. Callum pressed the button, and the doors slid open with a soft chime. Inside, the elevator was adorned with sleek panels of brushed metal and smooth, dark wood. A gentle hum filled the space as it began its ascent.


    When the doors opened again, we stepped into a hotel room lobby, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. A few potted plants decorated the corners, and warm lighting created an inviting ambiance.


    ¡°This place is pretty nice,¡± I remarked, glancing around.


    ¡°Welcome to our little slice of heaven,¡± Callum said, smiling as he pocketed his tablet. ¡°It''s like a comfort zone for reapers. You can unwind here before you head back to do your cases.¡±


    Sasaki stretched her arms overhead, rubbing her eyes. ¡°Just so you know what is inside this hotel aren¡¯t just regular hotel rooms!¡±


    Seo-Jun chimed in, ¡°Apparently, these rooms are exact replicas of our own apartments or houses from when we were alive. Just take another elevator from this lobby, and you¡¯ll be right there.¡±


    Callum pulled out his tablet and turned it toward me. The center of the screen displayed his room number and the floor he was assigned to. ¡°By the way, I¡¯m on floor 26, room 14. Since we¡¯re partners, I¡¯m guessing they assigned you to the same floor. Just check your tablet.¡±


    I retrieved my tablet from my bag and opened the same tab Callum had shown me. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m also on floor 26. Room 15, actually. We¡¯re right next to each other, then?¡±


    ¡°Looks like it!¡± Callum grinned.


    Sasaki, standing a little further back, raised an eyebrow. ¡°So that means you¡¯ll have to deal with each other¡¯s noise. Good luck!¡±


    Seo-Jun shrugged, ¡°You know Xiao Li¡¯s not one for noise. I doubt she¡¯ll be the problem.¡±


    I offered a slight nod, the corners of my mouth twitching upward. ¡°I can assure you, noise won¡¯t be an issue.¡±


    ¡°See?¡± Seo-Jun said, his voice dripping with mock seriousness. ¡°Xiao Li is a model neighbor. Unlike Callum who blasts music so much that you can hear it from outside.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not get carried away,¡± Callum replied, his tone dry as the group chuckled.


    Seo-Jun clapped his hands together, a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes. ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s head to our rooms and settle in.¡±


    As we made our way to the elevator, Seo-Jun and Sasaki took the lead, engaging in their usual banter while Callum and I exchanged glances, a comfortable silence enveloping us.


    The elevator doors slid open, revealing a gleaming interior. We stepped inside, and Seo-Jun pressed the button for the 25th floor. As the elevator began its ascent, I felt a sense of anticipation, wondering what awaited us in our replicas of the lives we once lived.


    The elevator hummed softly as it ascended, the light above flickering slightly. I leaned against the cool metal wall, glancing at the floor numbers above the doors as they counted upward. Callum stood beside me, his fingers drumming lightly on the tablet in his hands.


    ¡°Are you excited?¡± he asked, a spark of curiosity in his eyes.


    I shrugged, trying to play it cool. ¡°I guess. But it¡¯s just a room, after all.¡±


    He chuckled, clearly amused. ¡°Not just any room. It¡¯s a replica of your life. Think of all the memories and emotions tied to it.¡±


    ¡°Memories can be complicated,¡± I replied, my gaze shifting to the illuminated numbers above. ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s better to leave them behind.¡±


    Callum¡¯s expression softened. ¡°I get that. But maybe it¡¯ll be comforting to see something familiar, something that reminds you of who you were.¡±


    Before I could respond, the elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing the 25th floor lobby.


    Seo-Jun stepped out first, turning around to face us with a half-smile. ¡°Well, this is our floor,¡± he said, gesturing down the hallway. ¡°Try not to get lost up there on the 26th.¡±


    Sasaki gave him a playful nudge as she followed him out. ¡°They¡¯ll be fine, don¡¯t worry. But you¡¯re the one who needs to catch up on sleep.¡± She shot a wink in my direction. ¡°See you two tomorrow. Maybe you¡¯ll feel more settled in by then.¡±


    I nodded, watching them disappear into the hallway as the elevator doors slid shut again. For a moment, the sound of their banter still echoed in my mind, but the quiet that followed felt heavier as the elevator resumed its ascent.


    Callum shifted beside me, breaking the silence. ¡°They¡¯re good people,¡± he said, glancing at me. ¡°Took me a while to trust them, too. But two years in, you learn to rely on each other here.¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond immediately, my eyes fixed on the floor numbers climbing higher. Two years. It seemed like an eternity in this place, where time didn¡¯t exist in any recognizable way. They had adjusted, found their rhythm, while I was still trying to understand where I even fit in.


    The elevator stopped at the 26th floor with a soft ding, and the doors opened to reveal another dimly lit hallway. Callum led the way out, the soft click of our footsteps filling the space. As we passed each door, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what kind of lives they had left behind, what replicas they were returning to every night.


    When we reached Room 14, Callum paused, his hand hovering over the door handle. He turned to me with a small smile. ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it,¡± he said, his voice reassuring. ¡°The room might remind you of the past, but it¡¯s not who you are now. It¡¯s just a place.¡±


    I nodded, though his words didn¡¯t fully sink in. ¡°Goodnight, Callum.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight, Xiao Li,¡± he replied, disappearing into his room with a soft click of the door.


    I stood in front of Room 15, the number glaring back at me like a challenge. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside.


    Instead of the pristine, orderly space I had expected, I was met with a mess¡ªa chaotic snapshot of my old life. Clothes were strewn across the bed and chair, books piled haphazardly on the floor, and papers scattered over the small coffee table in the corner. It was too familiar, almost unsettlingly so. This wasn¡¯t some idealized version of my past; it was exactly how I¡¯d left it.


    The mug on the kitchen counter had a ring of dried coffee at the bottom, like it had been sitting there for days. A stack of unopened mail leaned precariously on the edge of the table, threatening to topple over with the slightest nudge. Even the faint scent of laundry I had never finished hung in the air, and I could almost hear my old self making excuses for why I¡¯d left it all undone.


    I kicked off my shoes and stepped further inside, carefully avoiding the mess like it was a minefield of memories. There was something eerie about how specific it all was. It was like stepping into a moment I had abandoned, only to find it waiting for me exactly as I¡¯d left it.


    Callum had said the room wasn¡¯t supposed to be who I was now, but seeing it in this state made it hard to believe. Every corner of the room screamed of the person I used to be¡ªthe one who lived in disarray, who never had time to organize things because life was always one step ahead. The room was a mirror, reflecting all the clutter I had tried to leave behind, and now it was staring right back at me.


    I sank onto the couch, shoving aside a crumpled shirt that had been tossed there long ago. The fabric felt soft under my fingers, a ghost of the comfort I had once sought from it. But now, it was just a reminder that even here, in this strange afterlife, I couldn¡¯t escape myself.


    I leaned back, closing my eyes and letting the weight of the day settle into my bones. The mess didn¡¯t bother me as much as I thought it would. In a weird way, it felt real¡ªlike the room was acknowledging that I hadn¡¯t moved on, not yet. And maybe that was okay for now.


    With a sigh, I decided I would clean up later. Or maybe never.


    The mess I had once been so familiar with felt heavier now, as if it held more meaning than I was ready to confront. My eyes drifted around, catching on small details I hadn¡¯t noticed before¡ªclues, maybe, to the life I had tried so hard to forget.


    On the coffee table, beneath the scattered papers and unopened mail, I spotted something half-buried: a small prescription bottle, tipped over and empty. I hadn¡¯t seen it at first, blending in with the clutter, but now it stood out like a scar, its label faded but still legible if I looked closely enough. My throat tightened, but I didn¡¯t move to pick it up. I didn¡¯t need to read it. I already knew what it was.


    Nearby, a notebook lay open, the pages scribbled with frantic handwriting. Some lines were crossed out violently, while others trailed off mid-sentence. I stepped closer, scanning the words, though they felt distant, as if someone else had written them.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°Maybe this is the way out.¡±


    I slammed the notebook shut before I could read more, my heart pounding in my chest. The sound echoed through the room, too loud in the quiet, and for a second, I just stood there, breathing hard.


    The mess wasn¡¯t just a reflection of my old life¡ªit was a map of my last days. A timeline of my unraveling, captured in scattered objects and half-finished thoughts. Even the couch, with its soft fabric worn from use, seemed to hold some kind of weight. I glanced at it again, noticing for the first time the blanket crumpled on the floor nearby. There were dark stains on it, subtle but unmistakable. I looked away quickly, bile rising in my throat.


    This was the last place I had been before everything ended.


    I walked to the window again, the cool glass grounding me. My reflection stared back at me, hollow-eyed and tired. I had come here to escape, to forget the life I had left behind. But the room had followed me, dragging all the broken pieces with it.


    I turned away, the weight of it all pressing down on me. Maybe Callum was right¡ªmaybe I needed to change things up, make this room something new. But how do you rebuild from something like this? How do you move forward when everything around you is a reminder of the way you chose to end?


    I didn¡¯t have the answer. Not yet.


    But tomorrow, I¡¯d start figuring it out. Because this room, with all its painful reminders, wasn¡¯t who I was anymore.


    It couldn¡¯t be.