《The Mighty Creature Collector》 Chapter 1: The Brown Envelope "Nat, thanks for today," said by Greg Bersabe, a fifty-three-year-old man that''s my boss for today. Currently, I am here in his place because two days ago he contacted me to go here. My name is Nathan Skye. In this small town that I lived in, the Purrbeau Village, people usually contact me if they want a laborer. I am an undergrad high school student that had been exposed early to what they called adult obligations. Since we-- that includes my younger sister and brother-- do not anymore get any financial support from my parents because they passed away since I was 11, I myself sacrificed my ambition to be a doctor and entered rough jobs just to feed my sister and brother. "Thanks, Greg!" I said. "Your front house landscape design is cool!" The reason why he contacted me is because for that. He told me he wanted a new landscape on his front house. By following the design he sketched, the outcome is lovely as expected. "Don''t be bias, Nat, all that became possible because of you," he said as he taps my right shoulder. He added, "Is the money enough?" "Yes, Greg," I replied immediately. My whole day of being a laborer to him has paid me 600 pesos. Just really enough if you are making ends meet, but what about if you are dreaming of a bigger future for your siblings? You can''t really save much with 600. Before I finally left his residence, I and Greg spent another while talking wherein he told me that next week will be his birthday. I am invited. But although I hate declining kindness, spending time for such things is really at the bottom of my priorities. I told him I have work on that day which is true because someone already saved that date for me to get paid. Have understood my situation, Greg told me that my siblings were so lucky to have me as their older brother... On my way home where I just decided to walk to save, the cold air of December is what appears to be accompanying me. It has a wonderful chilling touch that I can''t help but be drowned in the depths of my thinking. Today is my parents'' death anniversary. This day also, from ten years ago, is what made me realize that I need to grow up faster. My younger siblings really need me as their older brother. And I can''t do that if I still play games with my cohorts. So, instead of spending time in such leisure, whenever I saw someone doing rough jobs in the neighborhood, I always go there and watch how things are done. By fifteen, I decided to quit high school and started doing ways to earn money. But at age nineteen, I realized something. If I want a bigger future for my siblings, I must enroll them in college. With my job is just a laborer, saving as many pesos as possible is vital. I need to be thrifty and wise all the time. No drinking, no smoking, and no girls. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. After almost more than a minute indulging myself listening to my self-thoughts, I halted my pace when I saw a brown envelope idling on the sidewalk. Judging by its sight, I can tell that the envelope is still unopened. The tongue where you use to open it is free from marks and folds. The envelope has a size similar to the one that carries a letter that is being delivered by the mailman. But this being brown and not white: another thing that got me curious. What this envelope is? Who owns it? Two questions that will be left unanswered unless I will not pick it up. And so I did. I did another step to really close the distance between me and the envelope. Then, I slouched to picked it. Once I have my hands on it, I flipped the mysterious thing. Just what I thought the envelope has the details on the back. Written in a wavy text using a black ball pen, I started reading every line... and I can''t help but furrow my forehead. Currently seeing on the envelope are the basic details of who sent the letter. The name, the address, and its zip code. Aside from that-- and the one that really got me wondering about-- is the basic details of who should receive the letter. The receiver has the exact name as mine, with the address and the zip code also same as mine. Now, the cold wind that I enjoy recently seemed to have been polluted without me noticing. Now its embrace somewhat makes me feel uncomfortable. Confusion is what spiraling in my thoughts. I am just a laborer-- and not to mention a high school undergrad-- but why would he give me this envelope? In this month of December, news about this certain advancement in science and technology did not fail to be delivered every single day. It says that Mindrey Incorporated will have its ambitious Mindrey Gear to be finally out in the market after fifteen years of development. It has the objective to fully give you a new world with a feeling similar to reality when you just place this particular device on your head. What I mean to point is that the sender of this envelope addressed to me is none other than the president and the owner of Mindrey Incorporated. Mr. Rey Vallera. What does he want and why me of all people? Now, what insides the envelope has got me curious. From once slouching, I fixed my stand. I heaved a deep sigh before proceeded to open the mysterious thing. I extracted from the inside a piece of white paper that has been folded several times. I unfolded it and wasted no seconds before reading it. Dear Mr. Skye, After a thorough search for our possible public demonstrators to our highly-anticipated Mindrey Gear, we are happy to say that one of them is you. You possess a unique personality that will drive the Mindrey Gear to its best presentation. Hopefully, you have heard about us and what we are planning as a big leap towards the future. If you are interested, attached on the letter are my personal contact details. If not, please refer someone to be in your stead. Hopefully, we can see you, though. President of Mindrey, Rey Vallera. I let a long exhalation as I fold back the letter. This invitation is really an honor not just to me but also to everyone who will receive this. However, I already throw away the ''play'' thing of my life a long time ago already. I''m sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Rey. But I am already busy earning money for my two siblings. Chapter 2: The Blue News "Ma, Pa, here we are again," I said to the two marble tiles that are plated on the ground near we stand. Together with me are my two siblings. Before the day of our parents'' tenth death anniversary ends, we three decided to pay them a visit here in the only cemetery of Purrbeau. "I''m sorry if we can only visit you once this year. Life is getting harder and I am busy making ends meet. These two are busy with their schooling. Hopefully, you will understand." I laughed as I brush the bead of tear that cascaded down my left cheek. Although I seem strong to the eyes of everyone that knows me, little they did know that when the topic comes to my late parents I often get so emotional. Between me and my two younger siblings, I am the only one that has a clear memory of our parents. That said, there''s no denying also I''m the one that is much attached to our mother and father compare to them. The two were so young when our parents run into an accident that immediately forfeited their lives. Michael, my younger brother, was just four when that happened and is a crybaby. And Liselle, my younger sister, was just six and still waited for our parents to wake up in their respective closed caskets. "Brother," I heard Liselle spoke so I immediately turned to face her. Although this vulnerable kind of me is very rare to witness, I already care nothing when I am in this place. After all, we were family in here. No need to act strong all the time. With a teary-eye, I smiled at Liselle. From her concerned sight, I once again faced my late parents'' gravestones. "Ma, Pa, I don''t mean to brag but my Michael and Liselle have grown into two smart and honest kids that I''m so proud to say that I''m the one raising them. Liselle-- with a face just like you, Mother-- has found a wallet in the train one day in the past while she commutes her way to school. Instead of keeping it for her to have more money, she searched for the owner of it and give it back with no single coin is missing. And Micheal-- with a face same to us two, Father-- was topping all the Grade Eight class in their school. He is also being eyed to be the school''s representative in the upcoming national Mathematics quiz bee." I kissed the head of Liselle and ruined the hair of Michael. After that, we decided to place a picnic blanket on where we stand for us to be comfortable as we talked to our late parents. We shared the sandwiches that Liselle prepared and we filled the deafening silence that envelopes the entire place with laughter... Since we arrived at the cemetery at five in the afternoon, I, Liselle, and Michael spend almost two hours talking truthfully to our late parents. At one time, Liselle told our parents that a classmate approached her and said he wanted to court her but she immediately turned him off, and Michael is already receiving scholarship offers even though he will graduate high school four more years from now. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. What the two said has shook me. But as I listen to them, I think I''m already the very proudest older brother to his younger siblings. Really my sacrifice to drop my ambition to become a doctor is progressing in the right path. Liselle really knows her priorities, and Michael is receiving attention the good way. Hopefully, you will be a successful teacher and engineer someday. At 6:48, when everything in the sight is becoming much darker, I, Liselle, and Michael decided to get going. We bid farewell to our parents'' gravestone and told them that if next year will give us any luck, we will be visiting them often. Fifteen minutes of walking and we finally arrive home. Right after I opened the door of our dilapidated house, Michael immediately ran past me and approached the second-hand colored television that has been given to us by his school teacher impressed by his performance in academics. Every day this is the routine of Michael: after arriving home from their school with Liselle, they''ll help together to prepare dinner, by 6:45 PM he will already position himself to watch T.V.. He really found news as entertainment, I bet all intelligent people do. But by the time the screen of the television has been turned to life, I stand frozen on my spot for this particular news is being aired. "Good evening, you are still watching the Blue News. So last night we are hearing reports that Mindrey Incorporated had finalized the list of its chosen participants to demonstrate this particular game with its environment is very fictional yet the feeling is realistic using their very well reviewed Mindrey Gear. Out of millions of people who showed their interest to be one of those public demonstrators, only 100 from it has been picked, and another 50 have been chosen randomly from the billions of people worldwide that are able to play the game. And exclusive, tonight, we will be seeing them." After the news anchor said the last line, instantly the screen has been filled with many faces. And one by one, when ample seconds pass, it was replaced by another set of different faces. And by the fifth time the faces on the screen change, located at the middle of the top part, is my face that I remembered was my profile picture on one of the social media accounts that Liselle made for me that I use once every blue moon. By seeing that photograph of me, my two young siblings immediately face me. Their stares are asking me why in the world I would be belong in the 150 people that Mindrey Incorporated has chosen without them knowing-- as their older brother-- that news out of my mouth in the first place. Still seeing different faces flashing on the screen from the corner of my eye, I said, "I am not hiding something. I am still true to our sworn statement to each other that there is no secret, ever. And the reason why I did not tell you about that is because I am not interested in it." "What? Not interested?" the two spoke in synchro. Their current expressions and tone are really telling me that they were shocked by what they heard from me much more than what they''ve seen on T.V.. But just as I will state my stand as to why I did say ''not interested''. The door entering our dilapidated house not a second opened. My best friend once again entered without knocking. And even though he has all the time to calm his system because of running that I don''t know why, still catching his breath he said, "Many people are coming, Nat. But don''t give that letter you have to them. At. Any. Cost." Chapter 3: The Yellow Offers "What are you saying, Drew?" I asked my best friend. His full name is Andrew Richelle. "Oh, dude, don''t act you like truly have no idea!" he said. He is still catching his breath. From once facing him, I turned to my two siblings. Michael and Liselle were giving me a look as if they need pure enlightenment about what I and Andrew are talking. From them, I faced the television and seen that the flashing of faces is done. I heaved a deep sigh before talking. "Mic, Lis, it is just this afternoon when I know that I was chosen to be one of the public demonstrators for Mindrey Gear. Just what you''ve heard from Andrew, I have a letter and it''s about it. It is a letter that contains the personal contact information of the Mindrey Incorporated President and owner, Mr. Rey Vallera. But don''t worry, just what you''ve heard from me a little while ago, I''m not interested. I will be just finding someone to be in my stead. Our lives will continue as it is." "You are nuts, Nat!" from where he stood I heard Andrew spoke angrily. He approached me and pressed a finger against my chest. Between his ragged breathing, he continued, "You don''t really understand a thing, eh? Nat, that letter is already your ticket to a better future. Why let it slip away?" I replied, "You''re the one that does not understand a thing here, Drew. I''m already done playing games the moment my parents die. What you said also insults me. I am just an undergrad high school student that currently works as a laborer. My understanding of technology is very poor compared to the rest of you in this house. I don''t want to put the name of the family Skye in shame if I make fun of myself in there. My siblings will be needing it in the future. And that is for the better!" After I spoke the entire house has been enveloped by silence. The television, at the moment, is showing several colored stripes that can be interpreted as no signal. Seconds pass, a T.V. add is what appeared. A tooth is holding a brush as it sings and dance failed to uplift the current mood in the house. "You are an idiot," Drew said. "You can say that again. But my priority will remain placed on my siblings." I paused and heave a deep sigh. "If you have not taken any dinner you are welcome to join us." But before I heard any word from Andrew as a response to my invitation, all the four of us have channeled our sights to the door when we heard someone knocked on it. "Hello...Good evening," a voice of a lady is what we heard spoke after the set of knocks ended. She added, "Is Mr. Nathan Skye here?" Remaining where I stood, I answered the unknown girl by shouting, "Who are you?" The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. She immediately replied, "I am the secretary of the Purrbeau Village''s richest man named Mr. Eric Kadre. Can I talk to you face to face, Mr. Nathan?" Hearing her spoke the name of the well-known businessman not just in his home village but also to the whole Philippines, it makes me remember what Andrew said a moment ago to not to give the letter to anyone at any cost. But, is that really the reason why there is someone outside the house that wants to talk to me? Is it just because of the letter I have? I looked at my two siblings and found out that they were looking in the direction where the door is located. I shifted my sight to Andrew and saw that he''s looking at me. His stare seems to be telling me that he had done his part as a best friend of mine and it''s up to me to decide what really is best for all. From where I stood, I now started walking approaching the door. The television is the only thing at the moment is talking. Once I made it to the door, I unhesitantly decided to open it. The cold air directly splashed on my face. Waiting for me to show up, a lady that is undeniably dressed as secretary. "Hi," my only word. "Hello, Mr. Nathan. I''m Phenelope Salvador, the secretary of Mr. Kadre. I think you already aware that you have been chosen to be one of 150 participants to be a public demonstrator of the very well-reviewed Mindrey Gear, am I right?" Just what I thought, she''s here for that subject. While nodding I answered, "Yes, that is right." I paused before deciding to continue, "Is that the reason why you are here?" "To be direct, Mr. Nathan, you are right. That is the exact reason why I''m here. Now, could you tell me how much the letter you received costs? Is 50 million pesos enough for you?" From a poker face I am giving to the secretary, my countenance immediately changed. If there''s just a mirror on my front, I can really confirm that I look like have swollen a big seed of a certain fruit at the moment "D-did y-you say w-what I just heard?" I asked once I regained my capability to speak. I''m stuttering. "Yes, Mr. Nathan. 50 million pesos. But you can still ask for a bigger amount than that." "Why so big?" amazed, I pulled that question. "Mr. Nathan, when you have excessive wealth that keeps on growing even if you don''t do work, chances are you will find yourself an entertainment that can satiate your wonder what this revolutionary device is even if it costs you big. My boss, Mr. Eric wants to try the Mindrey Gear on that public demonstration. That will be possible if you trade us your stead for money. Name your price, he will grant it." The confidence in the lady''s way of speaking is something so moving, so tempting. Truly 50 million pesos is a big sum of money, if converted to US dollars it is 1 million. And according to what she said, I can still make the value of the letter much higher. That will cause me to be an instant millionaire already. But just as I will say that I''ll be accepting her offer, it was halted when we both heard a loud horn coming from the left side of the house. Together with miss Phenelope, we channeled our sights to that direction and saw a luxurious sedan parking itself on the front house. Egressed from it is another individual that I think wants my letter in exchange for a part of his wealth. The guy said, "Mr. Nathan, I offer you a new place to live. That is aside from the 100 million pesos I will be offering to you." Got frozen to what I heard, but just as I regained myself and have planned to accept this guy''s offer, my mouth left ajar when a chopper is what landed on the vacant lot three blocks away from the house. In a small figure, I saw a person who holds a megaphone came down from it. Walking towards the house, he started talking using it. "This chopper and 500 million pesos." Chapter 4: The Red Mask "What?" the two people who first offer me a respective large sum of money synchronously said out of pure shock. Even me, with no denying, got frozen to what I heard from the approaching guy. 500 million pesos and the chopper, he is just joking, right? Since the said aerial vehicle had landed a distance away from the house, it took some while before the mysterious person finally arrives at the house''s doorstep. He joined the two people that are interested in my letter and at the moment, are transfixed by the sight of this man. I can''t really identify how exactly this guy looked like since he is currently wearing a red masquerade mask. Who is he? I think he is also interested in my letter and at the same time wants to be anonymous. "Hi, Mr. Nathan," he said as he presented his right hand waiting to be claimed by mine. The megaphone he recently used is currently on his left hand. "Hello, mister..." I said as I reached his hand. The prolong in my tone serves as a question that the answer is me hearing a name. The red-masked guy first smiled before answering. "Just my nickname, Mr. Nat, I am Yer." And the two of us shake hands. "Yer? Can you take off your masquerade mask?" From the view of the guy that in my estimate is already in his late thirties or early forties with a nickname ''Yer'', I channeled my sight to see who did just talk on my side. It is Drew. The mysterious man replied as he finished the handshake, "I''m sorry but I won''t do that. To think, that is the last thing I want when I wear this red mask." "So how are supposed to know you are not a scam when in the first place you do not want to reveal your true identity?" my best friend blatantly asked. He has a point, so I remained silent and just waited for Yer''s response. "Ahm... let''s see," the masked guy said then started thinking. It took several seconds before he once again spoke, "Let''s put in this way, the reason why someone could be called a scam or scammer-- even though whichever term is correct-- is that they were fooling people. And in my case right here and right now, I don''t have any intention of doing that to anyone. What I just offered a while ago will be really given to you, Mr. Nathan. Only that, if you will agree to give me what I want." After he talked, the mysterious guy flashed a smile. But even though how white and uniform his teeth are, it failed to discourage me into giving him doubts, to question his credibility. I just don''t really believe he will give me 500 million pesos and the chopper where he used to go here, that is the craziest line I have ever heard. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. "And you also want Nathan to give to you his letter, right?" Drew asked. And because I expected that he will answer ''yes'', I took the moment-- as everyone in our circle waits for the answer of the mysterious guy-- to turn and face my siblings. Liselle and Michael were listening to the adults'' conversation. But by the moment that I''m planning to face again the three big-time guests, once again I went frozen when I heard the red-masked guy spoke. "No, Mr. Drew. You are wrong thinking that way. I have a different offer to Mr. Nathan in exchange for 500 million pesos and the chopper." "What?" Drew said as if in confusion. I, on the other hand, has started asking myself what will be the different offer of the guy that will make him give the two things he was bargaining to me if I agree. My life? No, that is absurd, why would he want my life in the first place? The house? He''s gotta be kidding, this is dilapidated. My siblings'' life? Let him state that and I''ll be punching him to death. I faced the mysterious guy the moment I felt his hands on my right shoulder. From my peripheral, I also saw he put his other hand to the left shoulder of Drew. Behind the red mask is his pair of brown eyes. The two of them are calm yet serious, with no hidden intention. "Nathan and Andrew, please work together and accept my offer. For 500 million pesos and the chopper, please accept the invitation of Rey Vallera. Join the public demonstrator of Mindrey Gear. It is only for you, Nathan. And the others don''t deserve it. Just enjoy the game like you were just a kid that is a seeker of adventure. I am observing you, Nat, since the day of death of your parents. You will really like the game where the Mindrey Gear will be used. Go and explore that world. Don''t let the remaining kid-part of your heart will be thrown away just wanting you the best of your siblings. Now, you don''t need to worry about anything anymore." I don''t know if my eyes were functioning right at that time. But what I did see in that pair of brown eyes of the guy, was that they seem to be watery. From once being close to me and Andrew, Yer distanced himself and turned his back to us. He extracted a plain white handkerchief from one of his pockets and removed the mask. The two people who are interested in my letter seemed to have seen a ghost when at last Yer has no identity concealment. He signed the two to go away and with no word coming from them the two started walking away. He put again his mask and turned to face us. Here, he told me the particulars of his offer and also to contact Mr. Rey at midnight... Minutes have already passed since Yer said goodbye to us. But still, together with Drew, we are looking at the same spot where the chopper has been parked a while ago but now it is gone. It is already dark, but the cold wind is making us stay on the door''s threshold. "Hey, Nat, do you think you know him?" in the silence of our wondering, Andrew asked. From the dark outside, I faced him first before shaking my head. I replied, "I have no idea." "I have something in mind," Drew said. "You wanna hear?" "What is it?" I absently asked. "That there is a big possibility that that wealthy guy is connected to your late parents." He heaved a deep sigh before continuing, "By the way, Nat, do really mean it when you said I can join the dinner?" Hearing it, I immediately chuckled. And Drew laughed. Chapter 5: The Chocolate Drink "Wow, brother you really are a multi-millionaire now!" Liselle said as she finished preparing the small table where we''ll be having our dinner. Already on there, is our simple meal that consists of rice, fried fish, and homemade sauce. As I take my seat, I sarcastically replied, "A multi-millionaire that resides in a dilapidated house." "Oh come on, Nat, no need to be humble already," Andrew said as he also takes his seat. Currently, there are four monoblock chairs facing the table. One for each of us. "Brother, when you already receive the money, what are you planning to do with it?" Michael said that instantly lead me to wonder what is the befitting answer to that one. When I get the money, what is the right thing to do with it... Investment? Own business? Just keep it for future use? Ahm... what else? But just as I will be drowned in the depths of my self-thoughts, I was pulled back to the present when I felt the hand of Andrew touched my left shoulder. When I faced him he gave me a smile. He told me to lead the prayer for us to already have dinner. With no hesitation, I nodded and told everyone to close their eyes. I let several seconds pass before started talking to the creator of all things... It''s been a while since we already started our dinner. And just like those ordinary times of having a meal together with my siblings, it has been filled with a light atmosphere. And it went even lighter because Drew from time to time pulls a joke. I still remember when Andrew and I are just kids, when people ask us what we want to be someday-- and that I answered to be a doctor-- but Drew will answer to be a clown, laughter is what we get then as a reply from the people. Ah, that is one of my many unforgettable memories with Drew. To fully introduce my best friend, Andrew Richelle is a neighbor living ten houses away from our residence, the residence of Skye''s. And unlike us, the family of Richelle has the wealth to send their only kid to university. Currently, Drew is just waiting for the graduation of his Engineering course. He is a cum laude... It was ten in the evening when I decided to order my siblings to go to sleep already. They have a school so if they don''t do anything that will direct to studying, might as well call this already a day to them. But it seems like they were older than me for this first time. Liselle refuses to obey, and so as Michael. Their reason is that they need to hear my conversation with Rey Vallera. At first, I refused to agree with what they want to happen. My reason, I can just tell them tomorrow how''s my convo with that man went. But as they continue to be hard-headed by not obeying my order-- and add this pure determination in their eyes-- I surrendered and gave them what they want since waking all night is just a very rare scenario that took place to the family Skye. Together with Andrew, the four of us waited for midnight to arrive... "Hey, dude, chocolate milk," Andrew said as he hands me a mug of what appears to be steaming. I am now planning to call Mr. Rey when he gave me something to drink in the cold midnight. Currently, the time now is 11:55 P.M.. "Thanks," my only word. I then accepted the mug and took a sip from it. My two siblings are also drinking something from their respective mug. I think it is the same as drink mine. I placed beside me my mug and reached for my keypad phone and dialed the personal 11-digit local number of Mr. Rey Vallera. By the way, the Mindrey Incorporated president and owner is half-Filipino and half-American businessman that based on the latest news I''ve heard, he is now here in the Philippines. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Three short rings envelop the silence in the house which followed next to it is a certain sound that tells everyone in the house that someone answered my call. One more second past and this person spoke, "Hello, who is this?" One by one, I took a glance at the sight of Drew and my siblings and saw that their current expressions are all in unison. They were so focused. I put down the phone-- since it is in loud-speak mode-- and formally replied to the person who answered my call. "Good evening, sir. My name is Nathan Skye. And I am sorry to contact this cellphone number at this late time of night. But someone told me that this is the best time to communicate with Mr. Rey Vallera. Am I allowed to talk to him?" And what I thought those lines of mine would commence a formal conversation all the way to the finish, the moment the person from the other line replied, it proves me wrong. "Oh, so this is Nathan. Hello once again, kid. This is me, Rey Vallera the president of Mindrey Incorporated. And regarding the person who told you that this is the right time to communicate with me, he is very right. Very right in the sense that I am already done entertaining the 95 percent of my chosen public demonstrators. And thank goodness none of them backed out. Haha! Mr. Nathan, since you are the one who contacted me and not the others that will be in your stead, I suppose you, too, have come to the decision to accept my proposal. Is my judgment right?" Since his tone of speaking is so relaxed and chill and so untypical to hear unlike from those successful business-minded individuals you can see in real life and in television, it was several seconds past already when I noticed I was startled. Because of that, I lost my capability to speak for a short while. And once I regained it, immediately, I replied. "Y-yes, sir. I have accepted it." "Awesome!" his word. I don''t know what happened on the other line but I heard like someone did sip on something. Throwing the possibility that I could get enlightenment from it because who am I in the first place to hear him explain, but when Mr. Rey once again spoke, for the second time, it proves me wrong. "Excuse me for making that disturbing sound, Nathan. I did just take a sip on my warm drink." "That is alright, sir," I replied. First I''m hesitant to say this but I guess there''s no bad in pulling this out. So, I go with the flow with his approachable personality. I said, "If you will be too kind, sir. Please excuse me also for I will take a sip too on drink." "Oh, go on, go on," he said as if shocked by what he heard. I did what I excused and when I''m done I resumed the conversation... As yesterday bids away and another day welcomes us, it was a surprise to know that what Mr. Rey was sipping is the same as mine. Yes, you are right: Chocolate Drink. And with just that fact alone combined with his pleasing kind of talking, I felt like I have known Mr. Rey for a long time already. In the continuation of our conversation, Mr. Rey told me that the public demonstration for his Mindrey Gear will take place on December 14. That is seven days away from now. And starting tomorrow, he will be asking for my time to attend orientation. There he will teach me and all of the remaining 149 participants how to handle the Mindrey Gear, how to maintain our well-being in good shape because we will be using the device for several hours every day, and familiarizing the terms we will be encountering in the game we''ll be playing... It is past 1:00 AM when our talk ended. Immediately, I told everyone including Drew to prepare to sleep... Fast forward, and now I am on my bed waiting for my conscious to already take rest. I closed my eyes and waited for a moment to pass... But when I opened it again, wonder is in me when I saw a kid version of mine crying. Approaching is my parents, and behind them is a guy younger than them. This guy holds a styro cup of what appears to be given by a vending machine if you order a drink with a chocolate flavor. Chapter 6: The Green Grass "Why are you crying, ''than?" my father asked the kid version of me that had his cheeks wet because of the tears cascading down on it. Currently, there are two Nathans in the place. One is a young boy that if my guess is right, then he is six years old, and the other is an adult one that is wondering why this weird thing is happening. He shouldn''t be seeing his parents walk and moreover asked question because they already are dead the last time I remember. And also, I shouldn''t be seeing another me-- in a young or adult version-- because that is incorrect in nature. But why is this thing happening? "Papa, papa, Drew steal my airplane," the kid Nathan answered his father. Not so far away from him is the kid Andrew. My young version best friend enjoys playing with the said toy. "Eh, did he really steal it?" father in a calm tone clarified what he just heard. "Yes papa, I am playing with my airplane when he stole it," the kid me replied in a pitiful manner. "Nathan, it is bad to accuse someone that easily," also with a calm tone my mother spoke. She continued, "Maybe you are just being selfish to your new toy that you won''t let your new friend borrow it so he just took it." Hearing it, it makes me remember that when I was five that is the first time I met Drew. It is when we became classmates in kinder. "That''s exactly, ma. I won''t let him borrow it even if he already begged me several times, so that''s why he just took it." I just smiled at what I''ve heard. "Ah, so it''s your fault in the first place," with a happy tone my father said. He placed his left hand on the head of little me and started ruining his hair. "Why it''s my fault?" the kid me asked innocently. The path of tears on his cheeks is gleaming to the morning sunlight. "I thought you two are already friends?" father replied. "Yes, we are, pa. But knowing that he is a thief I think it is already over." "Hey, Andrew, come here," my mother said nicely. She added, "I want to ask you something." From being focused on the airplane he is playing, when he heard my mother called him, he immediately approached mother. And upon he got there he asked, "What is it, Mrs. Skye?" "I just would like to know if what do you think of Nathan?" she answered my best friend in kid version with another question. From facing my mother, Drew took a moment to look at the crying me. He once again channeled his sight to mother before replying. "He is sometimes selfish, Mrs. Skye, but most of the time he is cool!" The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Andrew received no reply from mother but only her sweet smile. I miss that smile. Also, I miss father and his routine of ruining my black hair. Hearing it, the kid me asked the young Drew if he really meant of saying he''s cool. From once facing my mother, Drew turned to his best friend and answered him ''yes''. He added that the kid me will be even cooler if he let him have his airplane for a while. And just like that, the simple fight has been over. The two became friends again. "Are you not done there yet?" from once enjoying the sight of young Nathan and Andrew, I turned to the direction where this particular voice is coming. Standing straight with his hands are placed in both of his front pockets, it seems that this unknown guy has already done drinking his chocolate drink. My parents first face each other before father decided to make the response, "Ah, yes, yes, sir." "Good, so let''s resume the convo." To describe this unfamiliar-to-me-guy, he is unquestionably much younger compared to my parents. If Kylon Skye-- my father and Phenelope Skye-- my mother-- both aged 29 since the young me is just 6, this unfamiliar guy just aged between 18 to 23. He talked so formally about my parents that I do not know why. And so to satiate my curiosity of what the three adults are about to conversate again, I decided to follow them on their way to a certain round table in this public park. "So let''s continue," the unfamiliar guy said the moment that the three of them already taken a seat around the table. And even though the unknown guy started talking again, my attention has already been diverted because of what I saw. On the right side of the table where my parents are starting exchanging lines with the formal guy, another table is located. Sitting on a bench facing it is a thirty-year-old something man that seems very focused reading his newspaper. From where I stood, I decided to approach this man. I doubt that he really is reading the newspaper. It has been a while now but still, his sight is just fixed on that same spot of the paper. What is he doing? I think I''m about to get an answer to it. And it proves me right that he is worthy to be suspected the moment I already made it to the man. Remaining his sight fixed on that particular spot of the newspaper, it appears from where I stood right now-- which is just in the back of the man-- that he is not really focused on the newspaper itself. Rather, he is very fixated on what he is hiding from the sight of my parents and their companion. A voice recorder behind the newspaper. And even though I do not yet have abundant knowledge as to why would he record the conversation of the people from the adjacent table, this revelation alone is already enough to let me conclude that this man is up to no good. And so, to stop him recording anymore, I decided to pull away from him the newspaper. Just like what I have expected, no one in this place is seeing me. It seems like I am a visitor from another timeline that is prohibited to be seen at the present. Wonder is in the face of the man when he can''t explain why his newspaper is going away from him. And so, to prevent him from seeing with a recorder, the man decided to stand up and leave. Felt relieved, when at last I am now able to listen to my parents talking with the unfamiliar guy, it happened not yet when I heard two sets of crying. I channeled my sight to where it is coming and confirmed that Nathan and Andrew were the ones that making it. The two have dirt on their faces that led me to wonder where they''ve gotten it. "Scaredy cat," a young girl shouted to the young me and Drew. She is pulling off grasses from the soil and instantly threw those to the best friends. The two are just continuing crying... From my dreaming, I woke up when I heard a disturbing sound similar to the slashing of chopper''s rotor wings in the air. And when I opened my eyes, surprise of mine when I saw an incoming green grass with a soil. Chapter 7: The Gray Chopper From my bed, once I regained enough consciousness, I immediately decided to go outside the house. Probably this is the red mask guy that offered me 500 million pesos and a chopper. Before he left us yesterday, he told us that he will be coming early today. He added that he will find a suitable residence for me and my siblings. And about the chopper, he said that he will still give it to me, provided I already acquired enough knowledge in driving it. "Is that him?" approaching the door, with a loud voice I asked Andrew, Liselle, and Michael. The three are currently standing at the door''s threshold. Waited to receive any response from them, but it seems like I wasn''t heard because no one from them faced me. Their sights are still on the outside and held upward that I can not blame them for their negligence of my presence because of one obvious reason. From the moment I opened my eyes up until now, the chopper''s blades are still making this loud noise above the house. When I finally joined them three, I have seen the sight of the red mask man going down from the chopper using a ladder that is swaying in the air. When at last he finally stepped both his feet on the ground, the chopper flew and parked itself on the same spot yesterday. "So how''s your sleep, everyone?" the red-masked man asked. Still, the echo of the noise of the chopper''s blade rotating in the air can be heard inside my head. I bet that what I am experiencing at the moment is also happening to Andrew, Liselle, and Michael. "It is great!" I answered shouting. But truth be told, I don''t know how exactly my sleep went. In the first place, I can''t remember what did I dream. The red mask guy did not receive any reply from my siblings and best friend. Probably their startlement is still there seeing him climbing down the chopper. "Ah, that is good to hear," the red mask guy said. He added, "Now everyone, we have a big day ahead. Michael, Liselle, before you go to school, go help Andrew in packing your things in this house. And as for you, Nathan, go and prepare yourself because as to what I heard you have an orientation to attend, is my source right?" I just nodded as a response to what he said. And after that scene, the house started to get busy... It is 8 in the morning when I together with Yer, the red mask guy, decided to leave the house. What''s left there at the moment is only Andrew that is not still done packing everything that he sees needs to be packed. My two siblings have already left home earlier to catch their bus. The place where the orientation will be held is located in Domentilante Peninsula which is approximately 310 kilometers away from the Purrbeau Village. The orientation will start at 11 this morning, so with the chopper covering the said distance, I can see that the travel will not be a challenge. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "Amazed with what you are seeing?" from my back, shouting, I heard the red mask guy spoke. Aside from me and him, there is another one in the chopper. The driver. "Everything is so small," I also replied shouting. Still, my sight remained placed on the window looking at the view it is currently giving to me. "Is this the first time you have ridden any aerial vehicle?" although his tone of speaking still is shouting, wonder in his tone could be distinguished when he asked me another question. This time-- from once sight-seeing on the window-- I decided to face Yer. It will be impolite to answer his question with my back to him, so that''s why I did that. While looking him in eyes, I answered, "No, Yer, this is already second. Though the first one happened when I was just six. I can''t remember the detail." "Oh, my bad." Yer facepalmed. He continued, "I should have remembered that one before asking." Even though what he had done after he spoke is laughed, that didn''t prevent me to question what I just heard. "Yer, excuse me. I thought you just started watching me after my parents'' deaths. But my first flight happened when my parents are still alive. Are you already watching me before I was eleven?" Upon hearing what I said, Yer immediately stopped his laughing. He then matched my serious countenance with his. Seconds later, I''ve seen his eyes behind the red mask closed. And after, he started speaking. "Nat, if you doubt my truthfulness to what I am saying after all this time, then it''s up to you. After all, this red mask that I am wearing is what gives you wonder who the real me. Who am I, and what I''m up to in your life. But I''m sorry to disappoint you, I can''t just reveal my identity for what I want is the right time. Yes, I''ve lied when I said I started watching you when your parents died. The truth to it is that it happens the first time I met you when you were six. But at that time, things are not that serious. I mean, you have your parents so why would I care? But by the moment you are becoming an adult in a kid''s body, that is what caught my attention. I''m sorry... that is all I can provide you at the moment. Maybe after the public demonstration, there you could get the truest form of enlightenment as to why I just showed to your life all of a sudden." After he spoke he smiled. Maybe it is his attempt to bring back the light atmosphere that recently has enveloped us. But sadly, I failed to give him the same accord. I channeled my sight back to the window. The remaining time of the flight became worldless in between us. The only thing that sounds are still the chopper''s blades. Almost fifty minutes after we depart home and we successfully landed on Domentilante Peninsula. There, I have seen many people. Some are from the media of local and international news body, some are big-time guests that several are familiar to me as I can remember them seeing on the television, and some-- which have a special seat at the middle-- are I think would be my fellow public demonstrators. I faced Yer in an attempt to tell him that I would be taking my seat because I''ve already seen it. Located second row before the last, written in a plain white paper with black text is my full name. But wondered is what immediately plastered on my face when I already turned to my back but didn''t see his presence. The gray chopper that we have used as a transport going here, has been just parked. The driver and Yer cannot be seen. Chapter 8: The Pink Lipstick From spending several seconds looking at the deserted chopper, with a question unanswered about where my two companions go, I decided to bring my sight back to my front. I guess I will not get enlightenment of where Yer and the chopper''s pilot go-- even I that answer soonest-- not unless this orientation will already be finished. But by the moment I looked forward, I just felt myself paused when a girl ran into me. "I''m sorry," immediately, the girl that bumped me apologize. Her tone of speaking is undeniably telling me that she really did not mean what happened. To describe her, she is more or less two inches shorter than me. She has black hair that she lazily ponytailed on the back. I think, our ages don''t gap that far. And if my estimation is next to right, then I''ll be correct in saying we both aged the same. Along with her is another girl that there is no mistake in telling older than her. Their faces resemble one another, maybe they were blood-related. "It''s fine," I replied casually. The impact she caused on me has done nothing but only made me felt shocked for a very short period of time. I saw her nod and smile I can''t think of any bad reason for not doing the same. We separated paths because I am going to my seat, and the two girls are going to my right. But before they finally became unseen from my peripheral sight, I think I already have gotten the answer of why that girl had bumped me. While walking away from me, I heard that girl quarreled with her company. She said, she looks good already. But her company keeps on telling that she is not. Her hair is a mess, her face needs makeup, her clothes need to be changed, and her lips need lipstick. Although I want to laugh at what I am hearing, I just composed myself to don''t proceed in doing it. I continued walking up until I made it to my seat. But before making myself comfortable by sitting, I roamed my sight in the surrounding. To clearly illustrate the setting of the place-- in front of I think 150 chairs-- there is this elevated platform. Attached to it is a wall that is made of LED screen. It is continuously showing the animated logo of Mindrey Incorporated. A small green ball dancing around the company name itself. From the stage, I channeled my sight to the chairs that are around me. If I will guess-- from among 150 chairs-- I think, almost 100 have already been occupied. By just looking at my fellow soon to be public demonstrators, I can tell that our personality is very diverse from one another. There is this one that is smiling as she types from her cellphone, there is this one that is sleeping, there is this one that is looking at me absently, and there is this one that is crying. Staring at the latter, a question is what suddenly popped in my mind. And that is: why does she cry? Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. But because I know that I won''t be having an answer to that question not unless I will approach her and asked for enlightenment, I just made a resolve to myself to don''t worry about her because she is not my concern. I decided to take a seat already. Next to my right and left are still vacant chairs. I placed my sight on the front and waited for the moment to pass. Up until... "Bro, how are you?" From looking at the printed name that indicates the owner of the chair on my front, I turned to my left to know who did speak. It appears to me that the chair to my left has already an occupant. He is a guy with blonde hair that I think is younger than me. Among others in this place that I dare to look in the face, he is this one that I think very jubilant. He''s displaying a smile that even though I want to be an introvert just for this time, I can''t help it but to face him and accept his invitation for conversation. I answered. "I''ve been good. What about you?" He replied, "Here, still not sinking everything. I am just an ordinary college student struggling in academics when I received that invitation yesterday. Have you applied to be a public demonstrator?" I shrugged first my shoulders before responding, "Nope. I did not apply." He said, "So I think we both got surprised seeing the letter. By the way, I haven''t yet introduced myself. The name''s Rustee Perth." He presented his right hand indicating that if I want to befriend someone already, then I should grab it. "Hi, Rustee, my name is Nathan Skye," I said as I grabbed his hand. We then shake hands for about three seconds. "I said, I won''t put on that pink lipstick!" From facing Rustee I immediately turned to my back to face who spoke that line with an irritated tone. From my right, I saw a girl that unlike earlier now dressed and fixed much decent. Still along with her is the girl that looks like her but just older. "Don''t be scandalous!" with a controlled tone, the older girl pressed. "Why would I not? You are commanding me to do things I dislike!" "You still act like a child. I am not commanding you, I am just telling you to act like a lady now!" "And I am!" "No, you are not!" "Argh!" exclaimed by the girl that had bumped me earlier. From the person she is quarreling with, she turned to the direction where I and Rustee are. Immediately, her eyes widened. "Oh, here you are," the girl said. She added, "My apology for being undisciplined. But just don''t mind me and my older sister. This is just the natural us. (From us, she faces again her company). Suzzette, just go away." "No, I will not," her sister replied. "Okay, okay, give me that pink lipstick," while rolling her eyes, the irritated girl said. "Good, here," the one with the name Suzzette replied. She handed the girl this pink thing that I think is already the lipstick... Moments pass since that encounter took place, now the girl has already lipsticked her lips. Although I haven''t asked for her name, but since we just sit next to each other, I already have an idea who she is. Lily Cartbridge. And I don''t know why, but I find that name somehow rings a bell. I, Rustee, and Lily-- together with everybody around-- waited for more moments to pass before someone appeared on the elevated platform. With a formal dress-up, he approached the center stage before speaking using the microphone he is holding. "Good morning, everybody. Now, let us begin the first day of orientation for my highly reviewed Mindrey Gear. Is everyone excited?" No one answered. But I guess, Rey Vallera already interpreted the silence as everyone''s ''yes''. A Message to Always, Strange, Epic, and Legendary Act 1 Hello, guys! This is your author, redron1028. Actually, I am planning to make a chapter like this that consists of only my author notes. And since I see this second day of December a befitting one to do it, so here it is. Once every month I will be doing this. If you find this activity of mine bugging, sorry guys, just understand me :D. To those that are reading and waiting for the next update of ''The Mighty Creature Collector'', don''t fret! This story isn''t going anywhere or will be on hiatus until the end of the world, lol. What I meant to say when I write this (not) chapter, is to let you all know that I have 15 chapters already written and will be posted once every two days. To those that want to read them all already, as in right now, feel free to see my Patreon page. Here is the glimpse of chapters waiting for you if you do that. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Hopefully, guys, you could support me in writing what I love through Patreon. See you there and stay safe. Chapter 9: The Gold Rule "Okay, since no one else is responding, I''ll assume you all answered me yes," after several seconds of silence in between him and the rest of the people listening to what he said, with no choice, once again Rey Vallera spoke. From him, I channeled my sight to my right to know what Lily Cartbridge is doing at the moment. Although her eyes were pinned to where Rey is, I doubt that her full attention is really placed on listening to him. She is hiding her lips inside her mouth, and I know exactly why she''s doing that. To entirely wipe away any trace of that pink lipstick on both of her lips, that is. Really this girl is very different from other girls I know. With age at late teens and early twenties, the girls I am interacting at my village are fond of dressing gloriously. Whatever their reasons for fixing themselves appealing in the eyes is just natural to be called. After all, they were becoming ladies. But with this girl, with this Lily, although I mean no intention of pointing out that she is abnormal, I see her personality as very peculiar. I never saw a lady wiping away her lipstick. She is just the first. From her, I now decided to face the person that is just sitting on the chair next to mine to the left. I saw Rustee Perth has his full attention to the front. He has now with him a notebook and a ball pen, readying himself to take down important information. "The Mindrey Gear." I heard Rey Vallera spoke so I immediately turned to face him again. The LED screen on his background is now showing the text ''Mindrey Gear'' with below it is a picture of a helmet-like thing in contemplating colors of glossy white and black. The helmet-like device did a 360-degree rotation before becoming stationary once again. "The thing you are seeing in my back is one of the many illustrations of Mindrey Gear that will be available in the market after the public demonstration. Fifteen years in the making and it will only look like that. Very simple. Aside from the black and white combination, it will also come in red and blue, violet and pink, and yellow and green tandem. Each unit will cost one thousand dollars with a free USB containing the game that will be played in the public demonstration. Oh, and also the manual. Of course, the manual should not be forgotten. Now, let''s proceed by pulling this question: What is this Mindrey Gear?" After Rey Vallera finished articulating that question, the LED screen then changed its display. Now it is showing several papers that I recalled Michael, my younger brother, named those alike as a blueprint. "Mindrey Gear is the result of my ambitious plan for the future to explore another very very real world in the comforts of your, mine, everyone''s own home. On my back, you will see the blueprints of every component that is involved in the making of this first-ever breakthrough. So how exactly is this thing going to be ambitious?" If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Once again, in the silence of everyone, the LED screen changed its display. Now, what we see is a video that shows how the Mindrey Gear will be used. A girl injects the USB in an outlet of the helmet-like thing. On its tinted black face shield, there were letters that appear. The girl said ''new game start'' and all of a sudden the face shield became ordinary. The girl closed her eyes and what we see next made everyone gasp in surprise for this one of a kind environment where now the girl is. The video then paused. "As what you have seen, that is how simply the basic demonstration of Mindrey Gear. You will just insert the USB containing your preferred game and just wait for seconds until a prompt will ask what will you do. Either resume existed progress, or play a new game. When you have decided, voice your choice then close your eyes. The operating system of the Mindrey Gear will then do the next for you. Guaranteed, adventure is what waiting." From the stage, Rey Vallera stepped down. Still with him is the microphone. And when the display of the LED screen changed, while walking in the aisle of rows and columns of chairs, he started talking again. "What you see on the screen is the USB that will be the first to its type. That USB will be called MGGI or in uncompressed form is Mindrey Gear Game I. It will be titled The Mighty Creature Collector which will be tackled deeply in the succeeding days. But for now, let us resume the video." On his command, immediately the screen showed back the video of a girl in this fictional yet realistic environment. She said, "Weapon, appear," and instantly a particular thing is what appeared on her front. A pink ribbon. But just as he will grab it, the screen is divided into 9 partitions. There, the image of the girl is in the middle, while the other eight partitions have been occupied by other people''s faces. Different from the girl, the other 8 have unique weapons and powers from one another. One holds a flute, the other holds a stick, the other has a flower, the other has a ball of fire, the other has lightning on his hand, the other has a gun, the other welds sharp steelwork, and the other has wings. Once again, the video paused. "Inside the game, each player will be given a random item or capability. As you can see, it comes in either weapon or elemental power. The random item will depend on the personality of the player. If she loves to play instruments, then maybe she will get flute; and when he loves to play combat games, then maybe he will be given a knife. Resume the video." From being paused, once again the video replay. And as the video entertain all of us, Rey spoke, "The weapon or item you will be acquiring has a level or stage of when to be upgraded to become much useful than before. An example is the stick. In certain players'' level-up through experience points he gained using his or her weapon or power, the damage and toughness of your item will be increased. Level up as fast as you can and you will be seeing yourself climbing up the ranks to be the mightiest creature collector." Concurrent with him speaking, the video seemed to be in sync with Mr. Rey. What he is saying really explains what the screen is showing. And when he stopped speaking, strange-looking beings are charging towards the nine people. But because of the title of the game, I already have a clue of what they are. And that is, creatures to be collected. "But before we go deeply into my creation, my chosen public demonstrators, I have a single rule to every one of you. Since this is the only rule that applies, I will call this my ''Gold Rule''. Will you please just enjoy the game?" Chapter 10: The Violet Sidestory "Hey, my chosen public demonstrators, have you heard me?" a question is what came out from the mouth of Rey Vallera after several seconds of being in silence. And unlike his tone of speaking earlier which is calm and formal, this time it sounded more casual. A casual one that demands more attention and immediate response. He adds, "I am asking for your agreement if will you please just enjoy the game. I don''t talk in the wind when I said that, you know? What do you think?" As the video continues to play, I, Lily, Rustee, and other participants exchange looks before nodding as if we have come into an agreement. And truth is, it was. Because by the moment I have shouted, every other public demonstrator also shouts. And to my surprise, we have the same words been spoken. "We will, sir!" "Oh, wow..." Rey Vallera said in pure shock. Since he has already walked several rows of chairs from the front, I saw how his expression changed from where I sit. From being startled, slowly his lips parted. Seconds past, now he is flashing a smile. But when he can''t already contain his happiness, to everyone''s surprise, he began laughing. Such a very rare sight to witness. A guy that wears formal attire and has the eyes of the world is laughing as if he didn''t care what could that action of his do to his well-known image. The only laughter there is in the place continues to be heard until Rey decided to stop it. He clears his throat before speaking once again, "Just excuse me, everyone. My soon to be public demonstrators, I am just so happy receiving that synchronized response from all of you. I never expected to hear a singular sentence coming from all of you at the same time. Looks like those couple''s talents in evaluating people are paying great already at this early time of showcasing Mindrey Gear." Hearing what Rey Vallera said, makes me turn to my left and right to know if I am not just the only one seeing the president of Mindrey Incorporated becoming emotional. And it looks like I am right, by the time I faced Lily, I saw her replying to my wondering stare with her''s. Also goes with Rustee, by the time he saw me turned to him, he gave me a puzzled stare back. I turned to where Rey is when I heard him spoke again. "I shouldn''t be apologizing to all of you because this is my event, to start with. But a humble me is saying sorry to everyone who found my sudden changing of mood confusing. I''m sorry. Although today''s orientation will proceed as expected, let me sandwich this topic that will cost us a minute or two." The video was already paused. And because Rey Vallera took a pause also, what happened is the place being enveloped by this expecting silence. Expecting silence that is waiting for Rey''s upcoming words. When once again he continued, "Although all of you know that the making of Mindrey Gear and its games requires a lot of people and time and money to be invested, let me tell that there was this couple who really did help me a lot. Aside from being my buddies in making designs, the two also assisted me in picking people that will be my public demonstrators in the future." Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ''In the future'': I don''t know how much the extent of this phrase really meant by Rey. But when I heard it, immediately goosebump is what crawled in my being. "I will not disclose their names because there is no need already. The couple has already rested in peace many years ago. Their favorite color is violet, the reason why they were destined for each other. I think the two are happy as I am telling them to you their awesomeness at the moment. And if you are wondering when was the first time we started picking up our potential public demonstrators, it was fifteen years ago." Although I got shocked when I heard that the couple that MR. Rey is pertaining has the same favorite color as my parents'', my eyes got wider when I heard what Rey said. 15 years? So that means I was 6 back then. Really this Mindrey Gear event has long ago been prepared. I wonder how much is the money spent on all of this. "Okay, enough for that. Now, let''s proceed back to the orientation proper." Rey Valera checks his wristwatch before continuing, "Since we still have more than forty minutes before noon, I will take several minutes in telling you what will happen in the upcoming days." Hearing what he said, makes me look up to the sky to confirm that it is near-noon. The sun is already above the sky, several moments to pass before it will reach the very middle. Yes, it is about to be at 12 o''clock. And about the heat at this time of the day? At the moment the sky has an abundant number of clouds passing by the sun. Also, the cold breeze of fresh air is serving its purpose very well. I placed back my sight to Rey just to know that he is once again walking. "My chosen public demonstrators, today after lunch, we will be having a small activity wherein everyone is required to introduce themselves to people that have their chairs adjacent to his or her. I decided to do this because I find communication vital in making the game run much exciting. So if you are sitting in the middle of eight chairs, conversate with that eight people that are next to you. And if you are sitting at the edge, make sure to communicate with 8 people that is very near to you. I hope I make myself clear with that." The remaining time before the lunch really did tell us by Mr. Rey the next days to this orientation. Tomorrow, we will be seeing the actual Mindrey Gear. Every one of us will be required to execute to see to it that all of us know how to handle with care and use the one thousand dollars helmet-like thing. The next two days after that is we will be running a health check to know what must be done to make us in our best condition as the public demonstration is in progression. The last two days will revolve around familiarising the terms that we will be encountering inside the game. That includes commands and buttons. Lunch took place and I started communicating with the people that are next to me. Chapter 11: The Secret of Helinda
It was quarter to twelve when Rey Vallera declared breaktime. Noon was approaching and for that, we should lunch. The break would last for an hour and fifteen minutes followed which was the continuation of the program proper.
"Everyone, you may now stand up. The foods are ready on the back. Full yourselves with scrumptious lunch!" After he spoke, Rey Vallera immediately exited himself from the rows and columns of chairs. Since I already felt hungry, I was one of those people who stood up first. I turned to my back to face the arrangement that Rey was pertaining and got impressed with how really everything was prepared.
Not far from us were these three long tables. The way how those were placed was akin to how the letter U is written. If the middle table was placed horizontally, the two others connected at both ends of the middle vertically. Each of the tables displayed a different part of the meal. The first table which was in the middle of two others, rested on its platform were different meat menus. On its right side were different desserts, and on its left were varying types and flavors of drinks.
From where I stood, I decided to approach where those tables were. But when I was just several steps away from my destination, I heard a certain voice calling me that immediately made me turn to my back to face him.
"Nathan!" he shouted. Since he was still far away from me, I made no response until he reached where I was. After then I said to the red mask guy, "Oh, Yer."
"Are you so hungry that you''ve forgotten about me?" his sarcastic tone was followed by a smirk.
I let off a chuckle before replying, "A slight yes about forgetting you. And a big yes about being so hungry. By the way, you did just disappear earlier along with the pilot. Where did you two go?"
"Oh, about that..." his prolonging tone made me wait for seconds. He continued, "My secretary called me via phone and reported me the current happenings in my company. That''s my instruction to her to update me from time to time, to think. The company is going fine. And about the pilot, maybe he just disappeared because he went to the restroom?"
"Is that so?" I said but I didn''t know why my tone of speaking seemed to be unconvinced with what he said.
"Nathan, if you still doubt my intention to you then I can''t help it. But can we eat already? Because like you, my stomach also needs some filling." Rey then placed his left arm on my left shoulder. Although shocked by his sudden action, I still managed to give him an agreeing smile. Still his arms on my shoulder, we walked toward the banquet...
"Ahm, this one taste good," said by Yer, the guy that eats with a red masquerade mask on the face. From my food I faced him just to know that he is chewing fried chicken. Currently, we are eating on a bench under a big tree.
I first swallowed the contents in my mouth before speaking. "Let me try mine."
I picked from my plate the drumstick fried chicken. I did bite and have nothing to do but just nod in agreement with what Yer said. Aside from the unique breading that is rich in umami, the meat has been prepared well. It is juicy and tender, and as well as the true taste of chicken meat could be savored...
Time flew fast and now we were done eating. Even though we still had more than ten minutes to wait before the orientation resumed, Yer already told me to go to my place. He added that once the orientation was done, I would just proceed to the chopper for there he would be waiting. I nodded in agreement and let a moment pass before decided to go already.
At exactly 1:45 of the afternoon, we once again saw Rey Vallera made an entrance. He approached the center of the elevated platform and started speaking. He said that we can now do the activity he told to us earlier. And with no further ado, everyone followed.
"Hello, who are you?" In my attempt to invite Lily Cartbridge for a short talk, I was caught frozen in my seat when I heard a girl spoke while pressing a finger on my back. Because it would be impolite if I would not entertain whoever was this, I decided to first talk to her before anyone else. And when I turned to my back, I confirmed that who called my attention was a girl from earlier that I''d seen crying.
"Hi," my only word when I faced her. My impression of her was that she''s a soft kind. Introvert, shy type, and easy to get hurt. But why she is the one starting a conversation?
"Do you have plans introducing yourself?" she asked which made me remember that she''s asking my name in the first place. So, I responded, "I''m sorry, I got startled. My name is Nathan Skye. How about you?"
"Such a nice name." She paused before continuing, "Nathan, My name is Helinda Sernix. But before you go introduction with others I just would like to clarify why did you see me in my terrible image earlier."
"You mean, the crying earlier?" I clarified raising an eyebrow. I added, "What about it?"
"Actually yes, why I am crying earlier. And if you''re wondering why I was letting out an emotion at that time, it was my soft-hearted personality taking over me."
"What exactly do you mean by that?" I asked confusingly.
"I have seen a secret that is revealed by a particular person. That is the reason why I am crying lately. Tears of joy, as they say. Wanna know what is it?"
"What is it?" I immediately asked.
"The secret I have witnessed is all about that guy with a red mask I have seen being together with you."
"What about him?" wanting an immediate answer, I quickly asked.
"But I think that is not my secret to be revealed. That is all I can tell you. Once again, nice name, Nathan. Go and introduce yourself to others."
From facing me, Helinda faced someone. He left me idling, thirsty for revelation. What exactly she meant by what she said?