《God's System》 Prologue My head¡­¡­hurts so bad¡­¡­ What happened? Haven¡¯t I died¡­? Daniel felt like his brain is glue, all kinds of stuff are mixed together. He can¡¯t find any information he want no matter how hard he try. As he fell in his thoughts, something seemed to fall within the depths of his brain. It issued a faint ¡®kada¡¯ sound.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. He shakes his head in confusion, verifying that he was not hearing things. Yet, it seems that the ¡®kada¡¯ sound really did echo from the depths of his mind with its exceptional clarity. A bout of dizziness suddenly washes over him as millions and billions of information he couldn¡¯t understand surge through his brain. A voice calls out from the depths of his mind. [Initiating contact¡­ Authority confirmed¡­ Analyzing command pattern¡­ Executing¡­ system confirmed¡­ Invoking God¡¯s System¡­ Preparing final maintenance¡­] What? What is going on? What is this¡­ [ Code match up¡­ Call sign confirmed¡­ Transfer to parallel dimension¡­ Success¡­ Transmigrating to Daniel Flores¡­ Success¡­ ] Hm¡­ Daniel¡¯s intense headache finally subsided as his consciousness become clearer. --- --- Chapter 1 ¡°Did you hear about it? This experiment?¡± ¡°The chief used her boyfriend¡¯s body¡­¡± ¡°What? That¡¯s so bad! That¡¯s heartless!¡± ¡°We really don¡¯t know what runs in those genius scientists minds¡­ for science, they would do anything~¡± ¡°Yeah, even I was scared.¡± ¡°Hey! Newbie, come here.¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ... ... Huh? What happened to my body? Oh yeah, I died¡­ But why is it so hard to breathe¡­? Daniel opened his eyelids that seem to be as heavy as a ton of metal. However, what he saw shocked him. He was currently inside a huge glass vial filled with water and several electrode-looking wires could be seen connected and he found himself breathing in an oxygen mask. ¡°What? What¡¯s this?!¡± But what¡¯s more important was that he couldn¡¯t feel anything from his lower body. Looking at closely, only his chest and head, without any limbs was floating inside the huge glass vial filled with water. ¡°Did the cold weather slow down his blood stream?¡± He heard a tiny yet familiar voice. Like a machine that hasn¡¯t been oiled for many years, Daniel raised his head and saw through the transparent glass a very familiar face. Her blonde hair was poker-straight and pulled back into a low ponytail. She wore little makeup and seems to be expressing her extremely stern character. Against her black woolen jacket, the girl''s blonde hair tied in a ponytail was beautifully golden, absolutely flat and shining in the spring light. When she turned her head it moved with her like a liquid and about her freckled face, the shorter strands hung forwards to hide her eyes. It gave her some warmth; complimenting her pale face rather than making her look washed-out. Tiffania Pearlstine. Daniel¡¯s beautiful girlfriend. What is she doing here? It¡¯s not just her, looking around, Daniel could see several men and women, wearing white lab coats. They were holding some kind of document as they conversed with each other, talking while looking at the computer monitors. The screen reflected some kind of complex and difficult to understand numbers and data for poor Daniel who¡¯s IQ can¡¯t even pass a hundred. But that¡¯s not what made Daniel confused. He doesn¡¯t know why he was here and why his pure and lovable girlfriend and fianc¨¦ who can¡¯t even cook a perfect sunny-side up egg, an ordinary science teacher of some ordinary high school, who¡¯s clumsy and sometimes an idiot and can¡¯t even trust a chicken was here looking like she owned the place, shouting and screaming at all the people in area as if she was the boss? This attitude and behavior, this scary face as if she would eat a human, this bossy and domineering character left Daniel aghast and almost couldn¡¯t believe she was his girlfriend who he lived with for almost eight years¡­ If not for the similar appearance, Daniel would never believe it! ¡°Tiff! Tiff!¡± Daniel called out but for some reason, his voice wouldn¡¯t come out. At this moment, Daniel finally remembered something. In fact, he should be dead by now so what is this? He remembered getting involved in a gunfight when he was walking around with Tiffania in a mall. In there, some armored looking like policemen suddenly appeared and encircled him and Tiffania. Then all hell breaks loose. Another armed group showed up and started a gunfight where due to shielding Tiffania from laser beams and a shockwave grenade, Daniel¡¯s body was cut and even torn apart. So what is he doing here? What is happening? ¡°Chief, this is the biologic data of the experimented body.¡± ¡°Well done.¡± As if she noticed Daniel waking up, Tiffania turned to look his way and started walking. After arriving in front of the huge glass vial, Tiffania¡¯s stern expression suddenly distorted as she touched the glass. ¡°Hehehe, ah Daniel, Daniel¡­ did I say you can leave me alone? Did I? Hehe¡± Daniel¡¯s heavy eyes widened in shock. The Tiffania in front of him was completely different as she looked crazy. No, it could be said that she was already insane. Tiffania!? ¡°After this, you will come back and you will become even more amazing! You will never ever leave me again and you can kill those idiots who tried to separate us. Murder them! Slaughter them! Leave no one alive! Those idiots that tried to bring us apart, burn them all!!¡±Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Tiffania¡¯s voice was low but Daniel who was just one step away could hear them clearly. Her voice was rough and insanity could hear clearly from them. Casting one last gentle gaze, Tiffania turned around. ¡°What are you still doing, you idiots!! Begin the super-computer core transplant now!¡± ¡°But chief! With a body in this condition, it¡¯s impossible! We are just barely keeping him alive, no, his body is not suitable at all!!¡± Slap! ¡°You idiot! How dare you question me! If you don¡¯t want to die, then do it!¡± With those orders, all the people immediately move. Daniel looked at this scene aghast. He doesn¡¯t know what¡¯s what anymore as he could only look at the people doing their own actions helplessly. At this moment, Daniel suddenly felt something moves towards his head and he could even feel something piercing through it. It was pain, extremely painful!! It¡¯s as if something is piercing his brain. Drugs injected directly into his blood vessels and head. Electrodes stabbed in through his ears and brain. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!! It hurts!!!!! If not for the fact that he couldn¡¯t let out any kind of voice, his screams would have ringed out in the whole place! Aaarrrrrrgggggghhhhhh!!! Looking at Daniel, Tiffania¡¯s face let out a smile, a very satisfied smile. ¡°This is the moment! This what makes science, beautiful!!¡± Horrible pain! Sleepiness! My eyelids are heavy, I want to sleep¡­ Let me sleep¡­ As Daniel¡¯s consciousness was slipping, suddenly¡­ Boom! Boooom!! Boooooom!!! Daniel could hear a series of explosion. ¡°What? What¡¯s happening?!¡± Daniel heard Tiffania¡¯s frantic voice. ¡°Chief! It¡¯s the Dragon squad! We are invaded!¡± ¡°What?! No, no, no that can¡¯t be! The experiment is still not even the middle stage!¡± ¡°But Chief!¡± ¡°No, no---¡± ¡°This enough, Tiffania Pearlstine¡± An armed man wearing a black tight suit with mask appeared from the door. ¡°¡­ or should we call you, Miss Limiter of the God¡¯s Domain Organization?¡± ¡°No, no you can¡¯t do this! This isn¡¯t the right time!¡± Tiffania¡¯s frantic yet somehow pleading voice echoed the whole room and Daniel could hear them clearly. Miss Limiter? God¡¯s Domain Organization? Isn¡¯t that a terrorist organization? Is Tiffania---?! ¡°We have been looking for you for so many years and now seems like you¡¯re still doing something that shouldn¡¯t be allowed.¡± The man started walking towards Daniel. His tone was cold. Tiffania runs and with her two arms spread, she stopped between him and the huge glass vial where Daniel is at. ¡°No, no please, I, I will surrender just please wait for the experiment to finish!¡± ¡°Are you an idiot?!¡± The man scowled. ¡°Do you think I didn¡¯t know? I have seen much products of this human experiment and do you know what? They became killing machine!! They lose their minds and only thought of killing!¡± ¡°No, this time will be a success! I¡¯m sure of it!¡± Tiffania pleads as she kneeled in front of the man. Seeing this, a pain much more painful that from what he had just experienced a while ago surge through Daniel. Tiffania¡­. Looking at Tiffania begging, the man¡¯s voice unknowingly gone soft. ¡°I know who he is, he''s your lover, isn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, so please¡­¡± Tiffania¡¯s crying voice could pierce through any man¡¯s heart. She kept on kneeling and her sobs were getting stronger. ¡°However, he is dead!¡± ¡°No, he is not!¡± ¡°He is and if you keep this insanity, many people will die.¡± The man raised his gun and pointed it towards Daniel¡¯s glass vial. ¡°Give it up.¡± ¡°NOOOOO!!!¡± Tiffania immediately runs towards Daniel but she was too slow as the laser beam pierces through the glass. Cracks formed and after a moment, Daniel could only feel that he was swept away by the water flowing. Tiffania run towards Daniel and hugged his head while muttering ¡®No, no, no you can¡¯t die, you can¡¯t¡¯ Her despairing voice was filled with sorrow and remorse. Through Daniel¡¯s fading vision, he could see Tiffania¡¯s despaired face and felt hurt. He wanted to say ¡®It¡¯s fine¡¯ but unfortunately he couldn¡¯t muster any sound. Then Tiffania let out a long cry before she suddenly stood up and pulled out a small laser gun from her waist. She pointed it towards the man who shot Daniel¡­ But before she could pull the trigger, another man behind pulled it first and a laser pierced Tiffania¡¯s chest. The small laser gun fell from her hand and her body falls towards Daniel. ¡°Why did you shoot?¡± They could hear someone cried out. ¡°But sir!¡± ¡°Damn you! That¡¯s just a small laser gun with an accuracy won¡¯t even reach 5 meters! Do you think that it could reach us?¡± ¡°I,¡± Tiffania¡¯s gaze went towards Daniel and faint smile blooms on her face like a beautiful flower in the Garden of Eden. Ah¡­ Daniel saw it through his fading vision. Serene and solemn feelings surge through his chest. It¡¯s like this. This is the Tiffania he had known. Every time she appeared the day never ended and smiles never faded. She was like a siren leading everyone to sudden happiness. She was the color of his monochromatic world. Tiffania slowly extended her arms and grabbed Allen upper part and slowly pulled it towards her. She put his head in her bosom and slowly said, ¡°I carry your heart with me¡± Daniel was surprised after hearing those words. This was the starting line of a poem he knew very well. It was a love poem by Edward Estlin "E. E." Cummings. With his eyes, Daniel fought the urge to sleep and locked his eyes with her. A faint smile formed on his lips. I carry it in my heart- His eyes as if responding. This was the poem he had recited when he asked her out on that very special day. It was his devotion, as well as a promise to her. Tiffania smiled gently and softly put her hand on Daniel¡¯s cheek and continued. ¡°I am never without it.¡± Anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling Tiffania¡¯s hand was small, and she was already becoming colder than him. The chilly feeling caused Daniel¡¯s heart pain, wanting to cry but couldn¡¯t. ¡°I fear no fate¡± As Tiffania said that, Daniel¡¯s consciousness gradually grew faint. However, Daniel didn''t feel afraid; that was because his love of his life, Tiffania was gently smiling in front of him. For you are my fate, my sweet ¡°I want no world¡± For beautiful you are my world, my true As his consciousness faded, Daniel noticed that the girl was crying. Although she was smiling, tears wet her cheeks. ¡°And it''s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you¡­¡± The girl continued with great difficulty but unfortunately, that was already Daniel¡¯s limit. Ah... let¡¯s meet again the next life ... surely that time, I will protect you¡­ Daniel fell asleep, in an eternal slumber with that as his last thought. Looking at his closed eyes, Tiffania¡¯s sobs become even stronger as she embraced Daniel¡¯s head as if afraid of letting go. ¡°Here¡­ is ¡­. the ¡­ deepest secret nobody ¡­ ows ¡­¡± With that asherlast sentence, Tiffania finally closed her eyes. All she wished was for her to meet him again and love him again. And when that time comes, she would never let him go¡­ A sad, sorrowful yet happy smile, all while dreaming of her meeting with Daniel again¡­ --- --- Chapter 2 Bang! I kicked the door and burst into the room like a gangster and angrily snarled, ¡°Hey b*tch! Did you date another guy without my knowing?! You bastard, how dare-!¡± I stopped. I saw Anna sitting in the bed, taped covered her mouth and tears glistening in the corner of her eyes. She was tied up in the bed post, looking at me shocked as if she was seeing a ghost. Beside the bed was a middle-aged man wearing a hockey mask. I can see his eyes through the mask, looking at me with widened eyes. He was holding a gun so I know he¡¯s bad news. I can see his eyes through the mask, looking at me with widened eyes. He was holding a gun so I know he¡¯s bad news. What the heck?! ¡°Oh?¡± I was startled. ¡°That¡¯s a nice play there, hardcore¡­¡± I muttered. I scratch the back, laughing awkwardly. ¡°Well, actually I also like BDSM play, yeah you rock dude.¡± I gave him a thumbs up then hurriedly turn around and walk. ¡°Hahaha, teach me next time, okay~¡± However, before I could run away, the man steps out of his daze and pointed the gun at me. Oh, sh*t! ¡°Come here.¡± He said. Woah! Seriously! I almost cursed out loud! He has a gun, damn it!! He shook the gun in front of me, threatening me. Without any choice, I walk towards him, ¡°Ahm, actually, I just came here you know. I won¡¯t say anything! I promise!¡± Bang! The man punched my face. Ah, that would certainly get bruised! I put my hand against my cheek which was now swelling like a little tomato. Sour tears started coming out from my eyes¡­ it really hurts!! Damn! Gentlemen talk with their mouth and not their fist!! The man throws me a rope and said, ¡°Tie yourself up with this. Properly! Don¡¯t make any strange actions, or else there would be a new hole in that forehead of yours!¡± He shoved the muzzle of the gun into my forehead. Seriously? What would you do if that fired off? I would instantly die!! ¡°Hey, man,¡± I called out, currently in the verge of wetting my pants. ¡°You know, in my elementary days, they always call me the cheese villain.¡± I started while tying myself with a rope. ¡°That¡¯s because I always stole the cheese from my classmate¡¯s lunches¡­ yeah.¡± ¡°Why, you ask me?¡± I asked. ¡°That¡¯s because I really admired criminals and I wanted to become one. Why don¡¯t we become partners instead and kill this mother*cker b*tch! You know, I really don¡¯t like this girl. She actually played with my feelings, oh come on man, sympathize a little. Why don¡¯t I kill this b*tch for you? Let¡¯s become villains together¡­ how about it?¡± I proposed after I finished tying the rope. The man looked at the rope in front of me which actually had a perfect ribbon knot. Yeah, I did a perfect job on that one. Seeing it, the man kicked my stomach. This guy seriously has an abnormal violent tendency. He really is a bad guy. The man laughs after seeing me crouching on the floor while coughing. Dude, that super hurt! He once again aimed his gun at Anna who was looking at me in a daze. Although there are fear and panic, but if one looks closely, there was actually a hint of confusion. If my hands were not tied, I would surely wave my hand and say, ¡°Hey, what¡¯s up~¡± ¡°So this is your boyfriend¡­ huh?¡± the man asked Anna while pointing his gun to her head. ¡°It¡¯s good that he joined our little party~¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­¡± Anna was bewildered and she looked at me confusingly. She seemed to have something to say as she was groaning but because of the tape, even a dog couldn¡¯t understand her.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°Hoho, pretty loving aren¡¯t we?¡± the man once again spoke. He seemed to be misunderstanding something. But dude, does he brush his teeth every day? The smell even went as far as from my position¡­ It stinks like a sewer! Someone should drive some personal hygiene on this guy~ ¡°Yeah,¡± I nodded. ¡°But she was actually seeing my best friend as well¡­¡± I made a very pained expression. ¡°You should know how painful it was¡­ damn!¡± I cursed loudly. ¡°Only her face is pretty, but her insides are rotten¡­¡± Though not as rotten as your mouth! Of course, I didn¡¯t say that out loud. Though not as rotten as your mouth! Of course, I didn¡¯t say that out loud. He might go terminator on me~ ¡°Hoho, so this b*tch is a little sl*t?¡± He said as he walked over, extending his free hand towards Anna¡¯s bulging chest. 4¡¯D? Or maybe 5¡¯E¡­? That¡¯s some pretty good haven there~ ¡°You won¡¯t mind, will you?¡± The man smirk as his hand¡¯s already few inches away from the forbidden fruit. Anna was looking at me, panic. Ah, actually I do mind¡­ Letting out a breath, I decided to finally stop this farce. But suddenly, ¡°Hey, what are you doing?¡± a voice appeared behind me. ¡°C2, didn¡¯t I only said to watch her?¡± The man called C2 stopped his hand and withdrew it while clicking his tongue. ¡°I¡¯m just joking, did you found it?¡± Seriously? C2? What kind of naming sense is that? Is that some kind of drink? However, as expected it¡¯s not only one¡­ I turned my head and looked behind me. There was a man similarly wearing a hockey mask. Is hockey mask already the current trend for criminals? ¡°That ''thing'' ain''t here," the other guy announced. "He must''ve taken it with him or worse, hide it somewhere..." "Well, he''s gotta come home sometime. We don¡¯t have a choice, we will wait for him.¡± The masked man suddenly noticed me. ¡°Who¡¯s this guy?¡± Before C2 answered, I immediately presented myself with a big business smile; ¡°Hello, I¡¯m a Lv8 apprentice robber. I''m equipped with love-love heart wand and I¡¯m specialized in stealing hearts. My best skill, is heart be damned! Pleased to meet you!¡± ?? The man returned his gaze at his companion. ¡°What is this guy saying?¡± ¡°He¡¯s this lass'' boyfriend. He arrives a while ago so I had him tied up too¡­¡± C2 answered. He then raised his foot, wanting to kick me but while he was talking, I already finished my own preparation. I press the phone¡¯s screen hidden in my pocket. ¡®Brother Daniel, you have a call! Do you want me to answer it, do you, do you? Go die!!¡¯ My beautiful ringtone immediately played. The voice startled the two and immediately pointed their guns at me. Hey guys, why are you so paranoid? It¡¯s just a freaking ringtone~ I wiggled from my position as if trying to pull something from my pocket. ¡°What are you doing?!¡± the man cried out. ¡°Hey man, I have a call,¡± I answered. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take it for me? In any case, I can¡¯t answer it, right?¡± C2 stared at me for a while before he looked at the other man. ¡°It must be my damn traitor friend; this bastard¡¯s having an affair behind my back. He told me before that he would be coming if I did anything to this girl¡­¡± I added. The man nodded his head. C2 walked towards me while I crawl to the corner. When C2 arrived he started looking for my phone in my pocket. When he finally pulled it out, it was the moment that his guard was off. With my free hand, I gave him a punch in the stomach. Buga-!? The other man hasn¡¯t noticed us yet because of C2¡¯s body blocking me. This is the reason why I crawl in such quite a deep corner, to make C2 become a blind spot. C2 wanted to scream but before he could, I raised my hand and did a quick chop in the back of his neck. He fainted. He fainted. So easy~ With him unconscious, his body started falling while weighing down on me. I immediately supported him, while trying not to look unnatural. I turned my sight to the other man. Fortunately, it seems like he was still trying to find something as he went on one of the closets, rummaging the insides. Quietly, I laid down C2¡¯s body on the side. I noticed Anna looking at me with a shock expression. Her gaze alternately changes from C2 and then to my free hands. I grinned and put my index finger to my lips and did a ¡®Sshh¡¯ gesture. However, reality is cruel. It always doesn¡¯t go to plan. Police sirens sounded out from outside, alarming the other man. He immediately turned to us and saw me with utmost freedom and delight. I almost yelled in shock. ¡°You!¡± He cried out. He looked at C2 unconscious and hurriedly raised his gun. He wanted to shoot me. With a quick move, I pulled a 5 ¨C 6 inches long needle from my waist and throw it towards the man. The needle successfully pierced through his hand and because of pain, the gun fell to the ground. Whoa, fortunately, I always carry three long needles with me after getting the throwing skill. It was best for surprise attack after all. Not wasting any opportunity, I rushed off. ¡°You bastard!¡± the hockey masked man roared in anger. He saw me sprinting towards him so he endured the pain and clenched his uninjured hand and throws a fist at me. ¡°Slow!¡± ... but I twisted my body in a hurry and evade it. Safe!. I¡¯m able to see his movement. Systema is not limited to knife fighting and firearms training but also hand-to-hand combat and grappling. Relax. Keep your movement loose. Open up. The body has to be free of tensions, filled with endurance, flexibility, effortless movement. I caught his arm and put it on my shoulder with my back facing him. I back kicked one of his legs and throw him forward. With my hand, I twisted his arm and attack his chest with my knee. The hockey masked man let out a scream but I still didn¡¯t stop. I grabbed his mask and throw it away. I throw a punch in his cheek and with my fist, I hit his nose! Truthfully, the nose is a very vulnerable area so it could easily be broken with any strike so it¡¯s a good one to incapacitate an opponent for a short time. Then, I sped things up. Like a rain shower, I bombarded him with my fists. He tried to block it with his hands but it only lasted for a short moment before his guard broke off and he had eaten my fist full course. Thinking it was about time for the police to reach this floor; I stopped my attack and stood up. The poor guy has blood splattered from his nose and mouth. His eyes closed and he made a gurgling sound. His head filled with swelling as if he was bombarded by hornets, lying on his back, bleeding from the various facial lacerations and coughing fits. ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 3 The entire fight had taken less than 10 seconds; when done right, they usually did. Two men lying on the ground, one looked as if he was beaten into a dog. However, the fight just now was indeed a little troublesome. Thankfully, he was underestimating me all this time after seeing I¡¯m just kid. Though I don¡¯t think a 16 years old teenager could still be considered a kid¡­ But it also greatly attributed to my skills~ I finally managed to relax my body, slightly lowering my shoulders. Although I had an overwhelming advantage in power thanks to my skills, I would obviously get nervous and stiff when men were jumping to kill me. After all, I wasn¡¯t a character from some game¡­ those plot armors, the privilege for MC¡¯s? Who knows if I have that? My author might be one of those cruel ba-(Beep!)-ds who put tragedy tag in their stories¡­ Ah, crap¡­ I didn¡¯t say anything just now you know¡­ all your imaginations¡­!! Shaking away all these nonsense in my head, I turned around and look at Anna. She was motionless, staring at me with wide open eyes. She must have been surprised by my awesomeness. This is dangerous, this girl shouldbe careful not to fall for me~ I almost said that out loud. ¡°It¡¯s done~,¡± I said with a faint smile. In my face, there¡¯s no hint of carefreeness just like a while ago. After saying it, I turned around and walked towards the door. There should be less than two minutes before the police arrive. It¡¯s time to go~ In my way, I kicked the guns out of the two guys reach. It just a precaution if they accidentally regained their senses. As I stepped in the door, I heard Anna¡¯s groaning at me. She seemed to be calling me so I turned around and looked at her. ¡°Just forget what had happened, it would help both ways.¡± I said. Truthfully, even though I know her name; Anna, aside from her uniform which was similar to mine, but truthfully I don¡¯t know her. In fact, this was the first time I had seen her. What I said just now was all an act to let those guys¡¯ guard down. What do you mean by cheating I don¡¯t even have a girlfriend! Anna was calling out on me but I ignored it and walk straight out the door and left. I immediately walked towards the elevator and press the ¡®3¡¯ button. I plan to stop there for a moment before pressing the ¡®1¡¯ button after. Just like what I expected, when the elevator¡¯s door almost closed off, I could see a group of police officers coming out from the fire exit. As to why they didn¡¯t use the elevator¡­ beats me~ But I¡¯m pretty sure that there would be a group of police officers waiting for me on the ground floor. However, it¡¯s fine since I¡¯m wearing my school uniform right now. They should think that I¡¯m just a normal high school student that happened to use the elevator. Good one~ Still, thinking about the police officers really gave me a headache. My safe plan went into cinders just now all because of them. I shouldn¡¯t have called them before barging in¡­ really¡­ My plan was to hit the second guy in the back of his head by something hard when he least expected it to but because of their nonsense siren, I fought a meaningless battle! Seriously, why do police turn on their sirens when they move¡­ isn¡¯t that just telling, ¡®Hey, police are here so better scram now or else we will get you~¡¯ it¡¯s really difficult to understand...©´(''¡«`£»)©° Damn it! ¡­ ¡­ I was currently walking in the street. As expected, the police were really waiting on the ground floor but after seeing me acting scared because of their appearance, they let me go. When they asked me what I¡¯m doing there, I just told them I¡¯m visiting my classmate on the third floor. As I was walking, suddenly ¡®Ding!¡¯ a prompt sound echoed inside my head. [ Congratulations for completing the mission, ¡®Saving Anna from the robbers¡¯! ] [ Reward: Firearms Proficiency (Intermediate) ] Hearing the voice inside my head (Which I dubbed ¡®The voice of my hidden self¡¯, self-voice in short) I sighed. Yeah, this was the reason why I went there, playing a hero saving damsel in distress. It was the mission given by the God¡¯s System, which is for some reason was planted in my brain. I don¡¯t know how I got this fantasy like setting ability. Although from what I could think of as the reason, is that it should be somehow related to what Tiffania, my former girlfriend did to me in my previous life.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Yeah, I think you readers already guessed it. I really am Daniel Flores. A normal Literature teacher with a normal but not so normal lover in my previous life- The one who should have died but for some unclear reason, was transmigrated into another me in a parallel world. It¡¯s already been almost two weeks since I woke up in this world. From what I know, the original was in a coma after some kind of car accident and was said to be already hopeless. But a miracle happened and he woke up. Although this time, it¡¯s already not him but¡­ me. Pretty fantastical isn¡¯t it?( ?§Õ?) But that¡¯s not all. This God¡¯s System or what it calls itself was transmigrated along with me. And now, it gave me missions and task that give rewards and penalties if not accomplished. Rewards are great, ranging from money, items and most of all skills. But penalties are a no-no. Hit by a car, slid into a canal and much worse unlucky stuff. OTL Yeah, these penalties are really brutal such as this one. If I didn¡¯t manage to successfully save this Anna girl, I will be hit by a lightning from out of nowhere. Dude, just thinking about it¡­ gives me Goosebumps!! It all started when I was walking from school. I suddenly noticed a car passed by me and with my super keen eyes, I saw a girl being tied up in the back of the car. No matter how you think about it¡­ it is very dangerous, right? I didn¡¯t see anything. I decided in that instance. Come on, I finally had a second life, why waste it when you¡¯re not even related. But this godforsaken system just blows it all. Yeah, that happened. I am not a hero type person, nor I did it for the reward but because of the penalty¡­ seriously, who wanted to be hit by a lightning in broad daylight? That stuff only happened in anime and you would only laugh it off after reading but believe me if that happened in reality¡­ it¡¯s not a laughing matter! Well, my only saving grace is that the reward is pretty good and it even jumped to intermediate in one fell swoop. Was it because it¡¯s a bit dangerous¡­? No! It¡¯s not just a bit! Seriously! ©c(`§¥¡ä)? That was nerve racking experience! I turned right and left and finally entered a very ordinary small restaurant in a small alley. It was a small shop but one could not see anything special. Anyhow, there was this saying; the more unremarkable a place, the more likely there would be delicious food. And it was actually not unfounded. The food here is indeed delicious. The shop was a bit crowded and lively. The moment I entered, the boss came and greeted me warmly: ¡°Daniel, you came.¡± ¡°Hi, potential lover #1¡± I joked. The boss chuckled. The boss was a woman in her early thirties. She goes by the name; Mariebelle Solas or Marie for short. Here she was called Boss Marie. In addition, she already has a daughter which was in the same school as me. In addition, she already has a daughter which was in the same school as me. Although she¡¯s not beautiful she could still be said to be above average. I guess she has what you call a mature charm¡­? She was also pretty nice and we got a long very well. We joked from time to time too. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°I came for a swig¡­¡± I said while raising my hand as if holding a glass and made a drink motion. ¡°You¡¯re too young, Daniel~,¡± The boss said and took a bottle from one of the shelves. She then pours it in a glass and gave it to me. ¡°Here, a milk for you¡­ it¡¯s a fresh goat milk. It¡¯s in the house~¡± ¡°Why do I feel as if you¡¯re harassing me?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not my intention~¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right! Kids like you should just drink milk and leave the alcohol to us, old timers~¡± one old guy from a near table joined our conversation while laughing. ¡°Shut up old man.¡± I scowled as I took the glass and drink it. ¡°Oh right, how¡¯s my future wife doing? She still not giving up on you right?¡± ¡°What future wife!¡± The old man snorted. ¡°If you touch Dalia, I¡¯m going to throw you in the trash bin!¡± ¡°Come on, father-in-law, you shouldn¡¯t treat your future son-in-law like this~¡± I playfully pouted my lips. I then turned around and looked at the boss, ¡°See that, my ex-lover, the old guy wanted to throw me into a trash bin, so barbarous~¡± ¡°Did my rank just change into a second-hand?¡± ¡°Hey, young man give up, Dalia is marrying me.¡± ¡°No me,¡± ¡°Hey guys, you wanna fight?¡± ¡°Shut up you b*tches! Touch my daughter and I¡¯ll throw you into the sewer one by one.¡± ¡°Ahahahahahaha¡± The old drunks laughed together. Really, every time I came here is seriously relaxing. Together with these old guys, they are just fun to be with. ¡°Here you go¡­¡± boss Marie with a face full of smiles place down a large bowl of fish soup onto my front. I frowned at the gigantic bowl of fish head soup. ¡°Seriously? Fish again? Is there no meat?¡± ¡°No meat for you fella¡­¡± boss Marie smiled. ¡°Fish head is good for your young body, so eat it up.¡± Daniel gracefully took the soup spoon to serve the soup, ¡°Seriously, what are you, my mother? I want to eat meat!!¡± ¡°No way, eat it already while it¡¯s hot.¡± ¡°Haa, 2nd lover, I¡¯m a customer here. Customers are Gods¡­ where can you find a restaurant that decided what the customers eat?¡± ¡°Hm? What 2nd? Now you¡¯re committing adultery¡­?¡± boss Marie sighed. ¡°Well, sadly for you, my daughter always reminded me not to always serve you meat.¡± I lowered my head to drink the soup. ¡°Really? What is that Mely doing behind my back? What is she, my mother?!¡± ¡°Hahaha, sometimes it¡¯s really difficult to have a wife¡­ I feel you son.¡± The old guy nodded while drinking another glass of alcohol. ¡°She¡¯s not my wife!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, even my wife sometimes beat me up.¡± Another man joined in. ¡°Sometimes you really wonder how did you manage to marry someone like your wife¡­ life is really confusing.¡± ¡°Wow so deep~¡± ¡°Someone give this man a like!!¡± ¡°Hey, it¡¯s my sister you¡¯re talking about!¡± ¡°Ah, you¡¯re here brother-in-law?!¡± ¡°I¡¯m in front of you! More like, your head is the one more confusing!¡± ¡°Ahahahahaha¡± Another round of laughter. ¡°Haa, these guys¡­¡± Chewing on a fish bone, I shook my head while wearing a wry smile. ¡°That is why you men are really¡­¡± the boss spoke. ¡°It¡¯s not us but you men. Always drinking and fantasizing about young girls, think about our feelings idiots.¡± ¡°Just like what the boss says!¡± ¡°Cheers for the boss!¡± ¡°+1 for the boss.¡± Hahahahaha¡­ ¡­ I also laughed hard as I started to work on the fish head. An idea suddenly flashed through my head and so I immediately stood up, turned around and looked towards the guys drinking. ¡°Guys, guys listen up.¡± I started. The shop immediately turned quiet and looked at me. Seemingly waiting as to what am I going to say. ¡°Okay, ladies and gentlemen¡­ you heard the boss, right?¡± ¡°Yes!!¡± they answered like children in a preschool. Seeing their cooperation, my confidence soared up. ¡°Then this time let me give you an advice. As a man, a real man, one must never quarrel with a married woman¡­¡± I said while showing an expression of undeniable finality. I paused for a moment and then. ¡°¡­ especially if she is your wife!¡± Hearing this, all the people in the room spit out their drinks. I fist bump my chest in a confident manner. ¡°Because if you do, you will only be the one who will get beaten up!¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­¡± ¡°Worst, you can¡¯t enter the room in the night.¡± ¡°Pfft, Ahahahahahahaha¡± the people started laughing and some even drumming the table. ¡°Ahahahahahaha!!¡± ¡°Nice one, this brother really have some way of words!¡± ¡°Cheers for little bro!!¡± ¡°Cheers!!¡± Looking at this scene, I let out a smug look before waving my hands like a celebrity. I then turned returned to my seat and continued eating. I noticed boss Marie looking at me with a wry smile. She said, ¡°You¡¯re really getting on with these idiots¡­¡± ¡°Well, they¡¯re good people and their fun.¡± ¡°Un.¡± Marie nodded with a smile. ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 4 I continued to eat my fish head silently. From time to time, there were assh*les that would talk to me or joked with me, cause for another round of laughter inside the shop. The place was really relaxing, although there were drunkards there were no idiots that would start a meaningless fight. It¡¯s a noisy place but a comfortable one. I continued eating. It was a familiar voice that broke up my focus. ¡°Daniel? You came?¡± A familiar, cheerful voice rang out behind me. When that gentle voice reached my ears, I then stopped moving. I turned my head and saw a 17 ¨C 18 years old girl holding several books. Her figure was thin, and she gave off the impression of being fragile. ¡°Ohh? Fancy seeing you in a place like this, Mely.¡± I greeted. ¡°This is my house dimwit!¡± ¡°Oh, I forgot~¡± I smiled unmeant. She was the reason why I came to know this place. It happened 8-9 days ago, when I just left the hospital, I saw her almost run by a car, don¡¯t know why but my body moved and managed to save her in the last minute. After that, I learned that we are actually in the same grade in the same school. But we¡¯re not classmates. So much for the novel like settings¡­ it actually fall short in the last part~ Her mother, boss Marie saw us and was given a fright. She thanked me all over again and again for what I did and asked me to eat a meal with them as thanks. That was the first time I came into this place. When I¡¯m not in school or house, I¡¯m always here. Good food, friendly and funny people¡­ it¡¯s always fun and not boring. The moment she spoke, the other guys finally noticed her presence and another noisy bout started again. ¡°It¡¯s little Mely!¡± ¡°Good afternoon, Mely. Have a drink!¡± ¡°Haha, uncle Ben, good afternoon. And kept that one for you, I don¡¯t drink.¡± ¡°Oh, its little Mel¡­ hey boy, your wife¡¯s here!¡± One man called me. Seriously, these guys~ ¡°Shut up old man! Who are you calling my wife!? Be careful or Dalia will get jealous~¡± I retorted with a mischievous tone. ¡°What was that boy? You wanna die!¡± ¡°Fight! Fight! Fight!¡± Seeing the excited group, I immediately stood up and run behind Mely. ¡°Mely, they¡¯re bullying me!¡± Then the shouting turned into jeers.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. But I wasn¡¯t embarrassed. ¡°Ha! Find yourself a woman, idiots~¡± I shouted proudly. ¡°Boo!¡± ¡°Boo!¡± From the corner of my eyes, I noticed Mely¡¯s cheeks were dyed in pink but she didn¡¯t say anything and only walked towards the room. She seems to have already been used to this. In any case, she should know that we are only joking around. As I was laughing, victorious upon my charade, suddenly, ¡®Ding!¡¯ a prompt echoed inside my head. I almost choked up. Letting out a sigh, I narrowed my eyes and as if I was staring at a monitor, letters appeared and formed into words and then finally into a sentence. [ Mission: Sing a serenade for Mely Solas in front of the crowd. Reward: Piano Proficiency (Beginner) Penalty: Speak only cursed words for a day. ] Here we go again, with this nonsense system. But a serenade huh¡­ I returned to my sit and think. Well, there¡¯s actually no problem with me doing it, after all, even if I did it right now, it would be seen as nothing but only teasing Mely. Okay so, what music will I sing then? The problem is the music. Even though I already spent almost two weeks in this world but I only heard several songs and each of them, I couldn¡¯t even remember properly much less sing. FYI, the songs in my original world don¡¯t exist in this world. Yeah, you heard it right. Famous people in every field such as famous authors, composers or famous film directors don¡¯t exist in this world. Johann Sebastian Bach? Ludwig van Beethoven? Beatles? Michael Jackson? Bruno Mars? All of them didn¡¯t exist in this world. Even good movies such as The Avengers, Iron Man or Transformers don¡¯t exist. That is why even if I want to sing a serenade but I don''t know any songs from this world. What should I do then? Sing a song from my original world? Eh. I got it! I suddenly had a flash of brilliance. My lips turned into a smile. However, a mischievous urge appeared inside of me. Since I¡¯m doing it anyway, might as well, do it with a bang! Let¡¯s just do that then! Although plagiarizing is bad but, in this world, no one would know~ It can''t be called a crime if no one knows! I hurriedly clap my hands to gather attention. As I did, everyone turned silent and looked at me. Even boss Marie gave me a curious glance. ¡°Hey, kiddies, isn¡¯t the place a little bit silent?¡± ?? ¡®Tch, Tch, Tch¡¯ clicking my tongue, I started walking towards the front. The shop was like a restaurant at the same time a bar. Although it was always empty, further in front was a small pedestal. I took an empty chair along the way and dragged it towards that pedestal. Placing it in the center, I sat down and faced the people. The crowd looks at me, confuse and wondering what I was up to but no one jeered and just waited silently. A mischievous smile was plastered across my face. ¡°I¡­¡± I stretched out the word as if I was deliberating. The tone of the tail end of that word was truly spellbinding if I say so myself. ¡°¡­. will sing. Is that alright?¡± Sing¡­ Sing??!! Hearing my words, boss Marie was shocked. The glass she was holding almost fell to the floor. Mely who just happened to come out through the door heard me and suddenly came to a halt, shocked. Her eyes widened and her mouth hanged. Even the drunken old men who were present were all shocked. What¡¯s with this reaction? ¡°Hey!¡± I called out. Suddenly, ¡°OOoooohhh!!¡± ¡°The little boy¡¯s gonna sing!¡± ¡°Go Go Go!!¡± The crowd started yelling and shouting as if a party was taking place. Boss Marie choked on this a bit. Somewhat unbelievingly, she said, ¡°What¡¯s with you, Daniel? Did you eat something strange? Did my fish head soup taste weird?¡± One of the old men also jeered, ¡°Hey, come on start it already. Even if you go off-key we will not laugh¡­ probably¡­¡± This old guy! ¡°What are you waiting for? Start it!¡± ¡°Start it!¡± ¡°Start it!¡± ¡°Start it!¡± ¡°Start it!¡± They let out a couple of loud chortles like little kids in kindergarten. They were totally looking forward to this. Until¡­ until everyone had finished with their ranting and jeering, I said seriously, ¡°Since you are all going about this, wife, wife, wife saga of mine, then¡­¡± All the jeers stopped and an overwhelming silence enveloped the whole place. ¡°I¡¯m going to sing a song,¡± I said with a hint of laughter in my voice while completely ignoring the countless dumbfounded drunkards. ¡°¡­ a song dedicated for our beloved Miss Mely Solas¡­¡± Chapter 5 ¡°¡­ ¡­¡± ¡°What¡¯s with the silence?!¡± I asked. ¡°Give me a round of applause, children~¡± ¡°Woooo!!¡± ¡°Bring it! Bring it!¡± Some whistles, some yelled out, some jeered but most of all, a teasing bout started once again. I stared at Mely standing not far away and saw her face becoming beet red, either from my words or from the goading and teasing of the old drunkards. Satisfied, I waved my hand for them to keep quiet; I then looked at the guy holding a guitar. "Lend me the guitar!" They were the one who was happily singing while drinking just now. The old guy blinked and handed me the guitar. From these past few days, I have already completed several missions so I was rewarded with skills and some money. I manage to acquire a total of 25, 000 which I just throw all into the bank without thinking. I don¡¯t have any use for that large of cash after all¡­ As for skills, I acquired; Algebra comprehension (Intermediate), Foreign Language ( English ), Russian fighting style: Systema, Throwing, Apple of Strength, ( a rare item that permanently gives 30% strength if eaten ), Guitar proficiency ( Beginner), and Firearms Proficiency (Intermediate). With Guitar proficiency, I can play the guitar pretty well. I adjusted my state a bit and lifted the guitar. I pondered briefly, then calmly stated the song¡¯s name I¡¯m going to sing: ¡°I''ll incur ridicule on myself today. So please listen, this song is titled; ¡®All of me¡¯¡± The moment that name was uttered, the crowd went totally silent. A few people were inattentively waiting to hear me sing. Other than boss Marie who was looking at me with expectant eyes, everyone else had doubt written on their faces. All of me? Was there a song like that? - They must be thinking like that as I watched their faces filled with confusion. I sat calmly on the stage while adjusting my mood. I smiled and immediately started playing the guitar. And then my voice came out of my throat. ¡°What would I do without your smart mouth? Drawing me in, and you kicking me out You''ve got my head spinning, no kidding, I can''t pin you down¡± When the three lines came out, I noticed how everyone was stunned! [ All of me ] was a famous song in my previous life by an American singer named John Legend from his fourth studio album ( Love in the Future ). It was originally a tender piano power ballad, which was inspired by his wife, Chrissy Teigen, a model. ¡°What''s going on in that beautiful mind I''m on your magical mystery ride And I''m so dizzy, don''t know what hit me, but I''ll be alright¡± Truthfully, my singing was not good. I had never received any systematic training, nor was I good at singing in the first place. But even so, it¡¯s not like I was tone deaf. I was always singing songs for Tiffany before, and although my voice is not that good, however, Tifanny always told me that he liked my deep, low, authoritative voice. So even just a bit, I have some confidence in my singing voice. My head''s under water But I''m breathing fineThis novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. You''re crazy and I''m out of my mind ¡­ ¡­ ''Cause all of me Loves all of you Love your curves and all your edges All your perfect imperfections Give your all to me I''ll give my all to you You''re my end and my beginning Even when I lose I''m winning ''Cause I give you all of me And you give me all of you, oh oh ¡­ .. As I was singing while playing the guitar, I suddenly noticed that the entire place was deep in silence and only my voice echoing in this somewhat big place. In the corner of my eyes, I saw people looking at me wide eyes, shock, and surprised coloring their faces. Some were enjoying the song while drinking their liquor and beers. Some were even smiling filled with ambiguity while looking at me. ¡­ But most were listening wholeheartedly while enjoying the song. It¡¯s not like I really have a good voice. In fact, I might even barely contend with those run of the mill''s singer wannabes but for some reason, they were really listening to me that I find it hard to react¡­ I really thought that they would laugh at me. And now, because of their unexpected reactions, I really wanted to laugh at myself, but acting like a professional, I endured it and continued singing. ¡­ .. How many times do I have to tell you Even when you''re crying you''re beautiful too The world is beating you down, I''m around through every mood You''re my downfall, you''re my muse My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues I can''t stop singing, it''s ringing, in my head for you ¡­ ¡­ Mely Solas: With all her might, Mely Solas forced herself to remain calm. ¡°Um¡­¡± While this type of joking around inside this shop was really just casual banter¡­ But to be teased together with Daniel¡­ She really¡­ She really was just incapable of responding nonchalantly or jesting and jeering with them. She¡¯s not that thick-skinned, on the contrary, she was easily embarrassed. Her friends once told her that her feelings are always reflected in her expression. When she¡¯s happy, sad, angry¡­ or especially in love all of it could be seen just by looking at her. Truthfully, she had a crush on Daniel. Ever since she was saved by him in that very instant, Daniel had already stolen her heart. She doesn''t know if this was genuine or just an after-effect from the hero saving princess incident that seems like it was straight out from a romance novel. However, she can¡¯t say anything, especially to Daniel. She was scared that the moment he realized her feelings, he will go somewhere¡­ somewhere she can¡¯t reach. She was sure that Daniel didn¡¯t feel the same way to her. So she couldn¡¯t say anything because she was scared she might not see him again. If she can¡¯t see him, that won¡¯t work for her¡­ She just can¡¯t have that¡­ She wants him to stay where her eyes can reach. Rather than make him leave her sight and lost him, she¡¯s fine with just desiring him. In any case, from what she could guess, love is still too far for Daniel. And so, she hides her feelings and kept it herself. In front of him, she act and behave like a friend, a family¡­ I¡¯m really a coward¡­ Thinking like this, Mely couldn¡¯t but smiled bitterly at her own cowardice¡­ When she went to look for Daniel after changing her clothes, she was suddenly greeted by this unbelievable scene. Daniel, sitting in the stage and saying he will sing. Oh my god! Her heart almost stops due to shock! (>_< The next second, her heart skips a few beats! ¡°I¡¯m going to sing a song,¡± He said with a hint of laughter in his voice. ¡°¡­ a song dedicated for our beloved Miss Mely Solas¡­¡± What, what did he say? For, it¡¯s for me?! ¡­ ¡­ My head''s under water But I''m breathing fine You''re crazy and I''m out of my mind ¡­ ¡­ Mely¡¯s heart was thumping wildly, still not daring to believe this was real. For her¡­ This song was for me¡­? ¡­ ¡­ ''Cause all of me Loves all of you Love your curves and all your edges All your perfect imperfections Give your all to me I''ll give my all to you You''re my end and my beginning Even when I lose I''m winning ''Cause I give you all of me And you give me all of you, oh oh Give me all of you Cards on the table, we''re both showing hearts Risking it all, though it''s hard ¡­ ¡­ It was not only Mely¡­ The excitement level of every person in that shop was rocketing off the meter. ¡°Amazing!!¡± She suddenly heard one of the men sitting in a table not far away from her position muttered. ¡°¡­ Although his voice can¡¯t be said to be good but he¡¯s absolutely nailed the mood.¡± Indeed, in all honesty, his singing ability was mediocre. He was neither terrible nor amazing. It was just normal singing at the level of a kid singing karaoke. However, he was able to inject sufficient emotion into his singing¡­ this made it more impactful to the audience¡­ ¡°What¡¯s this song? I have never heard of this before? It¡¯s quite good!¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s an original, after all I never heard of it before.¡± ¡°An original huh, pretty good~¡± ¡°Ah, it¡¯s incredible! Ahh, look, look I¡¯m getting Goosebumps just by listening¡­¡± The man¡¯s friends also started talking and commenting in a soft voice, seemingly afraid to disturb Daniel. Then she suddenly realized something¡­ that¡¯s right, this song was an original, right? She never heard of this song before¡­ well, not until now. She took her phone, open the internet and search for the song ¡®All of me¡¯ which seems to be what Daniel said as the song¡¯s name. [ No results containing all your search terms were found. Your search ¨C All of me - did not match any documents. ] - Is what the search engine shows. It only meant one thing. There¡¯s no song called ¡®All of me¡¯. Then¡­ it¡¯s true? This song was an original? Who made it? Of course, it should be Daniel¡­ right? He was the one singing it right now¡­ This realization caused Mely to stare at Daniel performing in daze. ¡°Amazing¡­¡± she subconsciously muttered. How did he manage to compose a song like this¡­? Just when everyone was listening to the point they felt they were going to burst a blood vessel, the song was already on its finale. ''Cause all of me Loves all of you Love your curves and all your edges All your perfect imperfections Give your all to me I''ll give my all to you You''re my end and my beginning Even when I lose I''m winning ''Cause I give you all of me And you give me all of you Daniel sang the last part lightly with a soft, deep but somewhat emotional voice. I give you all of me And you give me all of you, oh oh ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 6 He finished singing. After Daniel put down the guitar, he looked at the people in front of him. Mely stared at him dazedly¡­¡­ In his face was the usual smile but when she stared at it, she suddenly felt a bit different. For her, it seems to possess the usual mischievousness on it but what¡¯s different was that she felt as if it had an ability to captivate anyone who saw it. Mely continued to gaze blankly at him, not realizing that she was falling and falling deeper into the chasm without her knowing. ¡­ ¡­ I put down the guitar on the floor and looked at the surroundings. They were all silent! Looking at it, I couldn¡¯t help but showed a smug face. See how awesome this bro is~ If someone asked me at this moment what the best feeling was, I wouldn¡¯t hesitate and definitely answer, ¡­ That acting awesome was the best feeling! ¡­ I felt like I was being put on a pedestal giving me the feeling of someone standing with arms crossed as an onlooker over the world. I almost had the urge to sing, ¡®This is the moment!¡¯ by Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse from Jekyll & Hyde! Look at everyone''s reaction! Look at everyone''s expression! These are expressions that made one delighted! These are the expressions that made one feel satisfied!! As I was acting egotistical, I was suddenly awoken by the sounds of applause. Phew! Phew! Some were whistling and some were shouting encore. Hahaha look at them~ Ding! At this moment, the prompt finally resounded inside my mind, signifying the completion of this time¡¯s task. [ Congratulations for completing the mission, ¡®Sing a serenade for Mely Solas in front of the crowd.¡¯ ] [ Reward: Piano Proficiency (Beginner) ] Just like before, I felt some kind of information was entering my brain. It only lasted for a short time and if I focus my mind on it, I can suddenly remember the details about the piano that I never knew in my life. How to play, the keys, the hand movements, the posture¡­ all of them. ¡°Woooooow!! That was really something!¡± As I was thinking about piano, a loud voice suddenly erupted. It was from the old guy, Dalia¡¯s father. ¡°¡­I mean, I¡¯m not really big on music or anything but, boy, how to say, my heart was just going all ¡®Aaaahhh¡¯ and stuff! That was amazing! You have talent!¡± He said excitedly. Well, that was actually nice to hear. Good man! ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± boss Marie also joined in. She was wearing a smile while looking at me. ¡°I really never expected that you have this kind of talent, Daniel.¡± But low-key, low-key! I still have to keep up the appearance. Smile! ¡°Hahaha thank you, thank you.¡± Then my eyes just went towards Mely¡¯s direction. She was still standing there staring blankly at me. I couldn¡¯t help but want to tease her, ¡°So? How is it?¡±Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. I playfully winked at her, adding to her embarrassment. Seeing my actions, the crowd finally regains their momentum and started jeering on us once again. Although for me, this was nothing, however, for Mely it was another issue. She looked like she was on the verge of going around and run away¡­ I swear, she honestly was about to cry. But the crowd was still not finished with their teasing so boss Marie has no choice but to finally stand up. ¡°That¡¯s enough, you guys. Don¡¯t tease my daughter anymore or else I won¡¯t be giving you another bottle.¡± She said while smiling wryly. ¡°Eeeeeehhhh!¡± ¡°No fair, boss!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! We need to help our boy!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, kiss! Kiss!¡± ¡°Kissss!!¡± These people¡­ I shook my head in helplessness. Then I noticed boss Marie looking at me. ¡°Daniel, you too. I know that my daughter is cute when teased but, you can¡¯t overdo it~¡± ¡°Mooom!¡± ¡°Hahahahaha¡± I couldn¡¯t help but laugh out loud after hearing that. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s do it again another time.¡± I raised my hands while stepping down the stage. ¡°Another time your face, Daniel!¡± Boss Marie looked at Daniel helplessly with a wry smile; ¡°Daniel, you¡¯re quite the man aren¡¯t you?¡± I give her a boyish grin. ¡°So you finally realized?¡± ¡°Haha, I knew that from before~¡± Hahaha, looking at her mother and me laughing, Mely couldn¡¯t help but wept bitterly while clenching her fists. ¡°¡­ I want to punch him. I want to beat him up¡­¡± I only laughed while stepping down the stage. ¡°Where are you going? Sing another song!¡± suddenly, an old man beside me called out to me. ¡°That¡¯s right! Do an encore!¡± ¡°Encore!¡± ¡°Unfortunately, it¡¯s time to go home,¡± I said while glancing at the watch on my wrist. ¡°I may not have a wife that scold me if I¡¯m out late but I still have a mother and sister, using machine guns to blast my eardrums, so better luck next time~¡± I waved my hand at them. It¡¯s already 5:46. I may not look like it but I actually have a curfew. I¡¯m only allowed to go out until 6:00 after that, I would get served a full course of scolding. This action seems to be because of what happened to me, actually to the original that sent him into the hospital. They couldn¡¯t help but start worrying if I¡¯m still out after dark. I picked up my bag that was sitting on the counter and took out my wallet but boss Marie stopped my hand. ¡°You don¡¯t need to pay, more like you can eat here anytime.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ actually, a good idea but my face is thin. I can¡¯t possibly do that¡­¡± I refused. But boss Marie was persistent. ¡°Listen to my mom, Daniel. Don¡¯t act like a stranger to us, or else we will feel bad.¡± Mely also spoke. Letting out a sigh, I relented. In any case, free stuff is always welcome. I face boss Marie and Mely and said jokingly, ¡°Thanks, mom, thanks, wife~¡± ¡°Daniel!!¡± Mely roared but I already run towards the door, laughing. ¡°That boy,¡± I only heard boss Marie¡¯s helpless voice behind me. ¡°Take care on the road, son!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t loiter around and watch out for cars!¡± As I was walking, old men one after another sent me off. I smiled at that and bid farewell. D city is a city that is too dazzling so it is easy to make people feel captivated and lose direction. I strolled slowly in a public square, passing by the elderly, couples and kids and enjoying the peacefulness in the midst of an expanding, bustling city. Suddenly, a flash of white light made me turn my head and saw someone taking pictures. Two students, who appeared to be girls and probably tourists, were taking pictures to keep as a souvenir in the public square. Seeing this peaceful scene, I fell in Melancholy... Truthfully, I missed Tiffania. I still loved her even now¡­ But even though this world is the same world but as for she really existed in this world, I still don¡¯t know. This world has some differences after all. Some didn¡¯t exist, some did. I wanted to confirm it even if she didn¡¯t remember me, I would still be happy as long as I can see her. But there¡¯s one problem. I don¡¯t know where she is right now! Now that I mention it, I realized that I actually don¡¯t know where she spent her childhood. I only met her when I was in college, she was my classmate. Before that, she didn¡¯t tell me. All I know is that her parents passed away four years prior to our meeting. At first, I thought that she was just shy and embarrassed that she didn¡¯t want to say anything but judging from her identity as a member of a terrorist organization, maybe there was something she wanted to conceal? Seriously, I am really an idiot¡­ why did I not notice it earlier¡­ Tiff, where are you? I missed you¡­ I really missed you¡­ ¡­ ¡­ Crackle! Flash! After several minutes of walking, the dim sky restlessly suddenly grumbled and lightning flashed. Seeing this, I¡¯m certain that a sudden squall is coming. Clicking my tongue, I immediately put my legs into action and run. However, not considering my plight, the thick blackened clouds seemed to be also in a hurry while being dragged down by the heavy rain. The clouds which struggled to withstand the burden of the weight which the rain held, soon finally gave in. The rain poured down over the city with a roar. Damn! I cursed. You really should not trust weather reports! Other than my hooded jacket, I haven¡¯t brought any umbrella. What worst is that it wasn''t just rain; it was a downpour as heavy as I had ever seen. The rain begins to fall so thickly that there is an instant covering of water on the street. Any depression in the road is filled and becomes a hydroplaning hazard, the breaks simply can''t work if they''re not in contact with the road. In the street, traffic slows to an almost standstill. ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 7 ¡°Ah! Shit! Why the sudden heavy rain? This is just too much misfortune!¡± Wearing only a hooded jacket can¡¯t really stop the freezing feeling but still, it can give me a bit warm - though, this warm is still far from enough. Soaking wet due to the heavy rain, I ran frantically all over for almost 15 minutes to find some shed but still couldn¡¯t find it, so I give up and just run till my house. After running for a while, I finally reached the district where my house was located. From here on, it will only be 3 minutes of running until reached home. In the way, I saw some people walking while holding their umbrellas but among these people I suddenly noticed an odd fellow who is just standing beside the horse spring rider besides the entrance of the district playground, soaking wet. She has blonde-hair, possibly around two or three years older than me. She is a little more than 160 cm tall. She wasn''t much different from a normal girl if it weren¡¯t for her black clothes with the skull and ¡°Death Gang¡± written on it. Even though she is soaking wet you will notice that she was also quite lovely except the lonely but mysterious air surrounding her. People were just passing by at her as if they are ignoring her. It even made think of an absurd thought that maybe they can¡¯t see her. It even made think of an absurd thought that maybe they can¡¯t see her. What is she, a ghost? Though no matter what she is, she reeks of trouble, better to stay away right now! Shrugging my shoulders, I ignored the girl and continued on my way. The raindrops struck the already wet sidewalk, pitting the surface like they were bullets from above. As I was running, the cold icy rain pierced my wet skin causing me to shiver in cold. I ran across a somewhat slippery path, filled with puddles and muds. My posture weakened by the weight of my soaked clothes. The quality of darkness shifted in the sky but the rain kept pouring. Then I stopped for a second. I am not a good man, that I admit. ¡­ However, I¡¯m also not the worst kind of guy who just let a girl shivered in this kind of cold night. Although I don¡¯t know why she was just standing there, soaking went under the heavy rain, but as a man, could I actually ignore her and just go on with my life¡­? What a hypocrite! I cursed myself before I turned around and started walking towards the drenched chick. ¡°Hey!¡± Hearing my call, she slightly raised her head and looked at me, and for the first time, I saw her face up close. She looked so beautiful, yet kind of scary. She glared at me as if she was looking a criminal who murdered a 100 civilian. ¡°Who the fuck are you?¡± A cursed greeted me. she spoke with a bit shiver, surely she was feeling extremely cold. ¡°Ha?¡± I frowned. The look of admiration simply vanished in my face and was replaced with a sour and displeased look. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re hitting on me, virgin?¡± I snapped. ¡°Are you stupid? Who the hell is in their right minds to try to hit on a foul mouthed girl like you! Ugly.¡± I retorted. Right now, I¡¯m really regretting my decision.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Should have let her be! ¡°There is¡­¡± but she answered confidently. ¡°Who?¡± ¡°In front of me¡± What the-!! This B##%^$&*)*&&^%#!!! I screamed inside my mind! However, I don¡¯t know how to respond to that. Maybe in the girl¡¯s point of view, that¡¯s what I''m trying to do... realizing this, I couldn¡¯t answer back. - However, that is so wrong! But even still, I don¡¯t have any motivation to prove it. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m wearing a high-level armor called gentleman while possessing a passive skill called Ignore and so, your crude words don''t do any kind of damage to me! Give it up!¡± I said proudly while cutting the distance between us. She looked at me aghast, clearly not understanding my words. But since I have the high-level passive skill Ignore, I ignored her and took off my jacket and wrapped it around her body. ¡°I don¡¯t have an umbrella but this can still warm you¡­ though a bit.¡± Shocked! The girl couldn¡¯t do anything but stand and started on my beautiful, ah no, actually handsome face. Beautiful isn¡¯t really suited for real men like me~ Regaining her consciousness she suddenly shouted. ¡°What the fuck are you doing!?¡± ¡°Uwaaah so rude!¡± I was startled by her voice. This girl is really not cute. As I was thinking of what to say, at this moment, the jinx once again appeared. Ding! [ Mission: With using only words, stop Dana from killing herself! Reward: Culinary arts (Beginner) Penalty: An intense headache for an entire day. ] What?! Killing herself? Don¡¯t tell me this Dana is this girl in front of me? And what do you mean by killing herself? No way¡­ But thinking about it now, her strange aura, actions, and this strange behavior¡­ it seems like she really can do that¡­ Ah! Another problematic person! Seriously, I shouldn¡¯t have done this¡­ Anyway, since I was already here, might as well. When I raised my face I noticed the girl was looking at me with a strange expression. It should be because I fell silent. It should be because I fell silent. I let out a sighed and looked at her directly. ¡°Do you think that committing suicide is what kills people?¡± !!? ¡°No, it is not. Giving up is what kills people!¡± This is what Alucard from the anime Hellsing once said. And I certainly agreed with him. "If you already gave up then it only means one thing, Game Over! It means you lose in this game we called life! If you can¡¯t persevere and fight then aren¡¯t you more inferior compared to a dead person who made contributions in life and was being remembered. Do you want to be inferior to a dead person?" Hearing what I said, the girl¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°You- You! How did--!¡± But I didn¡¯t give her a chance to speak as I continued. ¡°It¡¯s just like what you are now. Before you killed yourself, in my eyes you¡¯re already dead. But is that really good?¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­¡± ¡°No, because what is most painful, was what happened after.¡± I muttered. I suddenly remembered the scene I had seen in my previous life. Smiling, I repeated what that doctor who was always called as eccentric and idiot but still live on honorably said, ¡°When do you think people die? When they are shot through the heart by the bullet of a pistol? No. When they are ravaged by an incurable disease? No. When they drink a soup made from a poisonous mushroom!? No! It¡¯s when they are forgotten!¡± ?!! ¡°After you died from killing yourself, what you will only gain is infamy. After a few days, you will be then be forgotten. After a month, it would be a miracle if someone called your name.¡± I looked at the girl who was looking at me with wide open eyes and gave a faint smile. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened to you nor should I care. But, just think about it carefully. Was dying really the best choice?¡± The girl¡¯s expression turned complex. ¡°How, how did you know?! Who are you?!¡± The girl squeezed those words from her mouth. Whether it was rain or not, but I noticed water constantly dripping from her eyes which were slowly dyed in red. Previously, she had appeared too calm or too distanced even though I was here in front of her I had felt like she was so far away, but now she had cried? If she still managed to do this, then this meant she was moved! But I didn¡¯t continue talking as saying any more will be proven detrimental and I would be seen as someone who was acting highly. Giving a faint smile, I looked at her frowning face. ¡°Whatever you lose, you''ll find it again. But what you throw away you''ll never get it back, especially life. There were many dead people who wanted to live again but couldn''t, don¡¯t insult them and waste it.¡± A smile appeared at the corner of my lips completely as if expressing my noble intentions. After saying so, I turned around and ran toward a small crowd of people. ¡°Wai..!¡± I heard her voice behind me but I ignored it. I already did what I could. I don¡¯t have any obligation to do more. I might looked like a hypocrite but, aren¡¯t humans hypocrite in nature? Besides, it¡¯s not like I like saving people I don¡¯t know, if not for this god-forsaken system. Troublesome things are troublesome¡­ all of them are just pain to deal with. I don¡¯t like being a nosy person! I only care for the people who are close to me. Well, if she understands my words then it¡¯s good. Then, if not, only headache is nothing¡­ Her life is not of my concern but¡­ my life. My mother would certainly put me in pan and fried me alive. Huh, really, it¡¯s already past 6 and I even haven¡¯t worn my bulletproof vest. When I got home, I would surely be rain down by bullets! Haaa, seriously, I¡¯ll never hear the end of it! ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 8 In the next morning, I woke up to the annoying chirping of birds. I reached out my hand and looked at the alarm clock. I was right on time. ¡°Mhmm~¡± I was still sleepy, since I stayed up late last night, being scolded by my mother and sister for returning very late. Not just that, in the middle of the night, I was suddenly awakened by the God¡¯s System saying I had completed the mission. Though I never really cared about that girl, however, for some reason when I found out that she changed her mind, I felt somewhat comfortable. Though the problem is after that, because I was awakened in the middle of the night, I had trouble continuing my sleep afterward¡­ I sat on the bed, my eyes assailed by the morning sun, which the curtains from my window could not block out. ¡°Ugh¡­¡­¡± Running my hand through my Obsidian, albeit bed hair afflicted hair, I then rubbed my eyes while yawning. When I was about to get off the bed, my out outstretched hand came into contact with something tender and soft beside me. Wondering what exactly it was, I groped around with my hand, and that soft something changed its shape gently in the middle of my palm. ¡°Nnnya¡­¡­ aahn¡­¡­¡± What? What¡¯s with this familiar feeling¡­? As I reaffirmed the feeling of that soft something with my hand by opening and closing my palm, ¡°Nnh¡­ no¡­ oh, sto¡­p¡± My eyes widened in realization. This, don¡¯t tell me¡­ I hastily grabbed my blanket, revealing a similar colored hair while adorning an even more beautiful face. A slender face, with delicate features. Her well-featured face and the subtle sensuousness of her cherry lips were vividly engraved in my sight. The person was only wearing a small blue tight short and a V-neck white T-shirt that seems to be a bit baggy. Seeing this very familiar person, I couldn¡¯t help but frown. Of course, I already took off the hand that was grabbing firmly onto that soft haven. ¡°Hah, mm¡­. mm, Daniel ~¡± Stretching inside the blanket, the girl pressed her soft body on top of mine. ¡°Get up, Layla.¡± I shook her body awake. She was Layla Flores, my big sister. She was three years older than me ¨C Though for some reason, I have some difficulty in dealing with her. In my previous life or more like in my previous world, Layla treats me neither cold nor hot. Just like normal siblings, we interacted and we cared for each other to some extent but even so, we still have distance between us. But the Layla in this world is too¡­ caring; probably that¡¯s the right word¡­? In any case, she¡¯s too affectionate at me. Just like this, after I just returned from the hospital, every night from the first week, she would enter my room without permission and sleep together with me.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Although it didn¡¯t cause me any trouble nor I find it annoying but¡­ you know, it¡¯s kind of hard to get used to it since the Layla I know is different¡­ I sighed helplessly at the sight of her, hugging my waist while sleeping with a euphoric expression. I extended my hand at her blissful looking sleeping face¡ª ¡°Mm¡­¡­ na? Nanananaana?¡± Having her nose pinched mercilessly, Layla flailed her limbs about, sending the blanket flying. ¡°Nfff mgghning, I can¡¯t breath!¡± ¡°Good morning, Layla.¡± ¡°Call me dear sister- ah! And good morning, Daniel~¡± She looks at me in a half-awake state. ¡°Nn?¡± Is she still half asleep? She was befuddled for a bit, then when she noticed me, she smiled. Her smile was so good that it could be counted as foul play. But why do I feel as if she was throwing hearts at me..? (-_-)?? Releasing my fingers from pinching her nose, I got up from the bed. Just then, Layla sat up in the bed with one hand supporting her upper body, and the two soft round flesh of her breast immediately squeezed out a long and deep cleavage. I was startled at first but then I suddenly felt embarrassed to get aroused by my own sister so I immediately averted my gaze from her. ¡°Sis, why are you sleeping in my room again? Don¡¯t you have your own bed?¡± I asked, trying to hide my indecent reaction. ¡°Eeeh? But my room is soooo lonely. Besides, I like it here,¡± She answered. A gentle smiled aimed at me. Her smiling appearance, bathed in the morning sun made her look like a painting. An untainted beauty. Her character and personality are really completely different from the aloof and cold Layla I have known. Though, if I was asked to choose who I liked more, I guess I would choose the current Layla. ¡°Stop being so shameless already!¡± I muttered. ¡°Daniel, be that as it may, aren¡¯t you also partially responsible? You see, because the room door wasn¡¯t locked, I couldn¡¯t help but think that it was an invitation!¡± Laughing out loud, Layla shrugged her shoulders, sending those abundantly developed twin hills of hers shaking. ¡°¡­. Certainly, if I were to consider your personality, it might have been careless of me to have not locked the door.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t I right?¡± She spoke while smiling victoriously. ¡°Whatever,¡± I said while wearing a helpless smile. ¡°Leave now, I¡¯m going to get change. Unlike you, I have class today.¡± But, ¡°Nope. I still want to sleep.¡± She then covered her head with my blanket and enjoy going back to sleep. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m going to change!¡± ¡°Then change¡­ it¡¯s not like I never seen it before?¡± She casually dropped a bomb. This shameless big sister! ¡°No! Get out!¡± ¡°Noooooo!!¡± No matter how I shook her and tried to steal her blanket, she would just curl up while scream ¡®I¡¯m going to dieeeee if I can¡¯t sleeeeep!¡¯ So, I gave up! I let out a sigh before going straight to the bathroom to take a bath. ¡°Hmph, meany. We¡¯re still taking a bath not too long ago¡­ changing is not a big deal.¡± I seemed to have heard some muttering behind me but I completely ignored it. Indeed, it¡¯s true. From the memories left in this body, we are indeed taking a bath together but that is four years ago. I repeat, four years! That is already history!! Besides, she¡¯s the one who always barges in whenever I, no, the original, this thoughtless kid, took a bath. And it¡¯s not like the original liked it, more like he was extremely embarrassed from it that from that moment on, he always make sure to lock the door whenever he¡¯s inside the bathroom! Taking a bath only took around 30 ¨C 40 minutes. When I went out with an only bath towel around my waist, I noticed my oh so shameless sister is still lying in my bed. Shaking my head, I went straight to my closet and grabbed my uniform. And when I was about to change I suddenly noticed someone watching me. When I turned around, Layla was smiling and looking at me. ¡°In this case, should I shout like ¡®Kyaaaaaaah!¡¯ or just let it be?¡± I asked in a monologue tone. Layla smiled at me like she was enjoying my reaction. She waved her hand, gesturing me to go on. ¡°I already saw it anyway, so go on don¡¯t mind me~¡± Layla said before lying again in the bed. I shook my head and decided to ignore her. While relaxing my cheeks, I quickly changed to my uniform and studied myself severely in the long mirror, assessing my good points. As I was studying myself in the mirror, I was caught surprised by the handsome guy looking back at me from it. He was very graceful and good looking. He certainly looked like me~ ¡°Big sis, I¡¯m going first.¡± She peeked out from her blanket. ¡°Hm, be careful and come home early okay~¡± ¡°I know.¡± Waving my hand at her, I left my room and went down the stairs into the dining room where a nice aroma of bacon and egg lured me. ¡°Mom!¡± In there was my mother. She was already 42 this year but she looked young for her age. Looking at her, I realize where my sister got her looks at, though fortunately, she managed to share that with me. So, I¡¯m actually grateful. ¡°Is Layla in your room again?¡± ¡°Hm?¡± I raised my head while eating a sandwich with cooked back bacon and topped with butter and ketchup. ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s there.¡± I flashed a bitter smile. ¡°Let her be for now. She was really given a scare when you were in a coma. She almost made the hospital her second home¡­¡± ¡°I know. That is why, even though it¡¯s embarrassing but, I just let her do what she wants.¡± I answered while biting on the bacon sandwich. ¡°Hehe, come on. You will be late to school¡­ ah right, don¡¯t return late like yesterday young boy or just a scolding won¡¯t be enough, okay?¡± Mom looked at me with a smile yet not a smile. A chill runs through my spine. ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 9 Ding dong dang dong. The morning bell at D High School, the school that I, the magnificent attended, rang. Fortunately, I made it just in time. Though it was pretty close, causing me to slumped down in my seat. Though it was pretty close, causing me to slumped down in my seat. "Hey. That was quite a close one today, even though you normally arrive pretty early." When I was still out of breath, a voice reached me. When I looked up, I saw Miss Fran Basco ¨C my class adviser. She had round, cute eyes and always wore her characteristic smile that warmed peoples'' hearts. However, she was a ridiculous teacher who was so short her appearance looked like she was around 13 ¨C 14 years old. Though no one knows her real age. ¡°Yeah, many things happened.¡± I stood up and answered while nodding my head. Seemingly apologetic. ¡°What happened? You just got out of the hospital so if you needed some time off, I will allow it.¡± The cute teacher with mature style bobbed hair say worriedly. She¡¯s really cute. I wonder how did she become a high school teacher? Kindergarten should be better~ I sighed. ¡°Nah, I¡¯m fine it¡¯s just that, when I was walking, I was surrounded by men wearing black suits. They suddenly asked me ¡®where is the T-virus?¡¯ while pointing me guns and so, I don¡¯t have a choice but to engage in a fight. That¡¯s why I was late.¡± I said helplessly ¡°What?!¡± The teacher looked at me wide eyes. Similarly, the class stared at me. ¡°You don¡¯t believe it right? I tell you it¡¯s real. Ask Lloyd, what I said is the truth, right?¡± I gave my seatmate a glance. Lloyd Reyes, one of my few friends in school. He has a semi-crew cut hairstyle with two earrings in each of his ears. He had a good face. Though, if not for his delinquent fashion sense and dumbness that could rival an elementary kid at most, he might have been quite popular. Though exterior doesn¡¯t equate interior. He was actually a good guy. Initially, he would, along with my teacher and other classmates, stare at me with a thunderstruck expression. However, he gradually got used to it over the days after I came back, and even managed a calm reply¨C ¡°Ah, that certainly is terrible. Fortunately, the T-virus is with me or they would have gotten it.¡± Then he turned his gaze to me. His eyes saying ¨CWhat¡¯s T-virus? ¡°¡­¡± I shrug. Teacher Fran fell silent. She had seemed to go through shock because of our conversation.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°That¡¯s right, haa!¡± I sighed. ¡°I almost got done in, thankfully, His lover came to the rescue.¡± ¡°What? Mine?!¡± Lloyd exclaimed. I nodded seriously. ¡°That¡¯s right. He had a good body, red hair, muscles like boulders and rough face and piercing eyes.¡± ¡°He? Isn¡¯t that a man?!¡± ¡°Un!¡± I answered. ¡°No-¡± ¡°Enough!¡± teacher Fran cut our discussion while letting out a sighed. She finally realized that I was just messing around. She gave me a helpless look and said, ¡°Go back to your seat the class will start. And Daniel, stop messing around.¡± ¡°Yes teach!¡± I shrugged my shoulders and sat on my desk. Lloyd tugged my shirt. With a serious face, he said, ¡°I¡¯m straight!¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah you are straight. So where did you met someone like him? Your taste sure is hardcore.¡± ¡°No way! Don''t just come up with random crap!!¡± ¡°Lloyd, class is starting! Shut up!¡± ¡°Ugh.¡± Teacher Fran scolded Lloyd while me, with charming and innocent eyes, I looked at the front like an obedient student. So I wasn¡¯t scolded. Sorry bro, better luck next time. ¡­ ¡­ The moment when the chime heralded the end of the fourth period, I pulled out my lunch box from the bag and put it on the desk. The exterior is the same as always. 3 pieces of hot dog, bacon, and white rice. I then started eating. At this moment, ¡°Uwa, you¡¯re already eating. The class only ended seconds ago. The teacher is still here, you know? look, Miss Fran is also looking at you.¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­¡± I looked at Lloyd but since I¡¯m really hungry, I didn¡¯t bother with him and ignored him. He dragged his chair towards me and said, ¡°Let¡¯s eat together.¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­¡± I still pretended not to hear him and carried on eating. Noticing that I was ignoring him, this idiot suddenly slams his desk and roared at me, ¡°Damn you, Daniel! You¡¯re just too awful! I¡¯m here in front of you and you¡¯re just there, leisurely eating while ignoring me?¡± His outburst attracted the others attention and looked towards us interestingly. ¡°You¡¯re so terrible!¡± he roared. He fakingly rubbed his eyes as if he was wiping his non-existent tears. ¡°You don¡¯t treat me the way you used to! You don¡¯t love me anymore!!¡± This idiot is really disgusting! In the background, I heard some mutterings saying, ¡®Here they go again¡­¡¯, ¡®what is it this time? Lovers?¡¯ ¡®These two idiots.¡¯ I was immediately angry. How dare they put me on the same level as this guy!? This guy who¡¯s the personification of disgustingness!? I angrily put my spoon and fork and shouted at him; ¡°Nonsense!¡± I roared inside the classroom. My anger shocked the surroundings and their movements stopped. Even Lloyd in front of me couldn¡¯t help but taken aback. But I ignored them. ¡°Lloyd, what the heck are you saying?!¡± ¡°I, I¡­¡± he was suddenly speechless. ¡°I thought you know me better than this?! You should know that I love you more than ever. I even worship the ground you walk on and your every wish is my command!¡± I said in a theatrical tone and gesture. Everyone was stunned! Even Lloyd opened his mouth! No one expected me to say such a thing! My words stumped Lloyd and the others. Feeling smug, I still continued, ¡°Now for this very moment, for God¡¯s sake, shut up your big mouth and let me eat in peace!¡± Dong! As if a BGM just sounded, I returned to my seat and resumed eating. My classmates looked at us, admiringly. Then one of the classmates let out a laugh, it was then followed by the others. It seems like they had already gotten used in our play that for them, this already a normal occurrence. ¡­ ¡­ After eating, Lloyd and I were leisurely sitting in our respective chair while staring at the window. I then noticed outside, for some reason, many students were heading in one direction. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Lloyd thought for a moment then, ¡°Ah! I forgot!¡± ¡°Forgot what?¡± ¡°Daniel, you see--¡± As Lloyd was about to explain it to me, suddenly he was interrupted by a loud voice. Ding! Dong! [ This is to inform the students in the school. For today only, the student council is organizing a musical competition to choose who will be the one to send in the regional musical concert next week. ] [ For showing your support, all of you are encouraged to attend this event. ] A broadcast echoed in the school. Lloyd shrugged his shoulders. ¡°That¡¯s it. I forgot that you only went back to school a week ago so you didn¡¯t know this. Today, we only have half-day classes. The afternoon will be spent inside the Auditorium.¡± ¡°Ho¡­ it looks interesting...¡± At this moment, a girl with curly hair and glasses entered. ¡°Everyone, we need to leave now and head to the Auditorium. Seats are already reserved via classes.¡± She was the class president or in other words, class representative. ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 10 Inside the Grand Auditorium of D High school. The whole place was extremely lively. My whole class came together. With the class president¡¯s effort, the class was quite organized as we sit in the third row in front of the stage. This seemed to be the row reserved for our class. I could hear the busy chatter in the auditorium making it somewhat noisy. After a few minutes of waiting, I noticed a girl with black hair came out from the backstage towards the podium. She took a deep breath and said into the microphone, "Is everything ready?" "Lighting is good." "Stage is okay!" The girl nodded, "The program is starting. Close the doors!" Everyone responded as they were ready to go. "Hello everyone, I¡¯m Claire Romas, the student council president. I thank everyone for coming and supporting this program. And now, without further ado, we''ll begin in a minute. So please be patient, thank you!" After, speaking the girl bowed and left. The time had already begun counting down. The students inside the auditorium were still chatting, seemingly listless. However, in my opinion, although I feel bad for the student council president, most of the students were not actually that interested in the program. I bet they just here because they want to kill time or just following the flow. Three... Two... One... The countdown came to an end! The Musical Competition officially kicked off! The competition was started by the principal who gives the opening speech. Of course, no one cares about it. More like although it was a bit short but precise, speech is speech, you know. Kinda like ¡®Oh, okay~¡¯ kind of feeling. The moment the principal left the stage, a girl came out which seemed to be the host finally announced, "We officially begin the Musical Competition. The first participant is from the freshman. Everyone, please welcome them!" Pa Pa Pa! A round of applause echoed! The students cheered while clapping. After a while, a boy and a girl appeared. The boy walked straight towards the piano while the girl was holding a violin. So this is that kind of competition. Though it seems like, the violin is the main while the piano is the accompaniment. As I listened to the music, I suddenly thought that it was quite similar to the one I have heard before. Although I¡¯m not that knowledgeable in music but this song¡­ It¡¯s a bit similar to the famous composer; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart piece, Piano Sonata No. 11. Though it¡¯s not really similar to Mozart¡¯s Piano Sonata as it was more magnificent than this music but the beginning part and ending is almost so. I watched the performance with half-closed eyes. As someone from the world with better music than this, this performance was really not my piece of cake. The first participants finished and applause echoed in the auditorium.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Bravo!¡± ¡°Pretty good!¡± ¡°Amazing! The students and teachers cheers. However, after seeing them I couldn¡¯t help but think that, if Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and other famous composers appeared here, what would they think? One after another, participants came and performed. People seemed to have taken their stimulants as they cheered like they were watching a basketball game. Even the people beside me was cheering as if pulling their lungs out. As for me, it was just so-so. It was like you are used to eating high-class foods when suddenly you have presented a food from a normal restaurant. What would you feel? I guess it would be like this¡­? As I was enduring to leave and watched until the end, suddenly, Ding! A so-nostalgic-yet-not-welcomed chime rang out inside my mind. [ Mission: Help Sarah Cortez in her plight! Reward: Piano Proficiency (Intermediate) Penalty: Lose hearing for half a day. ] Sarah Cortez? This is name is quite familiar¡­ As I was thinking, the last participant finally came to the stage. However, unlike the ones before, instead of cheers, confusion and bewilderment surround the entire place. After all, instead of a pair, there¡¯s only one girl who came out. She was holding a violin. Looking at her, the people started whispering and discussing with each other. ¡°Ahm, miss Cortez, where is your partner?¡± The female host asked. ¡°Unfortunately, my partner couldn¡¯t come today so I will be playing alone.¡± The girl answered with an amiable but apologetic smile. ¡°But that is¡­¡± The female host hesitated for a word. Sighing, I stood up. After seeing her face, I finally remembered. Sarah Cortez was my sister¡¯s close friend. Of course, the Layla in this world. This year, she was a fourth-year student a year younger than my sister actually. I met her a week ago when she visited her. I never thought that she was also a participant in this competition. Now that I think about it, she did know how to play violin¡­ The female host didn¡¯t know what to do so she turned around and looked at the judges. Seeing this, Sarah¡¯s expression change and harden. Certainly, her face falling. At this moment, Lloyd was the first to notice me. ¡°Where are you going?¡± His voice attracted unwanted attention and countless gazes were immediately directed at me. I ignored them and continued walking towards the stage. Fortunately, our seats were not far away from the stage as I managed to reach it only after walking a few steps. My appearance caught the people¡¯s attention, but I ignored it as I reach the stair. Glancing up from the ladder, I caught a glimpse of Sarah looking at me with wide open eyes. ¡°Daniel!?¡± ¡°Yo, Sarah,¡± I answered eagerly as I saw her regard me with what I took to be a certain surprise and confused. ¡°Mind inviting me to the party?¡± ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡°Ahm, Mr what are you--¡± ¡°I will be her partner for this game.¡± I cut off the female host. I brushed past of her and went towards the piano. ¡°Daniel!¡± Sarah called out to me. We¡¯re not really close and only greeted each other once. However, she was my sister¡¯s closest friend. I already said it before, I¡¯m not a busybody. I don¡¯t care about other people¡¯s problem but although it was a bit embarrassing to say it myself, I had a tendency to be soft towards people I considered my own. My family was obviously included, and I also cared deeply for those they cared about, even if I don¡¯t know them or dislike them... personally... Just like the saying goes, a friend of your friend is your friend; a family of your family is your family¡­ so as long as they treat my family nicely, then I will treat them the same. With that belief, I think that even without the God¡¯s system, I will still help her. After all, I do know how to play piano and even with only beginner skill; my level can still be considered slightly above that of normal amateur pianist, at least a bit above the students who had performed today. ¡°Do you know how to play?¡± She asked shock. I smiled faintly. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°Hu-Huuuuh?!¡± Sarah was startled when I stretched my hand out and patted her hair. I had already noticed it. Although she seems to be indifferent all this time she was actually enduring it. When we first met, she was also like this. She was quivering for some reason. That¡¯s enough for me to know that she was flustered. But she¡¯s a strong girl. She would never show it to anyone. ¡°When you stand on stage and feel scared, it¡¯s proof that you¡¯ve tried your best. Everyone gets scared¡­ there¡¯s no such person as someone who doesn''t feel like that¡­¡± I muttered as I touch the piano and sat down. ¡°Trust me, even professionals know how to freak out when in front of a crowd¡­¡± In the corner of my eyes, I noticed that the female host looked at me, not knowing what to do. She looked at the judges again but this time, one of the judges nodded. I ignored the surrounding noise. ¡°Just do what you want, ignore the people looking at you¡­ this is your stage, this is your play¡­ this is your moment!¡± I tap one of the key, then another, then another, creating a beautiful music. If people from my former world heard this song, they would certainly know this tune. This is none other than, Rondo "Alla Turca" or popularly known as the "Turkish March". This is one of Mozart''s best-known piano pieces. And now, it once again showed its magnificent grace into this world. I know it because my favorite teacher in Music class was a fan of Mozart and always like to play his creations, including this one. Although I¡¯m not good at playing piano before, Mozart¡¯s score sheets are always a part of his examinations. So, we don¡¯t have a choice but to study it~ I only played for a minute before stopping. ¡°Fair enough?¡± ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 11 Sarah Cortez: ¡°Fair enough?¡± Daniel¡¯s tone was quelling. Sarah looked at Daniel in front of her as if she was looking at a ghost. She never heard that he can play piano¡­ what¡¯s more, he¡¯s freaking good!? Sarah felt the atmosphere inside the Auditorium changed. She can even hear gasp behind her. It must have been from the female host. Wow¡­ that was the only word she could utter. What Daniel played just now was similar to the ¡®Mirack¡¯ she knew but why did she feel as if what Daniel played was instead better? But when she recovered herself somewhat and looked at him again, she saw that he was smiling faintly and realized that he was in fact in excellent humor. ¡°What are you waiting for¡­? Play, I will support you~¡± Sarah couldn¡¯t believe what she¡¯s experiencing but she was a strong girl. A smile immediately bloomed in her lips as she nodded. Daniel took a deep breath. It had been a little while since he''d been in this intense of a competition. From what he could remember, it should be three to four years ago? He was chosen to be a competitor for a national writing competition ¨C though, in the end, he lost. That was the first time he competed at the national level after all. Everyone is so talented that time, and somehow he felt almost out-of-sorts amongst all those seasoned veterans. But this time, it¡¯s not writing contest but musical competition¡­ what a turn of event. Daniel stared at his reflection in the piano and couldn¡¯t help but feel nervous. The only saving grace for him is that a score was present. With this, blindly playing is successfully avoided. Sarah looked at Daniel, then nodded. Daniel took a deep breath and looked down at the keys of the piano. He begins to play, softly at first, and then building in strength, almost willing the warmth within him to flow into the notes. Together with him, Sarah started hers as well. The sounds of the piano and violin in the hall faded from Daniels ears, to be seamlessly replaced by the notes imagined within him. Shiver! While playing, Sarah couldn¡¯t help but cast glances at Daniel. Sarah was in awe. Beside her was a musician that was so in tune with his piano, so synchronized with the notes that he is able to create imagery so realistic that she almost forgot that she was playing the violin. This¡­ strong sometimes swift but the feeling being expressed is very gentle and warm¡­ This guy¡­ What¡¯s with this sound¡­ I can¡¯t believe Daniel could play like this¡­ Is this Layla¡¯s beloved younger brother ¡­ Daniel?The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Sarah¡¯s mind was in a state of shock and pleasant surprise. Layla never told her about this. Judging how she normally was, it would be strange if she didn¡¯t boast¡­ But why¡­ did she not know about this¡­? This would be an appropriate conclusion. She closed her eyes and willed the music to overtake her, such gentle sounds ¡­ so attractive ¡­ No, what am I saying?! When she opened again, she had already forgotten the audiences and only stared at Daniel, playing while moving his body along with the sound. In her eyes, a strong curiosity and interest budded. She had heard so much about him from Layla but she never sees him other than her best friend¡¯s little brother. Although indeed, when she first greeted him, she was so shy and almost looked like a timid girl in front of him. But now, his very existence interested him. As someone who loves music ever since she was a child, meeting a person like him who could play this well despite being younger than her caused her to admire him. Her tone must have gone off key, for suddenly the engrossed figure swung his head around and in a blink of an eye, she was already gazing at Daniel¡¯s youthful face. As soon as he saw her, he broke into a grin, giving his handsome face another charm. ¡°Don¡¯t be so distracted¡­¡± She heard his voice. ¡°You¡¯re the heroine of this stage. The spotlight belongs to you, not me¡­¡± He said teasingly. She was startled, causing her to fell behind. Damn, it! Sarah immediately tried to get back on track but suddenly, Ting! Daniel change. With a mischievous smile, Daniel¡¯s fingers danced on the keyboard. The sound change¡­?! Sarah¡¯s eyes widened as she suddenly noticed the piano¡¯s sound change into something new. It¡¯ as if another person, someone even better than Daniel was playing. How could that be possible?! The new sound was gentle blooming, fun and happy ¡­ I¡¯ve never heard a sound like this. This rhythm and this overbearing yet pleasant atmosphere¡­ all of this¡­ Is this the real¡­ him?! No! What am I doing?! She snapped out of her daze. Chased him! Quickly, chased him!! Beads of sweat appeared on her forehead but Sarah ignored them as her mind was only filled with music. Chased him, don¡¯t let him left you behind! That was the only thing inside her mind. Her hands danced in the air. She had already forgotten that this was a competition. She had even already forgotten about the people watching them. Silence overwhelmed the spectators and not bit noise was made, only the music created by the violin and piano echoing the whole place. Looking at her, Daniel¡¯s lips broke into a grin. He never expected to receive the completion prompt in the middle of playing, causing his skills in piano to be once again improved to a whole new realm. If before, he was better than beginners and amateurs, at this moment, he was in the levels of professional famous pianists! However, this was good. With this, he would be able to push Sarah¡¯s talent to a whole new level. That¡¯s the reason why he increased his tempo. To stimulate her maturity. You have talent I gave you that¡­ but you only need one simple push¡­ Fly soar little bird¡­ after this, you will reach higher than you could imagine¡­ His heartfelt feelings shone through the song, and as he closed his eyes for a moment, he could almost imagine the scenery that he wanted to convey. Sarah couldn''t stop herself from shedding some tears. It¡¯s over. Then, the song finally came to an end¡­ Sarah gasps for air while raising the bow in her hand, high up in the air. Aah, what a strange feeling¡­ Even though I¡¯m so tired, I still want to play¡­ Was I able to play properly? Such things had already long been gone in her mind because, before her, new undiscovered horizons are expanding, giving new colors to her world. And when Daniel let the last few notes hang in the air, the audience was almost afraid to let the moment go, afraid to break the tension and applaud. Silence¡­ Daniel ignored the surroundings as he stood up. ¡°Hey,¡± ¡°Ah!¡± Sarah was startled. She then immediately turned around, her face wearing that brilliant and dazzling smile. She seemed to almost want to rush towards him, embraced him, when, ¡°Greet them that¡¯s the basic etiquette, right?¡± ¡°Ah!¡± She finally realized what where she was. Her face beet red turned around and bowed. The venue was still enveloped by silence. Suddenly, one girl stood up and started clapping. Then another one¡­ Then another one¡­ Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! One after another, people stood up clapping like mad. Because of this, the spell that captured them was finally broken and the roar of the applause overwhelmed the entire place. Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! ¡°The Best!¡± ¡°Amazing!!¡± ¡°Very good!!¡± ¡°¡°¡°Sarah!!!¡±¡±¡± ¡°¡°¡°I LOVE YOU!!!¡±¡±¡± ¡°¡°¡°YOU ARE AMAZING!!! I LOVE YOU!!!¡±¡±¡± The applause came like thunder roaring. Sarah was thunderstruck and tears started falling in her eyes again. This was the moment, However, just like Cinderella, when the clock strikes twelve, the magic will then disappear. And for her, the witching hour already struck and the glittering coach that guided her into this stage has already turned into a pumpkin again. Vanishing from the stage¡­ When she turned around, Daniel was already gone. ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 12 Sarah has a talent. Even a layman like me knows that. This wasn¡¯t the first time I heard her playing. Back when she visited my sister, I heard her playing inside of my room and I dare say, I was captivated. She was good. I recalled what Tiffania once said to me, ¡°People don¡¯t just create their own path. Even Geniuses has difficulty in doing so. One needed someone or something to probe them in that direction, for them to easily choose the correct road they needed to walk. That¡¯s why the word ¡®Guidance¡¯ existed¡­¡± Such as Newton¡¯s apple and Archimedes bathing session... I understand what she was saying. Sometimes, we needed someone to guide us¡­ not just blindly looking for some path we don¡¯t know if the end is a pitfall or not. However, my help ends here. After this, it all downs to her. As I was walking, I noticed the glances shooting at me from all directions. It was quite uncomfortable since I felt like a rare animal in a zoo. Being look with inquisitive eyes, every part of your body seems to have seen through. That¡¯s why I¡¯m not fond of standing out ¨C though, in my case, that would be quite impossible after what I had just done. In the corner of my eyes, I noticed some people wanting to approach me and maybe talk to me but I ignored them as I walk straight towards the exit. I want to leave immediately. However, at this moment, I suddenly felt a sharp glance from somewhere. ¡°It¡¯s really you,¡± said a gentle voice. I hastily turned my head around and saw a familiar looking girl. If my eyesight doesn¡¯t fail me, then it was none other than Anna who I just saved yesterday. ¡°I knew it was you!¡± She said, excited. Smiling like a breeze blowing across pastures mixed with sunlight, she rushed over me, arms wide open. 9 out of 10 she was going to hug me. Of course, I won¡¯t dodge. Who would dodge? I mean, it¡¯s a pie, a pie just fell from the heavens! For god¡¯s sake, I opened my arms and embraced the coming helluva beauty. But I suddenly felt her body trembled then tightened. She looked at me with eyes wide open. Is something wrong? As I was asking that to myself, she started fidgeting and her eyes wandering. Oh, I loosened my arms and let her go. Contrary to the one I just saw a while ago when our eyes met; her head was drooped down like she was an entirely different person. Did I just do something¡­ bad? I couldn¡¯t help but think. ¡°Well, actually I think you had the wrong person.¡± Embarrassed, I step back and tried to escape, but she grabbed onto me.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. When I looked at her, she seemed to be lost for words as her lips trembled without making a sound. When I urged her on with my gaze, she finally managed to open her mouth. ¡°I, I know it was you,¡± She said, confident! ¡°You should have worn a mask if you don¡¯t want to be known!¡± I sigh. Sorry, lady, I didn¡¯t have time more like I don¡¯t have a mask at that time! I give up. ¡°Okay lady, we¡¯re actually attracting too much attention here so if you please excuse me,¡± I said as I tried taking out her hand from mine. In that moment, ¡°Daniel?!¡± Sarah¡¯s voice came from behind. I turned around and saw Sarah looking at us wearing a complicated expression. ¡°Yow,¡± I greeted. ¡°How¡¯s the response?¡± ¡°Pretty good,¡± She answered. I then saw her taking a deep breath before walking towards us. When she looked at Anna, I noticed a sharp, cold gaze flashed on her eyes. Don¡¯t tell me, this girl¡­ Nah, I shook my head. Love, at first sight, is one thing but unfortunately, this wasn¡¯t the first time we have seen each other. Besides, I can feel no love like in a romantic kind from her, just, something like you know, a very close friend of yours was stolen by someone and you just got annoyed by it¡­ something along those lines~ ¡°Your girlfriend?¡± She asked while looking at Anna. A little startled at the change in conversation, I answered quickly, ¡°No, she¡¯s, you know, a friend.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Sarah nodded her head. ¡°Oh, now that I remember it you don¡¯t have a girlfriend, do you?¡± She chided with a mischievous smile. ¡°Sarah, are you picking a fight with me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not me, it¡¯s your sister.¡± She shrugs. ¡°She¡¯s the one who told me that.¡± (-_-¡® ) ¡­ ¡°¡­ And I want to add, she did it happily~¡± ¡°Geh,¡± I made a face after hearing that. Of course, I know. My beloved sister is a huge brocon! Fortunately, she won¡¯t cross the line¡­ obviously, I¡¯m not thinking of doing it either. She¡¯s my sister for heaven¡¯s sake! I let out a sigh and then looked at Anna who was looking at us with furrowed brows. ¡°Sarah, this is Anna, Anna this is Sarah my older sister¡¯s close friend.¡± ¡°I know her,¡± As I was introducing them, Sarah unexpectedly extend her arms towards Anna. ¡°Anna Stewart, I believe?¡± ¡°Ah, yes.¡± Anna took Sarah¡¯s hand, flustered. The way she trembled like a baby deer unlike how mature she looked, is somewhat funny. Is she not good with strangers¡­? I cast Sarah a questioning look, ¡°You know her?¡± ¡°Stupid.¡± Sarah muttered while giving me an ¡®Are you an idiot?¡¯ face. ¡°She¡¯s a goddess for every male student in the school. Beautiful face, high grades, and wealthy background. Really, why would you think I didn¡¯t know her?¡± ¡°Was that so?¡± I was surprised and looked at Anna with amazement. ¡°You¡¯re quite amazing, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°T, thank you,¡± Anna answered while fidgeting like a rabbit. ¡°More like, it¡¯s a wonder you didn¡¯t know.¡± Sarah chided. Is she really that popular? I shook my head from this thought. ¡°So what¡¯s the famous Madonna of the third years doing with my little brother?¡± When did I become her little brother? ¡°Ah, I, I just want to thank him, f, for helping me before¡­¡± Anna stammered. Sarah looks at me, I look at her. Her left eyebrow rose and sent me a questioning gaze, so I did the same, with an additional smile. - meaning, don¡¯t ask me, I won¡¯t answer~ Sarah gave up and returned her eyes towards Anna. ¡°I won¡¯t ask for details. So thanking is fine, then please excuse us.¡± Sarah ended her sentence before grabbing my hand and leading me away. But before she could drag me away, Anna grabbed my free hand, ¡®Wait!¡¯ and cried out. Sarah halted and her head turned to face the flustered Anna. ¡°Do you need something else?¡± Sarah made a beaming smile, but for some reason, Anna started to sweat and was unable to meet Sarah¡¯s eyes. Looking helplessly at his scene, I bitterly sigh. I freed my hands from both of them. ¡°Actually, Sarah you still have a competition, right? I think you should focus more on it.¡± I said. ¡°I¡¯ll just have some drinks with Anna in the caf¨¦ outside,¡± I motioned at Anna to follow as I started walking away. ¡°But Daniel, aren¡¯t you a part of the competition?¡± Asked Sarah in surprise. ¡°You should stay here until it¡¯s over,¡± ¡°No way,¡± I turned my head around and face Sarah with a smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to enter the competition. And princess, as the hand turned twelve, it also signifies the magic to disappear and the curtain to fell upon the stage, isn¡¯t it?¡± I opened my arms as I perform a slight curtsy to her. ¡°The people must see not the supporting character but the main one, so please do excuse me. Let¡¯s meet again after this is all over.¡± I acted like an actor in a theatrical play¡­ giving humor in my actions¡­ After saying that, I hurriedly turned around and walk away. I could feel the granite-hard eye fixed on my retreating back but I ignore it. I already took a lot of attention and retreating in this moment is the best choice. ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 13 ¡°So,¡± I started. We were currently sitting in an open cafe just outside the school. This same caf¨¦ was extremely popular among students since it has a good environment, delicious coffee, and food as well as amicable staffs. - Though it¡¯s certainly a bit expensive than others¡­ but just a bit and still affordable. ¡°¡­ Let¡¯s just say I¡¯m the one who you¡¯re talking about, and?¡± ¡°I just want to thank you,¡± Anna answered softly all while drinking his milk tea. ¡°I, I recognize your uniform at that time and I, I thought of looking for you in school but who would know this happened. And I saw you, I immediately knew it was you¡­¡± ¡°Did you tell the police about what happened?¡± I asked Anna as I sipped the hot strong cocoa. They deserve their reputation. This cocoa had enough bitterness and sweetness combined. In short, it¡¯s delicious. ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡± Anna unexpectedly shook her head giving me a bit of shock. ¡°Color me surprised,¡± I said. ¡°You didn¡¯t? Really?¡± Anna nodded her head. ¡°I thought you don¡¯t want to be known after hearing what you said and seeing you leaving immediately.¡± She¡¯s sensible¡­ I give her that. My impression of Anna rose a bit. ¡°I told the police that someone I don¡¯t know and couldn¡¯t recognize, saved me while wearing a mask. Although they held some suspicions since I kept my silence they couldn¡¯t do anything. They then also concluded that it must be him who called them and accept it anyway.¡± I shrug. ¡°What about those two criminals? What do they want?¡± Anna shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know, though it seems like they''re after my father and something he owned¡­ probably.¡± ¡°Then I guess this isn¡¯t over then,¡± Anna frowned upon hearing my guess. ¡°Probably,¡± ¡°I think you shouldn¡¯t come to school for the time being,¡± ¡°I know. The police also warned me about it but I wanted to find you and thank you for saving me.¡± ¡°And you did, though quickly contrary to what I expected,¡± I said those words in a tone that wasn''t serious. There was no solemnity in my smile as though I was making a joke that had overstepped its boundaries. ¡°Well, similar minds. I also never expected to find you as easily as this.¡± Anna smiled wryly, ¡°However, I think even if I closed my eyes in looking for you, I think I can still find you if you stand in front of everyone and did something as amazing and entrancing as that¡­¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. ¡°¡­ ¡­¡± ¡°Certainly, who would know you were actually a very amazing pianist¡­¡± ¡°Low key~¡± I smiled. ¡°What about your father? Did he permitted you to come to school today after what had happened?¡± ¡°Not really, my father forbids me but I told him that I will come today, whether he likes it or not. Of course, only for today.¡± Answered Anna, holding a silver plate of cupcakes, the sort she favored, flavored with cream and too many icings. ¡°Besides, my father ordered someone to protect me.¡± ¡°And that someone is that man over there glaring at me as if I was a molester inside a train?¡± I shot a glance at the guy who was sitting not far away from us. I had already noticed him since before leaving the auditorium. ¡°Hehe, yeah. He¡¯s my father¡¯s trusted bodyguard¡­ he¡¯s strong and I heard he was a former special op.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s something¡­¡± ¡°Daniel, Can I call you Daniel¡­¡± Anna asked while fidgeting like a little rabbit. ¡°You know my name?¡± ¡°That Sarah-girl, she called your name¡­¡± ¡°Did she?¡± Anna looked deeply into my eyes and suddenly, she asked, ¡°Why did you save me at that time?¡± ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°Did you know me¡­ before?¡± Looking at her eyes, I can see some hope but unfortunately, I didn¡¯t know her. I shook my head. ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡± A hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes. ¡°Then why did you save me? Anyone would think twice about doing it¡­ after all, it¡¯s dangerous¡­¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­¡± ¡°Normally, one would just call the police and leave everything to them¡­ why did you do that?¡± She asked. I recognized something else in her face¡ªin the hard set of her mouth and the deliberate way she raised her chin like she was ready to accept anything. Anna was forcing a look of courage while holding back a mixture of worry and hope that she couldn¡¯t show in front of me. But I can see all of it and understand. Did she perhaps fell for me? That kind of thought struck me. But, ¡°On a whim?¡± I answered. Her feelings for me might be genuine but at the same might be not. Her feelings might be affected by the gratefulness she was currently feeling for me. The infamous prince-saving-princess syndrome, or PSP Syndrome! She liked me because I had saved her in her darkest moments¡­ Still, I¡¯m not sure about it since human feelings are not as simple as one could imagine. They might look like simple but it¡¯s actually harder than solving mathematical algorithms. It¡¯s complicated. After hearing my answer, disappointment and sadness dyed her eyes. It might be low of me but I wanted to create a distance between us. ¡°I guess you could also say, I saved you out of obligation or maybe just because my conscience directing me,¡± I answered with a faint smile. I need to be honest¡­ I don¡¯t want her to expect something just because of this small accidental event in her life. I was still wounded and my heart still bleeding while carrying that devotion for Tiffania. Before I can confirm that she did or she didn¡¯t exist in this world, I think I can¡¯t love¡­ someone else. Tiffania was my light and I don¡¯t want to be someone¡¯s darkness because of a false dream I unintentionally created. Anna will be hurt if she continues to expect something from me¡­ Of course, this might also be me overthinking stuff and she was just feeling grateful and nothing else, but still I want to say it at this moment. I want to be honest in front of this innocent little girl. ¡°¡­ But it¡¯s certain, it¡¯s nothing else.¡± ¡°¡­ ¡­¡± ¡°I just can¡¯t leave you alone while doing nothing when I knew what is happening.¡± Silence¡­ She looked directly at me and I did the same. After a moment of a staring contest, ¡°In this kind of moment, saying it¡¯s because you wanted to save me, even if it¡¯s a lie is the best action,¡± Anna muttered with a bitter smile. ¡°You might earn some points from me¡­¡± ¡°Hahaha, lying is human¡¯s nature, but doing it depends on a man¡¯s principle." I smiled. "As a gentleman, one must know when to tell lies and tell the truth or one will be consumed and got used to it without even knowing it.¡± Sipping my cocoa, I continued with a mischievous grin, ¡°¡­a day might come when the lie became the truth and the truth becomes a lie. Just like the boy who cried wolf¡­¡± ¡°Now, I think I started to dislike that about you¡­¡± ¡°Hahaha, many people had already said that. But you know, they also added that it was also one of my best charms~¡± I grin, showing my pure white teeth, shining under the sunlight. ¡­ ¡­