A few days have passed since making our Contract. One day, Cael and I were arguing like the notebook stated. Light shone down upon us, while the Purity Fountain emanated a sense of clarity.
"How is it my fault? I was acting upon my own beliefs!" I threw one of my lines, anger dyed across my face. But in truth, I felt neither madness nor calmness, only–confusion. Why does Cael want me to do all of this? It doesn't add up. But even with doubts in mind, I continued to follow as my script told me.
When I scanned the area, a little annoyed at the forming crowd, my gaze halted for a moment before returning to face Cael. I saw Zixin, and not only that, but he was also conversing with someone. A young lady with an obvious short white wig. My confusion rose like the morning sun. Why was Zixin here? Is it a coincidence? If so, why am I so fixated on him?! Hate, unparalleled hate overwhelmed me. I don't know why, but my words started becoming fiercer–violent.
"Am I wrong for indulging in my own success? Or are you simply jealous?"
Before I knew it, I was left there, standing alone. The crowd has already scattered apart. But my heart somehow felt heavy, almost like I was carrying a burden.
Hours passed before my class started, my thoughts collided, forming a conclusion, "Hating is a burden, huh?"
I sighed, feeling every heartbeat. At that very moment, I neither felt peaceful nor chaotic–only confusion. Seconds passed, seconds turned to minutes, and minutes turned to hours. Time has slipped right in front of me.
For some unknown reason, I was running, looking for Cael. No–I know the reason. I wanted to apologize for the words I spoke, even though he should know that I… was merely following a script.
I fell to my feet, it was like I was in a daze. My vision blurred, while sweat poured like heavy rain. Exhaustion has won over me. But how? I wasn't running for that long right? It was like ten… ten… ten…
Huh? I don't remember anymore… How long was I running for?! Did I… lose my sense of time?
I scanned my surroundings, finding myself in an empty void.
And at that very moment, I heard a familiar voice, one that sounded concerned, "Apologies for all the troubles that I have caused. You are feeling this way because of my ability, so no need to worry."
I raised my head, only to see an illusory human figure. It was like a shadow that held me at bay. No light could pierce through it and no emotions came out of it. I shouldn't even be able to recognize this person, but something deep inside me told me that it was Cael.
I opened my mouth only to shut it down, I opened it again, and asked, my breath unstable, "Why… Why did you suddenly feel like making a contract?"
He sighed, explaining, "It was my master's orders."
He placed down a notebook beside me but somehow I could tell that it contained less than the previous one.
"This is the second part of my favor. After you complete this, you can ask me for your turn." He sounded dead inside, like he had just lost something.
"What would you do after this?"
"Me? I… would leave, because you would have control over me, staying would be a stupid move."
"Then why? Why are you doing all of this? It doesn't make any sense!" I growled.
"Unfortunately, I have no permission to tell you."
"But–"
And before I knew it, the world returned to what it once was. The moonlight shone down upon me as I clicked my tongue.
I found a hook beside me, one that felt far too familiar.
I muttered to myself, "Why am I such a fool?"
…
Elmer puked out a mouthful of blood, causing Zixin's hold of him to tighten. Zixin shoved him away which made Elmer lose balance and fall to the ground.
Zixin backed away, touching his bleeding chest. He felt it, his heart was safe but it still hurts. Just touching it already felt painful and his head felt dizzy.
Elmer slowly stood up, confused as to why he suddenly puked blood. Zixin's grip on him wasn't even that strong so it must be something else.
Zixin turned to watch Elmer, and his thoughts started to run wildly, What… Did I just go through? Those memories felt too surreal–they have to be. So, did I experience the past seven years of Elmer's life?
Wanting to clarify, Zixin asked cautiously, "Are you fighting for your freedom?"
The hook flew to Elmer's hand as he answered, "Yes, I am fighting for my freedom. And that's because I was stupid."
Zixin tried to stall, thinking of ways to survive. Running isn't an option, nor is talking since he wants this, and I completely understand why. I… have to fight.
Zixin tried speaking but Elmer cut him off, asking, "What did you just do?"
His thoughts raced, immediately realizing what Elmer meant. He replied, "I don't know."
Elmer shouted, "If what you just did was enter the Hex Zone, then I congratulate you! But our current circumstances don't allow for two scholars to fight with words."
As soon as Zixin heard him, his thoughts followed, Entering the Hex Zone, that's my solution.
Zixin slowly backs off, trying to enter the Hex Zone.
He stalled for time by saying, "Words hold power, so we could spare ourselves the bloodshed and talk things through."
Elmer sighed, "If you know that I am fighting for my freedom, you should understand that this is a fight I am unwilling to lose."
Zixin laughed dryly, mimicking those memories, "I suppose I don't know either."
"My sincerest apologies Zixin," Elmer spoke as he started heading towards Zixin.
Zixin didn't mind it right now since he felt confident and he soon realized why, Elmer's memories were my key. If what I had just experienced was real, then the experience Elmer has accumulated throughout those seven years is now mine to use. And one of them is entering the Hex Zone.
As Zixin slowly backed off, he felt his mind becoming more transparent–tangible. With one of his thoughts, he managed to split his mind into two in an instant.
Elmer's hook flew straight ahead, towards Zixin's head but he managed to dodge.
Zixin sighed internally, thinking, The Body Enhancements of being inside the White Palace are really helpful. Without it, my skull would have been crushed by Elmer by now.
The hook flew back, going after Zixin's spine. Feeling the air currents change, Zixin barely managed to dodge, getting his sides scraped by the hook.
Elmer comments, "So you did enter the Hex Zone. I see, things have just gotten tougher."
The hook flew back into Elmer's grasp, and an idea raced through his thoughts. Zixin ran, leaving the White Palace, thus, losing his Body Enhancements but having better control over his body.
Elmer quickly followed, nervous at the new turn of events. He let the hook fly towards Zixin, as he placed down his last remaining marks on a few nearby rocks. Those rocks also flew in Zixin's direction.
He ran and followed the footsteps but it ended near some fallen logs. The moonlight was unable to pierce through the leaves, making the surroundings dark beyond belief.
Suddenly, a rock flew towards Elmer and he quickly dodged, sending his hook and rocks flying to where the rock came from.
He ran towards it, following his hook but just as he passed the first tree, Zixin tackled him with full force. Having not expected this, Elmer loses his balance and falls to the ground.
Zixin without a moment's hesitation started punching Elmer's face, making him flinch. Once Elmer started stabilizing, the hook and rocks flew at Zixin.
Zixin grabbed Elmer's collar, trying to throw him at his own projectiles. His arms felt miserable but he continued. Elmer tried to kick Zixin but it was weak, making it clear that he had most of his intentions within his own White Palace.
Zixin released his grip, successfully throwing Elmer.
The projectiles fell to the ground and Zixin quickly searched for Elmer.
Zixin's breathing was rough, but the Body Enhancements reduced the pain he felt. Each second felt like his head would explode.
But at this crucial moment, hesitation came over, Should I… do it?
He slapped himself, almost comedic.
"Of course you should. Otherwise, I would also be a fool."
While he wondered about this, a rock flew and hit his chest. He puked out blood and noticed Elmer lying on the ground.
"Tsked!"
Zixin laughed dryly, genuinely feeling down. He understood Elmer's frustrations well, after all, he did live through those memories.
"Maybe, we could have been friends." He muttered, but took his words back in an instant. There's nothing to be gained from fantasizing.
Zixin sighed, speaking with genuine sadness, "I'm sorry."
Zixin scanned the area, finding the hook. He grabbed hold of it, feeling its weight.
He walks forward but as he does, Elmer tries to speak up, coughing up blood.
"Can I ask for a favor?"
Zixin stayed silent, waiting for Elmer's final words.
"Please, take good care of Charlotte and Michael."
A sudden flood of emotions rose inside Zixin. Tears flowed, as though it were endless. Zixin almost lost his grip on the hook but he pushed through, smashing Elmer's head.
Crack!
The memories he had just lived through soon became a part of him.
He lost his grip, fell to the ground, and apologized again, "I'm sorry…"
His tears never stopped. He understood that it was all because of Elmer's memories and his newfound sub-ability.
His consciousness faded away, as he fell motionless on the ground.
Minutes after this display of will, a figure wearing a dark cloak came over. This person held a dead wolf in one hand. He threw it right next to Zixin and carried Elmer's corpse on the other.
This person lightly commented, "I wonder if there will be a funeral."