Yelena sighed, not to inform, but to keep the secret to herself. In time, she would show it to Vale.
She stood, turning with a small smile, then walked away, leaving Vale alone.
Just as Vale was about to turn to confirm her departure, he was surprised again by Yelena's actions. The smile was still etched on her face—but now she had vanished, without a trace, as if the wind had blown her away.
The sky seemed overcast; a single drop of water landed on his temple. Vale reflexively wiped it, extending his hand; slowly, the water filled his palm.
His heart felt relieved, thinking about something as he transmigrated into a strange world, knowing nothing, equipped only with Vale's fragmented memories. He sensed this world wasn't a place to play around in; he knew this for certain from a novel he'd read as a teenager.
The rain grew heavier. Vale stared at it, filled with regret for his actions. His heart, his feelings, were so different from his former self. Life in this world differed from what he'd imagined.
He pondered, his head tilted up, watching the rain lash against his face. Slowly, he shed tears, but the rain swiftly washed them away, blending with the downpour to soak the streets below.
Suddenly, he remembered his family waiting for his return, trying to find a way for him to accept this reality. In his mind, he refused to accept it all.
Finally, Vale stood and began to descend from the old building. The mossy steps, combined with the rain, made it difficult; a slight misstep could send him tumbling down.
Before his feet reached the first floor, he almost slipped on the slick floor. The sound of his shoes against the floor created a screeching noise.
He could only sigh. He walked out and returned to his apartment to shower and warm his freezing body. Vale knew his recent actions were wrong; he finally accepted that he was in a different world, in the body of a stranger.
He entered the apartment's main door, walked down the hallway with wet clothes, leaving a trail on the wooden floor.
Vale stood before his door, his hand grasping the handle, about to open it. He went inside and wanted to clean himself. After showering…
He wrapped himself in a blanket because his body felt extremely cold; his goosebumps rose from the chill. His breath formed visible puffs of air. He glanced towards the door, wondering if Viona was in her room.
He got out of bed and went to check. He stood before her still-closed door, still wrapped in his blanket. The familiar sound of the door opening echoed; her room was eerily silent, plunged in darkness.
"Is she still not home?" Finally, Vale retreated, closing the door behind him and returning to his room, his body still shivering.
About thirty minutes later, lost in thought, Vale was startled by a knock. Without hesitation, he stood and went to open the door.
Before him stood two familiar figures, drenched to the bone: Yelena and Viona. Vale immediately ran to get a clean cloth and gave it to them both.
He also asked them to come into his room; the weather had suddenly turned cold, combined with the heavy rain. He thought winter had passed four months ago.
He was transfixed, his gaze fixed on their faces, unblinking. Vale asked Viona something; specifically, he wanted to know about Kael's meeting with her and why Kael agreed to that strange request.
"Huft, I want to ask you, Sister Viona!" he asked, his gaze serious.
Viona simply nodded, wiping her soaked clothes. Yelena, meanwhile, watched them both talk.
"Do you know a man named Kael Volant?" he murmured.
She immediately looked towards Vale, who sat on a chair nearby. Viona was on the bed, and Yelena stood in the corner, observing them both.
Feeling uncomfortable eavesdropping, Yelena asked permission to leave for a moment. Vale nodded, while Viona remained silent after hearing the question.
She left, closing the door behind her. Vale then asked his question again. Viona seemed to be keeping a secret Vale had never known.
Five years ago…
They had been in a relationship for some time before Viona fell ill. Kael and Viona liked each other, but since then, since her illness, their relationship had grown increasingly distant.
Viona hadn't revealed anything about her illness—an internal organ disease that caused her to frequently vomit blood. Her sudden shifts between kindness and anger were caused by her illness flaring up.
Her stomach ached as if thousands of spears were piercing it relentlessly. Vale, having just learned this, could only stare blankly, feeling guilty for asking and remembering her illness again.
Vale abruptly stood, picking up the chair and returning it to its place. He bowed his head and asked permission to leave for a moment—not to go out, but to see someone.
Viona only nodded, but a tear rolled down her cheek. Her mother and father learned that Viona suffered from a strange, incurable disease. Not long after, her father died of shock, unable to accept his daughter's illness.
After her husband's death, her mother could only accept reality. She had lost her beloved husband, and on top of that, learned of her daughter's strange illness.
Since then, Viona had taken Vale to leave their home, moving to Monity City and renting an affordable apartment so they could live without depending on their parents.
Viona worked part-time to pay for her younger sister's schooling. Several years passed, Vale finally graduated, and Viona proposed a plan for Vale to go to college.
Hearing this, Vale hesitated, but Viona insisted he accept the offer. At that time, Vale hadn't been told about her illness or why his father died.
She didn't intend to keep this a secret, but she was also worried about telling her younger sister, who was still growing up. She was worried about her illness.
But in time, the lie would be revealed.
…
Water pooled on the city's worn streets, making them slick. With careful steps, Vale read a note Kael had given him. It contained a location, should Vale agree to his invitation to return to the organization.
He read it once and saw the address on the paper. There stood a gambling den, adorned with glittering lights.
Ultimately, Vale entered, observing the revelers inside. Someone took an interest in him, offering a strange gambling proposition.
But Vale refused. He walked to the cashier, showed the note, and inquired about Kael. Without hesitation, the cashier pointed a finger towards a small door in the far right corner.
Vale thanked him and took back the note. He walked towards the door and prepared to open it. It was very dark… then, one by one, candle flames flickered to life. Four people awaited him; he recognized only two: Kael Volant and Miyu Claret.
He quickly strode towards Kael, who was sitting down. Without hesitation, Vale grabbed his collar, seething with anger, demanding answers.
The room fell instantly silent.