Klein had always had a difficult life; however, he enjoyed it. Life with his siblings was simple yet peaceful, even if they were scraping by every day in the outskirts. Despite the unfavorable circumstances Klein wouldn't change his life with his siblings for the world.
Unfortunately, he was infected by the Nightmare Spell and would likely die in a week. Granted it wasn't a guaranteed death and if he made it back as a sleeper, and latter an awakened, he could finally lift his family out of poverty. There were plenty of high paying jobs for awakened after all; however, Klein had no hope of returning alive. Living in the outskirts his whole life meant he never received training for the spell. Unlike legacies who trained from birth to fight nightmare creatures, or middle-class citizens who took survival and introductory combat classes in school, everything Klein knew came from the free books he read from the library, which wasn't the most accurate source information. Plus, once you include his skin and bone physique from malnourishment, it's very clear Klein is going from courting death to marrying her.
This is definitely an arranged marriage. He lampooned before sighing. At least Benson hasn't gone grocery shopping yet. They won't have to buy as much and can save some money.
In fact, that was the reason Klein chose to head straight to the police station after realizing he was infected. If he was going to die, then it made sense to die as soon as possible to alleviate the burden on what little money the three made. It was also the reason Klein chose to not tell his siblings he was infected. If they knew, then the two of them would pour all the money they could into helping Klein. Classes, books, whatever they thought would help him survive; however, Klein knew there was no point. Nothing he could learn in such a short amount of time would sway his chances of survival. It was better if they saved the money. Of course, he couldn't just leave them wondering where their brother vanished of to either, so he left a note. A quick note that told them how he was infected by the nightmare spell. How he decided to leave to save costs. How he's thankful for Benson for taking care of them and supporting their dreams despite their situation. How he hopes one day Melissa will get to go to school like she's always wanted. How he knows he chose the cowards way out. How he's sorry for leaving before they woke up. How he wishes he would've said goodbye in person.
Coming home would be really awkward if I survived. Benson would probably scold me for not telling them and Melissa would ground me for life. Still seeing them again would be nice...
Klein's mood worsened as he trudged through the outskirts. Even though he had accepted his death it didn't mean he was happy about it. In fact, dying before turning eighteen was deeply upsetting to him, but there was nothing he could do about it except lampoon inwardly and keep walking.
It was a surprisingly long walk to the police station. Though it did make sense. The outskirts were outside the city after all; they were far from everything. Thats what made the police station sign such a welcome sight. Klein had left before dawn, but the sun had already risen by the time he arrived.
The lobby was cold and gray, not that it bothered Klein; though, he thought it could use some color. Making his way to the front desk he couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
All those years courting death and it's finally my wedding day.
Klein coughed lightly.
"Excuse me."
The officer at the desk looked up from the monitor he was staring at, his eyes looking strangely at Klein. Klein expected this since people from the outskirts rarely ventured into the inner city. A bit of surprise was expected.
"What do you want?" The officer finally asked, clearly wanting to return to whatever he had up on the monitor.
Shouldn't you be paying more attention. What if I had an important issue? Don't you know it's rude to assume based on appearances? Klein mocked internally before responding.
"I'm here to turn myself in as a carrier of the nightmare spell."
That got the officer's attention. Quickly sitting up straight he looked at Klein with wide eyes.
"Are you sure? How long have you had symptoms?" He asked frantically.
"Yes, I'm sure, and I've only had symptoms for a few days."
The officer relaxed a little and pressed a button on his phone.
"Code black! I repeat code black!"
He turned to Klein again. "Kid, how long can you stay awake for?"
"Probably a few days if I tried hard."
The officer let out a relieved sigh as he stood up and walked down the hall gesturing for Klein to follow him. Klein followed closely behind as the two headed to end of the bare hallway. He was led into an empty room, except for the restraining chair sitting in the middle of the floor.
"I know you still have some time left but better to get these things done quickly. I'm assuming you don't have any training or anything?"
I've read plenty of novels, but I doubt he'd count that. Klein lampooned as he sat down in the chair.
"Nope, any words of advice."
The officer was silent for a bit.
"Pray for a good aspect, I guess. We'll have an awakened watch over you but still try not to die. I have no interest in meeting a nightmare creature."
The corners of Klein's mouth twitched. That's really all you're going to say. Don't you have any advice to give me.
The officer began tightening the restraints around Klein as he lied back and took a deep breath.
"I'm courting death again" he muttered to himself.
The officer gave him one last sympathetic look. "Well, good luck kid."
Hearing that Klein closed his eyes and relaxed.
[Aspirant! Welcome to the Nightmare Spell. Prepare for your first trial...]