Days passed, and I didn't get a single opportunity to return to the slum. I even tried to use Ash's help, but he was too busy to deliver anything to the slum.
Lately, I've spent more time with him, talking and getting to know him better, rather than focusing on a way to get back. The security has become much tighter, and I can't even go to the store now. However, Ash takes care of all the groceries, so there's no need for me to go outside unless I truly want to.
He is growing restless; he wants my answer. I'm doing my best to delay it. Whenever he tries to bring up the conversation, I change the topic or pretend to be sick. At first, he believed me and gave me time, but now he's becoming much more persistent. He demands an immediate answer, but that's something I can't give him.
I don't own this body.
Setting that thought aside, I sometimes try to sneak out at night. But there's been a problem. On the first night, I was just reaching the periphery when a patrolling guard spotted me. He nearly caught me, but I managed to slip through an old, ruined building thanks to my smaller body.
Since that day, the spot where I was almost caught has seen increased patrols. They've installed lights that illuminate the entire road and the hidden alleyways beside it.
The morning arrived, and as I woke up, breakfast was already prepared and served on the table.
Ash greeted me with a warm smile, "Good morning, Honey."
I immediately felt an unusual chill—he wanted something...
Feigning cluelessness, I made my way to the chair beside him and sat down.
He began, "Do you remember Jackie, the cleaner I mentioned?"
Truthfully, I didn't, but I nodded and replied, "Yes."
He continued, "He's heading back to the slums to visit his older brother. If you need something delivered, I can give it to him after work," he said with a smirk.
That was great news, I can get the scroll delivered without any risk to myself. I felt extremely delighted but kept a calm face throughout. I can't let him know how desperate I am, even though he's done nothing but build trust and help me these past days. I shouldn't let myself be in a position where he has an advantage over me.
I nonchalantly said, "No." I added, "Thank you for the breakfast," as I devoured the plate in front of me.
He seemed a little upset, maybe confused by my reply, but stayed silent.
I wanted him to initiate again and suggest he could deliver the parcel, but it backfired.
Well, there's another chance, I could just show up at his work and hand the parcel over myself. But I rejected that option; it was too risky. Better to keep my identity less known.
Before leaving, as he was tying his shoelaces, I handed him a box wrapped in cheap paper and asked, "Could your friend deliver this to the Bolton house near the center of the slum?"
It was the address of Mr. Meagirous. He had been hiding under a disguise as James Bolton, a ragpicker.
Ash's eyes sparkled like a puppy as he took the box and nodded with a smile, "Meet you at 6."
I waved as he walked away.
Sometimes, I feel bad about deceiving him, but I have no choice, I have to use what I can.
I consoled myself, telling myself that my actions are saving the real girl; otherwise, I would be condemning her to death, just like Damien.
Damien could have been saved if I hadn't failed my first attempt. I found out about it much later.
When I got back to my world, I read the manual and the rules of the game.
It said:
The first death not only strips the player of their reward but also causes the real death of the body the player possessed.
Destined death can only be revoked by uncovering the killer's secrets or killing the killer themselves.
In short, this game is like a contract the soul signs to help them survive the ordeal that leads to their destined death.
---
At the workshop, wood chips scattered the floor.
Ash approached his friend Jackie, greeting him warmly. They exchanged some small talk before Ash got to the point.
"I need to deliver something to someone in the slums. Could you do me a favor and handle it for me?" he asked.
Jackie, eager to help, responded, "Sure thing. I'm already meeting my brother tomorrow morning, so I can do that."
Ash pulled a box from his duffle bag, handed it to Jackie, provided the address, and thanked him sincerely. With that, he bid farewell and returned to work.
---
I was wandering around the periphery again, staying far from the road leading to the slums. The sewage system flowing from the city to the slum was spilling sludge onto the ground since the river had dried up. People were manually dumping the waste using heavy machinery.
The government had hired workers to clean the sludge, including some from the slums. However, they weren't provided with proper equipment or gear and would soon fall ill from the toxins in the sludge, all for a meager wage.
Setting aside this grim reality, I turned my attention to the sewage system. It was open, but inspections were underway, and security forces were patrolling. That route was out of the question. I sighed, feeling gloomy.
But I couldn't dwell on it, I still had my other plan in progress.
Someday later, someone will go and deliver the package from to Mr. Meagious.
Although I wanted to handle it myself, not only did I aim to complete the miscellaneous task assigned by the system for extra rewards, but I was also curious to uncover the secrets of the scroll, which only Mr. Meagious could explain. However, it seemed wiser to avoid risking my life in the process, as that would cost me the reward and endanger the real Sarah.