When did it all start?
Shortly after, I was brought to the military, and the instructor conducted a test.
I barely passed that test, but the result was something I didn't anticipate.
Failed.
Written exam? Failed.
Physical exam? Failed.
That marks the second turning point of my life.
That day forth, everything I passed had failed.
So, I stopped.
I stopped trying to pass the exams, and I gradually forgot the word "Try."
But that's not the worst past.
People who hadn't seen me for a long time, started to forget about me.
At first, I thought it was normal. Why do they even remember nobody like me?
But one day, my best friend, who was selected to go to another military branch to a 3-month-long joint training camp, was returned.
I was happy to see him back and asked how the camp?
But the answer I received was,
"I am sorry to ask, but... do I know you?"
FU*KING G*D DAMNIT
Why? Just why?
What did I do wrong?
What wrong did I commit to be cursed like this?
Then a thought flashed in my mind.
What if... just what if... my family also forgot about me?
That thought alone horrified me.
Do I have no choice?
Do I really have no other choice but to accept my fate?
Time passed, seasons blurred, years changed.
Today, I heard a very powerful lady coming to check if anyone can resonate with Eternal Spire. Her name was Silver Ascender Stella.
Maybe she sees through my curse.
But I had no hope, since only one in ten thousand can resonate.
But unexpected things do happen; I was resonated. Sadly, so called powerful lady wasn't able to see through my curse and spoke those familiar words,
"Mm... failed"
***
I turned back and started walking toward my spot.
Then, blue colored illusionary lines suddenly appeared in the air before my eyes.
[Connecting to Eternal Spire…]
[1%…]
Hm? What's this?
Before I could think further, the instructor's voice reached my ears as I looked up.
"Today marks the end of training. You have two choices: Stay and become a soldier, or leave. We won't force any of you. Think carefully and give your responses by night. Disperse"
Hearing those words, I can only sigh.
It's not like I have another choice. If I choose to stay, then I will fail. So, I can only leave and save my time.
I turned my gaze back to blue colored illusionary lines, only to find out there was nothing.
'Am I finally gone mad?'
I chuckled as turn back and moved towards the instructor's office.
Raising my hand, I slowly knocked 3 times on the door, when a voice came from inside.
"Come in."
Opening the door, I moved inside as I saw my instructor sitting in his chair.
Before I could say anything, he stood up and gave me a few papers and a mobile and said,
"This is your id card and bank details, and you can have this mobile. I already connected your bank to your mobile. If you didn't waste that money on unnecessary things, you can live for the next 3 years without any issues."
I was surprised and confused and could only ask,
"Why?"
Did he already know I was going to leave, or... was he kicking me out?
Hearing my query, he didn't answer but continued to say,
"Don't waste money, it was essential to live a peaceful life. And the password is...."
I can only focus on his voice as he teaches me how to pay money with scanners.
"Lastly, you can call me if you need any help. My contact's name is Kevin. Now get lost."
He pushed me out and closed the door with force.
-BANG.
I can only stare at documents and my new mobile in my hands and thought,
'Sorry to say this, but Instructor, you will forget about me like everyone else.'
"Phew"
Letting out a deep breath, I moved towards my dormitory to prepare for my departure.
...
Meanwhile.
Inside the Instructor cabin.
Stella stared at the instructor and curiously asked,
"Weren't students who are leaving only get 6 months' worth of money? Don't tell me you used your own money?"
The instructor turned towards the window without answering Stella's question.
"Hm, boring."
Saying those words, Stella also left his office.
Only after the door was shut did the instructor sighed and say in a slow voice,
"I hope you live your life in the way you want in the days to come."
...
Inside the dormitory room.
[Connecting to Eternal Spire...]
[2%...]
What the hell! I wasn't seeing things after all.
Connecting to Eternal Spire? What does that mean?
Without any answers, I can only sigh in resignation. There was nothing I could do.
I fell on my bed; I was unusually tired today. Feeling the warmth of the bed, I drifted into sleep within minutes.
When I opened my eyes and checked the time was bewildered.
I slept for almost 19 hours.
"Was I really just tired?"
Strangely wasn't hungry at all.
Going into the bathroom, I quickly freshened up and checked my attire to wear.
There was nothing decent to wear; every dress I had was a military uniform.
"I think I know what my first shopping list is."
Wearing a white shirt and blue pants, and packing the documents in the bag, I moved out.
Before I knew it, I was already at the entrance.
Taking a deep breath, I finally walked out.
I can see a main road and a bus stop ahead at a distance.
As I near the bus stop, I can see a red-haired man sitting on the bench.
Without thinking much about red haired man, I sit on another bench.
And so, we waited for the bus to arrive.
[Connecting to Eternal Spire...]
[5%...]
Those blue colored illusionary lines come again.
But I no longer paid it any attention.
Then suddenly, the red-haired man spoke in a sarcastic tone,
"Hey kid, you are going to die."