Where am I?
It was dark.
I could barely see anything around me.
I walked for some time, trying to make sense of my surroundings.
What happened?
It seems like I accidentally attacked Yash's uncle... and now I'm here.
Is that what happened?
Maybe.
Ugh...
I'm alive, right?
I hope so.
But what is this place?
Is it a dream, or is it m—
"Seems like you defeated me this time, kid."
I froze.
A rough voice came from behind me.
That voice...
I knew that voice.
Sweat trickled down my face.
My heart began pounding harder and harder.
With a determined expression, I slowly turned around.
And yes...
My fear was justified.
It was Haidoro.
My eyes widened, and my teeth clenched.
[Pratik]: You're alive?
[Haidoro]: Do I look alive?
I was startled by his response.
I took a closer look.
Yep.
He's dead.
It seemed that only his consciousness had somehow entered me.
But why?
Haidoro noticed my bitter expression and continued.
[Haidoro]: What did you expect? You ate me. My soul never got the chance to travel to another vessel. Instead, it was absorbed by you.
He stared daggers at me.
[Haidoro]: I was planning to transfer my soul into Surya and then eliminate all of you. But that plan failed because of you.
Somehow, it felt a little satisfying knowing that I had unknowingly ruined his plans.
Not to mention, his plan was disgusting.
I would never want him to acquire my friend's body for his own benefit—especially if he intended to use it against us.
[Pratik]: Just like they say... evil never ends well.
Haidoro sighed.
[Haidoro]: Have I ever said this is the end for me?
He walked toward me.
[Haidoro]: My soul is still alive. My consciousness is still alive. There is still a considerable amount of time before my soul is completely erased.
He stopped in front of me.
[Haidoro]: A very long time...
He placed a hand on my shoulder and leaned closer.
[Haidoro]: What if I take control of your body when that time comes? What if my soul dominates yours? What if your soul is erased from existence?
His voice became colder.
[Haidoro]: You are too naive, kid. Never believe that I will play fair. I will take advantage of every opportunity to overthrow you from your own body.
He stared directly into my eyes.
[Haidoro]: If I couldn't take over Surya's body, I still have yours as a substitute.
His grip tightened slightly.
[Haidoro]: The moment you waver... the moment you begin losing control...
He smiled.
[Haidoro]: I'll take over your body.
With those final words, he disappeared.
I fell to my knees.
Seems like my life isn't going to be peaceful anymore.
My eyes opened.
I woke up.
My entire body was covered in bandages.
I believe...
I'm naked underneath them.
I've practically been mummified in modern terms.
I grabbed a nearby towel and covered my lower body.
This doesn't look like a spacecraft.
Wait...
This is a room.
A lamp made of shiny crystal hung from the ceiling, its golden exterior giving the entire room a luxurious appearance.
Maybe it wasn't actually gold, but it certainly looked like it.
The entire room seemed to have been designed with incredible artistic care.
The bed was soft and comfortable, and its wooden frame looked beautifully crafted.
There were countless other things around me that I couldn't even begin to describe properly.
For a moment, I felt strange.
This isn't my towel.
But...
It feels familiar.
I realized why a moment later.
It's Mala's.
She's going to kill me.
My heart began beating rapidly.
Is this the end?
The door opened.
Someone entered.
It was Mala.
Talk about my luck.
She looked at me with surprised eyes.
Phew...
At least she doesn't seem angry.
[Mala]: You're finally awake.
She said with a small smile.
[Pratik]: It seems so.
I replied with an equally small smile.
I can't share every problem I'm facing.
At least I can enjoy the peaceful moments.
[Mala]: Well, I was the one who bandaged you, so there might have been some mistakes. Sowwy.
[Pratik]: That isn't a gr—
Huh?
Sowwy?
That's my line...
I almost laughed.
Mala laughed too.
It had been so long since I'd seen her laugh like that.
No...
Maybe I'd never seen her genuinely laugh before.
It was a completely different side of her.
And...
It wasn't bad.
Fortunately, the bandages seemed to have been applied properly.
She must have learned from Lila.
After a while, Mala sighed and looked straight into my eyes.
Her expression became more serious.
[Mala]: Well, I should probably leave now that you're awake.
[Pratik]: How long was I asleep?
I asked almost immediately.
[Mala]: Four days.
That explained why my body felt so heavy.
[Pratik]: Where are we going?
[Mala]: The courtroom. Something is going to be announced today.
[Pratik]: What is it? What courtroom? Where are we?
I asked nervously.
This didn't sound good.
Mala looked at me.
[Mala]: Yash is going to be put on trial today by his mother for leaving the Greto Empire without any notice.
She paused.
[Mala]: And we're back in the GRETOLING EMPIRE.
To be continued...