1 - A Chaotic World

  That day, I was working as usual. The boxes felt lighter than normal, which I found strange, but I carried on. That’s when the boss called me in for a talk. The tired look in his eyes said it all — he hadn’t slept in a while.

  — I’m sorry, I have to let you go. The company’s going bankrupt, and if I don’t do this now, I might end up delaying your pay. Here’s a letter of recommendation. Man, you’ve helped me a lot, but I really can’t put it off anymore... Or you’ll be the one who suffers... And, as my best friend since high school, I thank you for being part of this dream, brother.

  — Boss... no, brother... thank you. I hope you can bounce back.

  — Me too.

  With a firm handshake and a light pat on the shoulder, we said goodbye — for now. I took the letter and left. I entered the parking lot and sighed.

  My day became even sadder as I watched my best friend’s dream fall apart before my eyes. I could only hope he would do better, because I knew one thing: even if I wanted to help, I couldn’t, not right now.

  Feeling powerless, I sat down and started my motorcycle. I was so shaken that I forgot to fasten the helmet properly.

  With the same carelessness, I drove off — it didn’t take long for another mistake to take its toll.

  A single red light.

  A crash.

  The helmet flew off.

  Blood trickled, staining the ground.

  The letter in my pocket flew a few feet ahead, still within sight. I reached out to grab it, but slowly, my vision began to fade.

  My body ached, a touch on the letter... and then, my final breath escaped.

  My world faded.

  — And that’s how I died. But it wasn’t my end.

  I woke up in a strangely luxurious room, with old-fashioned furniture, like something from a rich old man’s house. I found it odd. I clearly remembered the accident, the pain, and I was certain I should be in a hospital.

  But that room was far too fancy, something I could never afford, not even in dreams. For a moment, I imagined a rich old man ran me over and brought me home out of guilt or fear — but I dismissed the idea. The impact was too hard... maybe a truck.

  I sighed and tried to get up, but my body didn’t respond.

  My legs were paralyzed.

  My arms, by some miracle, still worked, though every movement hurt.

  I couldn’t even sit up on my own.

  I tried calling for someone, but only garbled sounds came out of my mouth. I knew the accident was serious, but... this much? The tears came without warning.

  How would I live a normal life now? What a burden I’d be to my family. I felt like an idiot.

  A fool.

  A weakling who didn’t care enough to drive safely — and now could barely move.

  Then, a woman came in carrying a bowl of water and a cloth. She approached naturally and wiped away my tears.

  — Good morning, sir.

  With firm hands, she helped me to the bathroom, bathed and dressed me, and finally placed me in a wheelchair. I had no idea who she was — maybe a nurse? Still, I kept my head down.

  And if all I could do was make unclear sounds, how could I ask anything? I decided to wait for my family.

  I looked suspiciously at the clothes she had dressed me in. I expected hospital gowns, but they were too refined — like I was the heir of some old noble family... from centuries ago. Something was wrong. But I didn’t know what.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  — Let’s go have breakfast. The Great Leader has taken time out of his schedule to see you, sir.

  My expression changed drastically upon hearing that. Great Leader?! What the hell is this?! Where am I? I looked at the woman, confused and afraid. She knelt by the chair and held my hand.

  — I know you don’t want to see him, sir. But he’s your father. Unfortunately, he wants to see you... and there’s nothing we can do about it.

  She placed her forehead against my hand.

  — I know you’re scared, especially after he shot you. But maybe this time will be different... maybe he’ll actually treat you well... still, stay strong, my lord.

  I trembled.

  The woman had just said my own father shot me. What kind of place was this? I cursed mentally, panicking. This wasn’t my body. Maybe this world... wasn’t mine.

  Even sensing my panic, she pushed the chair out of the room.

  Two guards waited outside.

  Their cold eyes pierced my soul.

  They saluted and began to escort us.

  The silence was oppressive. Only the soft footsteps could be heard.

  The long corridors were decorated with crystal chandeliers and carpets that sank beneath the wheels.

  For all the grandeur of the place, there was no sign of life — not even other maids dared cross our path. It was as if something dark hovered around me.

  We stopped before a colossal door. The guards opened it in sync, and the woman wheeled me into the dining hall.

  The place was absurd.

  A gigantic black marble table with golden veins stretched for meters. Chairs carved with beasts and ancient battles lined it perfectly.

  She placed me beside one end of the table, bowed silently, and left with a nearly pitiful look. The guards closed the door.

  Silence returned, heavier than ever.

  I was alone.

  Unable to speak.

  Unable to flee.

  All I could do was watch, trying to contain the fear boiling in my chest. Something was coming. And deep in my soul, I knew I wasn’t ready.

  Thunderous footsteps echoed toward the room. The door opened. The guards entered first, aligning like in a ritual.

  A man with golden hair and wine-colored eyes entered like a monarch, his skin flawless, his clothes refined. He sat at the head of the table beside me.

  His gaze, dripping with disdain, scanned me from head to toe. Unable to move, I just looked down. I saw a smile form on his face.

  — Finally learned your place, little Ris. Sadly, it took a bullet to teach you how to behave.

  I trembled. He raised his hand and ordered:

  — Bring the food.

  Maids entered, filling the table with dishes. It was a feast for dozens, not just two. Without care, he began to eat. I could barely move my arms, so I just watched.

  — No appetite, huh...? Ah, I forgot. You can’t eat on your own, can you? Back to being a baby still in diapers.

  He mocked. Snapped his fingers and one of the maids came to feed me. I only ate a light soup. When the man finished, he stood, and the maids began clearing the table — even my food — before I could finish.

  — The public appearance is soon. Bring him with me... And throw out this garbage — along with whoever cooked it.

  The maid quickly wiped my mouth. This time, a guard grabbed the chair and dragged me through the hallways.

  I barely saw that man again — which brought some relief, though brief. We exited the massive house straight into the garden, where a stage had been set, cameras and reporters everywhere.

  They took pictures with strange cameras, some seemed to be recording.

  In that moment, I wanted to shrink away, but any movement caused pain. So I just remained still.

  I was taken to the stage and left beside that man. In a few minutes, the speech began.

  — My beloved people, the rebels who attacked us have been suppressed — but not without losses. My beloved eldest son was killed, and my second son can barely move thanks to those degenerates who spread discord in our great nation. Today, I struck them down not just as your king, but as a father seeking justice for my sons.

  A group of guards brought in several injured men, their eyes filled with hate — for that man, and for me. I didn’t even understand what was happening when I saw someone bringing a pillow with a strange weapon on it.

  My "father" stepped down from the platform, grabbed the weapon, and pointed it at the prisoners.

  My heart stopped for a second.

  I closed my eyes.

  I didn’t want to see it.

  Then came the sound — a gunshot.

  Silence.

  When I opened my eyes, I was stunned to see a woman with long hair like shimmering flames and blazing eyes filled with irresistible charm.

  She stood before the so-called king, holding a sword with elegance.

  The weapon was on the ground, and the man, furious, held his own hand.

  It seemed she had deflected the shot and saved someone with a single move.

  All the soldiers aimed their weapons at her.

  — Ryskai, you’re crossing the line. I didn’t think you’d execute them live... Seems like you fear no consequences anymore.

  — Laine... finally, my dear sister came to visit, after betraying me for mere rebels.

  She glanced at the men behind her and smirked.

  — Rebels, huh? You call rebels the poor souls you dragged here to die? You’ve become an even bigger idiot since I left you.

  — Who’s the idiot? One move and they’ll all shoot you, foolish witch! You shouldn’t have crawled out of whatever hole you’ve been hiding in.

  — I have my reasons. And your clowns don’t even know how to shoot properly...

  He gritted his teeth and gave a sharp order:

  — Fire!

  It was a single command.

  All of them shot at once — and, like a miracle, the bullets stopped inches from her, suspended in midair.

  My jaw dropped.

  But then I felt a sudden yank on my wheelchair. In shock, I looked back and saw the same woman who helped dress me. I was quickly pulled away from the scene as the shooting continued and people screamed. I was placed in a car that sped off.

  I hoped it was just a strategic retreat — until I heard a noise on the roof. The woman opened the sunroof, and the beautiful woman from the shootout dropped in front of me. I trembled for a second, and then I realized... I was being kidnapped.