Haunted by the Past

Yi Zhen bolted upright in bed, his chest heaving with ragged breaths. His heart pounded as if trying to break free from his ribcage, the lingering terror of the nightmare still gripping him tightly. For a moment, he couldn't shake the vivid images that had replayed in his mind—blood, pain, and Ren Zhi's lifeless eyes staring back at him. 

It was the same nightmare that had haunted him repeatedly since his rebirth. No matter how hard he tried to bury the memories, they clawed their way back into his consciousness when he was most vulnerable. The dream always started the same way: the desperate escape through the collapsing dungeon, Ren Zhi by his side, both of them fighting against impossible odds. And then, the moment when Ren Zhi had been struck down, Yi Zhen's frantic attempts to save him, and the overwhelming despair when he realized it was too late.

The final image—the one that always tore him apart—was of Ren Zhi's hand slipping from his grasp as darkness swallowed them both.

Yi Zhen squeezed his eyes shut, trying to push the memory back into the recesses of his mind, but it was no use. His body trembled with anger and frustration as he rubbed his face, wiping away the cold sweat that clung to his skin. He hated that he still reacted this way, that the mere thought of Ren Zhi could reduce him to this state.

"Damn it," he muttered through gritted teeth, swinging his legs over the side of the bed and planting his feet firmly on the ground. He sat there for a moment, willing his body to calm down, but the anger only grew stronger.

With a sharp exhale, Yi Zhen reached for the bottle of mineral water he had set on the nightstand the night before. He twisted off the cap and took a long drink, the cool liquid doing little to soothe the burning fury inside him. As he lowered the bottle, he whispered, almost involuntarily, "Ren Zhi…"

The name hung in the air like a curse, laden with guilt and a deep-seated need for vengeance. Yi Zhen clenched his fist, the plastic of the bottle crinkling under the pressure. Ren Zhi had been more than just a companion—he had been the closest thing to family that Yi Zhen had in that hellish realm. His death had been the catalyst for Yi Zhen's own demise, and the betrayal that led to it was something Yi Zhen could never forget.

His mind raced, anger turning into determination as he focused on what needed to be done. He couldn't waste time wallowing in his emotions. If Ren Zhi was somewhere in this realm, Yi Zhen would find him. And if Ren Zhi had been reborn as he had, then he would ensure that this time, things would be different. He wouldn't let the past repeat itself.

Yi Zhen stood up, the cool air of the room biting against his skin. He walked over to the small bathroom attached to his room and turned on the shower, letting the water run as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. His eyes were sharp, filled with a cold resolve that matched the iciness of his heart. There was no room for weakness, no room for hesitation. The only thing that mattered now was finding Ren Zhi and ensuring that neither of them met the same fate again.

Stripping off his clothes, Yi Zhen stepped into the shower, letting the hot water cascade over him. It was a brief reprieve from the turmoil in his mind, a moment to collect his thoughts and steel himself for what lay ahead. He methodically washed away the sweat and grime from the night, the familiar routine helping to ground him.

As the water beat down on his back, he began to formulate a plan. The Players' City was vast, and it would take time to search every corner of it. But Yi Zhen knew how to navigate the complex web of information and connections that existed within the city. He would start by visiting the places where new players often gathered—the guild halls, the training grounds, and the marketplaces. If Ren Zhi was here, Yi Zhen would find him.

The thought gave him a sense of purpose, a direction to channel his anger. By the time he finished his shower and stepped out to dry off, he felt more in control, his emotions carefully locked away behind a mask of calm resolve.

Yi Zhen dressed quickly, opting for the simple but sturdy clothes he had received as part of his rewards. He wanted to blend in with the crowd, to avoid drawing unnecessary attention until he had a better grasp of the situation. His long hair, still slightly damp, was tied back into a low ponytail, and he slipped his dagger into the sheath hidden beneath his coat. Old habits died hard, and Yi Zhen never went anywhere unarmed.

As he packed his belongings and prepared to check out of the inn, Yi Zhen glanced at the time. It was already 11 a.m., and his stomach growled in protest. The thought of food brought a small, bitter smile to his lips. In his previous life, he would have ignored the hunger, too focused on his quest to bother with such mundane needs. But now, he knew better—he needed to stay strong and alert if he wanted to succeed.

After leaving his room, Yi Zhen handed the key back to the innkeeper and stepped out onto the bustling street. The sun was high in the sky, and the city was alive with activity. The aroma of food wafted through the air, drawing his attention to a nearby BBQ restaurant. It was a small, unassuming place, but the smell of grilled meat was enticing.

Yi Zhen decided it was as good a place as any to grab a quick meal before he began his search. He walked over to the restaurant and entered, the sizzling sound of meat on the grill filling the air. The interior was simple but clean, with wooden tables and chairs arranged neatly in rows. A few other players were already seated, enjoying their meals and chatting quietly.

He found an empty table near the back and sat down, quickly placing an order for a BBQ set that included various cuts of meat, rice, and a side of pickled vegetables. As he waited for his food, Yi Zhen leaned back in his chair, his mind already mapping out his next steps.

First, he would gather information—talk to the innkeepers, the merchants, and the players who had been in the city longer than he had. There was always a rumor, a whisper, or a clue that could lead him to Ren Zhi. And if that failed, he would search the dungeons. The challenges within the Oblivion Cascade Realm were endless, and players often found themselves drawn to the same dungeons, especially those with similar abilities or affinities.

Yi Zhen's food arrived, the steaming plates placed in front of him with a mouthwatering aroma. He picked up his chopsticks and began to eat, the savory flavors of the grilled meat and the tangy vegetables a welcome distraction from his thoughts.

But even as he ate, his mind remained focused, calculating every possible scenario and preparing for the days ahead. He had been given a second chance, and he would not waste it. The path forward was clear, and Yi Zhen was determined to walk it, no matter the cost.

And as he finished his meal and paid the bill, Yi Zhen stepped back out into the busy streets of Player City, ready to begin the search for Ren Zhi. The city was vast, the challenges many, but Yi Zhen was confident. He had faced death and emerged stronger for it, and now, nothing would stand in his way.

Ren Zhi's name echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the past and the future he was determined to change. And with that thought, Yi Zhen set off down the road, his steps purposeful and his resolve unshakable.