Gravestone

—·—

Years before transmigration

The dust on the seemingly endless highway was kicked up as a red car sped by. The driver, a black haired and blue eyed man with empty eyes, breathed deeply, taking in the scent of the pavement with the scent of rain lingering on them.

His eyes appeared almost reminiscent and dead as he drove even faster. His eyes were always focused on the road, never looking at anything else.

The car slowly began to drift towards the side accidentally, stepping into the other lane. The man drove even faster, seemingly not caring about anything else apart from the alternate reality which he appeared to be gazing into.

There was a truck heading right towards him!

Suddenly, the man's eyes gained clarity, opening wider and being filled with a hint of life. He swerved towards the side, breathing heavily.

The man was thrown towards his sides repeatedly as he quickly turned the steering wheel, attempting to gain control of the vehicle.

The man drove across endless fields of nothing but some isolated gas stations. At this point, there were barely any cars on the road apart from him.

His car slowly came to a half as he reached his destination. He slowly stepped out of the vehicle, the same reminiscent and dead face plastered on him once more.

The man opened the trunk of his car and pulled out a bouquet of lillies, holding them close to his chest.

He stepped towards the isolated graveyard right next to an abandoned home which seemed to be a crackhouse.

The man walked inwards, towards the heart of the massive graveyard, looking at two gigantic headstones right next to eachother.

The first headstone read-

"In Loving Memory Of,

Solomon Caesar

1972-2023

Founder Of CAMP Group Of Companies as well as PearlPharma.

A wonderful father and a loving husband."

Michael began slowly taking individual flowers from the bouquet before placing one each on the gravestones until he was interrupted:

"Michael, Here again?"

The man in question, Michael appeared completely unphased by such a comment as he continued placing individual flowers on both of the graves.

"Michael...." The man said as he put his hands on Michael's shoulder,

"You can't continue like this..." The man said, concerned expression on his face,

"Uncle Thomas." Michael uttered, his face expressionless,

"Remove your hand." Michael spoke,

"You can't remain stuck in the past forever. You've already achieved your goal! You have already pleased him! Why do you keep doing this?!" Thomas spoke, frustration evident on his face,

"Just... Continue running the business and forget about this..." Thomas spoke, sounding exhausted,

"I won't be running the business." Michael spoke, his voice a bit low and plain,

"What?! What do you plan to do then?" Thomas asked in anger,

"I don't know...." Michael spoke, sounding extremely unsure,

" You achieved your goal, so why aren't you happy?! Didn't you always say that you wanted to make alot of money? Where did that go?!" Thomas spoke, more confused than angry,

"I've come to a realisation..." Michael spoke,

"..." Thomas stayed silent, leaning on his left leg as he waited,

"Nothing matters."

"What?!"

"If a man with such money and power, If a man with such intelligence, If a man far greater than any ordinary man could be brought down by a couple of them. Then why does any of it matter?"

"When a person can never truly achieve power independent from others. What point is there in achieving it at all?"

"No matter how much power someone has, it's all on someone else's back!"

"I admit! Judas was no ordinary man, but even he was brought down by a few common men!"

"In a world where one's individual capabilities don't matter when it can all be torn down if a few people get irritated, I don't wish to live!" Michael spoke, sounding like an insane man,

"Wha- What are you even saying?!"

"Have you gone mad?!" Thomas almost screamed before he quieted down,

"Listen..... You need a break."

"I- I just think that you're feeling a bit empty after achieving your goal..."

"Please.. Ju- Just go on a vacation or something for sometime. I'll pay for everything. You just shut your mouth and enjoy yourself." Thomas spoke, his face slightly scrunched sounding extremely concerned,

"I need some documents forged." Michael spoke, closing his eyes for a moment,

"What? Why?" Thomas questioned,

"She still knows my identity. I can't start a business like you want me to like this." Michael said,

"Hm...."

"I'll get it done." Thomas accepted his request,

"Get me a new identity completely. I don't care what you have to do." Michael ordered,

—·—

David stared upwards at his 'father' who stood infront of him as he simply smiled, looking like any other innocent boy.

"Had fun today?" His "father" asked as he simply stared at David,