A Call from Someone

It would take at least fifteen minutes just leaving the mansion. Augustine and the others might still be nearby. There is something that I have to tell them. The letter that Stacey gave me was my eye-opener for what really matters to me the most. I've been so consumed with my thoughts of vengeance that I let it devour me whole.

The only solution left to overcome this hindrance is that my alternate personality and I should combine as a whole. However, it's easy to say but, it's more troublesome than I expected. Talking with Augustine and the others might give me the answer to my questions.

Shayna wouldn't want things to turn out like this also. Now that I know that she actually existed. Maybe there is also a possibility that in this life, she was also reincarnated along with me. Although there is still not a single lead to follow that might lead to our predestined encounter.

Wherever where my search for the woman in my dreams lead me. I'll accept the results of it full-heartedly because she is the woman I want to be with.

-A few minutes later-

Well, I've already left the forest in which the mansion is well hidden. But I haven't seen Augustine and the others. Maybe they have already returned to their homes. I think Dr. Gizelle has her duty today, and probably Augustine went to his work. It's better if I meet with Stacey first. However, is the convenience store still functioning. Six years had passed, and she probably already has her own job.

Also, I dont recall how to head towards the convenience store since my memories still haven't completely recovered yet. Although because of Stacey's letter, I could somehow control my feelings because of the realization it brought me. Despite everything, there is still a risk of me being consumed again with my inner demon.

'Why dont you seek help from some of your former inmates? Benjiro Abe has probably already acquired his license.'

(Who the hell is Benjiro Abe?)

'Oh, I forgot about that. But Benjiro Abe is one of the former inmates who led utopia in prison. He is a licensed psychiatrist, and due to inevitable circumstances, his license was revoked. Well, you can trust that man to treat you. He'll probably have the answer to our question, plus he might be able to think of something regarding your lost memories.'

(How come you trust someone this much? Has this Benjiro Abe aided you in the past when I was unconscious?)

'We're more on like a give and take relationship, but you could say that he is a trusted ally, along with the fifty-plus members. Oh, before I forget, remember Daku Mazuko.'

(Pretty well, I remembered the face of that asshole. Also, that woman who took advantage of me. I swear if I ever cross paths with those two, even hell wouldn't be able to contain what heinous actions I would discharge)

'Well, I dont whether he is still alive or not. Daku Mazuko was sentenced to the death penalty for countless crimes. But I want you to be careful always because that man has deeper connections with the higher-ups. You know how people with power use their influence, right? So I am pretty sure that he is still alive.'

(You should know by now that there isn't anyone who can scare me away anymore. I've been through hell a dozen times that something like this is nothing terrifying for me anymore. He messed with me, then it's time for him to board hell express.)

'You still got it, here I thought you changed that much. Scaring me for no reason at all. However, this time you'll need to learn how to control yourself. Remember that the moment someone's blood starts dripping in your hands, the misery it will bring you will be eternal.'

Because of my conversation with my alternate, I didn't notice that I've already arrived at my destination. However, there is nothing I can remember in this place. Nor how did I end up driving to this place. Maybe it's only just an impulse, but this place seems kinda familiar.

It's a convenience store named MaxStart, the streets that lead this way is near the school. Students started to arrive one by one, passing by the convenience store. Coming from the path where my former school is built. Some high school students played around merrily along with their friends, holding some snacks. Some are lonely, while some are filled with happiness.

Memories from the past started to flood my thoughts, how playful I was with Augustine. How I attend my daily shift at this convenience store. How everything it was back when I was just in high school. Less drama, more fun, but there's no point in reminiscing the past because as much as I want to return to how it was before.

The time that passed will never be able to return. I have no other choice but to keep moving forward because that is the last thing I can do.

Someone entered the convenience store who was wearing the uniform of the store. It brings me back memories, seeing someone working in the same outfit that I was wearing six years ago when I was still a part-timer. Because I left my house and decided to live with Augustine, I needed to earn money for allowance and helping Augustine with his bills.

I walked towards the convenience store and entered. The way the part-timer greeted me brings nostalgic vibes right to my spines.

"Welcome to MaxStart!" A young lady who was dressed in the store uniform greeted me with a smile on her face.

"May I ask where is the owner of this store?" She was hesitant to tell me the whereabouts of her boss. But when she takes a closer look at my face, she immediately recognized my face.

"Omg, are you the one who was the part-timer six years ago? There were rumors about how handsome the past part-timer was. Also, pictures were circulating around social media back in the past. Along with various hashtags about your visuals," Her reaction when she recognized who I was kinda surprised me. Since it was the first time that I have encountered someone who reacted the same way this lady does.

"Well, it's been around six years in the past, so I dont really remember any of the details. However, I know that during my life as a senior in high school. I did work as a part-timer in this store when I was eighteen. And if, during those six years, had no one replaced my position. Then maybe it was me that the rumors were addressing. I remember that there wasn't a day when a teenage girl would buy some bubblegum or chips just to request a picture with me," She was shocked to see that I was really the one the rumors were talking about. The lady then got flustered while some female students entered the store.

I couldn't help but notice them whispering with each other talking about me behind my back.

"Well, how come that you are still working here? Dont you have to attend school too? Because judging from how you look, you're at least the same age as I when I applied here in the past," This young lady looks kinda reddish when I whispered something in her ears.

"Nevermind that, but can you do me a small favor after I leave? Tell these girls behind my back that I heard what they were talking about. Also, please pass this message to the owner of this store, a man named Xavier stopped by. Here are fifty dollars. Why don't you buy yourself and those girls behind me some snacks and drinks? Thank you for your time."

[Fifty Dollars in Japanese Yen is around 5000]

Stacey still hasn't come back. Which I had no choice but to leave without any pieces of information of her current whereabouts. Before I left the convenience store, the ladies behind me and the part-timer asked if they could take a picture with me.

Refusing to accept the request of these poor ladies would make me a scumbag. So I acknowledged their request then went on my way. As I return to the car which I parked outside, I felt a hostile aura towards me. However, when I looked around, there was nothing I could perceive.

I opened the car door then went inside, as I start the engine, someone called. Because my phone is connected to the Bluetooth system of the car. It automatically answered due to voice commands.

"Nicholas Kim, speaking. Who are you?" The call came from an unknown contact to which I have no idea to whom it belongs.

"So you have already been released, plus you should watch your back. And I would like to express my gratitude for making my stay at the prison enjoyable," I still couldn't discern who the caller was, but the voice is somehow familiar.

"Who the hell are you! How the hell did you get my number!" I couldn't help but roar in anger.

"I have my connections. Dont worry, I still have my interest in you. You'll be hearing from me again," Before I could even answer, the man in the other line ended the call.

'I told you that he wasn't dead.'

(Who?)

'The man who called you was Daku Mazuko.'