Chapter 3: Airylle Helped Zera

Her Point of View

I can't seem to shake off the unsettling memory of earlier today. It started with a vivid dream—a kingdom crumbling into oblivion. The realism was so intense it felt like I was there, watching the destruction unfold. I can't help but wonder why my subconscious chose such a catastrophic scene. And the triplets? Who are they supposed to be?

As I walked, my path led me into a streets community that harbors my mortal enemy. There, amidst the usual buzz of life, I saw her—Zera. Ugh. The sight of her was enough to sour my mood further.

I watched as she gently laid Badong—was it really Badong?—to sleep. The name itself was revolting. But, as much as I despise her, I can't deny that this Zera has a knack for making an impression. A surge of irritation and the familiar urge to challenge her resurfaced, and I couldn't suppress a grin.

Before I let myself get lost in those thoughts, I needed to focus on introducing the most important person in this narrative—me. If you're indifferent, well, I couldn't care less.

I'm Airylle Vedison, solitary since my parents' tragic accident nine years ago. Don't waste your pity on me; it's unnecessary. I was an only child then, and now I live alone in my own apartment. I'm en route to the restaurant where I work as a waitress. Yes, I'm a waitress. It's not exactly glamorous, but it pays the bills, and I'm fine with it.

One peculiar thing about me is the tattoo on my wrist, an enigma even to my parents who couldn't explain its origins. It reads "Redson." Strange, right? It looks like a name, but its significance is a mystery. When I asked about it, my parents merely smiled, leaving me none the wiser.

In addition to my waitress job, I'm a renowned TikToker and vlogger, though this fact is a well-guarded secret. And yes, I'm not joking—I use various wigs to maintain anonymity. My natural hair is blonde, but my waitress wig is dark brown.

You might wonder how I manage to keep up with someone like Zera. It's simple: I'm a certified professional in taekwondo, hapkido, aikido, and several other martial arts. I'm also a skilled dance instructor. But, of course, all of this remains under wraps.

I harbor a darker secret, one I'm not ready to divulge just yet. It's... a secret! You'll have to wait for that reveal. As I walked, I noticed an old woman who stared at me with an unnerving intensity.

Suddenly, someone bumped into me, mumbled an apology, and disappeared. When I turned back, the old woman had vanished. It was eerie.

"Almost there, prepare yourself; only then will your true life begin," a voice whispered from somewhere nearby.

What the...?! My hair stood on end. I looked around but saw no one. Probably just my imagination, I told myself as I entered the restaurant.

Inside, a woman had dropped something, so I picked it up and approached her. She appeared to be heading to the restaurant for a meal. The sun was blazing, but she was still wearing sunglasses.

"Miss, you dropped this," I said, placing the item on her table.

The woman removed her sunglasses, and I was struck with surprise. It was Zarri Xemisha Fordalish—an iconic model and acclaimed chef who owns this very restaurant. Her reputation for intelligence and style precedes her, but today her cold demeanor and steely gaze were palpable.

"Thanks," she replied with a curt nod.

How Cold.! I returned to my duties, changing into my waitress uniform. Oh, and by the way, I'm 22 years old, and Zarri is likely around the same age.

I watched as Zarri exited the restaurant, quickly enveloped by her adoring fans. She slipped into her sleek black car and drove away.

As I cleaned a table, an unsettling thought struck me: What if I died? If I did, my greatest wish for the next life would be to have a loving family—parents and siblings. I laughed at the absurdity of it all.

Is it even possible? I yearn for the warmth of a family, especially sisters.

"Nothing is impossible, Leanille. It's time to return to your true life," the voice echoed again, sending shivers down my spine.

"What was that?! Who's whispering?" I demanded, scanning my surroundings.

The whispers were infuriating. Was someone playing mind games with me?

A surge of anxiety made my hair stand on end again, impeding my ability to clean effectively. I remained on high alert.

My coworkers knew little about me—just my name, age, and address.

Then, gunshots rang out from outside.

"Aaahhh!! There's a shooting outside!!"

"CALL THE POLICE!" someone screamed.

Of all times, now?

I sprang to action.

"Airylle, hide here---- aaahhhhh!"

Thud!

Crash!

A man was hurled through the window, shattering it, clearly involved in the chaos. The men in black suits were causing mayhem.

"HEY, I JUST CLEANED THAT!" I yelled in frustration. My mood had soured further with the mess they'd created.

"AIRYLLE! COME HERE!" my coworkers shouted.

They had no idea about my extensive training in various combat techniques. I disregarded their calls and took matters into my own hands.

I approached one of the attackers, who aimed a gun at me. Before he could fire, I ducked, kicked the weapon from his hand, and caught it mid-air, turning it on him.

Bang!

A clean headshot. I was ready to help outside but stopped at the door, facing my shocked coworkers.

"Don't go outside. Manager, call the police and an ambulance. Stay safe," I instructed.

I kicked another attacker coming at me from below, gunshots still ringing out.

I began shooting, targeting their chests.

As I moved towards their leader, my heart stopped at the sight of Zera. What was she doing here? She was engaged in the firefight with her father.

What on earth is happening?!

I shot an attacker behind Zera, who glanced at me and nodded in acknowledgment.

"Idiot! Are you crazy?!" I shouted when she took a bullet in the shoulder.

"You're an idiot too! How was I supposed to know I'd get hit?!" Zera retorted.

"Dad, run! We've got this!" Zera ordered her father.

Bang!

Bang!

I was about to rush to her father, who was in danger of being hit by a truck, but Zera beat me to it.

She pushed her father out of the way. Ugh! I was about to intervene, but it was too late.

Boom!

Zera was struck by the truck, while I was merely grazed.

The attackers withdrew from Zera.

Her father rushed to her side, panic etched on his face. This woman is absolutely reckless!

"Don't sleep! Zera! Don't leave your dad!!" her father pleaded.

Where's the ambulance?

Just then, the police and ambulance arrived.

"I have something crucial to tell you, Zera! Fight to stay alive! I need to bring you back to your true family!" I cried out in desperation.