Chapter 3: Awake

<<< MC P.O.V >>>

I slid my eyelids open. I had trouble seeing because of the light. My eyes were able to adjust to the brightness after a short while.

The aroma of burning herbal incense helped to ease my nerves. Even when my wounds were mending, I continued to experience discomfort.

I tried turning but was unable to. The body was quite tough to lift. I stayed where I was because I had no energy.

I noticed that the room's structure and internal layout seemed somewhat familiar when I observed it with simply my eyes moving. Then I recall that I spent a number of years living here. That- that means... I am still on Earth and not in Hell. Phew... (I breathed deeply)

'I am really alive. Why am I here, if this is the place I am thinking?'

Before I passed out and was ready to be assassinated, I can clearly remember being miles away from this place.

'Where did I regain consciousness following my Horn Mountain blackout? What was the maniac attempting to do to me, and who was he? And what does he mean when he says I am being—?'

I'm puzzled. My memory once again recalls the previous incident...

Flashback after having a blackout***

After being unconscious on Horn Mountain, I woke up being confined in a hospital bed in a damp, dark room. My eyesight was surprisingly quite hazy, but my hearing was as acute as ever, resulting in me being surprised that I couldn't make out the room or the shadow in front of me.

Explosions and gunshots were audible to me. 'Was this a warzone location of any kind, or where was this?'

I couldn't see the face of the man standing in front of me but somehow noticed he was wearing white...maybe it was a coat.

He was injecting some kind of liquid into me. (because I'm unsure of what it is). My mouth was cloth-gagged, and I wasn't able to move or speak.

Various medical devices were fastened to my body.

'Was the man attempting to assess my health, and if so, is he a doctor or a lunatic? '

I assumed he was a psychotic scientist because he was jumping and yelling with excitement as if I were an extinct species or a fantastic discovery.

His action had hurt me, and it was growing more and more painful as a result.

Since I was unable to talk, I kept quiet while enduring the pain. My body was getting weaker.

The same process continued for some more days.

A few days later, the man removed the cloth from my mouth. I didn't have the energy to talk.

"I finally found....how could they lie to me.....it was...a success.... now I keep her....how could they lie...I win....ha..ha...." He was muttering continuously with himself in a barely audible sound.

I somehow managed to ask, "What are you doing to me? Who are you...?"

"Hehe...I am checking with you... can't you see... don't disturb me...Shhh...you are more interesting than those bastard gave me before...hehe....more than that girl from Wega.....hehe.."

I replied with difficulty, "Can't you talk like a normal human?"

He laughed like an insane person and spoke, "Ha..haa...they will certainly try to find you!!...I will experiment ...you aren't normal...you are changing and may not remain a normal human.... You are just a---" as he was speaking on his own, my body sensed danger and then, the manic laughter and mockery disappeared with the massive burst of the missile exploding everything.

Before I could know anything, the impact of the explosion lead my consciousness to seep into darkness.

Flashback ends***

When I considered my situation, I recalled being exposed to danger. As far as I knew, I was drug-resistant.

'So how did I pass out? After that, where was I? Was I rescued from the blast by someone? How did I get here? How much time have I spent here?'Many questions are running through my head.

The most crucial thing was who brought me from that exploded place to the monastery 'Is the person who brought me here a friend or a foe?'

I've always wanted to live quietly, but I can't disregard my circumstances right now. This time, someone came to my aid, but what will I do if it happens again later? Can I live without fighting back? - The answer is obviously no.

'And what does that man mean when he says that I might not continue to be a regular human being? What am I becoming?...and who was the Wega girl? Was it--? 'No, no, it can't be her.' I am staring at the ceiling while frightened by my predicament.

I was jolted out of my thoughts by the sound of the door being opened. The same adolescent monk (Kai), this time accompanied by a small kid, entered the space. I did my best to remain composed.

Kai was so thrilled to see my eyes open that he rushed at me and... bruised his knee. Giving a silly smile, Kai helps me to settle comfortably on the bed as he sends the young kid to alert the elders. He opens the curtains and lets the sunlight enter the room.

Five monastic elders entered the room a little while later. They seemed to settle down after noticing my extraordinary calmness. After assessing my condition, one of the elders requested Kai to assist me in drinking a few drops of water to wet my throat.

Everyone was present inside, seated next to me. They were very concerned about me. I could see their misty eyes. They were all quite curious and wanted to know what had happened to me.

"Biva (my name) just woke up. Let her rest. Ask all of your questions afterward " Speaking strictly the oldest of the elders reminded all of them.

He pretended to be willing to wait until I was fully recovered, but I could see he was the most eager to hear what had happened to me.

The other people weren't as happy with the reminder but were willing to wait for a while. They all wished for my good health and urged Kai to bring some liquid food. I consumed it with the hope that it would help me regain my energy.

I initially place myself in good bodily, mental, and even spiritual health before everything else.

Later, I have to organize a variety of plans and thoughts, come to some conclusions, and be prepared for the worst. I need to find out more about myself.

My muscles, skin, and organs were severely damaged, and several of my bones were broken in addition to being fractured during the explosion.

My injuries heal quite slowly, as I am aware of myself. Now that I'm recovering from the blast, I can say with certainty that the monasteries' elders employed their secret ancient medical procedures.

Only a few got the special privilege before. I became one. (my heart turns warm)

After resting for a few days and having peace of mind, I thought to walk around.

Note: Here the MC as Biva, is the same girl who was injured in the second chapter.