Kapitel 3: Rasoul

BREAKING NEWS: The infamous Drug Kingpin, widely known as 'Bruno,' was discovered today dead in his Malibu mansion after a night of partying. His lifeless body was found alongside 10 of his trusted commandos.

For years, Bruno had caused terror in families, cities, and even entire countries through his nefarious operations, resulting in the deaths of numerous innocent people, including children. His drug empire wrought havoc, causing widespread harm. But despite the countless offenses, no government or authorities had taken a stand against him.

Having influential figures in his pocket, Bruno operated with impunity, facing no resistance to his actions. Numerous independent contractors attempted to bring him down over the years, but all met with failure. Despite the numerous prayers for the day of his reckoning, that day never arrived – until yesterday when the 'Architect' finally visited him, like the Grim Reaper.

The architect surfaced four years ago, and his arrival coincided with the sudden deaths of many influential figures. Despite their seemingly righteous public personas, their true identities were anything but righteous; some were traffickers, drug lords, corporate criminals, and the like. When he first gained attention, many criticized him; however, over time, they started to appreciate the positive impact of his actions worldwide.

His identity remains a mystery, but to know where he came into being, one must delve into the story of a young man named Rasoul.

====

Rasoul is an orphan with a weak body, a result of malnutrition. He is an introvert, or at least, that is the image he wanted people to see. Many individuals in both orphanages and schools steered clear of him, a situation he didn't mind, knowing that nobody really like the nerd.

However, beneath his frail and unassuming exterior, he possesses an IQ of 320, surpassing even the most brilliant scientists and religious leaders to have ever lived.

For years, he struggled to fend for himself, as life in the orphanage showed no mercy, regardless of age. However, everything changed when he created something he initially considered a failed project. Despite his doubts, he decided to showcase it in their school's annual talent show.

He developed a computer security system deemed unhackable, even to the most skilled hackers. Numerous attempts were made, but all ended in failure. Due to this achievement, the once overlooked and frail orphan started attracting attention from outsiders.

One of these outsiders is an infamous inventor known as the Mother of inventions. An exceptionally intelligent woman who only engages with those possessing innovative minds, she came across the video of Rasoul's presentation and was captivated by the talents of the young orphan.

Rasoul's ultimate goal is to create an artificial intelligence capable of predicting future outcomes with 99% accuracy. Recognizing his potential, the Mother of inventions sought him out and eventually adopted him into her care.

She adopted and welcomed Rasoul as her own, and contrary to what many might have expected, she refrained from exploiting Rasoul's ingenuity. Ensuring that Rasoul had the childhood he deserved became her priority.

For years, he relished his new life like any normal boy until he turned 15. Recognizing the need to contribute and support his adopted mother, he began assisting her in devising and inventing new things. His mother imparted a wealth of knowledge to him, and soon, he started gaining recognition for his own achievements. While he had the potential to become a prominent figure like his Mom, he chose to remain dedicated to his vision of creating the AI.

Embarking on a relentless two-year journey, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to bringing his envisioned AI to life. His ultimate plan was to present the completed AI as a surprise gift to his adoptive mother on her 50th birthday.

However, the harsh reality would not allow a good life to rest peacefully. One day, after returning home from a hackathon, He was confronted with a scene that imprinted itself into the very core of his being, altering his mind, soul, and destiny. The woman who had rescued him from the depths of darkness now lay lifeless in a pool of blood, surrounded by police and paramedics.

Lost in his sorrow, he failed to hear someone calling out to him as he continued to gaze at the lifeless body of his adopted mother.

"Young master, young mas..."

The butler, who had driven him to the hackathon, interrupted his thoughts, notifying him that the police required his statement. Following the butler, he entered the room designated for the statement. Seated opposite the detective in charge of the investigation, he prepared to provide his account of the events.

"Rasoul, are you okay?" The detective asks showing she shares a close bond with Rasoul.

"Rasoul..." She called out again.

"I'm fine, perfectly fine. Nothing to worry about, Cynthia."

The words escaped his lips with a dark and bitter smile.

"The killer took a hard disk and wiped the security system clean before leaving. We tried but could not recover any concrete evidence...I am sorry Rasoul" She said with a sad and defeated look

"Don't worry, Cynthia. You did nothing wrong. I will take things from here. I still have a funeral to plan." He gave his statement and started planning for her funeral.

In the aftermath of his mother's burial, Rasoul took some bold steps. He generously compensated all the maids, ensuring they were financially secure for many years. Additionally, he handed over the numerous mansions they owned to the butler for management, whether through rentals or sales. Rasoul also entrusted his share of the company left by his mother to the same butler for effective management.

He made all these moves due to the discovery he made a few days ago. It appeared the AI he created managed to record everything about his mom's murder so he did the only logical thing and gave the AI the ability to learn and evolve on its own

Cutting ties with the world, He immersed himself in rigorous training for two years. The moment of reckoning arrived when the AI, having successfully evolved, began sending him red alerts. Through written, audio, and video evidence, Rasoul was presented with the crimes of prominent government officials, white-collar criminals, ministers, etc.

Thus began a series of killings that resonated across the whole of the planet earth. Rasoul targeted well-protected officials, drug lords, and mercenaries, delivering justice to those who had played a role in his mother's murder. Shockingly, the butler was revealed to be involved in his Mom's death.

His method of killing was meticulously executed, and after his third kill, many began referring to him as the Architect. He left no breadcrumbs for the authorities to trace, meticulously reviewing his plans multiple times before execution. Following each kill, he ensured the release of evidence exposing the misdeeds of his victims.

However, a year later, He faced a grim diagnosis—a rare heart disease leaving him with little time to live. In the wake of this revelation, he entrusts Cynthia with the mantle of CEO for his mother's company and grants her access to Vira, the evolving AI; Rasoul disclosed his impending death to cynthia and even roped her in into his job as a killer, forging a bond that transcended both crime and Friendship.

Over the next two years, Rasoul and Cynthia became partners in crime. The global crime rate plummeted, corrupt companies underwent restructuring, governments saw change, and drug lords met their demise. Rasoul became a silent benefactor, funding schools, orphanages, hospitals, and companies that uplifted communities.

With months remaining in his fleeting existence, Rasoul embarked on a final mission—to eliminate the King of all drug lords, Bruno, a final gift to the people. Cynthia and Vira (the AI) would carry on the legacy of justice and benevolence in his absence.

As the countdown to his inevitable end began, He found solace in knowing that his legacy would endure through those he left behind.

********

Upon his death, He experienced a profound transition, dispersing into sparks before awakening in what could be deemed the origin of life and death—the soul realm. Drifting through infinity, he sensed a familiar pull, drawing him in a direction that evoked a sense of welcoming. Unfazed by the unknown, Rasoul moved toward the mysterious pull, guided by an inexplicable assurance that it was harmless.

Yet, amidst this surreal journey, a disturbing sensation overcame him. A pair of stalking eyes, fixated on his soul, watched him with an unsettling intensity. While navigating the nebulous realm of the afterlife, Rasoul felt a presence that stirred curiosity and an underlying sense of foreboding.

The entity glaring at him with intensity is none other than the system that had entered the soul realms years ago, patiently awaiting Rasoul's arrival. The system had prior knowledge that Rasoul would traverse the soul realm, as it had been informed by the Supreme of Death. For years, it patiently waited for his appearance, and now that he's here, it follows him as he drifts toward the irresistible pull.

After a timeless journey, Rasoul found himself in a place resembling the origin of creation—an exquisite realm resonating with every emotion he had ever known. Bursting with vibrant greenery, golden architecture, and heavenly diamond pathways, the centerpiece was a celestial door that seemed to crave his soul, emanating a consuming presence. Rasoul

"You're here finally..."

A voice called out from behind, prompting him to turn only to encounter a duplicate of himself. The person standing behind him looks exactly like him. However, an inexplicable sense of inferiority enveloped him in the presence of this being. The chilling aura exuded by the figure felt stifling, but a sudden tap on his shoulder snapped him out of his daze.

"Chill, bro. I won't hurt you. Harming you is akin to harming myself. I haven't even taken a life yet, but you, my friend, have quite the record. Mad respect, dude."

"But we should talk."

"Before we get into any conversation, why don't you tell me who you are and why you bear an uncanny resemblance to me?" Rasoul questioned.

"You already know who I am," replied the figure with a sly smile.

Rasoul stared at him for a few minutes before erupting into a resounding laughter. "You Died because of pancakes. Seriously, dude, this doesn't suit you at all. You met your end because of eating pancakes. Frankly, you're a disgrace to our face and men as a whole."

"It was all part of my plan," the figure replied with slight annoyance but a hint of satisfaction on his face.

"Say whatever you want. But how can I know all this about you without you telling me?" Rasoul asked.

"That is Because you and I are the same. We share the same consciousness and the same mind. So stop thinking about silly things right now; I can hear your thoughts."

"I think I am hallucinating. I can't honestly be the same as someone who died because of pancakes. Pancakes? I even hate pancakes. Why would someone be so foolish to die because of pancakes? It would have been great to perish while saving a princess or getting riddled with bullets while saving Beyonce... This is an embarrassment, dude," Rasoul retorted.

"You are weird. And by the way, I am not fully dead, not yet anyway, so I can still get back to my life unlike you. However, I need you for that to happen, or else we will be stuck here forever. You can't go to the afterlife because your soul is the other half of mine, and a half-soul cannot enter Hades. So, what do you think? Wanna talk?"

"Whatever... but what do you mean by not being fully dead? Can I return to Earth too after passing through that door?"

"Not exactly. You died on Earth, so there is no going back. You don't have a body to go back into. But unlike you, my body is perfectly intact and safe back in Venara."

"Why don't you get on with it already? I can feel what you are feeling, so get on with it," Rasoul was uneasy about not having the option to travel back to Earth.

"You and I are the same entity. We both possess the same soul, so technically, if we merge, we will become whole. And if the old man is right, we will awaken as a single entity. And no, we won't have multiple personalities."

"So I will get to live in a new world as a different yet the same person?" Rasoul asked.

"Yes. We will become one," the figure replied.

"Alright, Clay, let's do it. But so that you know, our name will now be 'Rasoul Cole.' Let's get it done fast so I can get my revenge on that bitch Celina and her minions.

[The 4th Wall: Shoutout J. Cole]

"You needn't tell me that; I already have a plan in... Clay said but Rasoul embraced him before could finish his sentence. Simultaneously, a speck of light flew and merged with them. At that moment, Rasoul and Clay witnessed a message—or, more precisely, the being formed from their fusion that would come to be known in Venera and beyond, as Rasoul Cole saw.

[Fusion starting... Transporting... Destination: Venera]

[Countdown: 5... 4... 3... 2... 1]

[Transporting...]

'What in the world...'"