[Your account balance in bank account ending in 4216 is: $6,863,572]
Staring at the series of numbers in his bank account.
Joseph let out an audible gasp.
Wow... So, I am already this rich?
Joseph still couldn't believe that the scene unfolding in front of him was a part of reality. 
Just a day ago, he defeated Kristian and the alliance of the three guilds and acquired a lot of loot.
Of course, he hadn't sold those items yet, but he directly converted the gold coins that he received from the King's Trial into real-life money.
But why?
Well, the reason sounded quite silly.
It was because Joseph just wanted to see a series of numbers that were more than five digits in his bank account.
He could still remember the scene when he got that prize money from the Festival of Battles.
But that sensation didn't last back then.
After all, he had to use that money as soon as possible to pay off his debt. 
He didn't have enough time to savor how rich he had become back then.
But now?
Now that Joseph was technically debt-free. He had all the time in the world to savor his money.
And that was what he planned on doing!
It's been six years since I upgraded this PC rig. I'll be sure to fetch the latest GPU and CPU available right now in the market. I'll also get that PS30 that I've been wanting to get since three years ago. It's time to scratch this itch!
Joseph's eyes blazed with excitement.
He couldn't wait to squander a part of his money, so he could feel like a rich tycoon.
A silly smile appeared on Joseph's face. He spent such a long time being poor that the feeling of having money made him feel as if he was a thirsty man who had just discovered an oasis in the middle of a desert. The sensation was exhilarating, yet at the same time, indescribable. 
Joseph walked over to his cabinet and opened it. Inside were expensive branded clothes that his parents brought for him several years ago.
Joseph spent a long time being poor, he didn't have the heart to wear these clothes since that tragedy since he was afraid to be branded as a pretentious bastard that wore imitations of expensive brands to satisfy his ego.
But now that he had the money... He now deserved to wear these luxurious clothes.
A smile of satisfaction appeared on Joseph's face.
He proceeded to take a shower and return to his room. 
He then took out those expensive clothes from his cabinet, yet a bitter smile appeared on his face when...
He discovered that none of theses clothes could fit him anymore.
Mama, Papa... Your son grew so fast... I only wore these clothes a few times in the past. Now, they don't fit me anymore.
Joseph shook his head, sorrow briefly flashed across his face but it was quickly replaced with determination.
I'll go and buy these clothes again! Then, I'll visit the two of you, Mama, Papa...
He stood up and after dressing himself modestly. He then proceeded to walk towards the door, but at this moment.
A mechanical voice rang out. It came from Yawa, his Artificial Intelligence Assistant. 
"Do not disturb; disabled."
"You've got mail!" 
Joseph quickly turned around and uttered with a frown, "I've got mail? What is it? A spam mail? The filter that I made should've been able to stop those things from reaching me. Just how did those bastards bypass it?"
 He approached the Gaming Capsule and pressed the button on activating Do Not Disturb Mode.
Afterwards, he walked towards his personal computer and opened his email.
The email that he received came from P.H Works.
[Greetings, Joseph!]
This was the opening greeting of the email.
[We've seen how you fought against the elite members of the three guilds. We were amazed by your ingenuity in combining both Unique Skills to defeat Kristian, the Absolute Monarch...] 
[We are hereby inviting you to our headquarters here in the Capital City of Pilipinas, Lanilas. You should've received a 3D Printable Access Keycard.]
[We hope for a positive response. Please place our request as your priority since we have to do some tests on you to make sure that you are not experiencing any negative effects from participating and staying within the world of the King's Trial for no less than thirty years.]
[We hope that you understand the severity of our request.]
[Please rest assured, P.H Works will do everything in its power to make you as comfortable as possible. With this responsibility in mind, we worked together with the Heritage Hotel Lanilas and we will be giving you free accommodation as well as plane ticket reimbursement.]
[We are looking forward to your visit.]
[Sincerely yours, Elizabeth.]
Joseph couldn't help but lightly chuckle when he saw the contents of the message.
Dang... They even included a small advertisement in this email. But wait... How did they know that I combined Bolster and Stagnate to create Death's Reversal in order to defeat Kristian? Could it be that they were watching that fight yesterday? 
Joseph fell into deep contemplation. He then decided that there was no way for P.H Works to know what happened yesterday if they weren't watching everything the whole time.
 But what was wrong with watching? 
They didn't really do anything that's detrimental to me, they were just watching.
But Death's Reversal, I hope they won't publicize the details of that skill.
[Death's Reversal] created by combining Unique Skill: Bolster and Unique Skill: Stagnate. 
It lasts for half a minute and swaps everything that the enemy has to the user. Including, but not limited to, the enemy's four main stats, health bars, mana bars, and class. The user can also appoint an ally as the target for Death's Reversal.
Joseph proceeded to shake his head. It was impossible for P.H Works to publicize private information about a user. If they did such a thing, then they would their credibility and several millions of lawsuit cases would follow.
Although I admit that it somehow creeps me out, knowing that they were observing me. What if they observed me at a particularly inappropriate time...
Say, I'm getting somewhat sweaty with Alice...? 
Joseph suddenly gulped a mouthful of saliva. Beaded sweat appeared on his forehead.
I must tell them that they must not observe my actions anymore! If they refuse to do so, then I'll report them to the Games and Entertainment Association of Pilipinas! 
Joseph secretly made some plans, so he could stop P.H Works from observing him in the dark.
Afterwards, he then proceeded to print the Access Keycard that he received a week ago. 
Carrying the Access Keycard, he was about to leave his door when suddenly...
His smartphone rang.
It was a message.
It came from Lily Aguinaldo.
[Joseph! I hope you didn't forget the promise that we made last week, all right? We are going out today! Where are we going to meet up? How about I just go to your house and fetch you from there?]
Joseph bitterly smiled, Just when did I promise her something? Wait, a message?
A frown quickly appeared on his face and when he scrolled back to see Lily's earlier unread message...
He almost coughed a mouthful of blood.
The message was sent when he had just entered the King's Trial!
Indeed, it has been a week since then.
So, does that mean that I must meet her today?
But I planned on going to Lanilas!
Joseph scratched his head, unsure of how he should proceed.
I'll just tell her honestly that I'm not available today.
After a few minutes of thinking, Joseph finally reached a conclusion that he was agreeable upon.
He opened up his smartphone's messaging app and replied to Lily's message.
[I would like to meet up with you and catch up after a long time but I have something to do. I'll be going to Lanilas. I'm sorry, but I have to refuse your invitation. How about we go and meet up next time? I'll make sure to clear my schedule by then.]
Joseph reviewed his message for quite a long time before finally sending it. 
He sighed in relief and placed his phone back on the desk.
But he didn't expect that Lily's reply would come so fast.
The fuck? Am I talking to a computer bot?
Joseph inwardly thought.
He opened the message and it read.
[Really? But I'm already here! I just arrived. Open the doors, please...]
What? She's already here? Dang, I don't think that I can deceive my way out of being with her today!
Joseph walked downstairs and opened the doors.
"Yo! What's up?"
There, Lily was standing with this wide smile on her face.
Her light, chestnut-colored hair fluttered with the wind. Her black, one-piece dress perfectly accentuated her figure and made her look even more alluring.
Without waiting for Joseph's answer... 
She took a step forward and entered the mansion.
She swept her gaze across the room and after discovering that nothing had changed. A slight frown appeared on her face, but it disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Joseph didn't discover her displeasure as he stood there, looking at her with an awkward smile on his face.
"What's wrong? Are you not going to invite me in?"
"O-Of course... I will. Come here, take a seat. Just treat this place as your home, all right?" Joseph gestured for her to take a seat on the couch and Lily obeyed his instructions.
Joseph fetched some bottled drinks from the refrigerator and placed it on the table.
But Lily didn't seem to care for the beverages as she smiled and asked: "I really didn't expect that you weren't lying to me back then. You really had a Mythical Class! That's awesome! How did you get it?" Lily's eyes gleamed with curiosity as well as excitement.
Methods on acquiring hidden classes may be unique, but knowing the acquisition conditions was enough. Lily could then sell that information to the public and she reckoned that she would be able to fetch a sizeable sum if she sold some information regarding Joseph's class.
However, she didn't expect that Joseph would actually avoid the topic.
"I don't know... You won't believe me if I told you. But anyway, I really don't have time to accompany you today. I'm planning on getting a ticket to fly there to Lanilas. How about we just continue this next time?"
Lily frowned when she heard his words, "Joseph... Why are you treating me as a stranger? Aren't we friends? As friends, I'm willing to be with you wherever you might go. I'll accompany you, okay? You want to go to Lanilas today, right? Then, I'll book my own tickets and go there with you..."
"By the way, why are you going to Lanilas?"
Joseph was astonished by her words but he didn't argue anymore: "I'll be there to answer P.H Works's invitation. It seems that they are planning on running some tests on me to make sure that I'm okay."
"Wow! The P.H Works personally invited you to visit their headquarters! That's awesome! Now, that makes me want to go there with you even more! Can you ask them if you can bring a friend? We need to make sure that I'm allowed to go there first since it would be quite embarrassing if I was stopped by the guards." 
"Yeah, that makes sense." Joseph nodded his head and contacted Elizabeth.
Elizabeth's reply came fast. 
"It's okay! I can bring you with me, but she says that you must sign a contract first before going in." 
"A non-disclosure contract? It's fine. In fact, just going there alone is already such an honor."
Lily inwardly sneered, a non-disclosure contract? She had her own methods that she could use so that she wouldn't get caught violating such a contract. Making her sign such a thing was basically useless with the methods that she had in her sleeves.
"Okay."
The two then proceeded to book the flight tickets to Lanilas.
But while they were on their way to the airport, Lily suddenly exclaimed.
"Ah!"
"What's wrong?! Damn, you scared me. Don't just shout like that."
"No, I'm sorry... I just realized that the clothes you're wearing aren't really appropriate."
Joseph narrowed his eyes, what was she talking about? These clothes may be old, but they're still usable. Aren't clothes supposed to be worn? And I am just going there to visit, not walk on the runway!
Nevertheless, he still asked her a question: "What do you mean?"
Lily puffed her cheeks and it made her look quite cute.
"You don't understand what I'm talking about? Look at these clothes of yours! The whites are about to become yellows! These must be changed! Let's go to a department store right now. I'll help you pick clothes that will transform you into a handsome tycoon!" 
"Just leave it to me!" Lily crossed her arms in front of her chest and proudly declared.
Joseph was taken aback by what she said, but when he heard the words, "handsome tycoon". 
A gleam of anticipation appeared in his eyes as he said.
"Okay, I'll take you up on that offer!"


Disclaimer: This novel is inspired by other great works such as SCOG, OG, DE, and all other works that the author admires and reads on a daily basis 

Left alone, scarred and swimming with debt after his parents' death. Our protagonist, Joseph is now on the quest of erasing his debt along with keeping himself afloat without being homeless…

Left without other choices, he turned to the world of Victory for solace only to find out that everything wasn't so simple like he expected. Even after two months of complete dedication to the game. He hasn't achieved any of his goals at all…

But fortunately, lady luck soon blessed his hopeless life… He managed on erasing his debt, angering the gods living above the heavens and even acquiring a Mythical Class! But Joseph is a young man left with scars due to his past. Can he even become someone suitable for the grandeur of a Mythical Class? The Sun that Overlooks Everything?

"Aye wait bro, don't attack ye- Sike! You thought!" 

"Alice, I really love it that you keep yourself feminine for the sake of your Swordsmanship. But can you not wear skirts while we're practicing? I can basically see what's underneath." 

"Abyssal Flame Master, why do you remind me of the alter-ego that I sealed a long time ago back when I was in middle school?"

Fueled with the determination of being the strongest. Joseph, along with the comrades that he gathered on his journey shall crush those that dare stand before their path. 

But why? 

Because he's the Grand Duelist, destined to be at the top of everything.

Artwork: This is a collaboration between me and the Connoisseur of the Dao of Sticc, Truedawn. We spent countless nights depicting the awesomeness of the MC through the Dao of the Sticc, I hope it is appreciated.

MAAGANG dumating si Sia sa branch ng bookstore kung saan nakatakdang maganap ang kanyang first ever solo book signing. Iyon ang unang pagkakataon na magpapakita siya sa mga readers. Sa loob ng halos limang taong pagsusulat, ngayon lang siya makiki-mingle sa madla. Sociable naman si Sia sa mga readers sa social media, pero hindi sa personal. Hindi kasi siya mahilig lumabas ng lungga dahil kina-career niya ang pagiging full-time writer ng Black & Gold Publishing.
Matapos ang mahabang panahon ng pagtatago sa lungga, napilitan na si Sia na magpakita sa mga readers. Nahahabag na siya sa admin ng SNS accounts ng BGP, kulang na lang sumabog iyon sa dami ng notifications mula sa mga readers na nagre-request ng isang book signing event.
Sinalubong kaagad si Sia ng staff pagdating niya sa bookstore. Iginiya siya nito sa bahaging inilaan talaga para sa kanya. Malawak ang kabuuan ng lugar kaya hindi siya makakaabala sa mga mamimili kung sakali.
"Ma'am, magsisimula na po ba ang book signing ni Miss Cresia?" tanong ng staff na si Jessie sa kasama niya.
"Hindi pa naman, one pm pa ang simula ng book signing niya," tugon dito ni Caroline, ito ang nag-aasikaso ng mga book signing at iba pang mga events ng BGP.
Napabuga ng hangin ang staff at nagkukumahog na kinuha ang mga librong isinulat niya para ihilera sa display window ng bookstore.
"Pasensiya na, ha… kaka-time in ko pa lang kasi. Akala ko naman naayos noong pang-morning shift," hingi nito ng paumanhin.
"Pasensiya na ri kung medyo napaaga kami," ani Sia.
Nilingon siya ng staff na binigyan lang niya ng nag-aalangang ngiti.
"Parang pamilyar ka sa akin, Miss Cresia." Nilapitan siya ni Jessie nang matapos ito sa ginagawa. Titig na titig ito sa kanya.
Malamang nga na maging pamilyar si Sia sa staff dahil doon siya madalas bumibili ng libro sa branch na iyon, tumatambay pa nga siya roon kung minsan at kapag ganoon tinutulungan niya itong mag-ayos ng mga libro sa shelf kapag may delivery. Hindi siya nagpapakilala kay Jessie na siya ang writer na si Cresia. Nagpakilala siya rito bilang si Sia, isang book lover.
Sa tuwing maliligaw siya roon mukha siyang ewan, may suot na eyeglasses na ubod ng laki ang lenses at nakataas ang buhok sa isang magulong pusod. Kaya siguro hindi siya nakilala nito ngayon sa ayos niya dahil nagmukhang tao na siya na nalalaman kung ano ang sibilisasyon.
Kinusot ni Sia ang ilong at hinawi ang bangs niyang kahapon lang umeksena para itago ang malapad niyang noo.
"Masyado kasing ordinaryo `tong pagmumukha ko, kaya siguro ang dami kong kamukha. Nakakatakot naman `yon…" biro niya.
"Naalala ko tuloy iyong novel mong A Doppleganger's Love." Malapad ang naging ngiti ni Jessie.
"Nagbabasa ka pala ng mga gawa ko?"
Nire-require ng publisher nila na magbasa ang mga staff kapag may libreng oras nang sa ganoon ay maayos na mai-endorse sa mga customer ang mga libro.
"Yes, Miss Cresia, reader mo ako! Sayang nga lang hindi ko nadala ang mga kopya ko ng libro mo dahil hiniram ng kapatid ko at dinala sa dorm niya..."
"Kumuha ka na lang ng mga bagong kopya at pipirmahan ko. Ako na lang ang magbabayad," nakangiting sabi ni Sia.
"Aba! Nakakahiya naman," tugon ni Jessie.
"Okay lang `yon, basta ba sa susunod na tinulungan kitang mag-ayos dito ililibre mo ako ng milk shake." She winked at her.
Noon niya nakitaan ng rekognisyon ang mukha nito. "Lucresia?"
"Ako nga…"
Narinig niyang tumawa si Caroline.
Mabilis ang naging paglipas ng mga minuto, hindi nagtagal nagsimula na ang book signing event.
Malapad ang ngiti ni Sia habang nakaupo sa likod ng mesa at pumipirma. Bawat first page ay sinusulatan niya ng pasasalamat, kung minsan ay personal na message lalo na kung ka-closena niya ang nagpapapirma dahil madalas na ka-chat o kapalitan ng comment sa SNS.
"Miss Cresia, kung hindi mo mamasamain saan ka po nakatira?" tanong ng teenager niyang reader na nakilala niyang si Eunice ayon sa nakasulat sa name tag nito.
"Sa tabi-tabi lang," tatawa-tawang sagot niya habang pumipirma. "Biro lang, sa Sitio La Playa ako nakatira. Alam mo ba kung saan iyon?"
Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Eunice. "Nah! Doon din po ako nakatira! Saan pong banda ang bahay n'yo?"
"Malapit sa boundary, secret lang natin ang tungkol doon, ha." Isinara ni Sia ang libro at nakangiting iniabot iyon sa dalaga. "Maraming salamat sa pagpunta."
Tuwang-tuwa ito nang damputin ang librong pinirmahan niya. Nag-request pa si Eunice na magpa-picture sila na pinaunlakan naman niya.
Nagpatuloy ang book signing. Nakipagkuwentuhan siya sa mga readers at nagpakuha sila ng pictures. Sa sobrang enjoyment, hindi na nila namalayan ang paglakad ng sandali. Gabi na nang tuluyang maubos ang mga readers na nagpapapirma kay Sia.
Nag-inat siya nang makalabas ng bookstore ang huling batch ng readers.
"Nakakapagod, ano?" tanong Caroline nang ibaba nito ang isang supot na may logo ng paborito niyang fast-food restaurant. "Kumain ka muna. Nalipasan ka na ng gutom."
"Kayo ba?" alok niya sa mga ito, isa-isa niyang inilabas ang laman ng supot. "Sabayan n'yo ako."
"Sige lang, kanina habang busy ka nagnakaw na kami ng sandali para kumain. Wala, ginutom talaga kami."
Sia leaned back against her seat.
"Ganito pala ang feeling kapag pumipirma sa sariling libro… Nakakapagod, nakakangawit, pero ang saya ng pakiramdam na nakakapagbigay ka rin ng saya sa ibang tao. Dati ang akala ko sapat na `yong nakakapagsulat ako ng mga kuwento na nakakapagbigay ng kasiyahan sa readers ko. Iyon pala hindi mo lang sila basta readers, puwede mo rin pala silang maging kaibigan o kapamilya..."
Nginitian siya ni Caroline. "Natutuwa ako na marinig ang mga salitang iyan mula sa `yo. Ibig sabihin ba niyan may kasunod ang book signing mong ito?"
"Baka naman puwedeng magpahinga muna at mag-ipon ng lakas?" nanunulis ang ngusong sabi niya.
"Siyempre naman…" Nag-thumbs up ito.
Isusubo na sana ni Sia ang hotdog sandwich nang mapukaw ang pansin niya ng lalaking nakatayo sa labas ng bookstore. Nakatitig ito sa mga librong naka-display—sa mga libro niya. The man was tall and lithe with chinky eyes. Clean cut ang gupit nito na nagbigay ng maaliwalas na awra. The shape of his lips and that arrogantly inclined nose compliments the man's handsome face. Kumibot lang ng kaunti ang mga labi nito ay lumabas na kaagad ang dimples sa magkabilang pisngi. Kung hindi nga lang ito gumagalaw aakalain niyang isa itong standee ng modelong tinubuan ng buhay at naglakad para makarating sa harap ng bookstore.  Hindi tuloy naiwasan ni Sia ang pagpantasyahan ang lalaki. Maaari itong maging visual ng hero sa isang nobela. 
Kaagad din namang naputol ang pantasyang iyon nang gumapang ang pamilyar na pakiramdam sa kanyang tiyan. Animo may nagliliparang mga paru-paro sa loob noon, idagdag pa ang mabilis na pagtibok na piso niyang daig pa ang tinatambol. Biglang nanlaki ang mga mata ni Sia, isang tao lang ang nakakapagparamdam sa kanya ng ganoon.
Mabilis siyang nagtago sa ilalim ng mesa nang makitang papasok ang lalaki.
"Hoy, Cresia!" tawag sa kanya ni Caroline. "Ano'ng ginagawa mo diyan?"
Kinurot niya ito sa binti na ikinaigik nito.
"`Wag kang maingay! Basta kapag hinanap ako niyang lalaki sabihin mo nilamon na ng lupa!"
Hindi man nakikita ni Sia ang hitsura nito nasisiguro niyang iniisip ni Caroline nawawala na siya sa katinuan.
Bahagya niyang itinaas ang table cloth para makita kahit ang mga paa man lang ng lalaki. Napasinghap na lang si Sia nang makita ang pares ng sneakers ilang pulgada lang ang layo sa mesa.
"Hi," anang baritonong tinig nang lalaki.
Naisubo na lang ni Sia ang natitirang hotdog sandwich para hindi kumawala ang kahit na anong ingay mula sa kanyang bibig.

PAPAUWI na sana si Ruen nang maisipan niyang dumaan sa mall dahil nakita niya sa Facebook page ng Black & Gold Publishing na may book signing event ang writer na si Cresia sa branch ng bookstore sa mall malapit sa kanila. Gabi na pero nagbakasakali pa rin siya dahil ang huling post noong mga bandang seven pm ay on-going pa rin ang book signing. Gusto niyang makilala sa personal ang manunulat. Bukod sa pagiging avid reader ng mga gothic at mystery novels nito, siya rin ang gumawa ng ilan sa mga book covers ni Cresia. Isang chef si Ruen, pero hobby niya ang mag-edit ng pictures bilang pantanggal stress na rin. Kaya naman noong makita niya ang post ni Cresia na naghahanap ito ng gagawa ng book covers para sa ginagawang series, kaagad siyang nagpresinta. Iyon ang una at huli nilang interaction. Madalas siyang nagkokomento sa mga post nito, ngunit walang tugon si Cresia kundi ang pag-like lang nito sa mga komento niya. Sa iba-iba, mawawalan na ng gana kung ganoon ang iniidolong manunulat. Sasabihin ay snob o di kaya naman ay pa-famous na. Pero iba si Ruen… May kung anong puwersa ang nagtutulak sa kanya para patuloy na bumili at magbasa ng mga akda ni Cresia. Reading her novels made him feel that they were connected despite being strangers.
Iilang tao na lang ang inabutan ni Ruen nang dumating siya: isang nakauniporme na madaling matutukoy na ang staff ng bookstore, dalawang lalaking nagliligpit ng mga tarpaulins, at isang babaeng nakaupo sa likod ng mesa na marahil ay si Cresia.
Sa totoo lang ni hindi niya alam kung ano ang hitsura ng paboritong manunulat. Hindi nagpapakita ng mukha si Cresia sa mga pictures na ina-upload nito sa SNS. Magpakita man ito ng mukha may takip na mask iyon. Kapag may nagtatanong kung bakit ayaw nitong ipakita ang mukha, ang palaging sinasabi ni Cresia ay pre-cautionary measure iyon. May stalker kaya ito o pinagtataguan?
"Hi," ni Ruen.
"Hello," ganting bati naman nito.
"Tapos na ba ang book signing?"
"Ah, naku… oo, tapos na kanina pa. Nag-overtime nga kami sa dami ng mga dumating para magpa-sign ng mga books nila," magalang nitong tugon.
"Baka naman puwede pang humabol, kahit isang book lang?" pakiusap niya. "You're Cresia, right?"
"Na—" Bigla itong napangiwi at mayamaya pa ay para itong maiiyak. "S-sige…"
 "Salamat," aniya sa kabila ng pagtataka sa naging reaksiyon ng dalaga.
Kumuha si Ruen ng new release novel ni Cresia at binayaran iyon sa counter bago binalikan ang dalaga para papirmahan iyon.
"Okay ka lang ba, Cresia? Bakit parang iiyak ka na?" tanong niya nang makabalik na sa harap ng mesa.
"O-okay lang ako… naiiyak talaga `ko kapag masyadong nao-overwhelm." Nanginginig ang kamay nitong pinirmahan ang first page. "A-ano nga ang pangalan mo?"
"Ruen Dale DelaCourte." Kumunot ang noo niya. "Hindi mo ba ako nakikilala?"
"Ah… ano kasi…" Napakislot ito. "Aray ko!"
"Okay ka lang?" nag-aalalang tanong niya.
Yumuko si Cresia, may kung anong ginalaw sa ilalim ng mesa. "O-okay lang ako. Kanina kasi may nahulog na pagkain sa ilalim ng mesa nilanggam na kaya nakagat ako."
Tumango-tango na lang siya. Nawi-weird-uhan si Ruen sa inaakto nito, pero siguro ay naturalesa na nito iyon. Kasabihan na na may 'saltik' sa utak ang mga writers.
Kaagad nitong ibinalik ang libro matapos pirmahan iyon.
"Cresia, hindi mo ba talaga ako nakikilala?" Medyo hindi matanggap ni Ruen na hindi man lang siya nakikilala ng dalaga.
Poker-faced lang ito.
"Avid reader mo ako. Ako ang gumawa ng book covers ng Blue Moon series mo kung nakalimutan mo na." Binigyan niya ng emphasis ang huling apat salita.
"Oh… it's you! Ha-ha-ha! I'm sorry, pagod na ang utak ko." Alanganing nginitian siya ng dalaga. "Thank you so much for your hardwork!"
"May pangako ka sa `kin na kapag nagpapirma ako sa iyo ng libro bibigyan mo ako ng bonus na kiss dahil iginawa kita ng book covers." Pinanlakihan ito ng mga mata. "Pero okay lang, hindi pa kita sisingilin ngayon."
Nakangiting dinampot ni Ruen ang libro at naglakad na palabas ng bookstore. Hindi pa man siya ganap na nakakalabas nahagip na ng mga tainga niya ang pagpalatak ni Cresia at ng kung sino. Hindi na siya nag-abala pang lumingon.

"KAILANGAN mo ba talagang panggigilan ang binti ko?" reklamo ni Caroline nang lumabas siya mula sa ilalim ng mesa.
Pinunasan ni Sia ng tissue paper ang mga labi niyang nakulapulan ng ketsup at mayonaise dahil sa walang habas na paglantak niya ng hotdog sandwich sa ilalim ng mesa.
"Patawarin mo ako at mahigpit lang ang pangangailangan ko," aniya.
"Reader mo pala ang lalaking `yon, bakit mo pinagtaguan?" nakahalukipkip na tanong ni Caroline. "May promise ka pa raw kiss sa kanya. Hirap naman sa `yo papangakuan mo ng gano'n hindi mo naman pala kayang ibigay!"
"Siyempre joke lang naman `yong sa akin, malay kong seseryosohin ng mokong na `yon." Nag-ayos na siya.
Oo, totoong ipinaggawa siya ng book covers ni Ruen. Pinipilit niya itong bayaran pero ayaw naman nitong pumayag. Hindi siya sanay na may utang na loob sa binata simula pa noon kaya hindi siya mapakali na wala siyang maibabalik dito. Kaya dala ng pagiging lukaret ni Sia, nasabi niya noon sa binata na kiss na lang ang magiging kapalit ng mga book covers na iyon. She was not flirting back then. Hindi niya naman akalain na seseryosohin nga iyon ni Ruen.
Matagal nang alam ni Sia na reader niya si Ruen. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit ayaw niyang makilala nito kung sino ang tunay na tao sa likod ng pen name na 'Cresia', sa ganoon lang niya nararamdaman na may halaga siya sa binata…
High school pa lang si Sia noong magkagusto siya kay Ruen. Marami ang nagsasabing puppy love lang daw iyon at hindi magtatagal ay mawawala na rin, pero hindi nagkaganoon. Her feelings grew deeper. Minahal niya si Ruen sa isang hindi maipaliwanag na dahilan. Napakahirap bigyan ng paliwanag. Idagdag pa na napakakomplikado ng kanilang kuwento, kung isusulat iyon ni Sia baka abutin siya ng forever hindi pa rin niya nabibigayan ng ending. Walang katapusan ang pagmamahal niya para sa binata, hindi iyon mauubos…
"Uuwi na ako, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Bye-bye!" paalam ni Sia sa mga kasama at hindi lumilingong lumabas.
Hindi niya naiwasang mapabuga ng hangin nang tuluyang makalabas ng bookstore.
Dumaan muna si Sia sa restroom para ilabas ang kanina pang kinikimkim ng pantog niya. Ilang beses niyang d-in-eadma ang 'call of nature' kanina, at ngayon ay nagbabalik dala marahil ng tensiyon nang makita niya si Ruen.
Hindi naman sa mukhang arinola si Ruen… Ano lang kasi… Ay, ewan!
Ipinilig na lang niya ang ulo. Hindi na niya dapat pinagkakaisipan pa ang bagay na iyon dahil sasabog na ang kanyang pantog.
Mabuti na lang at may isa pang bakanteng cubicle kaya nailabas kaagad niya ang matagal na kinikimkim. Ilang sandali pa siyang nanatiling nakaupo sa toilet seat kahit na tapos na ang pag-ihi, ninanamnam ang maginhawang pakiramdam. Tahimik na tahimik sa loob na para bang siya lang ang tao kaya hindi naiwasan ni Sia ang magulat nang makarinig ng pag-flush sa katabing cubicle. Nagkukumahog tuloy siyang tumayo at nag-ayos ng sarili. Biglang umatake ang pagiging matatakutin niya lalo na nang maalalang minsan siyang nabiktima ng multo sa loob ng restroom ng unibersidad na pinasukan noong kolehiyo.
Pagbukas ni Sia ng pinto, eksaktong bumukas din ang mga pinto ng cubicle sa hilerang iyon at lumabas ang mga babaeng halos kasabay niyang naglakad palapit sa sink. Biglang binasag ng tilian ang katahimikan nang magtama ang kanilang mga mata sa salamin.
 "Mga Tets!" they said in unison.
"Sia!"
"Pau!"
"Genel!"
"Mela!"
"Abby!"
Naghalu-halo ang mga boses nila sa loob ng restroom, kagaya noon walang pakialam kahit pa pagtinginan sila ng mga taong noon ay kakapasok lang.
After high school graduation nagkahiwa-hiwalay sila noong magkolehiyo. They remained connected through SNS pero hindi na uli nakakita ng pagkakataon na magkasama-sama dahil ang bawat isa ay naging busy na rin sa kanya-kanyang career kalaunan. Hindi akalain ni Sia na ang pagdedesisyon niyang lumabas sa kuweba nang araw na iyon ang magiging daan din para muli niyang makita ang mga kaibigan. Hindi niya inaasahan na makikita si Ruen at ang mga ito. Napaka-nostalgic tuloy ng pakiramdam niya nang sandaling iyon.
"Ay, ang OA n'yo ni Mela, Sia!" ani Pau na may kasamang hampas sa braso niya. "Para namang milya ang layo ng mga bahay n'yo."
Magkalapit lang ang lugar nila ni Mela, pero dahil busy nga ito at siya naman ay once in a blue moon lang kung lumabas, bihira pa sa patak ng ulan sa desyerto kung magkita silang dalawa.
"May pupuntahan pa ba kayo? Kung wala na kumain tayo, my treat!" yaya niya sa mga ito.
"Sure," halos magkakasabay na tugon ng apat.
"Let me touch up, okay?" sabi ni Genel na nag-umpisa na sa pagpapahid sa mukha ng pressed powder.
Inilabas naman ni Sia ang lipstick at sinabayan ito sa pag-aayos.
"Ang ganda ng kulay ng lipstick mo, Tets." Nilingon niya si Abby na katabi lang niya. "Pa-try ako, puwede?"
Iniabot niya rito ang lipstick matapos gamitin. Pagkatapos magpahid ni Abby hiniram din iyon ni Genel, hanggang sa maipasa na kina Pau at Mela. Lumabas sila na iisa ang kulay ng mga labi nila.
"Ganito rin tayo noon…" natatawang saad ni Abby habang naglalakad sila papunta sa restaurant na napili nilang kainan.
"Hindi ko nga akalain na magagawa uli natin ang ganito ngayon," segunda ni Pau. "Alam n'yo na kung ano ang ibig kong sabihin…"
"We know right!" ani Genel na itinaas ang monopad. "Compress tayo dali, pang post din ito sa Instagram!"
"Wala akong account sa Instagram," ani Sia.
"Don't worry, connected naman ang Instagram account ko sa Facebook kaya makikita mo ito. Pero mas okay kung gagawa ka ng account sa Instagram."
Nag-wacky face si Sia bago kumislap ang flash ng cellphone ni Genel. Pinagpasa-pasahan naman kaagad nila ang cellphone para tingnan ang kuha.
"Tingnan n'yo, may epal pa nga naman sa likod."
"Patingin nga." Kinuha ni Pau ang cellphone mula kay Abby. "Meron nga."
"Mga engot, nasa mall tayo malamang may taong mahagip sa likod natin." Binawi ni Genel ang cellphone nito. "Okay lang pogi naman."
Lumingon si Sia sa likuran nila, maraming tao ang naroon. Hindi mahagip ng mala-CCTV niyang mga mata ang sinasabing pogi ni Genel na nahagip ng camera.
"Si Sia basta usapang pogi gala ang mga mata, grabe talaga!" Siniko siya ni Abby.
"Mahilig ako sa pogi dahil sila ang kabuhayan ko," depensa niya.
"O, tingnan mo na lang dito." Ibinigay sa kanya ni Genel ang cellphone.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Sia nang makita kung sino ang poging nahagip ng camera. "What the—seriously?"
"Bakit?" magkakasabay na tanong ng mga ito.
"It's Ruen!"
Nagpalinga-linga siya pero wala na roon kahit anino ng binata.
Pinag-agawan ng mga ito ang cellphone.
"Shit, seryoso si Ruen ito?"
"Ang pogi, jusmiyo!"
"Pumayat siya, dati ang chubby niya."
"Bakit hindi man lang niya tayo naisipang batiin? Ay, baka hindi niya alam na tayo ito, ano?"
"Sia, affected ka pa?" sabay-sabay na tanong ng mga ito.
Hindi siya sumagot, bagkos ay binilisan niya ang lakad.
"Hintayin mo naman kami, Tets!" sigaw ng mga ito.

High school classmates at best buddies sina Genel, Mela, Sia, Abby at Pau. Tinawag ang kanilang grupo na T.G. (Takas Girls) dahil sa nakakatuwang hobby nila noon na tumakas sa klase. Pagkatapos ng graduation nagkahiwa-hiwalay ang lima at muling nagkita-kita after college. Sa muling pagkabuo nila nananatiling palatakas pa rin ang magkakaibigan. Pero ngayon ay hindi na sa klase kundi sa malupit na tadhana na. Nakatagpo sila ng pag-ibig ngunit tinakbuhan nila iyon, pinagtaguan, tinakasan.

"THERE'S SO MANY people out and about town!" Alice gasped, turning her head to follow a little boy that was holding onto a candied apple that had rushed past her.

"Yes," Wyatt beamed, his eyes pressed closed due to his smile, crinkling at the corners. "It's always rather busy in the capital of Gladiolum." 

A day after the ball, Wyatt had suggested bringing Alice around the town square to soak in the sights. He personally had to do a little shopping and thought that it would be a wonderful chance for Alice to grow more familiar with the capital. She had been living with the Ragans for nearly two weeks and yet she had barely even stepped out of the mansion's walls. It was best for young ladies to enjoy their time around town with friends. Being constantly cooped up in the study room with Charlie wasn't exactly an ideal situation in Wyatt's opinion. Of course, not that Alice had ever complained.

Strolling through the cobbled streets, Wyatt pointed out some of his personal favorite shops along the way. They passed by boutiques selling beautiful ball gowns, stores selling sparkling jewels, and even quaint little cafes that wafted out the sugary sweet scent of freshly baked pastries. However, while Alice acted as though she was very interested in those, he could tell that was all it was. An act. She simply smiled and nodded to Wyatt's words, not once asking to step into any of those stores like he had expected. Yet again she had him colored surprised.

Just the thought brought a curving smile onto his lips. The girl that his family had chanced upon was most certainly different from the rest of the girls in the capital. She stood out in such a way that there wasn't any spare place for the others to shine. She was the lone star now, a happy and proud resident of the Ragan household. While still suspicious of her origins, Wyatt couldn't help but admit to himself that he was growing fond of Alice Clemente.

"Are you not interested in any of the shops I pointed out?" He prodded. "Those are all famous names here in the capital."

"Oh!" Alice exclaimed. Wyatt watched with his practiced smile as the girl's eyes widened delightfully, eyelashes fluttering like a pair of butterfly wings under the golden sunlight. Her lips parted just a little in surprise before she quickly gathered back her wits, shaking her head politely. "They are all wonderful shops. I just… I don't have any money to buy all those things. Looking through the store window is more than enough."

For years Wyatt had worn the same smile on his face. It was his perfectly crafted mask made to shield his true emotions from the rest of the nobles. No matter what he felt inside, a smile was always the answer to dealing with those that had to be schemed against. However, every time Alice spoke or made one of her silly little expressions, he found his smiles to turn true as day.

"Let us go into that one, then." Wyatt pointed to a little bookshop down the street, a corner store with a gleaming bronze sign. "There are some things I wish to purchase."

Alice nodded. "Alright," she said.

Although her expression remained as still as possible, Wyatt still caught the slight twitch of her lips. The sparkles in her eyes practically screamed of her excitement. She couldn't fool anyone. Even the blind could tell that she was particularly eager to enter the bookshop. 

The little bell that hung above the door rang when Wyatt entered the shop. Inside, there were no other customers, simply a store clerk that had a book in hand. A pair of round spectacles rested on his crooked nose bridge, his eyes scanning the words at an immense speed before he licked his finger and flipped to the next page. At the call of the bell, the clerk looked up from his book, squinting at the door before rising to his feet. The book was placed pages-down onto the counter, a smile upon his lips.

"Master Wyatt!" The old clerk greeted enthusiastically. "I was wondering when you'll be visiting next. The books you ordered two weeks back are finally here." 

"Greetings," Wyatt replied fairly. "And thank you so much for your help with those. It's nearly impossible to find them anywhere else."

The old man waved, his cheeks reddening just a little. "It's no problem. Let me go get them for you." Shuffling towards the back of the shop, the clerk disappeared behind a dividing curtain.

"Do you come here often?" Alice asked, looking around the small bookstore with great interest. At random, she pulled out one of the books from the shelves, her fingers tracing the title of the book on the cover, feeling the indented words on the hard leather.

'History of Gladiolum. Volume III,' it read. Alice had seen a similar history book in Charlie's study room before. Making a mental note to briefly read through the contents of the book, she slotted the book back to its original position.

"Hmm, I wonder." Tapping a finger to his chin, Wyatt looked deep in thought. "I guess I do visit this store a little more than the average folk. They sell writing supplies as well as books and I run out of the former a little too often. Besides, this store is the only one in the capital that can procure rare and often out-of-print."

Walking a little further into the shop, Alice glanced through the assortment of reading materials offered. They had both fiction and non-fiction books in the store, leaning closer to non-fiction books. Most books were new copies, their covers still brightly colored while others were much older and encased in glass covers. Those books seemed old and tattered but the words were still in dark black ink, most likely having been re-written over so that it wouldn't be lost to time. 

The one that had caught Alice's attention was a purple leather-bound book that was almost as thick as a dictionary. The title of this book was written in bright, glittery gold in thick block letters. A small sign that indicated the price of the old tome was placed beside the book. Alice's eyes widened at the number of zeros, her head reeling back a little in surprise. She still wasn't sure about how the currency worked in Gladiolum but with so many zeros, the book was bound to be expensive no matter the exchange rate.

'The Theory of Magic. Volume I,' the title wrote.

"Are you interested in that one? Ooh, that's a pricey one." Wyatt's voice was right by Alice's ear, causing her to jump a little, her ears tingling from his breath. Stepping away, she held both hands to her chest, staring wide-eyed at Wyatt who looked as amused as ever.

"Just looking," she answered before firing back a question of her own. "How much is that book? I don't really know how the currency works here."

"See that symbol over there?" Wyatt gestured to the symbol behind the number as he spoke. "That's the symbol for our currency, 'fleuron'. That's the larger of the two units that we have in our country's currency. The smaller unit is known as a 'flois'. Ten flois equates to one fleuron. To give you an example of its value, five flois can buy you a piece of stale bread at the end of the day in the capital's cheapest bakery, maybe? Books, on the other hand, are usually five to ten fleurons, if it's a common title that can be easily found."

Alice gulped. Judging by the examples Wyatt provided, the currency here in Gladiolum seemed similar to the system she was used to. A single fleuron held as much value as a dollar back home and a flois would be around ten cents. Her hands were starting to feel clammy as she stared hard at the price tag of The Theory of Magic. 

"And yet this book is…" she trailed off.

"Fifteen thousand fleurons," Wyatt finished the sentence for her chirpily.

Fifteen thousand dollars.

Taking another step back, Alice no longer dared to hover near the expensive article. If anything had happened to it, she wouldn't be able to pay the store back for the damages incurred. She had never seen a book as expensive or even half as pricey. 

"Why is this book so… so…"

"Ridiculously priced?" Wyatt supplied. When Alice nodded numbly, Wyatt chuckled. "This is an ancient tome about magic. There are only five copies of this book that was ever produced. But if you're really interested in this book, there's no need for you to fork out such a hefty amount just to read it. We have a copy of it back in the mansion's library."

Flabbergasted and speechless, Alice blinked dumbly at what Wyatt had so casually revealed. Although she long knew that the Ragan mansion was a sprawling estate with many different needlessly fanciful rooms, she hadn't even thought to think that it might house precious artifacts within its walls. 

In Gladiolum, it seemed as though the gap between its people was wider than the ocean. The rich lived in heaven while the poor couldn't even afford hell.

"Why don't you take a look around the bookshop and see if there's anything that catches your eye?" Wyatt offered. "If we don't already have the book back home, I don't mind making a few extra purchases. It's the least I can do for dragging you out here with me on such a warm afternoon."

Alice's heart skipped a beat. She braved a step closer, momentarily forgetting about the book in the glass display case. Cupping her hands together as if they were in prayer, Alice beamed.

"Really? Any book?"

Wyatt's smile didn't falter. "There's no budget, if that's what you're asking."

Alice wasted no time. Her feet went scurrying across the dark wooden boards of the store, quickly scouring the bookshelves in search of any title that might help her or catch her fancy. Her fingers ran down the spines, quickly pulling out a few covers that had caught her attention, some fiction and some not. She had a feeling that most, if not all, of the non-fiction books were already available in the Ragans' library but there was no harm in bringing the books over for Wyatt to look through. These books will become her survival guide in this foreign world.

As the store clerk returned to the front counter, Wyatt slowly made his way over. However, he was still gazing in Alice's way, watching silently and bemused as the girl darted from shelf to shelf, climbing ladders and bending low in search of more. There were already over seven books in her hands and she only ever added more to the collection.

"My," the old clerk exclaimed. "I've not seen anyone so frantic for a good title since you first came to my humble store years ago. The old ladies at the bakery next block over will go mad once they hear that the young Master Wyatt is no longer single."

The white-haired man chuckled. "She's just a curious little bird my brother picked up a while back."

The old man shrugged, unconvinced, but he didn't say a word more on that topic. With a heavy thump, he placed three thick books onto the counter, the covers in the three primary colors. The titles were all written in gold, large block letters.

"This set was a little trickier to find as compared to your other requests but there you go. Though, Master Wyatt, don't mind this old man prying but are you sure you want to dabble in this subject? There's always a price to pay when you go against the laws of science."

"I can pay whatever price the world throws at me," Wyatt casually remarked. Picking up one of the books carefully with a gloved hand, he examined the old cover, grinning with satisfaction. "Besides, I'm just completing my collection. With these, the set will now be complete. There's no need to worry, sir."

"Oh well," the old clerk sighed, pursing his lips. "If you're sure, youngin. Let me wrap these up for you."

Tottering away, the elderly went to retrieve a few sheets of brown wrapping paper and some strings to bundle up Wyatt's purchases while waiting for Alice. 

Partially leaning on the counter, Wyatt continued to observe Alice. She no longer had the strength to carry the books she had picked out. Instead, she placed most of them on an empty table by one side. The stack of books was almost taller than she was and yet she continued to hunt for more, her eyes practically dripping with avarice.

'How peculiar,' Wyatt thought to himself. 'She is unaffected by fanciful dresses or glittering jewels and yet dusty old books can bring her into a craze. What an odd woman. She is most certainly a woman before her time.'

❝I want you to visit me even if it's only in your dreams.❞ 

Gifted a candle that was said to be able to make wishes come true, Alice Clemente burned it that very night only to find herself in an unknown world the next morning. 

She had wished for a life of adventure away from the city and its routine. With her wish granted, she was whisked away to a world very different from the one she grew up in. 

Thrust into a new life, would Alice learn how to adapt? Or would she fall down the rabbit hole only to never surface again?

Though the events that transpired a few minutes ago was intense and nerve-racking, the harmonious aura came back when they reached the bookstore.
Dandan carefully measured her boss' mood while they were walking towards the entrance and it seems that her boss has cooled down. She thanked all the gods and deities in this world that everything is back to normal again.
Once they were inside, Dandan excused herself so she can quickly pick the necessary items that the employees from the office wanted. She left her boss hanging around the fiction books section.
The bookstore was really crowded today so once Secretary Dandan has to queue, it'll take long before she could pay the office supplies she picked.
Xiulan's mood was serene again and everything that happened a while ago were swept away once she's inside the store. Bookstores are her happy place and it immediately alleviated her mood. She went to young adult fiction section to check the newest and trendiest books.
Since its young adult, it's full of romance and magic genre. The titles were all new to her and the stories seems promising.
Her attention was caught by the romance books with very vulgar covers in it. She liked the stories but the covers were quite distasteful for her. She thought that books these days are not so discreet in hiding what's inside. She remembered the books twenty years ago would have plain cover designs and people wouldn't actually know the book is erotic unless they read it. But now, these provocative book covers are exposed to children.
While she criticize each of the books' cover, she took her time reading each of the synopsis at the back as well. She seems to be so engross in reading them that she was not aware that some aunties inside the bookstore were gossiping about her.
"Is that Mrs. Xing? She's so tiny..."
"It's my first time seeing her in person. She's very pretty but she lacks height. Her dress is so pretty though!"
"The contrast of Hongqi's ex-girlfriends vs Mrs. Xing are too big! I'm pretty sure Hongqi has a tall, beautiful, model side chick."
"I am going to bet a slut could snatch Xing Hongqi from this woman. She's pretty but there are far more beautiful and sexier women."
"Look at her height, OMG!"
"Wow! Her waist is so small… but her height… err…"
"Hmph! She's not that pretty like what the people says!"
"Gong Yuming is prettier."
"Betting that they'll divorce this year. She's not that pretty like her husband's exes."
The constant degrading hush from the bystanders managed to catch Xiulan's attention. "Are they really gossiping about me, in front of me? I can't believe this. Are people really this boisterous in shaming someone?"
She had enough of this. When will people stop this kind of attacks on her? She can't just stand here and let them slander her like this. She could ignore this if it was a hearsay but they are slandering her in person. For some reason, the constant mention of her height irritated her so badly. Never ever criticized a woman's height in front of them.
Xiulan put down the book she was holding and coldly gazed at the gossiping women. She walked towards them with her high heels clacking so loudly. She stopped in front of them and savagely scolded them. "You women have a lot of free time to gossip about me. Instead of talking about my marriage and height, all of you should check on your husbands. A young, tall, beautiful girl might be with them right now."
The women gawked at her, they were all surprised by her words. They all thought she's meek and wouldn't even try to approach them. But here she is, standing in front of them with her thousand dollars dress, shoes and clear skin. They were embarrassed but they wanted to rebut to save face and bully her back but she's not finished in her scolding yet.
"And my short height doesn't undermine the continuous contributions I made for this country. What about you people? Is your gossiping helped the country's economy?"  Xiulan's perfectly plucked eyebrows were all way up. With her tiny height but amazing confidence, she intimidated these godforsaken gossipers.
The women were mummed and don't know how to answer back. They were just middle class people and a rich, upper class woman scolding them made them afraid to say something.
"I didn't know that Mrs. Xing has a lot of free time to scold people." A woman with very long fake eyelashes emerged. With her voice, she might be the person who mentioned Gong Yuming's name.
Xiulan lazily looked at this woman who appeared like a random mushroom, provoking her.  "Yes I have a lot of free time. What about it?" Xiulan rebutted and her eyebrows were still arched. It gave her a snobby and intimidating look.
The annoying woman scoffed. "Don't be cocky just because you are rich and married to Xing Hongqi. He can leave you anytime."
"Ad-hominem. Why is my husband being mentioned in this? So what if he leaves me? Am I not allowed to scold people who are slandering me? Hmm?" Xiulan was in the mood to scold people so she would continue this until Dandan is finished with her shopping. Hell, who cares about image now?
"People with class don't argue with people in public." The woman fought back.
"And who said that? Was it written in a manual on how to be classy?" Xiulan won't let this woman slide.
"You might be rich but your attitude stinks." The woman provoked. Her arguments were out of place.
"Judgmental. How come you say my attitude stinks when we've been only exchanging questions? I can't believe I am not allowed to scold people who slandered me." Xiulan bewilderingly asked. She doesn't get this woman's anger. She only scolded the gossipers but this woman is diverting the topic to something else.
"Just wait and your careful pure image will be trashed soon." The woman was about to leave since she doesn't know what to say anymore.
"I wouldn't mind that. Be careful on not losing your job too." Xiulan scoffed before she left the gossiping women and went to Dandan, who's busy in responding to the group chat with her co-employees regarding what to buy in the bookstore.
The woman halted her movements and nervously looked at Xiulan's retreating back. "She won't know my name and report it to my boss, right?"
"Dandan, aren't you finished yet?" Xiulan smiled at Dandan. Her face didn't display any irritation or negativity. It seems that she enjoyed the argument she had a while ago.
"Boss, I'll be next soon. You can wait in the car so you can relax." Dandan quickly answered. She was confused for a moment why the people surrounding them were looking at her boss quite differently.
"Okay." Xiulan agreed but before she leaves the place, she picked a book that has caught her eye a while ago and gave it to Dandan. "Add this to your cart. I want to read it tonight."
Xiulan left and went to rest inside the car.
Dandan confusedly took the book and stared at it. The title was "The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera" with a dog doodle on the book cover. Dandan thought it was a harmless novel but when she read the synopsis at the back, she can't help but question if her boss' marriage is currently on the rocks.


Song Xiulan's parents doted on her so much that they would even find the best bachelor out there to be her husband.

They were eyeing Xing Hongqi, a very respectable man and the most powerful in S and T city. But he is also a notorious player and womanizer.

Xiulan's parents believed that their impeccable daughter can change a man like Hongqi. 

Xiulan was willing to follow whatever her parents planned for her. But marrying a womanizer seemed too extreme. 

Now that she met the man and people around her seem to worship him and talk about his dirty laundries like it was fine. 

Xiulan is now conflicted about whether she should obey her parents or this time follow her common sense that marrying a womanizer is not fine!

But she suddenly finds out a secret that hinders her from not marrying him.



Note: The image is not mine. Original image from Pinterest.

Changes 

No author is absent to change when l started this novel, what l didn't realize was it would lead to another book that came from the first though confusing l loved writing this first book.

The constant change of covers was an idea of separating the book into futures of the first story to the second idea. Although l might not reach every reader what l do appreciate was my love for sharing this story.

As an author l have much to learn to those who support my work l sincerely appreciate it and l wish you well.For your love for this first book thank you. Changes might noticeably in editing and improving the content other wise this book is completed.

The characters are still living in the next book so if your curious of the future join the book 2 of this volume.



Wish you well keep smiling, keep reading.

Kind regards 

Thank you..

Cicero 

To see the future find my owner.................

WARNING

This novel is a work of fiction. Creatively and originally written by the author. 

December 03, 2019 - ONGOING

[ U N E D I T E D ]

BOOK COVERS 

Thank you for making these covers! 

All Rights Reserved 
alleurophile

"Ok, the seats are arranged for the time being, and they may change at any time in the future. Now let's choose the class leaders…"

Venus White was inconsequential in regards to the matter of the position of the class leader. Instead, she was in a very terrible mood and lowered her head. Sara Joseph's efficiency was very high, not only did she arrange the seats very quickly, but she also selected the class leaders' positions very rapidly.

Winston canon volunteered to be the class monitor. Rank two, Lina Jane became the academic committee monitor. Jasmine Martin was chosen by the class as the art committee monitor, and Trivis Harvey was also chosen by the class as the sports committee monitor.

After Sara Joseph had almost completely arranged the entire situation, it was lunchtime.

"Ok, everyone have a good rest at noon. At two o'clock in the afternoon, the class monitor and the sports committee monitor should take some boys to move books and bring our class books down!"

"Ok!" Different from venus's gloom, Trivis Harvey who was happy ever since the seat arrangements occurred, answered ostentatiously.

As soon as Sara Joseph left, the classroom became lively.

"Ha ha ha ha ha ——" Almost as soon as she left, Trivis guffawed uproariously on the table, pointing to Venus in laughter.

Venus knitted her brows.

"Hahahaha! It turned out to be an underachiever. Ai, I thought you were supposed to be a top student*? You self taught yourself the entire course of grade two? Hahahaha!! Do you want me to laugh to death? " Boys in this grade are overconfident* and don't know how to restrain themselves.

Venus glared at him and stood up.

"heyy? Are you angry?

"I'm not!" She accelerated her pace.

Trivis's  feet are long, so she wasn't able to evade him. He continued to catch up with her and lowered his head down to look at her: "What are you running for, if you are not angry?"

Venus stops for a moment, stands firm, and breathes deeply: "Trivis, because...   Now it's a lunch time and I'm going to eat!"

After she finished retorting, she continued to walk to the canteen quickly.

Trivis stopped his footsteps and curled his lips. The voices of several tall boys came from the basketball court in the distance——

Brother Trivis! Do you want to play basketball? "

"I'm coming!"

When Venus sat down with her food at the table in front of her, Daisy White immediately saw her.

She doesn't like Venus White with her clean face. That delicate face always reminds her of her childhood, when her mother only dared to pull her secretly to look at the family of three.

The father was happily holding his princess, yet she can only be in the back, secretly watching.

Fortunately, it's all hers now.

Daddy is hers and Miss White is her.

"Daisy, what are you looking at?" Two girls next to her asked.

Daisy White smiled, and very gently, shook her head: "It's nothing."

She put down her chopsticks, took out her mobile phone, and sent out a message.

Her eyes were coldly watching Venus White and her mouth was slightly raised.

She didn't want to see Venus White. Year one was so good. Venus wore heavy makeup and didn't come to school very often.

The food in the canteen of Dragon empire is better than the food in the canteen in Eunice's previous life. The Martin family is not short of money. In the morning, Steven Martin fills 10000 dollar in her meal card and says it is her living expenses for this semester.

No matter much how she eats, she won't be able to finish the money. It was nice not to worry about living expenses.

Venus White raised her mouth and contentedly picked up her chopsticks.

After lunch, relatively everyone went back to the classroom.

Trivis takes a few boys to move the books into the classroom. Sara Joseph stands on the platform and directs everyone to pass out the books.

Venus's eyes were bright, and they stared at the books directly.

The second year of high school is the craziest year to absorb knowledge. There are six courses in science, each course has two reference books to accompany the teaching materials. There is only one reference book in the other classes. The experimental class is special, and there are two reference books.

All these books and texts are stacked together, covering the table.

When Venus receives the books, she neatly stacks them on the tabletop, and unhurriedly places them into the drawer.

Trivis Harvey who sat next to her tossed all his books straight into his drawer, creating a "Dong——" sound.

He put away his book and saw his desk partner sitting upright, with her back ramrod.

He saw the other party slowly place a book one by one on the table and took out a stack of large and small grid covers of the same color from the drawer. Then, while he was gaping, she placed the books in the covers conscientiously and meticulously.

"Pu——" Trivis almost choked to death, and then burst out in laughter, "Hahahaha! Venus white, can you not be like an elementary school child? Is there anyone else who covers their books these days? Hahaha, I'm about to die from laughter! "

It was not Venus who interrupted Trivis 's laughter, it was Sara Joseph.

"Silence!"

Her eyes swept them sharply, and she raised her voice: "Trivis, Venus! Stand up! "

Venus was stunned and stood up blankly  with her book.

"What are you guys talking about so happily? Tell me so I can hear too? "

Venus white was completely stunned. She knew that she had been dragged into trouble. Because of her poor performance, she was naturally regarded as the eyesore of the teacher. Subconsciously, the teacher thought that they were talking, causing Trivis to laugh.

"What? Cat got your tongue? " Sara Joseph sneers, "Other people are quiet. Only you guys are joking in the back, even if you don't study, can you not affect others?"

"I don't care how good your family is, or how you guys entered into this classroom. Since you joined this class, you have to obey the rules when you come in. I don't care if you don't learn, however, if you laugh in class and affect others, then I can only ask you to leave! This is the first time, but I hope it's the last. Other students, too. Do you hear me? !"

"we hear you!" All fifty students spoke at same time.

Sara Joseph finally said: "Alright, sit down,"

Venus held her head down and despondently sat down.

It seemed that she could still feel the ridicule of others on her body, which was an unprecedented experience of humiliation and embarrassment.

Venus lowered her head and rigidly wrapped the cover of the books. Trivis looked at her a couple of times, until Sara Joseph went out to answer the phone. He turned around and said, "heyyy*? What's the matter with you? "

There was no reply and the person next to him was still wrapping the books as if she didn't hear him.

"hey you!"

Trivis approached with his head, and suddenly he was stunned and asked foolishly, "Are you crying?"

Venus still did not look up, only a transparent water dropped, "Pata " a drop fell on the table.

Trivis shrinks into a quail, not a sound passing his lips.

What happens when low eq and high iq girl Eunice transmigrates into other body? ....

Gawain couldn't help but lament at the convenience and miraculous effects of healing spells. This world didn't have any advancement in medicine; they didn't have any cognition of biological infections, human anatomy, cell biology, and similar things. To the commoners, an ordinary wound infection might possibly claim a person's life, but at the same time, the possessors of Holy Light and natural powers were able to use magic to achieve unimaginable 'healing'. As long as one could afford the cost, a person who was only left with a dying breath would be able to fully recover in a few minutes and avert death.
The Kant territory didn't have any Druids but had a few Holy Light Clerics, and one of them would live in the castle's chapel for the entire year. He was also the feudal lord's religious advisor and also had the responsibility to maintain the health of the feudal lord. After receiving the servant's timely notification, the Holy Light Cleric arrived at Victor Kant's study room in a short time. The Cleric then used Holy Light spells to rescue the old viscount who was on the verge of death.
Gawain stood by the side and observed the busy work of that Cleric. The Druid medicine had already replenished the urgently required vitality for Victor Kant; the Knight's 'Blood Boost' had supported this vitality and rapidly replenished this viscount's loss of blood. Right now, the healing Holy Light had covered up the wound. The Cleric then prayed sincerely as he carefully grasped the hilt of the dagger before calling out the name of the God of Holy Light and rapidly pulled out the weapon.
The Holy Light immediately surged and allowed the wound to rapidly close up while nursing the damaged flesh and bones inside the wound. During the entire process, the Holy Light Cleric constantly prayed to the God of Holy Light to ensure that the healing effects on the Viscount didn't stop midway.
Gawain nodded silently and thought he had finally seen a normal Holy Light Cleric. How could a Cleric actually obtain the skills of Shoryu Bone Setting and the One-inch Sober Fist?[1]
The healing process was probably going to last for a period of time. While the servants gathered around their master, Gawain started to look around and conducted his own inspection of every corner in the study room.
No one had any suspicion of his behavior as the servants assumed that the Duke was actually inspecting the murder scene. Butler Carter who might have possibly stopped Gawain had already become the guilty party and had fled this place.
Gawain's vision was shifting around this sealed-up study before he frowned.
This place wasn't suitable to be a study. It might be on a high level in the castle, but it was an environment with rather bad lighting. The ancient castle's narrow and unfitting windows were especially prominent as the entire room only had one narrow window. Even during the brightest time of the day, it was hard for the room to have plenty of illumination. The magic crystal lamps that were embedded in the walls had an obvious problem. Even though the lamps were lit up, the room was enveloped in a hazy and dusky atmosphere.
No, it might not be a problem with the magic crystal lamps…
Gawain's line of sight fell on one of the lamps. The lamp's light was actually very bright, but the radiance seemed to be restrained by some force; therefore, it was unable to illuminate the room.
The friendly and cheerful Viscount Victor would normally work in such an eerie study?
Gawain arrived at the side of the room where there was a massive bookshelf leaning against the wall. It was filled with a huge quantity of exquisite books with thick covers that were arranged neatly and orderly. Many of the books' spines were inlaid with golden or silver ornaments, which was the classic trait of a noble's book collection.
In Gawain's opinion, it had multiple functions. The book could be read when it was required for the intellectual contents, and it could also be used to smash someone when required for defense. If the clan declined, the gold on the book covers could be used as funds to rebuild the clan. Apart from the fact that the books might fall off the shelf and cause paralysis when reading, these heavy and exquisite books were simply the example of 'knowledge is power and money'.
In reality, this era had plenty of books that were heavy and exquisite. They were originally 'luxury goods' that the wealthy could possess. Sometimes, the number of books in a castle's collection would directly reveal the foundation and wealth of a noble even if they could hardly read the books in a single lifetime.
But Viscount Kant obviously wasn't collecting these books to hold up his reputation. Most of the books' covers were already worn and deformed to a certain degree. This was a sign that it had been frequently flipped through. Some of the book covers even had the marks of repair that was done with glue, leather, and golden or silver leaves. This was a behavior that would only be seen in book lovers.
However, when Gawain looked through the books, he noticed that the marks of repair seemed to have been done a long time ago, and those golden or silver leaves had already changed in color. The leather pasted on it would also have many abrasions, and there wasn't a single book on the shelf that was even slightly new.
It seemed that at some time, Viscount Victor Kant seemed to have lost interest in these 'ordinary books'?
Then what was he reading? The sorcery books that were given by the Eternal Sleepers?
Gawain then turned to a small table behind the study table. The table was stacked with some documents and files that were not being used for the moment. Gawain's eyes were suddenly attracted by an unfolded piece of paper.
On it were some careless writings of recent transactions, and they seemed to be raw data that weren't recorded into the accounts in time. Among the list, there was a particularly prominent record, and it was the remuneration for a certain mercenary group and the deposit for the next operation. Under the contents for the job, it was written with 'collection of raw material'.
Was this a record of the hiring of mercenaries to capture refugees? Evidence?
Gawain frowned, and just as he was walking closer to the piece of paper, he suddenly heard a commotion from the servants at the back. Additional radiance entered this slightly dusky room.
Gawain turned around and was rather surprised to see that Viscountess Lilith Kant was standing at the entrance. The sickly madam was so skinny that she was like a shadow. She was holding onto a portable lamp that she probably used to run from the north tower all the way here. Her eyes were widened as she saw everyone crowding around Victor Kant, while her face was filled with fear and astonishment.
"What happened!?" Lilith exclaimed before she stuttered. "Who—who can tell me… Victor, he… What happened?!"
"Madam, Madam, please don't be alarmed. My lord is fine." The Holy Light Cleric quickly stood up and said, "Thank the God of Holy Light's blessings. My lord merely suffered a physical wound and is only unconscious due to shock. Duke Gawain fed my lord with medicine promptly, and with my healing spell, my lord is now safe."
While speaking, the Holy Light Cleric raised his hand and attempted to summon a ray of Holy Light to pacify the madam's fright. But Lilith Kant simply ignored the Cleric and staggered as she ran to Victor's side. She checked to see that Victor was indeed breathing before she let out a breath of relief and looked at Gawain. "Thank you… Thank you for saving him."
"It is something I should do." Gawain nodded slightly before looking at the surrounding servants. "It is too congested here. Your master needs fresh air. Apart from the personal servants, the rest of you are dismissed."
Gawain wasn't the master of this castle, but when he gave the instructions, no one opposed. Most of the servants left the room immediately, and after ensuring that the healing spell had already taken effect and that the Viscount didn't require any more spells, the Holy Light Cleric had also dismissed himself.
Viscount Kant's wound had already healed. A high-ranked male servant was wiping the blood off the Viscount's body, while the viscount gradually awakened.
His line of sight focused for a moment before he clearly saw the situation in the room. He saw Gawain first and was stunned for a moment. Immediately after, he saw Lilith who stood in front of him and immediately got nervous. "My love! Why are you here?!"
"I… I heard that something happened in the castle…" Lilith Kant appeared to be rather nervous as she said, "Then I ran over to see you…"
"I am fine." Viscount Kant used some effort to wave his hand as an indication for the personal servants to be dismissed. He then attempted to stand up in a weak manner but failed after trying his best. Lilith immediately stepped forward to support him, but he grabbed Lilith's arm and said, "You don't have to worry. Instead, I am very worried that you are here."
"I—I am okay." The viscountess spoke frantically and turned to nod at Gawain. "The Duke rescued you in time and even called for the Cleric. My love, what exactly happened?"
"Thank you for helping." Victor Kant immediately thanked Gawain and frowned while he slowly inhaled. His wound had recovered, but the pain of the dagger that was stabbed into his chest seemed to be lingering at his heart and lungs. "It's Carter. Carter suddenly attacked me, and I was stunned. He seemed to have changed into a completely different person, and when he stabbed me, he was also saying something strange. Saying that the castle has an intruder and that something must be protected… I am now completely at a loss!"
Immediately after, the Viscount suddenly recalled something. "That's right. Carter… Where did he run to? Did he attack anyone else?"
Just as Gawain wanted to reply, a shadow suddenly took form in the study. Amber's voice echoed from the shadows. "He escaped."
When the half-elf young lady appeared, her body was almost completely drenched by the rain. Her long ears shook in the air (probably to shake off the water?) before she turned to look at Gawain. "That old butler definitely isn't a normal person! I saw him running on the top of the castle, and it looked like he was flying. His figure would vanish for a moment before reappearing. I used Shadow Walk but was still unable to catch up to him… I pursued him to the stables at the back of the castle, but he vanished without a trace, and I couldn't find him anymore."
Gawain was shocked. "There is someone that you cannot trace?"
"Yes, that person is at least a half-god." Amber spoke with confidence, "I am the Goddess of Night's chosen one after all…"
Gawain treated it as though he didn't hear the statement.
"He escaped and will probably become a threat." Gawain looked at the Viscount and Viscountess and said, "I advise you to increase the defenses of the castle."
"That is for sure." Viscount Kant nodded forcefully.
Lilith had also nodded, but she suddenly held her head while her body started to sway slightly as though she had lost support.
Viscount Kant instantly turned nervous. "My love?"
"I… I am a little dizzy." Lilith held her head and spoke with a little agony, "I am not feeling well…"
"You have left your room for too long!" Viscount Kant sounded stern as he said, "Hurry up and return to rest. Don't worry. I will send twice as many soldiers to guard the north tower. Once I feel better, I will go over to be with you."
"Okay… Okay." Lilith Kant swayed as she stood up and complied with her husband's arrangement in a daze. She then lifted the portable lamp and walked slowly to the entrance of the study.
[1] This is actually referring to Wright Awiken


During Gawain transmigration, a little problem occurs.
After hovering in the sky above the land of a strange world for over hundreds of thousands of years, he realizes that perhaps his transmigration is completed by acquiring a physical body.
Never did he imagine that he would have to guide the body out of a coffin after going through great difficulties to obtain it, only to come face-to-face with his two extremely shocked great-great-great-great... great-granddaughters, and also—
Be thrust into a world that's the verge of its era’s end.

"Yes, sir," Housekeeper Lu nodded and went to make the necessary arrangements.
He Xiyan went upstairs to the third floor but she did not interact with anyone at the castle. Instead, she reached out to take Xi Xi from the nanny's arms.
Xi Xi had just woken up and at three-months-old, she couldn't speak and could only babble nonsensically.
She opened her amber-colored eyes wide as she stared at her mother and did not cry nor kick up a fuss but merely continued looking at her mother. Similarly, He Xiyan was also observing her daughter. Her daughter was very beautiful and despite her young age, her features were very well defined, so she knew that her daughter would grow up to be a beautiful young princess. Her daughter did not look like her but rather, she took after her father.
He Xiyan reached out to put on a pretty hat on her daughter. Then, she carried her daughter to the nearby sofa and sat silently on the sofa. She sat on the sofa for such a long period until her daughter fell asleep in her arms.
She was still sitting there when night fell and she felt her stomach hurt from hunger.
This was when she finally put down the child in her arms and wrapped her arms around her chest that was hurting as she headed downstairs to the kitchen. She scooped a small bowl of congee for herself and ate a slice of bread.
She could no longer taste the food she ate and merely ate to relieve her hunger pangs.
After she finished, she went to the third floor and came to the bedroom where she had been staying in. The door to the bedroom was ajar and the lights were turned on and Ye Hao sat on the sofa as he browsed through a thick book.
Ye Hao did not have to look up to know that his wife was at the door but he pretended not to see her and continued to focus on the book in his hands and would even occasionally flip the pages of his book.
He knew that she was terribly upset and thus, did not go to speak to her. He only hoped that she would be able to recover from her trauma and they could revert back to being a loving couple.
He Xiyan spent a few minutes lingering outside the door before she finally entered the room. She walked up to her closet and dug out a nightgown suitable for winter. Then, she took a quick shower and when she emerged from the bathroom, her face was still completely emotionless and her gaze was still cold.
She did not speak to the man on the sofa but walked over to the bed, pulled the covers and laid quietly on the bed. Then, she closed her eyes and her mind was filled with all the things that upset her. 
She lay there quietly and she looked as though she was sleeping soundly but in fact, she could not fall asleep.
She heard the sound of soft footsteps moving toward the bed. Ye Hao's lips were pursed but when he saw his wife on the bed, his lips curved into a small but helpless smile.
He walked toward the bed and gently tucked his wife before he bent over and dropped a small kiss on her forehead.
He stood there for a long while staring at her sleep.
The lights in the room were very warm as they shone upon him and enhanced his well-defined features. His amber-colored eyes were slightly misty and he seemed sad and worried as he looked at her. 
After a while, he finally pulled the covers on the other side of the bed and lay down next to her. She had been asleep for such a long time but he could not feel any warmth from her body. He suddenly placed his hand on her waist and wanted to pull her into his embrace just as he had always done. 


Married rich for three years with no child born. Just when she was finally cured of infertility and ready to give him a child, he brought home his pregnant mistress in high profile. 

"Get lost if you can't get knocked up. Or do you want my son to be the last of the Mo family?" her mother-in-law viciously cursed. 

Her husband grimly shoved a divorce agreement upon her face, "I've signed. Leave when you are ready."

It was heard later that two men went physical in the city plaze of Ye City to win back the wife, with the two babies at the side fighting fiercely for their mom!

This is a story of a woman's search for a new life and bliss while abandoning her tragic past. 


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