บท 1: Chapter 1: The Beginning
The day was bright, with rays of sunshine cutting through the windows and spilling into the quiet rooms of a peaceful neighborhood. Outside, the soft hum of distant voices and engines hinted at the morning hustle, but the street where Kael lived was calm, almost undisturbed.
In one small room, the sunlight found its way through a gap in the curtains, landing squarely on Kael's face. With a sleepy groan, he reached out blindly, pulling his pillow over his head to shield himself from the unwelcome light. Half-asleep, he sighed, letting himself drift back into the gentle embrace of sleep.
The world outside was already in full motion, people heading off to work, school, or errands, but Kael remained in bed, undisturbed. That is, until his phone started buzzing insistently beside him, shattering the peace he'd clung to.
**Ring****Ring****Ring**
His hand fumbled over to the nightstand, half-conscious, blindly patting around until his fingers found the phone. He cracked one eye open with a grumble. 'It's morning already' he thought wearily.
With a sigh, he forced himself upright, the sunlight catching on his messy white hair, accentuating the dark circles under his deep blue eyes. He looked younger than his nineteen years, a youthful face that often made people question if he was truly an adult. Yet his tired expression, the weight of exhaustion that clung to his features, told a different story one of long nights and restless hours.
Yawning, he stretched, cracking his neck and rubbing his face, then answered the call in a groggy voice. "Hello?"
"Kael!" The voice on the other end was sharp and all too familiar. He grimaced instantly, recognizing the caller without needing to check.
'If I'd seen the caller ID, I'd have ignored this call for sure' he thought, sighing internally.
"Did you just wake up? And are you thinking something bad about me right now?!" The voice cut through the line with a tone of mock offense.
Holding the phone a bit farther from his ear, he shook his head. "You're being loud, old hag. Calm down."
A faint huff echoed over the line, followed by a dramatic response. "Are you crazy? I dare you to say that to my face! Where's your respect for your elders, you brat!"
'Yeah, that's not going to happen. I know better than to actually say that to her face,' he thought, rolling his eyes as he leaned back against the headboard.
"What do you want?" he asked, trying to stifle another yawn.
"I'll let that slide this once. Listen…"
Her voice trailed off, launching into an endless stream of words he didn't entirely care to follow. He rested his head against his hand, elbow on his knee, eyes half-closed as he tried to piece together her point.
"Blah, blah," he muttered under his breath, mimicking her tone.
She paused, seeming to catch on. "So… did you sleep well last night?"
"I was still sleeping well until you called me," he grumbled, letting his irritation slip through. "But somehow, I feel like that's not what you called to ask."
"Oh… yeah, right." Her voice took on a peculiar softness. "You know, you're like a little brother to me, right?"
His eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering in his gaze. 'Why's she suddenly getting all sentimental? And why do I have a bad feeling about this?'
"...Yes," he replied cautiously, trying to predict her next move.
"And I treat you well," she continued, a note of expectation in her voice.
"No," he replied flatly, smirking as he waited for her reaction.
A loud, exaggerated gasp sounded through the phone. "I don't?!!"
"Yes!"
She let out a frustrated sigh before clearing her throat. "Well, I want to ask you for a favor."
His eyes narrowed further. *Why do I have a worse feeling about that word, 'favor'?*
"You see… your big sister is a bit short on cash."
His shoulders dropped, and he pinched the bridge of his nose. "And how does that concern me?"
"I want you to lend me some money!"
There was a beat of silence. He stared at his phone, eyebrows raised, letting the quiet hang just long enough to make her sweat.
"Kael?!"
"No…" he finally said, dragging the word out with a hint of exasperation.
She didn't let up. "...Why?!"
He huffed, crossing his arms. "You're working; you have your own money. Yet you call me and ask me to lend you money?"
Her voice sharpened defensively. "I pay the bills, and you're practically living in the house for free. That's the reason I'm short on cash!"
His gaze drifted to the ceiling, eyebrows arching as he let out an annoyed breath. "Why are you the oldest then? Aren't you supposed to be taking care of me and paying the bills? And if you're short on cash, wait for your next paycheck!"
"Did you hit your head somewhere and forget you're already an adult?!" Her voice was practically seething. "Well, you wouldn't understand because you don't pay the bills. Remember? I told you we'll start splitting expenses when you turn twenty this week!"
A cold sweat ran down Kael's forehead as her words sank in. 'The bills are too high. I can't pay that. I'm turning twenty, which means… the age of my suffering is about to begin.' His face scrunched in horror as he imagined a life of endless bills and responsibilities.
"…"
"Stop glaring at the phone," she snapped, seemingly sensing his expression. "Just send the money and stop spoiling my mood before you do it!"
He groaned, rubbing his face. "Stop calling me when you need money. Call your boss instead!"
"You—!"
He cut her off with a resigned sigh. "You should be lending me money, not the other way around, you old hag money lover!"
She laughed in exasperation. "Who doesn't love money, brat?"
He clenched his jaw, grumbling under his breath as he shot a glare toward the wall.
"Oh, and I almost forgot," she added, her voice suddenly casual. "I left the house a while ago. No need to tell you where I'm going, but you'll need to do the cleaning this week. That includes the dishes. Make sure to finish it all before you start gaming, or else I won't do it for you. Got it, brat?"
"...Huh?" he managed, blinking in confusion as the line abruptly cut off.
The words *Call Ends* flashed on his screen, leaving him staring blankly at his phone.
Kael groaned, "Wait…ugh, that crazy old hag didn't even give me the chance to object," he muttered, rubbing his temples as he forced himself up from bed.
He was greeted by the sight of his own chaotic, cluttered room. Clothes were strewn all over the floor, mingling with empty bottles from last night's late-night gaming session. Dust lingered on every surface, and his PC screen cast a faint glow in the dim room, the loading game music softly playing a melody that had become the closest thing he felt to peace. Here, he could escape, if only for a while.
Kael lazily kicked a bottle out of his path as he shuffled toward his chair, muttering under his breath. Cleaning had always been at the bottom of his priorities. Games, after all, were his real life the only place he felt any sense of control or accomplishment.
It was obvious to anyone who knew him; he had lived for 19 years with nothing to show for it. He hardly cared. Not about his life, not about his future. Everything just felt...empty.
When Kael was eight, he lost his parents in a fire that broke out at their workplace. He was taken in by his grandmother, who had never been the same after her child's death. Every time she looked at him, tears gathered in her eyes, and her gaze would drift off to painful memories. That haunted look made Kael feel guilty; he would try to avoid her, slipping into his room whenever he could. But five years later, his grandma passed too. Depression, they said, and the stress of overthinking things that didn't need words to be understood. She'd been sick for a while but never told anyone, bottling up her pain until it consumed her.
After her death, Kael moved in with his cousin, Marie, who was nine years older. Marie, always strict and practical, had a sharp tongue and wasn't afraid to use it. She'd scold him for everything, even the tiniest mistake. Kael could still remember the time he accidentally bumped into a vase, which then toppled over and smashed her phone. Furious, she chased him through the house, her voice echoing like thunder until she finally caught him and smacked him. His shoulder still tensed at the memory. Later, after her anger had subsided, she apologized but still made him do chores around the house for six months as punishment. She was terrifying sometimes, but he knew she meant well. She was like an older sister to him, though her way of showing care was...complicated.
At school, things were even worse. Every day was a battlefield. His classmates would hurl names like "bastard" or "mistake" at him, knowing he had no parents to stand up for him. It stung, each insult tearing open wounds he tried so hard to ignore. The weight of it all finally became too much, and one day, Kael snapped. His fists moved on their own, lashing out at the bullies until they were left bruised and bloody. But victory was short-lived. He was dragged to the principal's office, and Marie, along with the parents of the bullies, were summoned.
The outcome left a bitter taste. Kael was forced to apologize to the bullies and their parents. Marie was livid, her face red with rage as she argued with the principal. But things escalated when one of the mothers made a snide remark that set Marie off; she lunged forward, fist raised. Kael quickly stepped in, gripping her arm to hold her back, whispering, "Please, don't… it'll only make things worse."
After that incident, Marie removed him from school. She scolded him harshly for keeping everything bottled up and not telling her he'd been bullied. But he hadn't wanted her to worry; it was his burden to bear. In the end, he apologized repeatedly until she finally forgave him, though she urged him to try another school. Kael refused, a cold fear gripping his heart. He was afraid of the judgment, of having the label "Parentless" slapped on him again.
So he stayed home, finding solace in games, comics, and anime. They were his escape, his way of pushing reality's harshness aside. But reality wouldn't leave him alone. Marie, frustrated by his lack of motivation, urged him to get a job. He refused again, too lazy and too stubborn to face the world outside.
It was around this time that he met Jay, a player he teamed up with online. They were a perfect match in the game, Kael the brain and Jay the muscle. Jay's skills were impressive, and together they became an unstoppable duo. In time, they grew close, talking about everything from game strategies to life itself. Jay introduced Kael to streaming, mentioning how he could earn money if he was consistent. Kael's eyes lit up at the thought of making cash by playing games; it was a dream.
One day, while scrolling through social media, he saw an ad for a new game with stunning graphics. It was rapidly rising in popularity. Without hesitation, Kael decided to buy it. He begged Marie relentlessly, day after day, until she finally relented, handing him the money with a tired sigh and a sharp scolding. He didn't care; his mind was already lost in anticipation.
Days turned into nights as Kael sat before his PC, practicing relentlessly. He drank coffee to keep his eyes open, washed his face when fatigue crept in, and pushed through. He wanted to be the best. Streaming started slow barely any views, but he persisted. Jay, ever the mentor, shared tips on growing his audience, and gradually, Kael's viewership increased. The little money he earned felt like a triumph. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
Over time, Kael's reputation grew, along with the challenges and rivalries. In just two years, he was recognized as one of the top players, and the best player of 'The 10 Scrolls' Game. but he knew his journey was far from over. His dream to become the most popular and wealthiest gamer still lingered, a beacon of hope he clung to.
But just when he thought life was finally looking up, everything took a dark turn.
---
"Finally!" Kael exclaimed, letting out a long, heavy sigh.
He leaned against the kitchen counter, closing his eyes briefly. After his call with Marie, he had gone through his list of house chores with robotic precision, completing everything she had requested, including sending her the money she asked for. By the end, he was completely drained. It felt like every ounce of his energy had been squeezed out. He splashed cool water on his face, feeling its refreshing bite, then made his favorite meal to refuel himself.
With renewed strength, Kael sank into his gaming chair, feeling its familiar comfort as he powered up his PC. He flexed his fingers, logging into 'The 10 Scroll game' and adjusting his setup. This was his sanctuary. The moment his stream went live, he let out a relaxed breath and let his mind dive into the game's world.
---
[2 Hours Later...]
As the game streamed to his followers, Kael noticed something odd creeping in. His usual steady chat had turned turbulent, filled with hateful comments that were more aggressive than anything he usually saw.
He squinted at the screen, feeling a strange prickle of irritation, but he shook it off. "It's just the price of success," he muttered under his breath. "Everyone faces criticism... Right?"
---
[5 Hours Later...]
The chat had turned toxic. The hateful messages poured in faster than he could even process, far surpassing anything he'd ever seen before. It became unbearable, forcing him to stop the live stream. Kael just sat there in his chair, fingers hovering over the keyboard, staring at the dark screen in front of him.
"What is going on?" he mumbled, rubbing his forehead as if it would somehow help him make sense of everything. Feeling overwhelmed, he got up slowly, dragging himself to his bed and collapsing onto it. The quiet of his room pressed down on him as he lay there, trying to sort through his thoughts.
"What's happening?" he thought, tension knotting in his stomach.
After a moment's hesitation, he reached for his phone and called Jay. Jay was his friend, his confidant surely, he could help him make sense of all this.
The call rang a few times before Jay picked up.
"Oh... hey," Jay said after a pause, his voice strangely hesitant.
Kael frowned, sensing an odd undertone. Jay had sounded distant lately, but Kael had been too busy to dwell on it. "Hey, how's it going?" Kael asked, trying to sound casual.
"I'm fine," Jay replied shortly. "So... what do you need?"
Kael took a breath, choosing his words carefully. "Something feels off," he said, shifting on the bed as he spoke. "It started around five hours ago, when I began streaming. At first, it was just a few hate comments here and there, so I ignored them... but then it just escalated."
Jay was silent, and Kael could almost picture him frowning on the other end.
"And?" Jay prompted finally, his tone detached.
"After a while, the hate comments exploded," Kael continued. "I had to stop the stream because if I kept going, I'd probably have ended up banned."
There was another stretch of silence before Jay responded. "This is serious," he said, a hint of caution in his voice, "but... don't take this the wrong way..."
"But what?" Kael snapped, frustration bubbling beneath his voice.
"Did you... do anything to deserve that level of hate?"
Kael's eyes narrowed, and he felt a flicker of anger rise within him. "What exactly are you trying to say?"
Jay took a deep breath, his tone becoming more pointed. "Look, I'm just asking. Did you ever do anything like cheat in the game or—"
"What the hell, Jay?" Kael interrupted, his voice rising. He could feel his fists clenching as he spoke. "You know me. You know how much time I spend practicing, grinding to get better. I'd never fake anything!"
"Alright, alright," Jay said, sounding slightly defensive. "But I've been seeing some stuff going around... rumors on social media that you cheated, bought followers, bribed the '10 Scroll Game' awards committee. They're even saying you threatened your rivals to delete their accounts."
The words hung heavily in the air, and Kael felt as though someone had punched him in the stomach. "Who would spread lies like that?" he thought, feeling a sickening swirl of anger and confusion.
"Jay…" he said slowly, his voice cold. "And you believe that?"
Jay hesitated. "I... I don't know, Kael. Not everyone knows what a person is capable of."
Kael's heart pounded, each word from Jay's mouth twisting the knife further. "Do you or you don't believe it?"
There was a brief silence before Jay responded, his voice wary. "Sometimes... humans can be unpredictable."
Kael's breath hitched as he struggled to contain his emotions. Jay's voice softened, a hint of pity slipping in. "Look, Kael… I'm only saying this because I care. Maybe it would be best if you just… stepped down from streaming for a while. This isn't going to end well if you keep pushing forward."
Kael's laughter bubbled out, cold and humorless, like shattered glass. "So that's it? You want me to quit?"
"Kael..."
"You're one of them, aren't you? You're one of the people who want to destroy me," he said, voice thick with resentment. "Why, Jay? Even after I became popular, I still treated you like a friend. I never changed."
The line was silent for a long time, before Jay spoke again, his tone calm but distant. "Think about what I said. You don't belong in this world."
*Call Ended*
Kael stared at the phone in disbelief, his mind numb. Anger surged through him, mixing with the sharp sting of betrayal. He felt sick. How could Jay, someone he'd trusted so much, turn on him?
Unable to stay still, he grabbed his jacket and left the house, his thoughts swirling with a mix of rage and confusion. The street was buzzing with life, people walking, cars passing by, but Kael barely noticed any of it. His mind was too full, his heart too heavy.
As he wandered aimlessly, a shadowy figure caught his attention, standing against a nearby building. The figure was cloaked in black, blending with the shadows, face hidden beneath a hood. Kael felt a chill run down his spine but brushed it off as paranoia. He continued walking, hoping the fresh air might clear his mind.
But after a few steps, he felt an uneasy presence behind him. Turning his head slightly, he saw the same hooded figure following him. Panic jolted through him, his heart beating faster. He thought about running, about finding somewhere to hide, or maybe even calling the police.
But just as he was about to make a move, the figure vanished, dissolving into the shadows as if he had never been there at all.
Kael blinked, feeling a surge of unease. "What… was that?" he whispered, looking around the now-empty street. It felt surreal, like a scene from a comic. Had he imagined it? Or was there really someone out to get him?
The question lingered, his mind spinning with suspicion and fear as he walked back, the memory of the hooded figure haunting his thoughts.
Suddenly, a cold hand grabbed his shirt from behind, with a surprising strength, yanked him backward. His back slammed against the rough, unforgiving brick wall of a building, the impact jolting him to the ground. He collapsed, coughing out blood as pain erupted across his body.
'So much strength!' he thought, his mind racing with shock.
A dark figure loomed over him, walking toward him with a slow, almost methodical stride. The sunlight shone on the figure casting eerie shadows that clung to the man's hooded figure. In one swift motion, the man drew a dagger from beneath his cloak, its blade, reflected kael indicating how sharp it is.
"Do not worry," he said, his voice chillingly calm and devoid of any emotion. "This will be over soon."
Kael felt a shiver run down his spine, his instincts screaming danger. His eyes widened, fixed on the figure that was closing in on him, every muscle in his body tensing up in fear. He tried to move, but his legs felt as heavy as lead.
'Think, Kael, think!' he urged himself, his mind scrambling for a way out.
His eyes darted around the dim alley, scanning for anything he could use as a weapon. Then, he spotted it, a short iron rod lying near the base of a building, just a few feet away. It wasn't close, but it was his only chance. Kael glanced at the man, who hadn't yet noticed his plan. His gaze flicked back to the rod, calculating his chances.
With a sudden burst of energy, Kael forced himself up and lunged for the iron rod, his movements frantic. He heard the hooded man mutter something behind him, but he didn't care. His focus was solely on reaching the rod. Just as his fingers grazed its cold surface, a shadow appeared beside him in a blink, faster than he could register.
'Am I facing a superhuman or what?' he thought, his heart pounding wildly.
Desperation surged through him. Kael twisted his body, launching himself off the wall and executing a spinning kick toward the man's face. The hooded man had the chance to dodge, but his expression revealed that he hadn't expected Kael to fight back.
'Does he think a true martial arts comic reader will back down so easily?' Kael thought, feeling a brief surge of satisfaction.
His foot connected with the man's face, the force making the hooded man stagger. He dropped to one knee, his head bowed, and his dagger slipped from his grip. Seizing the opportunity, Kael dashed forward and kicked the dagger further away. Without wasting a second, he snatched the iron rod from the ground, feeling its weight in his hands. He raised it, aiming a decisive blow to the hooded figure's head.
But before he could bring the rod down, the hooded man moved with uncanny speed, dodging the attack in one fluid motion. Kael's mind barely had time to process the movement before he felt a sharp, burning pain across his stomach. He looked down to see the man's dagger slashing through him with deadly precision. Before he could react, the blade struck his back twice more.
The world spun as Kael crumpled to the ground, his breaths shallow and labored. Blood pooled beneath him, his life slipping away with every beat of his heart.
The hooded man stepped over Kael's body, pulling out a phone. He pressed a button and spoke into it, his voice a quiet murmur. "The job is done."
Though his hearing was fading, Kael's ears picked up something familiar in the voice on the other end. It sounded distant, distorted but somehow, he recognized it.
'Jay? Was that... Jay?' he thought, his mind drifting, yet somehow clinging to this strange connection.
The hooded man paused, his gaze shifting to Kael's crumpled form. "Are you some kind of martial artist, or just an idiot?" he muttered, a hint of curiosity breaking through his indifferent tone. "You're actually the first person I've ever targeted who's lasted this long. This was... interesting. Thanks for the entertainment."
The man turned his back to Kael, his voice softer. "I'll remember you… Be proud... You were strong."
With that, he walked away.
Kael lay there, his vision blurring, a bitter smile forming on his lips. 'So, this is how it ends,' he thought. 'At least… I managed to land a hit.'
He knew it was foolish, yet a small part of him felt satisfied. He had fought until the end, and in that, he found a strange, fleeting pride. But the satisfaction faded, replaced by a deep sorrow. A wave of regret washed over him. He was dying...alone. what bordered him the most is... he will die without returning the good his cousin did for him, for taking good care of him, always accepting him not caring what he did whether good or bad, he won't be able to see her smile again, he won't be able to hear her jokes again.
Tears welled up in his eyes, rolling down his cheeks as he struggled to breathe. 'Marie... I'm sorry,' he thought, feeling the crushing weight of leaving her behind.
'I wish I could have lived a better life… found a job, been a little less foolish,' he mused, feeling the darkness creeping in. 'I can't die… not yet. Not without repaying Marie for all she did for me.'
He choked out a mouthful of blood, his chest heaving as he tried to cling to consciousness. 'I don't want to die... I can't leave Marie alone, it will hurt her, NO I CAN'T, I CAN'T!!.'
'...I'm sorry I couldn't stay by your side. Please… forgive me.'
His vision faded, the world slipping away. The last thing he saw was the faint outline of a streetlight above him, blurred and distant.
"Thank You... Marie. Goodbye!" he whispered, his voice barely a breath.
'I… I wish I had a second chance'.
His heart stop, his body became paralyzed, cold and his view went blank.
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