Mystery of Otherworldly Waves: Blood Moon [Volume 1] [END]

Chapter 18: The Cruelty Behind the Darkness

...Chapter 18: The Cruelty Behind the Darkness...

...[.The Cruelty Behind the Darkness...

...•...

Quickly, a man chased another man who had just robbed an old woman's bag. The thief ran easily through the dimly lit alley, dodging obstacles along the way. As he ran, he pushed the table previously carried by an employee into his path, hoping to slow it down.

However, the man was not deterred. He jumped on the table, jumped from the top, and kicked the thief on the back, making him fall to the ground. Despite falling hard, the robber was not seriously injured, he still clutched the lady's bag tightly in his grasp.

Determined to bring him to justice, the man quickly subdues him using a classic police means known as wall-cuffing, holding him against a wall.

"I'll hold him, you take the rope," he told an officer who had brought the table earlier.

"Take me off!" The thief protested, fighting to break free.

"It is precisely you who should have removed this lady's bag," he replied in a heavy voice.

As soon as the employee returned with the rope, they tied the thief tightly, making sure he could not escape. The employee then asked the man what had happened, and he explained the situation in detail, admitting that he was just in the wrong place at the right time.

Realizing that the employee had helped him enough, he declined his offer to contact the police on his behalf. Instead, he took on his own responsibility to notify the authorities.

After the thief is caught by the police, he returns to his comfortable home. As he stepped into his room, a sense of familiarity enveloped him as he was greeted by the presence of an adult-looking female robot.

"Welcome, Mr. Saishira," he said in a voice so natural, it could easily be mistaken for a real human being. "I've seen it all, and I have to say, you're really amazing."

Brushing aside the praise, Saishira focused on the task at hand. "Forgot that, what about the sound program?"

Saishira sits in her chair positioned directly opposite the holographic interface that houses the identity of the robot.

Revealed with the code EVL-72 and known by its real name Evyllia72, this robot has been faithful to accompany him for two years. With state-of-the-art AI systems and intricate robotic designs, Saishira has managed to create an extraordinary companion that closely resembles humans, complete with subtle gestures that mimic the elegance and subtlety of living things.

"The sound program has indeed been completed, but it is still in development" replied Evyllia, maintaining a flat gaze that showed no signs of emotion.

Even when Saishira issued her order, Evyllia obediently nodded as a receipt despite being emotionless though.

"Alright, maybe we should take a break first before investigating the developments more deeply." Saishira decided with a cold and deep voice that echoed throughout the room.

Saishira turned her attention to the computer placed to the right of the holographic interface, where her identity profile was displayed. His profile picture features a striking figure, cotton-white hair, flaming scarlet eyes, and night-like dark clothing, with his black shirt and jacket reflecting his enigmatic personality.

As Saishira focused on typing on her computer, her attention was suddenly fixed on the sound of approaching footsteps that echoed outside her room. Although barely audible, his keen sense of hearing caught them, aided by the serene atmosphere that enveloped the room.

The automatic door slid open, revealing the graceful figure of an adult woman, none other than Eleena, Saishira's mother. He stepped into the room with a purpose, expressing his intention to go shopping to get the ingredients for their food.

Before leaving, she leaned over and kissed Saishira's soft forehead, a gesture filled with maternal affection.

The moment Eleena came out, Saishira gently touched her forehead, a mixture of emotions flooded over her.

"Even when I'm an adult, mother is still mother" he murmured, realizing how important motherly bonding is.

Time passed, and an hour had passed with Saishira still confined within the walls of her room. Tired, he leaned forward, rested his elbow on the armrest and clasped his hand, which he gently pressed against his cheek. His gaze was glued to the computer screen, illuminated by the contents of his robot system folder.

Stopping the scrolling movement, his eyes were fixed on Evyllia, who was lying still, connected to the charging station.

"Lia ...," Saishira murmured, thinking of her next move. "What if I give him an emotional system? On the positive side, she can radiate cheerfulness, but on the negative side, she may be able to experience anger. However, what if I exclude anger from her?"

Steeped in her mind, Saishira delves deeper into the possibilities, her mind opening up the idea that Evyllia is more than just a machine. Sympathy begins to seep in, forging a connection between humans and robots, beyond the boundary that usually separates the two.

Just at that moment, the phone lying on his desk started ringing, the screen displaying his mother's name. Reacting quickly, Saishira snatches the phone, exemplifying her devoted nature to her mother's call.

However, as he answered the call, his anticipation was met with a puzzling surprise. The voice that echoes through the cell phone is not his mother, but a man, a stranger.

"Wait, who is this?" saishira asked, a hint of panic tainting her voice.

His expression changed, becoming serious as his mind raced to understand the unfamiliar situation that was happening before him.

A wave of shock swept through Saishira as she processed the sad news of her mother's passing.

"What?! That's impossible, right?!" he shouted, suddenly rising from his chair and rushing out of the house in a state of panic.

Driven by a desperate urgency, he directed his way to the location indicated by the man, who pointed to an alley located between various shops. With each step, an ever greater sadness gripped his heart, preparing him for the heart-wrenching sight that awaited him.

The moment he arrived, a deep sense of sadness penetrated his existence as he looked at his lifeless mother. An overwhelming mix of emotions swept over him, and he carefully approached him, clinging to a glimmer of hope that there might still be life in his frail form. Unfortunately, luck eluded him, because death had taken him without mercy.

Disbelief clouded his senses as he examined the signs of life, his trembling hands searching desperately for a heartbeat that would never be found.

"I–This .. this is impossible. No way! Mommy?! Answer me, Mother!!" Saishira's voice trembled in disbelief as she resisted the tears that threatened to burst forth.

Concerned residents gathered around him, trying to offer comfort and calm his broken soul. Slowly, tears began to flow down her cheeks, tracing the trail of her sadness.

In a daunted voice, he asked a painful question about the chronology of his mother's untimely death. However, none of them had the answer he was looking for.

All they could prove was to see his mother lying lifeless, a cruel wound piercing through his stomach. The perpetrator, apparently, had fled the scene after committing the heinous act.

This revelation left Saishira burdened with haunting questions. Who was responsible for the murder of his mother, and what prompted someone to commit such an unreasonable act? The question gnawed his mind incessantly, refusing to let go of his grip, even days after his mother's tragic death.

Saishira returns to the bleak scene once again, her heart filled with determination and sadness, hoping to find a trail of evidence or clues that could explain her mother's untimely death at the age of 37. Although tears flowed within him, he braced himself upon entering the alley where the tragic incident took place.

Bowing, his gaze fixated on the chalk lines made by the police, restricting the area where his mother was tragically taken from him. Picking up his phone, he accessed a photo sent by the authorities.

The image displayed before her depicts a haunting scene, with blood splattered on the walls—the most troubling sight, but Saishira looks at her with earnest determination, unaffected by its frightening implications. Most likely this blood belonged to his mother, who spilled during the fatal attack.

In the same alley, a glimmer of hope appears in the form of a CCTV camera, ready to capture the events unfold on that fateful day. CCTV footage guards gave Saishira permission to examine its contents, hoping it could provide important clues to unmask the perpetrator behind her mother's heinous murder.

But it can not be that easy, on the recording, the perpetrator uses a jacket and mask, not letting his identity be revealed. With the discouraging revelation of the CCTV footage, Saishira refuses to give in to despair.

Determined to uncover the remaining pieces of evidence, he continues his investigation, earnestly searching for other potential clues.

Exploring beyond the confines of the alley, he explored the surroundings leading to nearby shops, such as the path the perpetrator took in the recorded footage. However, his search did not yield any real clues, making him discouraged as he left the scene.

On the way home, Saishira crosses paths with an adult man who is very similar to her in terms of height. After passing by the man, Saishira's thoughts swirled around, forcing her to stare towards the man.

Despite the familiarity he felt inside, he hesitated to call or approach her, plagued by the memory of his late mother's words. According to her mother, her father had been killed in a tragic plane crash while Saishira was still in the womb.

Uncertainty gripped him, causing him to hold back his immediate actions, but an undeniable curiosity surfaced in his heart.

"Sorry, Mom. It's not that I don't believe, but I need to uncover the truth for myself and for you as well" inner Saishira resolutely, determined to uncover the hidden facts.

Returning to her home sanctuary, Saishira sets out on a quest to find answers, guided by the illumination of her computer screen. With his powerful goals, he navigates to a website that chronicles the history of important events in Nexaris, the country he calls his home.

"Mom, you always said that Dad died in a plane crash, on his way from Nexaris to another country. If only I could trace the history of that tragic event …."

Fingers danced over the keyboard, Saishira deepened her research, her eyes sparkling with new hope. With each typing, the glimmer of truth grew brighter, reviving the sense of possibility in his heart.

As Saishira delves deeper into the historical record, the truth unfolds before her. No plane crash was recorded in the year of his birth, 2158, casting doubt on the fate of his late father.

Conflicting emotions surge in Saishira's mind, grappling with the possibilities that arise if the man she meets is really her father and the only one who killed her mother.

"But if he's not really dead, why did he kill Mom?" He pondered, struggling to understand the motive behind the heinous act. "And why did he run away and leave me?"

With a deep sense of lack of information, Saishira decides to delve deeper into her mother's past. Accompanied by his loyal robot companion, he ventures into the basement, where a private library has been waiting for him.

Hidden in the depths of the bookshelf lay a worn-out and weathered diary, its pages filled with countless stories. Saishira carefully retrieves the diary, its fragile state bearing witness to the passage of time.

On July 24, 2156, her mother, Eleena, met a man named Harald, who had helped her in her work. Entries noted their growing closeness, culminating on September 13, 2157.

However, Saishira finds that the absence of a striking note for 2158, increases her curiosity and leaves her wrestling for answers.

Then, his gaze was fixed on the entry dated August 23, 2174, a year ago. Eleena has written about Saishira's condition, "she grew up healthy. Although he was not very active and rarely expressed, but he obeyed me very much. Sometimes, he's concerned about my health." These words spoke directly to Saishira's identity.

The weight of revelation weighed heavily on him, and his mind and body reached its limits. Overwhelmed and exhausted, Saishira retreated to her room, seeking solace in her sleep, letting her weary consciousness find pause.

...****************...

Amidst the dimness of the narrow alley, a chase ensues, shrouded in darkness, with an unknown man pursued relentlessly by a cloaked figure. The details of their faces elude them, hidden by the veil of night.

As the chase reaches its peak, the hunted man finds himself cornered, stuck in a dead end. The ominous figure in the robes brandished a pistol, aiming it directly at its vulnerable target. In the darkness, the unmistakable sound of gunfire resounded, piercing through the air.

In shock, Saishira suddenly woke up, panting, her heart racing in her chest. It was all just a nightmare—a figment of his imagination.

Saishira's hands instinctively stretched out to support her head, her eyes narrowed as she struggled to make sense of the unsettling dream that gripped her.

"What kind of dream is that?" he murmured, his mind swirling with fragments of the nightmare vision.

Determined to release his grip, he mustered the strength to rise from his bed and continue his daily routine, determined to abandon that unsettling dream.

As Saishira went about her daily activities, her gaze was fixed on the computer screen before her. The charming nightscape of Astrixia, the futuristic capital of Nexaris, adorns its desktop wallpaper, starkly contrasting with the reality of its life in the smaller city of Exariniel.

His fingers rhythmically tapped the table, his gaze fixed on the date displayed on the computer screen—8 November 2175. Thoughts swirl within him, contemplating the mysterious figure of his mother's killer and the mysterious Harald.

"Harald's? Could he really be my father?" he pondered, his fist clinging to his mouth in a mixture of disbelief and curiosity.

Drowning in his contemplation, Saishira is interrupted by a notification that appears in the bottom left corner of the screen. The words "Happy birthday, Saishira!" it shines brightly, it catches his attention.

Intrigued, it opens a notification that takes it to the calendar and the video player that appears simultaneously. The video thumbnail prominently features her mother's face.

With a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, Saishira overcomes her doubts and presses the play button, initiating a video that promises disclosure.

As the video began to play, a wave of bitter emotions swept over Saishira, her heart lifted as well as burdened by her mother's presence on the screen. The joyous scene depicts a loving celebration for her birthday, a reminder of the precious moments they once shared.

"Happy birthday, Saishira!" Her mother's voice echoed, her words carrying warmth and love.

"I've been preparing this video since long before your 17th birthday. Happy birthday, yes!"

His mother smiled happily. "You've grown up now. I feel so proud of you! All this time, I've always been watching your growth. And now, you've really become an obedient child to your parents."

A beaming smile graced his face as he continued, revealing his pride for his growth and his unwavering presence in his life.

"I hope that as you get older, you can get a wife who cares for us later on. Although this gift is not much, but I will definitely continue to be near you, even if I have not been in this world before this video you can watch."

He talks about his hopes for his future, finding a caring partner who will support them in the twilight years. Although the gift he offered might seem insignificant, his promise to be by his side, even outside of this world, resonated deeply.

With each word, tears welled up in Saishira's eyes, finally flowing down her cheeks. The burden of his mother's absence weighed heavily on him, an overwhelming sadness that could no longer be held back.

As the video was about to finish, Saishira's head fell forward, her body whipped with sobs, her pain echoing throughout the room. Her mother's death was too soon, even before she could celebrate her 17th birthday.

"Why?" whispering, his voice trembled with a mixture of sadness and anger. "Why is the world so cruel?"

"WHY?!" he shouted, unable to contain the sadness and anger that surged in his heart.

The question hangs heavily in the air, a plea to an unforgiving universe that has snatched away his mother's presence too soon. In her broken heart, her emotions converge, intertwined in a frenzy of grief and anger, leaving Saishira wrestling with the depths of her grief and the unanswered questions that gnawed at her.

After a while, Saishira's emotional turmoil began to subside, replaced by a resolute calm. He activates Evyllia's system and together they head to his uncle's house. The grief that had turned into a burning determination to take revenge now fueled his every move.

Upon their arrival, his uncle greeted them warmly. Without wasting any time, Saishira investigates the crux of the matter, asking about her mother and her encounter with Harald.

Her uncle's explanation reveals that Eleena has led a peaceful life, with no enemies or ill intentions. It is widely believed that Harald tragically died in a plane crash when he was planning to work abroad.

His uncle's eyes widened in disbelief at Saishira's shocking accusations.

"What are you talking about?" in response, his voice was filled with disbelief.

"Don't you feel weird? The Nexaris History website has no record of a plane crash in 2158, the year I was in my mother's womb," Saishira said, sternly, looking at her uncle, a seriousness and determination was etched on his face.

However, Saishira's uncle remains adamant about his disbelief, speculating that the website deliberately hid unfortunate events to enforce Nexaris' good image among foreigners.

Not wanting to engage in a pointless debate, Saishira simply answered her uncle's opinion, "Well, that's Uncle's perspective, anyway, and I appreciate that."

Saishira then turned her attention to the decorative wall shelves in the living room. "By the way, does Uncle know which hospital my mother gave birth to and where our DNA test was done?"

His uncle told Saishira that he was born at Theodore Hospital, and most likely DNA tests were also conducted there.

With this information in mind, Saishira's gaze was fixed on the cold skull mask displayed on the shelf. It seemed to resonate with him, according to his current state of mind.

Intrigued by the mask, Saishira asked, and her uncle explained that he had made it a Halloween prop. Because Halloween is synonymous with ghosts and scary elements, she creates a mask to capture the spirit of the event.

"If you want, you can have it. I'm too old to take part in Halloween celebrations" her uncle suggested.

With the skull mask tucked safely in her bag, Saishira, accompanied by Evyllia, set off for Theodore Hospital. Step by step, they are getting closer to uncovering the truth that is veiled in darkness.

Upon arrival there, Saishira politely asks the nurse to arrange a face-to-face meeting with Doctor Theodore to discuss some important matters. Fortunately, the timing was right, and Doctor Theodore was available. With a calm demeanor, Saishira enters the doctor's room, never leaving her inherent politeness despite the internal turmoil.

The conversation begins when Saishira asks about the circumstances surrounding her birth. As expected, she learned that she was born on November 8, 2158, and her mother conceived her at the age of 20. This information is nothing new to him.

Saishira then shifted focus to her mother and their DNA. The DNA results firmly confirm that Saishira was the biological child of Harald and Eleena. The evidence was safely documented in hospital DNA records, leaving no room for doubt. It was a confirmation of their family ties.

"However, despite the fact, I cannot hide the truth" said Doctor Theodore, hinting at the existence of a hidden secret.

With a bated breath, Saishira listened as Doctor Theodore continued. He reveals that Harald and Eleena are not in a conjugal relationship. In fact, Eleena has never been married in her entire life. This revelation sent shock waves throughout Saishira's body.

Eleena has told Doctor Theodore that Harald is just her boyfriend, implying an extramarital affair. However, when Eleena became pregnant, Harald left her and left the city. From then on, Eleena raised Saishira alone, with occasional support from her sister—Uncle Saishira.

Eleena has admitted that she fabricated Harald's death to preserve Saishira's mental and emotional health. Saishira was greatly shocked after hearing this revelation. However, he knows he must calm down, as his mystery has been revealed, but the culprit remains at large.

Driven by curiosity and unwavering determination, Saishira asked further, "Then, where does Harald live now? I'm sure he was the mastermind behind my mother's murder, because no one else was hostile to him."

Unfortunately, Doctor Theodore can only provide the information Eleena has shared with him and is unaware of Harald's current whereabouts. He expressed his apology for not being able to help Saishira any further.

Saishira got up from the chair while maintaining her modesty. "alright. Thank you for giving me this valuable information, Doctor Theodore. I hope the patients who visit this hospital recover faster."

Out of Theodore's room, Saishira turned to Evyllia and issued a directive, "Lia, our goal here has been fulfilled. Our next destination is …."

"Astrixia, the capital of Nexaris."

...****************...

In the interview room, the interviewer concludes their assessment of the job applicant. "Based on your impressive responses and outstanding performance in assessment, we have decided to hire you. Welcome aboard, William."

"Thank you, sir. I look forward to starting work tomorrow" replied William gratefully.

The next day, as they head for the company, Saishira catches a glimpse of the DNA results of her, Eleena, and Harald, accompanied by a photo of each of them.

Evyllia asked, "Master, do you think our disguises will go unnoticed?"

"Don't worry, Lia. My father never saw me, even as a baby. So I'm sure our disguises are strong enough to withstand scrutiny. Considering the proportion of your body and the naturalness of your voice, I doubt they would suspect you as a robot. I designed you to be very human." Saishira.

They arrive at the company where Harald and his legal wife, Caroline, serve as company leaders. Harald did not die, but simply moved from the city of Exariniel to Astrixia.

When Evyllia had just entered Harald's room as a servant, Caroline was there.

Caroline said, "We've taken care of Eleena, haven't we? Now we're safe and free."

Evyllia who heard that also secretly recorded Caroline's words in her memory. It is true that Harald killed Eleena.

As time went on, everything seemed to go well. Saishira embraces her new identity as William, an employee at the company. The company expanded rapidly in the weeks following William's arrival.

Due to his busy schedule, Harald rarely interacted with Caroline. Feeling neglected, Caroline seeks solace in the bar, drowning her frustration in alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, Harald's company began to decline.

At one point, Caroline became a suspect in a corporate fund corruption case. Evidence points to his involvement, but he avoided the allegations, claiming that he never interfered because Harald was too busy developing the company. The amount of misappropriated funds is very significant, amounting to about 10 million dollars.

Disappointed, Harald considered filing for divorce. However, he found himself unable to do so. Instead, she decided that Caroline should face a jail term during the corresponding period of corrupted funds.

Saishira hears of their fight, in which Harald looks very angry towards Caroline.

After seeing her, Saishira got into her car to go home.

He muttered, "Everything goes according to plan. Now, we just have to wait for the main plan to come."

Those words hinted at something unexpected altogether. Tenyata, Saishira was the one who corrupted the company's funds under the name Caroline. He uses the funds only to be burned knowing that Harald was guilty of this, resulting in a vengeful fire igniting within Saishira's emotions.

"So, sir, what's our next move?" Evyllia asked.

Saishira carefully devised a plan. "Maybe you should get involved when the plan reaches its peak."

The next day, Evyllia took the opportunity to offer her support and service to the desperate Harald. He approached her with a cup of coffee, hoping to gain her trust and avoid suspicion. However, Harald, consumed by his depression, was instead seen drinking alcohol.

Suddenly, a voice belonging to an old man was heard calling out to Harald. "Hello, Sir. I randomly picked a number and happened to call your number. Are you interested in how to make money instantly?"

Surprised, Harald replied, "Is there really such a way?"

"There is. You just have to do one thing. Go to the forest near the zoo of the city of Astrixia, and you will find the answer there."

Encouraged by curiosity, Harald, drunk, decides to venture into the woods. Fortunately, the forest was close to his company, so he didn't have to go far.

When she reached the forest, she was shocked to see Caroline's lifeless body hanging from a tree. The horrific scene intensifies when a black-robed body and skull mask appear from behind the tree where Caroline killed herself. Overwhelmed with fear, Harald fled and returned to his company.

Meanwhile, a man approaches a device that illuminates Caroline's holographic projection. "Because of her drunkenness, it was easy for her to believe in a fake holographic Caroline. The real Caroline is still in jail."

As Harald frantically returns to his company, the time is right for Evyllia to begin her plan. Arriving at the main headquarters, he quickly hacked into the TV system and other screen systems, taking control of the screen.

In an instant, the face of a man wearing a menacing skull mask filled every screen, engendering a sense of terror and haunting Harald.

The city was shrouded in the darkness of the night, with torrential rain falling nonstop. Harald continued to run aimlessly, fully aware that he was being terrorized by the skull-masked man.

Seeking refuge in a narrow alley, Harald hears his phone ringing. Reluctant to answer, knowing the caller might be the one responsible for his current affliction, he continued to run through the narrow alley.

Suddenly, from the twists and turns of the alley, a figure appeared from the left, holding a mobile phone in his ear. It was a skull-masked individual, shrouded in a black robe, emitting an aura of mystery. As Harald thought of retreating, Evyllia intercepted him, effectively trapping him in their grasp.

"Don't tell me you two are working together," Harald said in fear, his voice trembling.

The masked man finally takes off his mask, revealing himself as Saishira, also known as William.

Harald was stunned and overwhelmed with fear. "William's?! No, you're not William. What's your real name?!"

"Pay for what you did. Pay for what you're doing." Evyllia continued to use the word repeatedly, hinting at Harald's sinfulness.

"Ja–Don't say ka–kau ... Saishira?!" Harald finally realized what he was doing.

Harald could only lie helplessly upon seeing the two of them.

"The world is cruel. Even so cruel, there will be no one who knows what someone feels when the only thing they have is taken away, even the perpetrator who snatched it," Saishira murmured.

He continued, "My hands will sin one day, but I will establish the truth and avenge the one who took away the only thing I have even though I will be in hell."

"WAIT!! I'll explain everything!" Harald's desperate cries echoed, his eyes fixed on Saishira as he pleaded for understanding.

After a long time, Harald found the courage to reveal the truth, opening up the hidden pages of his life.

Meanwhile, around the bustling, Eleena was engrossed in shopping. His steps faltered as his gaze met the familiar figure of Harald in the middle of the hallway. But what surprised him was his companion—his legal wife, Caroline.

The sparks of conflict then ignite as Eleena's steps bring her closer to an unexpected reunion.

Getting closer, he could not help but voice his disbelief. "Harald's? Is that really you?"

Longing tugged at her heart as she continued, her voice muttering softly, "Did you remember me, Eleena?"

Her eyes filled with unspoken emotions, Eleena pressed her hands against her chest, fully aware of Saishira's longing for a father figure, as she said, "Do you know? Saishira has grown into a handsome young man. He misses your presence, Harald."

However, a storm of astonishment rippled within Eleena as her gaze turned to Caroline, the woman standing near Harald.

In an instant, an understanding appeared accompanied by a hint of sadness. "Ah, I understand. Your heart has found solace in the arms of others."

Caroline, unaware of Eleena's whereabouts, confronts Harald with feelings of anger and confusion.

Feeling trapped and overwhelmed, the only way for Harald was to dart into a narrow alley, hiding himself behind the hood of his jacket. Eleena followed him, while Caroline's angry gaze remained on Harald from a distance.

Opposed and in a state of panic, the kitchen knife that Harald had just bought slipped out of his grasp, crackling to the ground. Desperation clouded her mind, and in a state of panic, she accidentally brandished the knife towards Eleena, a shaking threat born of fear.

"Harald, please, there's still room for forgiveness. We can rebuild our relationship" said Eleena, her voice trembling with supplication, her careful steps bringing her closer to Harald.

But what happened next was a tragic nightmare. Harald's state of panic intensified, resulting in a terrible event. The kitchen knife, which had been purchased for daily use, became a tool that caused unimaginable pain when piercing Eleena's body.

Unbelievable mistrust enveloped Harald as he retreated, the bloodstained blade slipping back into his bag. In grief and panic, she runs away, her hooded jacket protecting her from the surveillance of nearby CCTV cameras, so she can escape without a trace.

"Please, forgive me. I understand the weight of my mistakes. But it's an accident." Harald's voice trembled with regret.

Saishira's hand appeared, a pistol firmly grasped, the barrel pointing right at Harald.

"I'm sorry, but I can't accept a father who shies away from responsibility."

The deafening sound of gunfire pierced through the air, echoing the terrifying high notes of Saishira's recurring nightmares. At that gripping moment, Harald's fate was determined, one bullet found its target at the very core of its existence.

Thus, Harald's journey ended, his existence extinguished by the merciless force of the shot. After that, Saishira, who was once characterized by a calm and polite demeanor, had turned into a cold and unforgiving figure, consumed by a terrible mixture of anger and sadness.

The next day, news of Harald's death spread like wildfire, attracting public attention. The police are inevitably drawn into the investigation, trying to unravel the mystery surrounding the case.

"The suspect is still at large, having fled the scene …." The voice of the news anchor echoed from the television.

Hearing the news, Saishira got up from her seat in her room. He took his black robe and familiar skull mask, once again embracing the darkness that had swallowed him.

Saishira turned to Evyllia, issuing orders. "Let's continue, Lia. Whatever happens, we'll keep the guise of an ordinary human being, without knowing this tragic news."

With a mixture of regret and determination in her voice, Saishira continued, "I am fully aware of the sins I have committed. Therefore, this new journey will be my penance, the path to redemption."

As he put the skull mask on his face, a strong determination began to appear. "From this moment on, I'm about to embark on a new journey."

"As a 'Mysterious Criminal Hunter' to atone for my sins."

...~Connect~...