Chapter 152: Victor''s Dilemma (1)
Victor wanted to tell his family everything.
How he had been held captive by KF for a year, the brutal humiliations he endured, and the countless atrocities he witnessed.
He wanted to share all that he had experienced with his family without holding anything back.
But he couldnt do that now.
Sophia has, you know, ranked first in her district again.
How proud I am. She even has a rare job as a Guardian.
The sister he had worried might fall behind was actually living better than he expected.
No, not just better; shes totally nailing life, isnt she?
She was achieving district rankings with ease, something he had never managed.
Its not a lie, right? Sophia always hates lying.
Despite his worries, the fact that she was doing well brought both relief and a sense of emptiness.
He looked up at his parents, noticing their faces brighten.
How could they not be delighted to hear about their daughter thriving in the other world?
They look so happy, how can I say I was captured by KF and went through hell
It felt like throwing ashes into already cooked rice, so he couldnt bring himself to say it.
Then his parents asked him directly.
Victor, what happened to you? Why havent we heard from you for a whole year?
Ah well, that is
As Victor debated whether to share his grim story, he finally decided.
Better not to spoil the mood.
I, uh, took a trip abroad.
What? A trip?
Shocked by his unexpected response, his parents eximed.
Is that true? I thought you had been kidnapped by KF and were dead!
Ha, ha KF? What time do you think this is
So you just went on a nice trip?
And why didnt you call?
I lost my phone
How can you just not contact us? We were worried!
Victor bowed his head deeply.
Im sorry. I had so much on my mind, wondering whether I should continue being a doctor and other concerns, I just wanted to get away. You know, just drop everything and leave.
The parents faces immediately showed concern.
Depression, or something?
Yes Ive been feeling quite troubled. Its embarrassing at my age,te twenties.
So you went traveling here and there?
Yes. I just wandered wherever my feet took me. When I ran out of money, Id get a job and start working. Once I had money again, Id travel
Once he started, the lies flowed easily.
Initially shocked, his parents seemed to ept his words as he borated.
Yes, its better to say I traveled because of depression than to admit being kidnapped by KF.
It was a white lie, hoping his family would worry less.
Thats good then. Have you sorted out your feelings now?
Yes. Now, Ill never leave again. After all, theres no ce like home.
Its good you realize that now.
Sophia is also doing well as a yer, so you should focus and do your best too.
Yes, I will.
Victor replied with a bittersweet feeling.
By the way, where did Sophia go?
She got amercial deal and went off to shoot.
Ah really?
How happy shell be to know youre back, huhu.
Seeing his parents smile so broadly made Victor feel reassured about his decision.
Ill go check out my room; its been a while.
Go ahead.
Returning to his room after a year, Victor closed the door and sighed.
It worked out. My sister and family arent suffering as much as I worried.
He had wanted to see his family at least once before dying, and now his wish was fulfilled.
Now, there were no regrets left in his heart.
Rather, it turned out for the better.
Free of regrets, ready to leave.
Im sick of endless survival games. I just want to rest now.
Better to end his life surrounded by family than keep struggling to survive.
That year of captivity had left Victor physically and spiritually weakened.
Son, you must be hungry; Ive made food. Eat.
Yes!
Enjoying a decent meal for the first time in a long time, they shared the stories they hadnt been able to.
And in the evening, Victor was able to reunite with his sister who returnedte at night.
Oh, brother!
Sophia!
They hugged each other, tears welling up in their eyes.
It was rare, but they had always gotten along well, hardly ever fighting.
Where have you been, brother! Ive been looking everywhere!
Ahaha, well, thats
Sweating profusely, Victor again resorted to a white lie.
What an unusual excuse! You just vanished on a trip without leaving a single message!
Uh, the sameint from you and our parents, huh?
We were worried! We thought you were surely dead! Especially with all the upheavals!
I thought you were gone too. Who wouldve thought youd survive up to Round 9
Brother, didnt you hear? I ranked first from Round 1. Of course, just in my district. The overall district is dominated by that yer called ck Scythe. You know, if youre a yer, ck Scythe.
Oh? Oh
Did I know?
Ive spoken with ck Scythe, saved by his terrifying force, and seen his formidable strength up close.
Dont you think that the yer called ck Scythe is really something? I heard his level is incredibly high.
Yes, impressive indeed.
I heard hes a yer from Korea. Have you been there?
Ha, Korea? ck Scythe is a Korean yer?
Yes. Didnt you know? Its all over the news. Hes working there as the captain of a squad called CPF, catching criminal yers.
Oh, is that so.
I didnt know.
Having been in a ce where I couldnt even see a cellphone for a year.
So hes been exterminating criminals there too?
A new respect emerged for ck Scythe, who continued his efforts to eliminate crime in his own country.
What about you, how did you survive all this time? Whats your job?
Me? Im an Alchemist.
An Alchemist? Theres such a job?
Id like to ask the same. What exactly does a Guardian do?
As they inquired about the things they didnt know about each other, time flew by.
Having already been close siblings, their bond deepened with themon ground of being yers.
As the happy time passed and midnight approached, Victory in bed, deep in thought about his future.
From our talk, it seems Sophia doesnt need to be worried about. Shes managing fine on her own.
She was receiving respect in both the real world and the other realm.
While he was struggling desperately while captured by KF.
Riki has been taken care of by Mr. Marcus, and the other kids are safe too. ck Scythe has wiped out all the KFS monsters tormenting me.
Everything seemed to be falling into ce.
There was nothing left to worry about.
Then why does my heart feel so empty?
Is it because of the harsh treatment under KF?
Or because my soul has worn out from watching the acts of those monsters every day?
Lost in thought, Victor stared nkly at the ceiling.
So engrossed that he didnt notice the tapping at his window.
Thump-thump-thump-
Huh?
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