“What?!” I shouted, shifting my head toward Kieran.


    I thought it would only be one of the house he owned. Never would I have imagined the place I will be working in was the base of Onychinus. Few buildings, on top of that.


    “What what?”


    “Nothing… I’m just surprised that I will be working at none other than the infamous Onychinus’s base.”


    “Didn’t we mentioned it before?”


    “You didn’t specifically said the place.”


    “Guess you’re not that smart.”


    Now, that was rude. How am I supposed to guess that they will brought me to their base? Wasn’t the base for an organization usually stay a secret from outsiders. Especially dark organization. Actually, were they even considered as dark organization?


    I am not sure. I was just warming up to the game before I came here. I had only installed the application for like, a week, not to mention, I don’t have the full day to play it. I got to go to work too!


    “How many people in here?”


    “Not that many. Ah! But there is only one housekeeper.”


    “Only one? That person must have been suffering in this place.”


    “She will be…”


    “…”


    “That person was you!”


    The only place I have ever cleaned up was my house, and my parent’s house which is only a bit bigger than mine. However, this scale… This is too much for my two frail arms and two fragile legs.


    “This is impossible! How am I supposed to do everything by myself?!”


    I spoke only the truth. Try to think about it. As a normal average people living in a city, in a small yet comfortable apartment, cleaning up after a big mansion such as the one in front of me right now and few of them, alone on top of that, was close to ridiculous.


    It might not be impossible to achieve, however, it will took an unbelievable amount of time and dedication. I guess I won’t have the time to ponder about my fate in this strange and peculiar land.


    “Don’t worry! We bet you could do it! Nothing is impossible!”


    “Sure… For you! I demand a raise! This is too much!”


    “Talk to Boss then.”


    “Ugh!” I clutched on my chest. It’s hurt where it doesn’t hurt.


    “Oh, right! Almost forgot,” he took out something from his bag and handed it to me, “here.”


    “This is—”


    “Good luck then!”


    Both of them walk away from the place we were standing. In a haste, I grabbed the hem of Kieran’s shirt.


    “Wait!”


    “What?”


    “Wasn’t you supposed to show me around first? How am I to know my way here?”


    “You can explore on your own. Just don’t forget to wear your uniform so you don’t get mistaken as intruder and accidentally meet your end!”


    With that being said, they vanished from my sight in a blink of an eyes. I was frozen for a while, collecting my thought. They really just ditch me in a middle of nowhere alone by myself.


    I look down on the set of maid uniform neatly folded on my hands. Sighing, I was just glad it doesn’t get any more cringe with this maid uniform. At least this one was the long skirt with long sleeves type. Quite modest. How unexpected.


    There is no way that I will find my way at any moment, so I decided to use one of the empty room to change my outfit first. What I never anticipated was the cliche where someone suddenly came inside while I was in the middle of changing.


    “KYAA!!!” I screamed my lungs out.


    “Keep quiet,” the low deep voice sternly spoke, in rather calm manner.


    I quicken my pace and put on the apron. From behind, I could hear him sighed. I turned around and saw, a devil. A charming, and good looking devil staring into my eyes.


    His bright red eyes that glow reminded me of the moon I saw yesterday night. He furrowed his eyebrows. Even when his forehead form a deep wrinkle, he was still alluring.


    “You. What are you?” he said as he walked closer, closing the distance between us.


    “Someone who dream of becoming you wife?” I gave an answer to his question with another question.


    The grunt that came out from his throat make my heart almost stop beating. He smirked. “Is this another ploy to find my weakness?”


    “Yes?”


    “Who was it?”


    “Who?”


    “Who sent you?”


    “Um… God?”


    “I see you were a fan of wordplay,” his voice sounded impatient.


    “That is quite an untrue statement. I take myself as someone who spoke straightforward instead. And, I’m the new housekeeper that was hired.”


    “The cleaner, I see…”


    “Yes. Whatever you would like to call me.”


    “Then, why are you here?”


    “Luke and Kieran left me at the entrance. I don’t know my way here, so I thought about changing my outfit first so I won’t be mistaken as intruder and be killed accidentally.”


    “Had they not told you not to enter this particular room?”


    “No. They told me nothing”


    He glanced at me up and down. I would had never imagine that he would even bothered to ask me questions and not kill me instead. I thought his words were a privilege for the main character only.


    My frail little heart knew no fear. The corner of my eyes took a little peek on his cold looking face.


    “Is there something on my face?”


    “YES!”


    “Ho?”


    “There are too much handsomeness on it. It’s dazzling! Yet enchanting!” I spoke my mind. I don’t know when else would I see this beautifully sculptured face, so I need to let all my feelings out.


    His lips curled up. His short little snicker make my heart pound loudly. If only I could carved those stunning face and expression of his in my mind.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    “I have not seen anyone brave enough to speak boldly to my face.”


    Well, of course. They were too afraid to do so. I had the courage as someone not from this world. And because I have seen how sweet and lovely you were toward the one you loved. Even though I knew it was not for me, I still dare to profess my feelings.


    “That’s because their feeling were not as strong as mine.”


    “Is that why you sneak into this room?”


    “No! No! This is definitely a coincidence! You have my words. I would never exert such stalkerish behavior toward the one I love.”


    “Love?” he sneered, “do you know who am I?”


    “Of course! You’re Sylus. The most good looking devil in Love and …”


    “Hmm?”


    “I mean, the leader of Onychinus.”


    “Yet you still dare to utter the word love.”


    “Why shouldn’t I? If you love someone, you have to tell that person even if it meant getting rejected. Only then you will find a closure and a peace of mind.”


    “Admirable philosophy. However, is there no possibility of getting killed?”


    “Why would you?”


    “Why wouldn’t I?” he said with his low hoarse voice as he walk closer and placed his hand over my neck.


    “Because I have done nothing that hinder your job and I am a weakling that was no fun to killed.”


    “A weakling? You?”


    “Am I not? I know myself, you see. I’m not really the type that overestimate myself, or have some silly thought like I can do anything if I put my mind into it. I have to say that I am quite the realistic person. Sure, I might sound like a coward, but I simply don’t like to take risk that are not worth it.”


    “You talk a lot.”


    “I’m not really a talkative person. But if me being talkative would make you talk to me, then I will put more effort into talking.”


    “How courageous.”


    “Thank you! That only applied when I’m chasing my love,” I gazed right into his red eyes, to see once again that pretty ruby embedded in his eyes.


    “I can see that no one told you not to look into my eyes.”


    “I don’t understand why shouldn’t I look into your eyes when it was so enchanting. Mine could not compare.”


    He hummed and inched closer to my face, staring into my eyes. I can hear the throbbing in my heart, and I wonder if he can hear it too.


    “The right one. Is there anything wrong with it?”


    I realized he was talking about my right eye. I have never like the topic regarding my eyes, but if it’s him, perhaps, it would be fine.


    “Well… It’s not as beautiful as yours, but…” I took a step back and turned around, fiddling with my right eye, and look at him once again, “I felt uncomfortable when people stared into my eyes, so I would wear contact lens that matched the color of my left eye.”


    “Heterochromia?”


    I nodded, even though feeling a little flustered. “It doesn’t look really good. Some people would felt uncomfortable if I don’t wear my contact lens.”


    “And why should you listen to them?”


    “Yes?”


    “Is there any need to care about how people view yourself?”


    “It’s not that I care, but… when we went out to socialize, it’s a given to tolerate each other. There is always something we need to sacrifice to keep the balance in society.”


    I noticed his gaze on me, and I could only scratched my cheek, feeling awkward. I knew he wouldn’t understand because he had people adjusting themselves to his preference, not the other way round.


    “Boss.”


    It make me wonder what was this fate that I had with the twins. They would appeared suddenly when I was with someone.


    “Why were you here?” Luke and Kieran looked at me with confusion. I somehow could tell from that mask they were wearing.


    “Exploring.”


    ***


    As I daze into the dark gloomy sky up above, I was ascertained by the obscure truth once again. I truly am in a faraway land far from my home, or perhaps, far from my reality.


    It had been a whole week since I was here. The memory of meeting Sylus was as clear as the blue sky in my mind, not that there were any blue sky could be seen in N109 Zone, though.


    I was quite angry with Luke and Kieran because they third wheeling my precious conversation with Sylus. From what I knew, he doesn’t really talk much in the game. Of course, the main character were the exception. That was one in a billions of opportunity. I haven’t seen him since that day.


    I spent my day learning about N109 Zone, deepening my bond with Mira, getting used to Luke and Kieran behavior, and more importantly, the period of time I am currently in. I discovered that I came to a time before the beginning of the game. It was before the main character started her journey as hunter and her fateful meeting with her love interest, including Sylus.


    “Those really did just cleaned the outward before huh…” I mumbled to myself as my hand stroke on the back of the wooden cabinet. My fingers were covered in a thick layer of dirty and sandy dust.


    “Caw!”


    My hand froze. I slowly turned around. The beautiful jet black crow had it’s eyes on me. “You…” I rose from where I was kneeling and took a big stride toward where the crow was resting.


    “You little cutie pie! No! Cutie birdie! How can such an adorable and lovely creature as you exist…”


    “Ca…w?”


    The confused black crow tilted it’s head. The reaction it gave make me giggled. I have always like black animal, you see. One of them were crow. That was one of the reason why Sylus gained a place in my heart.


    “You must be Mephisto. My name is Alissa. It was nice to finally meet you.”


    I extended my hand toward the black crow. It was weird to see that it was not the mechanical crow as shown in the game but Mephisto is Mephisto. The crow spread it right wing and laid it on the palm of my hand.


    “Did you came here to observe my work?”


    “Caw!”


    “Oh, really? Was it a coincidence?”


    “Caw! Caw!”


    “I see. Then, will you go on your way right now?”


    “CAW! CAW! CAW!”


    “No! No! I wasn’t trying to shoo you. I actually thought it would be nice if you could accompany me. I feel a little bit lonely working by myself in this vast mansion. And… there is still four similar building that I have to clean. This is so stressing and tiring, you know.”


    “Caw…”


    “Well… I can’t just sit and do nothing, right? I have to work so that I can earn myself some living.”


    “Caw? Caw. Caw. Caw.”


    I laughed. “You can’t compare me to Sylus. He is a big boss, and I’m just your typical average human who must work their bone to live.”


    “Caw.”


    “Right… You should be glad you were born as crow instead of human.”


    Before any of you said I’m crazy, let me tell you something. It’s reaction gave way what’s on its mind. You know the saying, ‘wear your heart on your sleeves.’


    “Caw! Caw…”


    “Oh, really? You can’t accompany me anymore? It’s okay. Your mission is much more important! I will pray for your safety from afar, okay?”


    “Caw! Caw!”


    “Bye, bye! Stay safe!”


    Although it was only for a little while, my heart was filled with motivation to work. Right! I might not be able to see Sylus as much as I thought, but, who knows what lies ahead, right?


    I continued my job as usual, while grumbling and coughing now and then. After I clocked out, I rode the bike back to Mira’s home where I’m currently room renting. Additional information, I could ride a bike by myself now. It only took me few days to get used to it. Though, I got no license. It bothered me, but N109 Zone is not a place that you need to care whether you had a license or not.


    ***


    The hustle and bustle at the night market was not as what I expected from the dark market. “This is surprising,” I whispered to myself with my finger on my chin.


    “What is?”


    Her sudden invasion on my thought left me stunned. I stammered my way to reply her question. “T—Nothing.”


    “Really?”


    “Yes,” I nodded vigorously.


    “Well, how was it?”


    “?”


    “How was the market? Don’t you see anything that interest you yet?”


    “I’m not sure… Everything looks quite normal.”


    “Pft… Of course everything would look normal. What would you expect?”


    “I actually thought people would be selling armories or human flesh, or organs out in the open.”


    “They actually do… Just, not here. There is another place for that kind of market. And it usually the low quality one that were sold out in the open, you know.”


    “Is that so… Fascinating.”


    “Come along. I want you to meet someone. A great person,” Mira beckoned me to step inside a store. The sign wrote Odd Workshop.


    “How great was he?”


    “He was… my savior.”


    I was dumbfounded to see it was an old man that she want to introduce me to. I think I might have seen this character somewhere, but my memory were blurry.


    “How was your night yesterday? Did he make you do anything impossible yet again?”


    “Mira! You haven’t visit me for four days. I thought you might have forgotten about this old man already.”


    “How could that be. I was busy familiarizing this new friend of mine with her new home.”


    “Oho. Who is this new friend of yours?” He turned toward my direction.


    “Alice, meet Philip. Philip, Alice,” Mira said in a casual tone pointing her finger to both of me and the old man.


    “Nice to meet you, Philip.”


    “Oh. It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” he came closer, added, “are you sure you were not kidnapped by them?”


    “No, sir. Actually, it was Mira who saved me when I was in a pinch.”


    “It’s a funny story, you know,” she quipped in a joking manner.


    “Funny for you,” I countered.


    “What had happened to you?”


    I recounted the story that I told Mira of how I end up in N109 Zone, and how she saved me from a… rat. It was a bit embarrassing now that I think about it, but, it was inevitable to act like a fool in such situation that are new for you. Though, it might just me who think as such.


    “Oh dear… If Mira didn’t find you that time, I’m afraid there might be possibility you would be dragged into the auction hall. You should choose your friend wisely.”


    “I also come to that realization. That’s why I was truly thankful for my meeting with Mira.”


    “You must have a rough day this past week.”


    “I wouldn’t say. Mira rent me a room. On top of that, Luke and Kieran even found me a job.”


    “Those brats did?”


    “Yes.”


    “I bet they find you an impossible job.”


    “That… they sure did…”


    Philip cracked out a laughter. “Don’t worry about that. I’m sure there will be an ample compensation for you.”


    “Well, the pay was good, at least. And I was not demanded to do everything either way. And there are also cleaning robot, so my work was not really that harsh. I was just an add on.”


    “Good, good. Mira, how about your part? Have you found her friends?”


    “That’s the tricky part.”


    I can feel the sweats on my hand as I listen to them. I think I should start searching for a way to make a lie become the truth.


    “How tricky was it?”


    “They left no traces at all. As if they never exist. But…”


    “But?”


    My heart dropped as I heard the word but. There was a ‘but’? How so? I wondered.


    “But, I found the possible people that might be them. Just that… they were not here currently, in N109 Zone.”


    “Where were they?” Philip asked with a serious face.


    “Lincoln City.”