Clues

I run away.

Because of shock, I run inside the empire.

I run and run until I reach a secluded alley and tripped.

I harmed them. I hurt them.

Why did I do that?

Because of me, I hurt those people.

How did this happen?

I cower in remorse and guilt. If it weren't for me, they shouldn't have been harmed.

Sirens from a fast-moving vehicle resounded and it looks like it is heading to the gates. All I can do is hope that no one was grievously hurt. But, if someone died, I don't know what I'll do. My conscience couldn't take it. Maybe I can—

"Are you okay, kid?"

I jumped out from surprise as a man came towards me and talk to me.

Is he gonna hurt me because of what I did?

Is he gonna punish me like how my masters would?

"Hey, kid? You look scared? Are you lost?"

I fleed as fast as I can, away from him.

"Hey! I'm not gonna hurt—"

I run and run, away from that man. I haven't seen his aurae but I know he's gonna use me and treat me like I'm some kind of an animal. He'll torture me and beat me like there is no tomorrow because of what I did at the gates. I will be chained and locked away. He's gonna starve me and abuse me.

I won't let that happen.

I must avoid anybody at all cost.

Looking at people's aurae is no longer useful since all of them are the same. So it's better to just run away from them.

I continued to run. I have no idea where I am at now. All I did was run. It was the right thing to do. I accidentally bumped into someone which made me come back into my senses. I then realized that I was in a busy marketplace.

"Are you alright, boy?" the woman I bumped into asked.

She looks at me with an expression that I do not understand.

"Are you hurt? Perhaps, you're lost?" she asked. "Do you want me to help you find your parents?"

Why is she looking at me like that?

People who see me don't look at me like that. It is always with disgust and scorn.

Why is she looking at me like she's worried?

I don't know. Maybe she knows who I am and want to use me. Maybe she's just trying to deceive me to have her ways to me.

I moved backward away from her and run away.

Why are there too many people who want to abuse me?

Is this world really worth it to be saved?

This is ridiculous. The Glowing Tree must have been mistaken. This world is beyond helpless. I must get out of here. I hid in an alley secluded by many. I hid inside a massive metal box containing several boxes.

It looks like storage for goods or something.

I hid deep inside the metal container and cower in silence. I sulked within the darkest part of this box. I hugged myself trying to suppress this shivering and fear I felt.

Why do people hate me?

Why do they keep hurting me?

I'm doing everything I can to not hurt them. Quelling these emotions, staying strong, pushing this negativity away for you all to be safe from me. But why are they so mean to me?

Don't they know how difficult it is to be me?

I hid my head behind my knees as I shrink in dismay.

I've been cowering in silence that I didn't realize that I have fallen asleep.

"Good afternoon, Sir! We're here to deliver you your package!"

"We'll first unload your package. Just give us a sec."

I woke up from those voices I heard. I was startled when I heard something roaring.

Why is this container vibrating?

"Open the container," a man ordered.

With that, a flash of light welcomed me and I later realize that I was inside a vehicle that transports goods.

I must get out of here!

I waited for the man to leave before fleeing. The man entered and was looking for something. I remained hidden and didn't make any sound.

"Got you!"

Did he know I'm here?

I didn't make any movements and waited for the next thing he'll do. If he found out where I was hiding, I'll push these boxes towards him and then run away.

I was about to push the boxes when he lifted another box and left.

I heave a sigh of relief as I quickly took the opportunity to run out of the vehicle I was hiding. I run and run and went into an alley and hid there as I catch my breath.

What would be my fate if that man discovered that I was hiding in there?

Will he drag me out and beat me into a pulp?

That was careless of me. I must be more cautious now. I cannot let anybody get close to me. I must protect myself since no one will do it for me. As I finally stabilize my breathing, drilling noises and loud voices were heard.

"Hey, you! Quit slacking off and carry these to the scaffolding!" a man yelled. "We're behind schedule, dumbasses! If we messed up with the schedule, droids will replace us and that will be the end of us!"

I went where the noise came from and to my surprise, I nearly fell on the ground out of astonishment.

"What a big structure!"

I am astounded by the great heights of this structure. As I marveled at this magnificent structure I am looking at, I noticed a relatively massive hole in front of the mega-structure.

Why is there a hole in there?

"Can we fix the facade now? What did the electricians say?" a man suddenly appeared next to me.

I didn't notice him. I slowly back away. I look at him and noticed that he is talking to no one but to a small block of metal.

Is he crazy?

"What? Who's crazy?"

Did he hear me?

I think it's best for me if I leave now since he hasn't noticed me yet. I was about to turn my back when he called me.

"Oh, it's you!" he said like he knows me.

Does he know me?

Is he the person I must meet in this place?

Even if he is, I must still be careful.

"Don't you recognize me?" he inquired. "Well, from the look of you, probably not. We met at Roid City, at an alley? You pretty much look terrified back there. Did I scared you?"

He keeps talking to me like he knows me or something. I didn't give him a response as he keeps observing me.

"You look exhausted, want some food? Water? No?" he asked. "Hey, I apologize if I scared you back there? It happens a lot."

I can't deny that he looks scary. He has this huge build and menacing look yet his actions and words are contradicting his looks. I still have doubts about him but I have a feeling he is the person that I must meet in this place. With that, I stare at him and tried to look within.

He's a good person. His life force is clean.

"Um, is something wrong?" he inquired.

"Nothing," I replied, showing ease.

"Finally you spoke. I really thought you're deaf or maybe mute," he sighed in relief.

"I'm so sorry for judging you for being a bad person."

"Oh, um... I get that a lot. You don't have to apologize. Anyway, I'm Onyx, Engr. Onyx Matwain. How about you kid?"

"I'm Izac."

"So what brings you here, Izac? Where's your parents or perhaps guardian?" he asked. "You should return to your house now. It's not safe since you know, we do not have power."

I am more curious about what's happening to this place and about what they're doing especially to that massive structure in front of us than knowing what exactly this Project Reminiscence is.

"Sir Onyx? Why is this nation looks like it's in a crisis? Did something happen?" I asked out of curiosity.

He looks at me with wonder as he entertained my question.

"Haven't you heard it from the news?" he said. "The King of Thieves infiltrated the empire four days ago and caused major havoc. He destroyed the power grid that supplies the whole empire with power. That power grid was the only thing that keeps the empire alive and steady. Without power, the defenses of the empire are down and I don't think the security droids would survive for another week without recharging."

That sounds serious.

"Mr. Richard was blamed for this incident and he was subjected to three-month suspension. I cannot fully blame him for this but because of what he did, the empire was opened for risk. Despite this, I still feel sorry for him. Who would remain at ease after losing someone important to you? That hurts a lot!"

I felt that. Losing someone who you care dearly hurts so bad.

"Did a friend of him got killed?" I asked with bitterness.

"It's still unknown. The Police Department doesn't have any lead to the case. But Mr. Richard is hoping that they're alright," Onyx replied.

I know how painful it will be once that hope of him turns into despair. It hurts so bad knowing that you can't do anything to ease the pain you are feeling. It might be the worst opinion but he must prepare himself for the worst-case scenario.

"Hey, Sir Onyx. Why are you fixing that massive structure?"

I tried changing the topic because it's causing me to recall such a painful past.

"Well, because it's my job. I'm a civil engineer and I was contracted to fix the hole that Caleb made. You can laugh all you want but I'm the one who designed and build this building," he uttered with shame in his tone.

"NTC? Is that what this structure called?" I asked as I notice the massive letters beside the building.

"Well, yeah. It stands for New Technology Center, " Onyx replied.

"Wait, why would you think I'll laugh at you for being the one who made that massive structure? Building this kind of structure might have taken a lot of consideration and skills. Sir, Onyx, you are talented!" I praised.

I saw him awkwardly smiled at me.

Did I say something ridiculous?

"What are you talking about? Considering our world's standards, this kind of structure is pitiful and doesn't deserve to be praised. I was even bashed and criticized by the design," he confessed.

How can people not appreciate this amazing structure?

"Because of how I poorly designed NTC, this building was my first and last project," I saw displeasure on his face as he was forced to chuckle. "Ha! I was thinking of retiring and open a small business since I am no longer receiving projects. The only thing that keeps me alive is repairing NTC. I know it's not a good thing but, I'm kinda thankful to Caleb. Because of him, I still earn some money."

Despite saying all of those with a smile, I know he's crestfallen about what happened because I felt his pain. I can clearly see his agony and downhearted soul. I don't know how I can help him lessen the depression in his heart. I have the urge and I feel obligated to help people with dejected hearts. I hate this world but I cannot deny the fact that I still feel pity towards pure and kind-hearted individuals.

I gaze again at the amazing building Mr. Onyx made and wonder why people can't appreciate such a masterpiece.

"Maybe they haven't seen it from a different perspective," I uttered. "You know, if you look things using the eyes of someone who hates it, you'll never know what you are missing. People tend to judge everything base on its looks without realizing how beautiful it is inside. You need to dive into the ocean to see the hidden gem underneath the surface."

I then made a realization. I am truly a hypocrite. I just said those words without even applying them to myself. I easily judge people without knowing their true selves. Maybe it's time to make a change and make myself follow the advice I just conveyed.

"Mr. Onyx, do you know what trees do?"

"Um… they absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen and provides us shade and woods," he replied.

"Yeah, that's correct. But do trees look admirable? Do they look luxurious? Are they worth it to be in a museum because of their appearance?"

"Um… I'm not sure," Mr. Onyx honestly replied.

"For common people, no. They would even mock those people who said yes because 'Why would you display such a thing?'. That may be true but, have you ever consider how amazing these creatures are? Trees are the most beautiful living sculpture ever created. People would show less value over the things that they don't understand the significance of. Trees don't only provide us the air we breathe. They give us wood for shelter even if that means sacrificing their own lives without any complaints about it. They maintain the balance of the ecosystem and provides clean water and air. They provide shelter for the wildlife. They cool off the planet and most importantly, guards life."

Nature is truly amazing which I couldn't contain myself from sharing how amazing it is for me.

"You will never know the worth of something until you know its whole purpose."

I return my gaze to Mr. Onyx and I was somewhat confused why he looks so shocked at me.

"Are you a kid?" he asked. "It feels like I'm talking to an adult."

He gazes to the NTC and confessed, "You are right, Izac. I designed NTC based on the requirements and conditions given which I must take into consideration. I didn't design the NTC based on my liking. If I was in control, I would love to design it like Stellar's. Mr. Richard was the only one who praised me for being able to pull off such a challenging task. The sole purpose of my design is to withstand such a powerful current of energy and not to be a tourist spot for photography. I know that I should have at least made it eye appealing or something but the design itself isn't compatible with more elements such as beautification components. The design will fall off if I did that."

"Whatever its purpose, your design is still amazing for me."

I saw him smile.

"I couldn't believe a kid is lecturing me about life," he chuckled. "Your heart is as beautiful as your eyes, Izac."

I was a bit startled by his remark about my eyes. I look away and look down in nervousness.

"Um, did I said something bad?" he asked.

"It's just… I don't like people talking about my eyes," I said.

"Are you bullied because of the odd colors of your eyes?" he inspired.

I didn't give him a reply because I don't know how will I respond to that.

"Don't mind those people who make fun of you just because of you're eyes. Your eyes are beautiful and I've never seen anything like it. They're probably jealous of your eyes because your eyes are undeniably rare and beautiful," he advised.

I'm not wary because of my eyes, I'm scared of people once they knew what these eyes can do.

Ring!

"That must be the contractor," Onyx said. "Well, I probably should get back to work now Izac. It was nice hanging out with you. Don't listen to those people who make fun of your eyes, alright? See you later."

With that, I was left alone as I watch Onyx took a block of metal from his pocket and started talking to it.

That was the first conversation I made in this place. I never knew that there are still some people who have a clean heart. He's one of those people who is naturally good. If only I could do something for him, I would love to help him get more projects.

After the conversation ended, I have no idea what to do next. Should I stay here in this empire for a bit more?

What do I do now?

Are there other people I need to meet?

Is Onyx not the right person I must meet?

With this in mind, I haven't asked him if he knows anything about Project Reminiscence. Should I go towards him and ask if he knows anything?

Ugh, why didn't I brought it up?

Maybe I'll ask him if I have the chance. However, it also comes into my mind, what if it wasn't a person that I must meet or find here?

Ugh! That Project Reminiscence should have told me what to do in this place. Maybe I should stay here for a bit more.

But how will I survive in this place? For sure, those cameras which T12 warned me about will be abundant here.

I sat down on a bench that I saw and continued to watch Onyx and his— are they his friends? Well, I don't know, maybe?

As I watch them work, I observed how civilized this community is. After arriving here, nobody looks at me with disgust. Well, some did gaze at me with a confusing expression. Come to think of it, that lady I bumped at the marketplace, why is she looking at me like she's worried?

That was weird.

Also, Onyx never mentioned and asked about my past. I am thankful for it but I still feel weird. Nobody actually cares about my past in here. I felt a bit of relief knowing that I can keep my past behind me for who knows how long. Yet, it is still relieving.

I heave a sigh of relief. It is a nice feeling to have knowing that nobody is leeching your past and investigate you. Most people in my second life were like that. After discovering that I have odd abilities, they used me to their heart's content.

With that thought, how did they know that I have these abilities? It was all sudden and I don't even remember that I showed them any of my abilities. The most intriguing part is, they only want to see my eyes change in color and not the other abilities.

I thought of it for a moment and I recalled what Euro told me the night I saved him.

Whoever made that contract might know something about me. I must find that person and find my answer. But, how can I find that person?

My ex-masters might know who the maker of the contract is but they're all dead. Days after I departed their household, I would hear the news that they died. Every single time I leave my master for another master, the previous one always dies which builds up questions in my head.

Despite this, my only clue is my last master because I don't know if he died after my death but he might be dead by now maybe because of illness and if not, by old age. With that possibility, my only clue left is a marketplace. I always hear the previous master talking about a marketplace near his land.

Hmm… a marketplace.

Among the four destinations I have, there is one place that intrigues me the most.

Tradesville.

T12 described Tradesville as a marketplace solely for travelers. However, it is also mentioned that there is a growing mystery about the place. Rumors stated that Tradesville is home to an organization that is not yet recognized. Despite the investigation of the Council of the United Empire (CUE), they still found nothing malicious in particular. That leaves Tradesville out of the eyes of the peace bringer organization such as the CUE.

I'm not particularly interested in what's going on in that place. I am interested to know if that place is the marketplace near where my last memory of the second life took place. I don't know if I'll discover something relevant to my mission there but I still need to know what kind of place that is. But first, I must learn the true intention of Project Reminiscence about the reason I was sent here.

"Unknown individual!"

I was startled by the sudden appearance of the same metal thing I encountered outside the empire.

"Please identify yourself!"

I have no idea what I must do. Should I run away?

Something came out of the shoulder of the metal thing and it started to glow red and blue lights like it is some kind of a warning. Because of that, people started to stare at me.

"The Empire is in Advance Security Protocol. Every suspicious and unknown person is immediately be captured. Please identify yourself to avoid any mistreatment," the machine explained.

More and more people started to look at me with curiosity.

I'm scared.

"Please identify yourself, Sir, or else you'll be under our custody."

I slowly stepped back as the metal thing moves forward in response.

I then saw Onyx running towards me and said, "Izac, what's happening?"

I look at Onyx, not knowing what to do. Onyx look at me with a puzzled expression.

"Excuse me, Security Droid, could you explain why you are threatening this kid?" Onyx inquired.

"Sir, please step back!" the security droid warned. "This individual isn't identified as a citizen of Bionic. Any unauthorized person entering the empire is taken into custody and will be questioned. Please refrain from intervening in my job!"

While this thing called security droid got distracted by Onyx, I quickly took the opportunity to flee away where the security droid whom Onyx is talking to responded by sounding its siren and chased me.

"Intruder Alert!"