Chapter 5 - What does the Future Hold.

Seeing the stranger dodge the attack prompted the bodyguard to punch hurriedly, aiming for his ribs. This time again, Alexander could not avoid it in time. But the attack seemed to replay itself, and this time Alexander dodged to the side. This scene played out for some time. The bodyguards were already dripping with sweat and gasping for air while Alexander was perfectly unharmed.

Thinking about what was happening, Alexander could not wrap his head around it. It seemed like everything was happening twice. Then it dawned on him. It was not repeating itself. He saw it in advance. He was able to see some seconds ahead in the future.

"What are you two idiots doing? Finish him off!" Said the annoyed Richard from the sidelines.

The men rushed in the last attempt to kill him, but now he understood what was happening and when the man attacked him with a small pocket knife, he quickly dodged and punched forwards, sending the man sliding, dead.

The second one panicked but still attacked with a punch, aiming at the chin, but Alexander lowered his head and kicked with full force on the thorax of the thug, which caved in, killing him.

This scene frightened Richard, which started backing out, but Terry managed to escape his kidnapper's hand and kick him on the leg, fleeing. Following this, Alexander, who already knew that this would happen, punched forward, killing the man. The last bodyguard panicked but was surprised by Richard. The old loan shark put a knife on Tinna's neck, saying.

"You, stay put, or I am going to kill her!"

At this moment, Alexander saw the scene branching. On one side, he saw Richard fleeing, holding Tinna's neck and escaping. Seeing the other, he advanced.

Richard panicked when he saw that his hostage was useless and started running for his life. Hearing the bodyguard behind him die miserably, he started running all out, trying to escape from this demon in man's flesh.

His escapade did not last long. He felt the man press his head down, and he fell to the ground looking to the side. Terry and Tinna approached resentfully with a disheartened face. Alexander asked.

"He killed your father. It is your decision on what to do with him. Remember, killing him will not change anything. It will be just for the sake of feeling better with murder.

"Kill him." Said Terry angrily.

"No, don't." Replied Tinna.

"Why are you defending him, Tinna? This man killed our father!"

"So what? Will we pay it on the same coin? Start a revenge cycle? Where will this lead us? I don't want my life to become ruled by a need for killing!" Hearing this, Terry would retort, but he saw his sister crying and could not bear it. He, too, started tearing up, which made Richard happy inside. He was going to come back and kill every single one of them.

"You're right, sister, but we do not have a choice! If we let him go, he will find trouble for us. Mister Alexander, what do you think?"

Alexander smiled happily, hearing Terry's response, and said.

"Killing for revenge is wrong and unjustified, but killing to protect something dear to you, is sometimes necessary. I am proud of you for not letting yourselves be swallowed by hatred, specifically you, Terry." Hearing this, Richard started cold sweating when he felt a second hand grabbing the back of his head, and with a loud cracking noise, snapping his neck. Alexander stood up, his grief finally catching up to him when he looked at the kids with a sigh.

Together they made a proper funeral for Tom. Amidst tears, they shared their farewells. The first one was Terry, who said with a frown and fighting against tears.

"Father, I promise you that I'll become the strongest cultivator ever! I'll become so strong that I will not let anyone ever die because of my weakness ever again!"

Next up was Tinna, her face contorted with a suffering expression, tears rolling down her pale face like a fountain.

"Father, thank you so much for always taking care of my brother and me. Thank you so much for being so supportive and for all that you sacrificed for us. I will never forget you. I miss you already, daddy."

Lastly, Alexander bid his goodbyes with a determined semblance.

"I will not let your death be in vain. Thank you for taking care of me and for your kindness, you were a true man, and you may rest in peace knowing that I will do everything in my power to fulfill your desire and protect your children."

They ended up with a short prayer and started moving down the road, heading toward the nearest city, the city of prosperity, Golden Hill.

They walked up in silence for some time until night came. They camped on the side of the road and continued to walk the following day, now with little conversation. On this day, a bustling city full of life was seen in the distance, welcoming them to the future.