The Cause And Effect (3)

"...That was boring."

As I said that, I carefully removed the bloody gloves on my hand and took out a plastic bag, then placed it inside.

"None of them even lasted a minute... I guess they never had any proper training." I kept the plastic bag inside my bag before turning away. It's not that I know much about what kind of group the Resistance were, but I did encounter one of them back when I was still sixteen.

It was around that age I started my hunt.

"...Clean."

Unlike last time, I made sure that there would be no witnesses during the whole act. As for the three corpses behind me, I laid their backs on the wall and made sure to throw some substances to make it rot faster. Even though I knew for sure that it would smell, as long as there aren't any evidence pointing that I did it, it should be fine.

Plus, I already made sure that the CCTVs around the area are destroyed earlier before I did the deed. And also, there are only few people who pass by this area. Meaning, the possibility of discovering their corpses is low. If my calculations are correct, they'll probably get discovered a week or two if everything goes as planned.

"Now that's done..." I fixed the position of my glasses and turned around to leave.

Next, I went to a nearby park and washed my hands clean. As for the main weapon I used; a black dagger, I kept it inside my bag as well because I'm still planning on using it later.

Since it was practically almost night time, I decided to head home, back to Jack's house. Currently, I'm still planning on staying with them until I find a part time job that would be able to sustain my needs.

"...Still, I wonder how's my collection back at the mansion."

Knowing the old guy, he'll probably throw all of my stuff out to the trash personally himself, while saying things like 'That useless, ungrateful brat!' or 'Finally, he left!'... I guess, I have to say goodbye to my figurines. Not that I can go back there now.

With a bitter expression, I shaked my hands dry and turned around to leave. Today had been quite tiring than expected. It's time for me to retire to bed.

As soon as I got back, I was immediately greeted by Jack's girlfriend, Olivia. It seems to me that she had just finished cooking, as she was wiping her hands dry using a towel.

"Welcome back, Vallen." She says with a soft and gentle smile. Unbeknownst to me, the side of my lips lifted as I gave her a nod in response.

"Mmm."

Thus, my attention went towards the living room. Jack was currently watching the television when he noticed me.

"Lad, you're back already? How's your date?" Jack asked teasingly, the side of his lips curling up into a smug. Somehow, I'm having the urge to wipe that smug off his face.

Though, I didn't have him the response that he was expecting and rolled my eyes to the side. Arguing with him isn't worth it. It's better to just lay down to the bed at the spare room they let me used.

"Vallen, come join us. I just finished preparing for dinner."

My body unconsciously flinched upon hearing what Olivia said. Truthfully speaking, her cooking is much more better than the chefs back at the mansion. If I were to compare her skills, it was like comparing a five-star to trash... Well, trash is kinda cruel. I'll just rate it as a one-star.

"I—Eh... Umm..." I was currently struggling to give her a proper reply. Honestly, I had been taking their kindness for granted. And because of it, I felt that the more I stayed in this house, the more I get embarrassed whenever they showered me with more kindness. I was slowly getting suffocated in the feelings of debt.

Without noticing it, Jack had already disappeared on the couch and appeared behind me. He pushed me from the back and when I turned around, I saw him showing a thumbs up with a grin on his face.

It was as if he managed to read my thoughts as he said, "Stop getting embarrassed. You're too old for that shit."

"Language!" Olivia clicked her tongue and showed him an unpleasant reaction. Seeing this, Jack raised both his hands in defeat, his eyebrows twitching nervously as he apologized to her.

Soon enough, we three sat down in front of the table that was filled with all kinds of food. Fortunately, I managed to keep my composure and prevent myself from salivating as I secretly stared intently at the food before us.

"Let's eat!"

With that, we three ate our fill.

I started with the vegetables.

Jack took the huge part of the chicken.

"Hey... Aren't you taking everything?"

"Fufufu... I'm still not full yet."

Olivia merely chuckled as she watched me and Jack struggles to get the last part of the chicken from the chicken tinola she made.

"You...!"

"I'm taking—!!?"

Out of the sudden, the leg of the chicken flew and hit the ceiling after Jack used his fork to steal it away from mine.

We became silent for a couple of moment.

"...hehehe."

It was Olivia's chuckle that broke the tension between us.

Soon, Jack and I followed as we started laughing our asses out.

Ha... I wish these guys are my parents.

***

Later, at the bed, I was currently reading the latest volume of the novel I bought yesterday that I couldn't finish reading.

It was around 9:27 P.M. since I started reading. It had been around thirty minutes since then.

"It's already getting late," I said to myself as I flipped the page gently. "I should probably sleep right now since I still have classes tomorrow."

Even though I said this to myself, it didn't stop me from progressing through pages after pages until I reached page 238.

By the time I noticed the clock, it was already around 10:39 P.M.

"...Damn." I cursed at myself inwardly as I closed the book, placing it under my pillow as I laid down.

Gotta admit, today had been quite fun even though I did so many troublesome things. Still, the activities I did was enjoyable, so I'm not in the mood to complain. I managed to let my steam out and calm down.

Not to mention, the couple did let me experience something new. They let me feel something that I've never felt before, much increasing how worth it today had been.

"I really wish this could last forever."

As I said this to myself, I suddenly felt a strong headache.

"What... The?"

My vision started to become hazy as I struggled to keep myself awake.

"Ugh..."

I barely managed to turn my head to the side and look at the lamp beside me. It was getting brighter, however, my vision is becoming more blurrier.

I must've really overworked myself... This was the conclusion I feel more plausible. My body was weaker than the other people at my age. Even with exercise, I never seem to be getting any muscles. Practicing magic is included. It was like no matter how much I train, the outcome will remain the same.

The doctors... Even they have no idea what was happening to my body.

At some point, I started seeing myself as cursed.

Well, I guess I really did got cursed by True Athan.

The curse of weakening and death loop... I wonder what next I will discover?

"Ah..."

It hurts...

My head felt like exploding.

My body is becoming more heavier.

My breath is starting to get hotter.

...Am I sick?

I'm sick, am I...?

"Ha...."

I slowly closed my eyes and let the darkness overwhelmed my vision.

Soon, I had fallen asleep.

...

..

.

"....."

'First Day of School!'

...How the hell am I back?