the morning after

I regained consciousness after being unconscious for several hours, awakening to the sight of the morning sun.

Me: What...?

I still felt overwhelmingly fatigued and weak from the ordeal, finding it incredibly challenging to even move my body.

However, what mattered was the fact that I was still alive. I had managed to survive; I had not succumbed to death's clutches.

Me (thoughts): Damn it... I must find a way to escape from here. I need to return to Rythmeus's palace.

With tremendous effort, I attempted to rise, though every movement was a struggle. My body felt heavy and unresponsive, but my determination to live outweighed any physical hindrance.

I summoned every ounce of strength remaining within me to stand, refusing to accept my fate of perishing in this desolate place.

My willpower was far greater than the circumstances I faced.

Summoning every ounce of determination, I managed to muster the strength to rise to my feet. Despite my exhaustion and the physical strain, I embarked on the arduous journey toward Rythmeus's palace, aware that it lay a considerable distance away.

Each step was an exertion of willpower, pushing through the weariness that threatened to overwhelm me. I trudged forward, driven by the fervent desire to reach the safety and solace of the palace.

The path ahead was challenging, with obstacles and uncertainties along the way. Yet, fueled by a relentless resolve, I pressed on, determined to overcome any hindrances that crossed my path.

Though the road was long and my body weary, the thought of returning to the sanctuary of Rythmeus's palace propelled me forward. With unwavering determination, I journeyed onward, steadfast in my will to survive and find refuge in familiar surroundings.

LIRAN'S POV:

As I walked through the bustling streets, observing the sights of people, shops, and various establishments, my mind was preoccupied by an unsettling occurrence from the previous night.

A sense of unease, something inexplicable yet deeply disturbing, had enveloped me. I couldn't quite put it into words, but it had left me with an ominous feeling.

Before I departed, I had informed Derek that I would be going somewhere, though I had not disclosed the specific location. I had simply mentioned my intention to find a moment of relaxation. But now, I couldn't shake the nagging worry that something might have transpired in my absence. I needed to find out if Derek was safe.

With a determined resolve, I made my way toward Rythmeus's palace. Minutes passed, and soon enough, I stood before the grand entrance of the palace. Opening the doors, I stepped inside, ensuring to close them securely behind me.

Me (thoughts): Hm... I wonder if Derek is here...

Continuing my stride through the palace, making my way toward the door leading to Derek's room, I unexpectedly heard Rythmeus's voice emanating from within:

Rythmeus: Stay here, Derek! You need to rest!

The sound of Rythmeus's voice only deepened my confusion and concern. What had happened to Derek in my absence?

My hand reached out to the door, and as I opened it, my shock was profound.

There lay Derek on the bed, struggling to catch his breath. His face bore an expression of extreme fatigue, and he was visibly drenched in blood. Beside him sat Rythmeus, positioned on the floor, seemingly providing solace and support.

Derek noticed my presence, and a glimmer of relief mingled with the fear and horror in his eyes.

Derek: Thank goodness... you're here!

Rythmeus gazed at me with equal intensity.

Rythmeus: I am pleased that you have graced us with your presence... your presence was much-needed.

I hastened towards Derek's bedside, drawing closer to him.

Me: What in the world transpired? Derek! Are you alright?

Derek: No! I am far from well! I was viciously struck unconscious in the barren desert by an unknown entity!

Me: What? Pray tell, what do you speak of?

Derek: The assailant responsible for my affliction was none other than "Death" himself!

My astonishment knew no bounds upon hearing those words. "Death"? A being referred to as "Death" had mercilessly attacked Derek without provocation? I yearned for further elucidation.

Me: "Death"? What on earth do you mean? Please, elaborate!

Derek: I found myself in close proximity to that establishment we once frequented... and it was there that I encountered a figure from my past. Suddenly, this enigmatic being materialized out of thin air!

Me:?!

Derek: I speak the truth! This enigma manifested out of the ether! "He" descended from the heavens and landed upon the sandy terrain, standing defiantly before us...

"He" was colossal, towering over 5 meters in height, possessing an immensely robust physique. Additionally, "he" donned a somber, hooded cloak.

Not only that... The sheer presence of "Death" alone instilled a profound sense of fear and anguish in both me and my companion, even though we stood several meters away from "him."

Me: What occurred thereafter?

Derek: "He" mercilessly slaughtered my friend... with effortless ease. I witnessed the horrific sight of my friend's head violently exploding, and I found myself drenched in his blood. It was an utterly horrifying experience.

Me: What actions did you take in response?

Derek: I desperately tried to flee... but it was futile. "He" obliterated everything in his path to reach me. When "he" approached me closely,

"He" proceeded to interrogate me with a series of questions.

Me: What inquiries did "he" pose?

Derek: "He" inquired about you! "He" wanted to know if I possessed any knowledge about your whereabouts. Furthermore, "he" questioned whether I was aware of any details concerning you.

Me: What? Why would "he" inquire about that? Was "he" sent by someone?

Derek: I have no bloody clue! After posing those inquiries, "he" spared my life but still rendered me unconscious. Upon awakening several hours later, I mustered every ounce of strength to return here.

After hearing that, i was pissed off, some being sent "death" "himself" to perhaps catch me or something like that...

Maybe it was someone from the foundation, but what pissed me off even more is that the being who was trying to hunt me down,

hurt my friend, i didnt want to lose another friend, i didnt want to lose derek...

And thats made me upset, i was so pissed off... i wanted to find that fucker, and beat "him"

Me: you two... stay here.

Derek: liran?... what are you going to do?

Me: im going to do couple things, ill see yall later.

I then exit the room, closing the door after... and couple moments later, i then started walking towards the exit of the palace.

Im going to find that "death" and deal with "him" myself.

Couple minutes have passed, im now outside of the castle.

Me(mind): hm... perhaps i could find "him" at the desert... ill deal with "him" myself.

I then started walking towards the desert.

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