Family

His name is familiar, where have I heard it before? That's right, Yin Hee. She mentioned him.

Why would this guy have information about me? No, perhaps he has all kinds of information.

I reached such a conclusion because he also knew about Igor.

As I was deep in my thoughts, she spoke, "That medicine makes your body stable, right?"

"How did you know?" I furrowed.

"Trick told me, and he also mentioned that if you take all of that, your lifespan will only last a few months.

"Why do you risk your life for this goal that I don't even know," She said, disappointed and worried simultaneously.

I'm wondering if I should tell her what my motives were, but after a second thought, it was pointless to tell her. I knew what my sister was like, she'd help me. However, this is my battle, not hers.

"I can't get you involved, but don't worry, I'll be fine." I said slowly in a reassuring manner.

"When's the last time you said to not worry but it happens anyway? None! You always get hurt!" Her tone became slightly high.

"Okay, I'm sorry. I'll try my best to not get hurt, would that calm you?" Seeing her mad I immediately back down and apologize.

If this kept going, it wouldn't end.

Perhaps she sensed my genuine words that her expression softened, her furrows slowly disappearing.

Knowing she was no longer mad, I immediately said without giving her a chance to talk, "About this person, Trick. Why did he tell you all of that thing? Did you ask him?"

Trick knew, or rather, had information about me, but surely he didn't just tell anyone for free or without a reason. What was his purpose in revealing my condition to Mira?

"Yeah, I did." She replied briefly.

"He didn't ask you anything in return?"

"We're online friends. He just said he knew a lot of things." She ignored my question.

"You aren't worried about how he got that information?" I asked worriedly

"Of course I am! Do you think I'm not creeped out when Trick knows a lot about you?" She responded.

"Yet, you are still friends with him." I said suspiciously.

"He's not a bad person, and he didn't ask anything in return for helping a friend."

I looked at her silently. She mistook my silence and perhaps assumed I looked at her in suspicion.

She immediately added, "It's true! If you don't believe me, here's our chat history!"

She showed her phone. I read its content. Just like she said, there wasn't anything suspicious, just between online buddies talking about different topics.

I shifted my eyes away. She took that as a sign that I finished reading, and she put her phone back into her pocket.

"You don't have to worry about Trick. He's a good guy."

"How would you know that? You two have never met."

"We did meet a few times. He treated me to some food."

Knowing my sister, I chose to believe her. Not like I have many options anyway. I'll find more about him in the future. For now, I'll put him on my to-do list.

"Syn." Mira suddenly called out my name. I averted my eyes to meet hers. When I was about to open my mouth, she pondered, "Are you not going to quit?"

Quit? Ah, I see, it's about my goal. Of course not.

It seemed we're back to that topic, huh? I guess I need to give her a satisfying answer, even if it makes her hate me more.

"Yeah." I nodded slightly.

"Why?"

"It's for you and mom. I don't want to get both of you in danger. It might not be now, but it might happen in the future. Before that, I need to reach my goal.

"You have to understand, Mira. I'm doing this for my family. I love you guys."

"I love you too, Syn, but it hurts me when you don't rely on your family. Why do you have to fight alone?"

"I already said it, I don't want to drag you to danger."

"So we are just a burden to you?" She exclaimed.

"What? No! Of course not!" I replied quickly before she misunderstood my words.

"Then rely on us! Is that so much to ask?"

"Yes, it's too much! You guys are the only ones I have! My friends are all dead! Everyone I know is dead! I can't afford to lose you guys too!

"Cuz… I might break…" My voice was weak and fragile when I said the last few lines.

As I said those words, memories of my friends dying before me flashed through my eyes. It opened a wound I tried to close with force.

"So, please understand, Mira. If you truly want to help me, please understand my wishes, and don't do anything."

"Will that be enough?" She pondered with doubt. Her eyes looked at me worriedly.

"Yeah, that will be enough." I affirmed her doubt sternly.

"... Okay." She said solemnly with a determined nod. I'm glad she accepted my words.

"Thank you." I smiled.

Also, I noticed some weight has been lifted from my body. I felt good for some reason.

"Mira! Help me out doing the chores!" Mom shouted from the first floor. Her voice was muffled when we heard her, but we still understood.

"Yes, coming!" Mira replied and waved her hands at me. She then closed the door.

The room became awfully quiet. I went to my bed and lay down, staring at the ceiling, remembering what just happened.

I'm not alone, I thought to myself before convincing that idea to my mind and body. When I did, a heavy sensation weighing on my chest vanished. I feel extremely light and calm.

As I was savoring this moment, I 'saw' a red flame. It meant the rat successfully tracked one person.

He was two hundred meters away from my house.

I thought of my next move and decided to stay still until the rat found everyone, maybe. I'm not exactly sure how many there are, I instinctively assume there were more than one.

I opened my phone and chatted with Eve.

[How's the situation over there?]

[Not good, someone beat over us. The diary is gone, and someone just set the house on fire. We're on our way out. Kuh! Kuh!]

I heard her coughing a few times.I got up from my bed worriedly. But then, I calmed down when I realized it was Eve. She'll be fine.

[I see, do you have any clues who it might be?]

[An assassin, probably. I didn't notice their presence until I sensed its malicious intent.]

[I see. Right, do you still have those three beads I gave you?]

[I do have them, but I won't need it for the time being. This is just fire. I've dealt with worse.] She said confidently and calmly.