Chapter 6: Trouble

Mark's mind became torn apart by the conflicting emotions. On one hand, he wanted to help Alex and get the cure for his legs. On the other hand, he felt like he would be betraying Officer Chris, who had been like a guardian to him since his parents' death.

The memory of his parents' sacrifice flooded his mind. They had died trying to secure a cure for him, a cure that was too expensive for them to afford. They had become adventurers, hunting low-level Chaos Beasts to sell to mercenaries, all in the hope of saving him.

But fate had been cruel. They had encountered a group of Three-eye race, led by an Adept, who had wiped out their entire expedition. Mark's parents had died trying to protect him, and now he was faced with the choice of betraying the one person who had been there for him since then.

Officer Chris had taken him under his wing, provided for him, and given him a sense of purpose. How could Mark repay that by betraying him? But how could he also ignore the chance to walk again without crutches, to be whole again?

Mark felt like he was trapped in a nightmare, with no escape from the conflicting loyalties and desires that tore at his heart. He didn't know what to do, or who to turn to. All he knew was that he had to make a choice, and either of the choice would change his life forever.

As Alex leaned back in his chair, a calculated smile spread across his face. He knew Mark was torn, and he was willing to give him just enough rope to hang himself. "Take your time, Mark," Alex said, his voice dripping with feigned empathy. "I understand this isn't an easy decision. But remember, that the fate of your legs is hanging in balance."

Mark's eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape from the suffocating pressure. "Can I...can I have some time to think about it?" he stammered, his voice low.

Alex steepled his fingers, his gaze never leaving Mark's face. "You have until 6 pm this evening," he said finally, his voice firm but measured. "I expect an answer by then. Not a moment later."

Mark's eyes widened, fear creeping in. "What if...what if I don't want to do it?" he asked, his voice laced with trepidation.

Alex's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with a cold intensity. "If you refuse, Mark...let's just say I have ways of ensuring my secrets stay buried. Then today would be your last day on earth hahaha....."

Alex waved his hand dismissively. "You may go, Mark. But remember, I expect an answer by 6 pm. Don't think about trying to escape or betraying me. My men will be watching your every move."

As Mark turned to leave, Alex's voice stopped him cold. "Mark, don't think you're clever enough to cross me. If you try to report this to anyone...you'll never leave this sector alive. Your body will rot in the Neitherworld pit, and no one will ever find you not that you have anyone hahaha...."

Mark stepped onto the balcony, taking a deep breath as he gazed out at the the Estate. His mind was still reeling from his encounter with Alex. He looked down at the stairs, dreading the challenge ahead. With a sigh, he began his slow and painful descent, his crutches a constant reminder of his vulnerability.

As he reached the bottom, Mark felt a sense of relief wash over him. But it was short-lived, replaced by the nagging feeling that he was trapped, with no escape from Alex's ultimatum.

When he got to his room, Mark's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he then sat on his bed, his eyes was fixed on the wall as if searching for answers. The weight of Alex's words was crushing him, making it hard to breathe. He couldn't shake off the image of the small, beautifully decorated box and the sinister intentions that lurked behind it.

As he thought about Officer Chris, Mark's heart ached with guilt and loyalty. How could he betray the one person who had been like a guardian to him? The thought alone made his stomach churn.

The conflicting emotions swirled in his head, making it hard to think straight. Mark's eyelids grew heavy, his body exhausted from the mental turmoil. Without realizing it, he drifted off to sleep, the worries and fears still swirling in his mind like a vortex.

As he slept, Mark's dreams were filled with dark alleys and shadowy figures, the sound of Alex's voice echoing in his mind, "You have until 6 pm to make your decision....

Mark's eyes snapped open, his heart started racing as Alex's voice echoed in his mind. He sat up with a start, his sheets drenched in sweat. "No, no, no!" he scolded himself, running a hand through his hair. "How could I fall asleep at a time like this?"

He glanced at his comms device, and his eyes widened in shock. 4 pm! He had slept for hours, and now time was running out. Mark's mind went into overdrive as he threw off his covers and got out of bed. He had to think, and fast.

With shaking hands, Mark grabbed his crutches and began to pace around his room. What was he going to do? Could he really betray Officer Chris and do Alex's bidding? The questions swirled in his head, but he knew he had to make a decision, and soon. The clock was ticking, and 6 pm was closing in.

He was suddenly struck with realization, then he thought, "What if I send Officer Chris a text message? How would Alex and his goons find out?" Thinking about it, Mark decided to act on it. He hurriedly typed everything that Alex told him on his comms and sent it to Officer Chris. After confirming that it had been sent, he quickly deleted it from his comms, feeling a sense of relief and hope that he had outsmarted Alex and his goons.

But that was until he received a text from Alex, saying, "Mark, you dare have the guts to betray me?" Mark's heart skipped a beat as he read the message, his eyes scanning the room nervously, wondering if he had been caught. How did Alex know? He had deleted the message, hadn't he? A cold dread crept up his spine as he realized the truth: Alex must have had access to his comms all along.

Mark's heart started racing again, he hastily made his way to Officer Chris's office, his crutches clicking on the floor. He didn't dare look back, fearing he might see Alex and his goons coming after him. As he reached the stairs, his urgency got the better of him, and he rushed down, his crutches slipping from his grasp. Mark's scream echoed through the balcony as he tumbled down the stairs, his legs twisting in awkward angles.

Time seemed to slow as he fell, his body bouncing off each step. Mark's vision blurred, and his head spun. He landed with a thud on the floor, his legs throbbing in agony. Dazed and disoriented, Mark struggled to sit up, assessing the damage. Except for his bruised and aching legs which he can't feel, he seemed to have escaped serious injury.

With a groan, Mark pulled himself up, using the railing for support. He couldn't waste any more time. He sent another message to Officer Chris, his fingers trembling as he typed: "Please hurry, they're coming for me." Mark's eyes darted around, expecting Alex's goons to appear at any moment. He knew he had to keep moving. With a deep breath, Mark began to hobble towards Officer Chris's office, his legs screaming in protest.