A Fool's Journey

I was just an ordinary farmer. My days were simple—tend to the crops, sell my harvest, and scrape by for another month. It wasn't much, but it was all I knew.

One afternoon, while selling my produce at the market, I overheard a conversation between two merchants.

"They say there's an abandoned castle on a hidden island," one of them whispered. "A place untouched for centuries, filled with treasures beyond imagination."

A hidden Island… full of treasure? My hands tightened around the basket I was holding. It sounded like nonsense, but the idea rooted itself in my mind. What if it was real?

I was about to move closer when another voice caught my attention.

"Did you hear? Another victim of the Bloody Letter was found last night."

I froze. The name was familiar—whispers of a faceless murderer who left cryptic letters drenched in blood.

"Poor guy," the other man muttered. "They say he got electrocuted before being shot in the head."

A shiver ran down my spine. I had my own problems to deal with, but the idea of someone out there, killing for sport, left a heavy weight in my chest.

That night, as I lay in my cramped shack, I dreamt of treasure. Gold spilling from ancient chests, more than I could ever spend. A life free from hardship. The thought clung to me even as I drifted into sleep.

*BANG! BANG!*

I jolted awake at the sound of pounding on my door.

"Jhon! Open up!"

It was my landlord, his voice sharp with impatience. "You have one month to pay your rent. No more delays."

As soon as he left, another knock followed. This time, a man in a suit stood in the doorway. His expression was cold, businesslike.

"Your loan is due in three weeks," he said. "We expect payment."

Three weeks. My entire fortune wouldn't be enough to pay even half of it. No matter how hard I worked, I would never be able to catch up.

But the rumor… if it was true, I wouldn't have to worry about money ever again.

Determined, I traveled to the city, asking anyone and everyone about the hidden island. All I received in return were scoffs, laughter, and pitying glances.

"Just another fool chasing myths," they said.

For three days, I searched. By the end of it, I had nothing left—no leads, no hope. I sank onto the cold cobblestone street and wept. People passed by, their sneers burning into my skin.

Then, a voice—raspy and quiet.

"You seek the hidden island?"

An old woman stood before me, her face wrinkled, her eyes sharp. She reached out a gnarled hand. "Come with me."

I followed her into a dark alley, where the scent of damp earth and rot clung to the air. "I know where it is," she said. "But information is not free."

Without hesitation, I handed her half of my remaining fortune. She gave me an aged, yellowed map in return. "Follow this, and you will find what you seek." Then she was gone.

With the rest of my money, I bought a boat and supplies. I set sail, the salty wind filling my lungs with hope. Days passed. The waves rocked me like a cradle. My food ran low. My hope wavered.

Then, on the fourth day, I saw it.

An island, rising from the horizon like a miracle.

I staggered onto the shore, my heart pounding. The villagers who greeted me watched in silence as I pulled out the map.

"Do you know of an abandoned castle?" I asked, barely able to contain my excitement.

The islanders exchanged glances. One of them shook his head. "There is no castle here. That map is a scam."

I felt my stomach drop. "No… That can't be…"

"The island is not hidden," another added. "It's a known trick. Scammers sell fake maps to desperate fools."

The words barely registered. My hands trembled. My mind reeled.

I had spent everything. Lost everything.

My body moved on its own, dragging me away from the villagers, deeper into the island. I walked until I reached the edge of a cliff, overlooking the restless sea.

There was nothing left for me.

No home. No future. No hope.

The waves below called to me. I took a deep breath.

I closed my eyes and stepped forward.

The waves crashed into me. I felt my bones break, my body crushed under the weight of the ocean. Then—nothing. The pain was gone.

Moments passed.

Yet, I was still breathing.

Slowly, I opened my eyes.

No water. No sky. No shore.

A white room. Enclosed. Silent.

'How did I get here? Am I dead?' I thought.

*Sigh*

The quiet exhale drew my attention. I turned.

A man, dressed in white long sleeves, stood a few feet away, watching me. His expression a mix of confusion and surprise.

"Who are you?" he asked.