The first step out of hell

*Bill pov *

**"Director, I want to withdraw from the competitions..."**

Shock and disbelief took over the director's face upon hearing my words. It seemed as though words had failed him, leaving him unable to express what he had just heard. That was expected...

After all, he had set his expectations high, only for them to come crashing down because of me.

**"This is very surprising... Why do you want that? Didn't you boast to me before that you would take first place?"**

He said with a small smile as he placed his pen on the desk.

Honestly, even I don't know the reason. But maybe it has something to do with the dream I had that night—because part of it resembles Carla, who is going through a really tough time.

Even though it's just a guess on my part, that girl has worked hard—tirelessly, for her mother. I don't want to take that victory away from her.

Perhaps the warmth she receives from her mother is what pushes her forward.

I sighed inwardly, mocking my own thoughts...

Since when did I become this soft? But looking at it from another angle, it's not a bad feeling...

**"Let's just say I have a personal reason for withdrawing..."**

The director turned his head to the side, stroking his white beard, his gaze a mix of disappointment and frustration.

**"Such a shame... I had high expectations for you, Bill, especially after everything your teacher said about you. But there's nothing I can do about it..."**

I scoffed internally at his words, then looked at him with a sharp, dark glint in my deep eyes.

He was trying to use psychological tricks to make me feel guilty about withdrawing.

Unfortunately for him, that wouldn't work on me.

He doesn't realize that I buried my conscience a long time ago.

**"Since I've said what I needed to... farewell, Director."**

I bowed slightly before turning to leave. A hint of sorrow appeared on his aging face as he watched me go.

**"Does this have anything to do with your family? Are you being forced to withdraw because of them?"**

The truth was, the competitions were my ticket to securing that damned opportunity... but that didn't mean they were my only way.

I just needed to find another path, and I would—no matter the cost.

Determination settled in my heart, my deep eyes resembling an ancient, undisturbed lake.

**"No... it has nothing to do with them. I withdrew for another reason. My family has nothing to do with it."**

The director's expression remained unchanged, but he turned away with a faint, insincere smile and said:

**"Very well. Since it's your decision, I'll respect it. I hope you'll participate next year—our school needs you..."**

**"I will, Director. But before I leave, have you received any calls from my father regarding the competition?"**

His expression shifted into shock, and his eyes trembled slightly...

So my assumption was correct. He wouldn't just let this matter go so easily...

Judging by the look on this old man's face, he must have struck some kind of deal with him...

But he quickly composed himself, returning to his usual demeanor, and replied with an eerie calmness:

**"No... that didn't happen. If he had called, I would have told you."**

He denied it flawlessly.

Lying is one of humanity's greatest skills—and adults are the true masters of it.

**"Alright, since you say so... then, farewell."**

I bowed slightly and left the office, heading toward my classroom. Behind me, the director's frustration over my actions was evident...

But I don't care about their feelings.

Why should I?

My school day was filled with strange thoughts and suspicions.

At times, I heard voices inside my head.

Other times, I hallucinated things that weren't there.

But the one that truly unsettled me—the one that drilled into my mind like a metal rod—was a chilling voice, sharp as if carved into solid blue ice.

**"It's time for him to return..."**

A violent shiver ran through my body, and a cold chill crawled down my spine.

For the rest of the day, I couldn't focus on anything else but that cursed sentence and the terrifying voice that spoke it.

---

After school, I decided to head to the library.

For the past few days, I had been researching supernatural phenomena, trying to make sense of what was happening to me... but to no avail.

Still, I had another reason for wanting to go today.

I grabbed my bag and approached them.

**"Carla, Elina, let's go to the library."**

They both looked surprised—especially Carla, since I didn't talk to her much.

Elina stood up, eyeing me strangely, then spoke in an exaggerated tone:

**"Oh? Looks like someone wants to become a scholar! I get it—you're lonely, and that ugly face of yours doesn't help..."**

I sighed internally.

**"Take a good look at your own reflection in the mirror before judging others."**

She pointed a finger at me in mock anger, ready to start another argument. But before she could, a soft, timid voice interrupted us.

"Bill, why do you want to go to the library?"

"Simply put, I have nothing better to do. So, I thought I'd help you two prepare for the national competition. If you don't want my help, you can refuse."

They stood still for a few seconds before hurriedly packing their bags—especially Elina, who seemed strangely eager.

"It seems you don't mind, then. Let's go."

It took us no more than ten minutes to reach the library.

It was eerily empty, a depressing sight.

Books had lost their magic and allure in this damned era...

I sighed inwardly as I walked toward a table.

For nearly two hours, I trained them—showing them how to avoid mistakes and teaching them the proper techniques to reach the level required to win the competition.

I'm not one to brag, but I was born a genius.

Despite being only ten years old, I understood many complex matters—both in academics and in real life.

It was as if I had the mind of a grown man trapped in the body of a child.

Carla, on the other hand, was fairly intelligent.

All she needed was some guidance and the right methods to apply her intellect effectively, making teaching her easy and rewarding.

And it worked—our methods paid off.

She was now able to solve long equations and operations with impressive speed.

"Alright, if you use this calculation method, it'll save you time and effort. Your answers will be quick and accurate, so you'll be among the top performers."

Surprisingly, she didn't stutter or show any shyness when it came to learning.

I had a feeling she would do just fine in the future...

Though I was still wary of the invisible threads surrounding her.

Elina, on the other hand, was average in almost everything.

But at the same time, she was adaptable.

With effort and proper guidance, she could easily climb her way up to the level of geniuses.

"Alright, Elina, try to make your speech clear and speak confidently. Let your hand gestures and posture align with your words. Remember key phrases, and you'll win effortlessly

Teaching someone had always been a beautiful thing, but of course, only if the person actually wanted to learn…

With the methods I had shown them, they would be able, with some effort, to make progress—perhaps even secure high rankings in the national competition...

At the moment we finished, Elena collapsed beside us, grumbling about how difficult the competition was. Yet, she had put in great effort to learn and improve…

Slowly, I lifted my gaze toward the horizon, where the sun touched its edge, painting the sky in a beautiful shade of soft orange, while the scent of the night began to mix with the air…

"Alright, we're done. Let's go; it's getting late..."

I said as I packed my things, while the two girls lifted their eyes toward the window…

They had been so immersed in studying that they had lost track of time, and now, the golden sunset reflected off their bright faces.

I walked with Elena to escort Karla home since it was already late. She seemed to have enjoyed herself; for the first time, I saw her smile like that...

After saying our goodbyes, Elena and I headed back, with the street lamps gradually lighting up our path and the stars dancing in the sky with their soft white glow…

Under that beautiful view, she looked at me with a proud smile.

"It looks like you're starting to become human, Bill…"

"Maybe, but I might eat you if I weren't human. I'm a terrifying monster in the body of a child…"

She laughed mockingly, holding her stomach. For some reason, her laughter sounded beautiful. Was it because she actually cared about me?…

"So, tell me, Bill, which competition will you be joining?"

She asked playfully, lightly tapping my hand. It seemed she had set her sights on beating me…

I had expected her to ask at some point, but I knew she wouldn't like my answer…

I let out a long sigh before calmly saying:

"Unfortunately, I've withdrawn from the competitions this year…"

Her eyes widened for a moment, and a look of shock spread across her small face.

"W-why? Why would you do that?"

She asked, slightly agitated, and a hint of anger flickered in her eyes…

"Some things happened, so I won't be able to participate. This is your chance to win in my absence…"

"I really wanted to defeat you this year! Did you really have to withdraw?"

"Maybe... but I chose to step back."

My words made her frown in frustration. I decided to let her complain for a while; it might help her accept the reality faster...

"You're mad because I withdrew, aren't you?"

She stepped closer to me, her anger fading, and I caught the slight trembling in her eyes—like small boats lost in an endless ocean.

"It's because of them again, isn't it? They never let you do anything you want…"

Instead of being angry, her shoulders dropped in sadness and disappointment. I had never explicitly told her about my relationship with my family, but I suppose it was obvious enough from everything she had seen of me…

I placed my hand on her head and gently ruffled her hair.

She, of all people, should never feel sad.

She was the only person I truly cared about…

"No… it's not that. This was my own decision."

"But… why do you have to suffer because of them? Why can't they just treat you with a little kindness…?"

Her words were filled with sorrow for me and anger toward them, and soon, tears welled up in her eyes…

I could feel her sadness and worry for me…

"Thank you, Elena, for worrying about me. But as I told you, it's my own reason, not what you think…"

I said, trying to reassure her, but she didn't seem to believe me…

"Elena, listen to me. It's not what you're imagining. Everything is fine…"

She lifted her tear-filled eyes to me, and gently, I wiped them away with the sleeve of my shirt…

"Alright, go inside now. You've stayed out too late. Give Lady Lana my regards."

"Alright, see you tomorrow…"

"Yeah."

I waited until she entered her house before continuing toward my own…

Having someone who worries about you, who laughs with you, was a beautiful thing…

And yet, at that moment, I didn't know that I might never see her again…

When I opened the door, I found them waiting for me—both of them, their expressions grim, their faces twisted in barely concealed anger…

As far as I knew, I hadn't done anything to upset them. But then again, when had their anger toward me ever needed a reason?

"Hello, I'm back."

I said, trying to ignore them and head straight to my room. I had no interest in discussing anything with them or even acknowledging them. I just wanted a moment of peace before I lost my mind…

But those cursed things wrapped around them looked even more terrifying than before.

Even my knees nearly buckled beneath me…

Damn them both. Just let me go…

I cursed inwardly, but his cold voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Bill, sit down. We need to talk."

The blood in my veins froze, as if turned to ice.

I could hear the pounding of my own heartbeat, loud like a war drum in my ears…

Slowly, I sat down in front of them, keeping my face emotionless, void of any expression.

But on the inside, my body was screaming…

Gathering my scattered thoughts, I moved my lips to ask:

"What is it, Father? Mother?"

Even though I hadn't done anything, their expressions told me I was in trouble—serious trouble.

My father's eyes looked deep and menacing as he stared at me, as if I were standing naked before a raging ice storm…

Leaning forward slightly, he spoke in a calm but heavy voice:

"…The principal called me. He said you withdrew. Why did you do that?"

I ignored the fear creeping up my spine and sighed inwardly as I listened to the nonsense spilling from his mouth.

"I had an important reason to withdraw."

My father ran a hand over his face, trying to process my words.

"And what was this 'important' reason? Weren't you supposed to fulfill our agreement? To seize your chance? To uncover the truth?"

His voice grew tense, and with frustration, he slammed his palm against the table.

"Father… what difference will the truth make? If I knew it, would you both start treating me differently? Would you make up for everything I've been through?

As for that 'chance'—it's impossible for you to ever give it to me…"

My father turned his face away, scowling, his eyes glinting with something sharp and unreadable, while my mother's fury only grew stronger.

Her gaze bore into me like a dagger, filled with an unmistakable desire—

The desire for me to disappear.

Or maybe… to die.

They didn't answer me, because they couldn't.

Even if I learned the whole truth, nothing would change.

"Let me ask you something…

Tell me, do you truly want me to disappear? Do you wish I were dead?"

Shock flickered across their faces.

"That's not… Why are you changing the subject?"

"Stop fooling yourself, Father. My existence has never meant anything to you. You never cared about what I went through, and Mother… she has always wanted me gone.

My body is still covered in scars."

I lifted my hair slightly, revealing the burn above my eye.

They couldn't say a word.

And how could they, when their crimes against me were written so clearly on my skin?

"Come on, answer me. Do you want me gone that badly?"

I stood there, waiting for a response…

But no matter how long I waited, they wouldn't answer.

And the reason was simple—

They still needed me for something.

"As for the truth…

Anyone with a brain will figure it out eventually."

My eyes met my father's, and I saw his expression shift into something serious.

"What do you mean? Have you discovered it?"

He asked, as the dark threads around him coiled even tighter, as if they were ready to consume him.

"I've figured it out.

I know everything."

Even if I hadn't uncovered the whole truth yet, I had pieced it together from the documents in that box.

Now, all that was left was to confirm it.

And to take my first step toward escaping this life…