As the world around me started to fade into darkness, an unusual sense of weightlessness washed over me, almost as if I were floating.
The pain that had been throbbing so intensely began to washed away, and it felt like my consciousness was slipping out of my grasp. Regret gnawed at me, a bitter taste in my fading thoughts.
I can't believe that I will die as a virgin for the second time.
Suddenly, a jolt surged through my body, accompanied by the blaring sound of sirens.
— Whee-ooh, Whee-ooh, Whee-ooh,—
My eyes fluttered open, and I found myself lying on a stretcher inside an ambulance. The harsh fluorescent lights overhead made me squint, and the rhythmic jostling of the vehicle made my head spin.
Blinking to clear my vision, I turned my gaze to the paramedics tending to me.
"Hey, you're awake," one of them said with a reassuring smile. "You took quite a beating there."
I managed a weak nod, my throat dry and scratchy.
"What... what happened?" I croaked.
"You're on your way to the hospital," the other paramedic explained. "A police woman called an ambulance when she saw what was going on. You're lucky we got to you in time."
I glanced around, my memory slowly piecing together the events that had transpired.
"The thugs... the woman who helped me..."
"Yep, you're right. That police woman was quite the hero," the paramedic said, chuckling. "She scared them off and stayed with you until we arrived."
The memory of her voice and her words flooded back, along with a renewed sense of gratitude. I managed a faint smile, my lips trembling.
"Thank... thank you," I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible.
"You're going to be okay. Just hang in there." The paramedic gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"That's not it, I think I'm alright now," I stated, attempting to stretch my body slightly.
It seemed that boosting my endurance stat had an impact on my recovery rate. While my body still ached, it was not to the point of being unable to move. Going to the hospital was out of the question; it would only alert my aunt and uncle.
I remembered sending them a text about my plan to be away from home for a few days. But this situation would undoubtedly throw a wrench into that plan.
How could I even explain my extreme weight loss? Even if I tried to come up with an excuse, it would be a hard sell. It's not like liposuction could work miracles overnight.
"We can't let you go just yet," the paramedic said firmly, shaking his head.
"You might believe you're okay, but there could be hidden injuries, like a fractured bone or internal bleeding," another female paramedic added with a serious tone.
"Internal bleeding? Seriously, dude, are you pulling out the big guns?" I couldn't help but think, feeling a bit spooked just saying the words "internal bleeding." It's like my brain decided to watch a horror movie and then go on a late-night imagination spree!
I mean internal bleeding is no laughing matter. I've heard stories on Reddot about people who seemed fine after an accident, only to suddenly collapse due to internal bleeding. It's a pretty scary twist of events.
"I assure you, I'm fine. I'm kind of used to getting roughed up," I said with a small grin, trying to sound convincing.
[Suggestion: Success]
"Are you absolutely sure?" one of the paramedics asked, concern evident in their tone.
I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. My hunch was right – people who aren't hostile toward me have a higher chance of being affected by my suggestion. Looks like my little plan actually paid off. Ha!
"Yeah, I'm positive that I'm alright," I replied, shifting my target for the suggestion to the other paramedic.
[Suggestion: Success]
"Alright, we'll release you," the two paramedics whispered to each other.
One of them moved to the driver's seat and explained that my injuries were minor, requiring only basic first aid.
The driver seemed unsure initially, but after I employed the power of suggestion three times on him, he eventually gave in.
The ambulance pulled over to the side of the road.
"Thanks a lot for your help," I beamed, giving them a grateful nod as I said my goodbyes. My expression was a far cry from the injured person they'd seen earlier. However, the instant they were out of sight...
"Damn it, my body is killing me," I muttered under my breath, leaning against a nearby wall to steady myself. I had thought I was recovering, but it turned out my body was still screaming with pain.
Fortunately, I had requested them to stop near a drugstore, which turned out to be a lifesaver. My intention was to grab some painkillers and then make my way back to the hotel.
I could have asked them to drop me off at my hotel, but the risk was too high. They might have faced consequences from the hospital for letting me go prematurely and be compelled to reveal my hotel's location.
So, with that plan ruled out, I pushed forward towards the drugstore, still clutching the bag of clothes I'd purchased. It really was a stroke of luck that they hadn't gone missing during my unconscious state.
As I stepped inside the store, I noticed the guard eyeing me curiously. However, I just ignored him and proceeded to the counter.
"Can I get two bottles of painkillers, please, along with some anti-inflammatory drugs?" I quickly requested at the counter.
"Are you okay sir? You don't seem well?" One of the female pharmacist spoke.
"Just hand over the medicine. Thanks," I responded through clenched teeth, my frustration evident. Couldn't they see that I was practically on the brink here? All I needed was the medicine.
I realize I might sound like a bit of a jerk right now, but honestly, no guy in his right mind would be up for chitchat when dealing with this level of agony.
My intense expression appeared to have frightened the pharmacist, as she quickly get the medicines I needed. I didn't waste much time in the drugstore after swallowing a painkiller tablet. I made a swift exit, hailed a taxi and headed straight back to the hotel.
"I swear, once I'm strong enough, I'll get my revenge on those good for nothing thugs," I sneered in contempt as I leaned my head against the backrest of the taxi seat.