AI T introduced itself as an artificial intelligence that was in charge of guiding the players in the system. It was still a little complicated to comprehend, but as someone quite familiar with video games, Trevor seemed able to understand.
AI T also told him about what happened in the past three years.
The awful experience in the cell made Trevor almost die. He barely made it. His injuries were so severe that he had to stay in the hospital for several months.
As soon as he recovered, Trevor resumed his punishment in a different prison. Meanwhile, Van and the other prisoners were said to have received discipline for their actions. Trevor's life as a prisoner was never easy after the tragedy, but he had it better in the new place.
"But how come I don't remember anything about what happened to me at that time?" Trevor still didn't believe it.
'Because we put you on sleep mode, sir.'
"What is that?"
'You led a normal but different life than usual, sir. We can say that you were lifeless. You hardly spoke, always had a blank stare in your eyes, and did not socialize with anyone. Some people even assumed you had gone insane so they took you to the psychiatrists."
Trevor could not imagine how bad he was during that phase.
AI T continued its story about his life after being released. Everything had changed at that moment. He had lost his job, home, and even the people around him.
"Did they just leave me like that? Even Anne?" Trevor was very disappointed.
'You never saw her again after that trial, sir. She never once visited you in jail. You also had never met her after you were released,' AI T explained. 'As for your family--'
"They didn't care, did they? My older brother and I lost our parents when we were young and since then we have lived separately. I do have uncles and aunts, but I haven't seen them in a while. They also have never attended my trial even once," Trevor finished.
'That's right, sir. You never hear from them again. They also didn't show up when you were hospitalized.'
Trevor tried to ignore the aching in his chest. That was normal. It wasn't like he expected anything from them.
"How about my friends and co-workers?"
'Your co-workers had never come to visit you as well, but actually some of your old friends tried to reach out to you after you were released. You also meet them several times. However, because you were in a very bad state, they eventually left.'
"They must think I was crazy. Since I did not even recognize them." Trevor laughed sadly.
'Please don't blame the Mastermind for that, sir. Let's just say it was a test that you must pass to participate as a player in our system,' AI T tried to console him.
Trevor just nodded weakly. Although he didn't like what he heard, the situation might have been the best for him back then. He remembered how tiring it was while undergoing that injustice.
"What about Frederick Dunn and Miranda Johnson? Have I ever met them again?" He changed the topic.
'You also never saw Frederick Dunn after the last trial, Sir. As for Miranda Johnson... actually you did meet her once about a year ago.'
"Really? How was that? How did that woman react?" Trevor was a little angry when he asked that.
'She seemed nervous when you two met. She apologized to you and handed you some food when she left."
"Did she think I am a kind of beggar?" Trevor yelped.
'If I am being honest, you did look a little messed up when you guys met. It was a very cold winter and you had no money in your pocket. So... you did look pathetic back then.'
Trevor laughed ironically at the thought. He bet Miranda Johnson must be getting more proud of what she had done to him.
"Where is she living right now? I need to talk with her. I also want to know everything about the jerk Frederick Dunn that I couldn't find out in the past," said Trevor again angrily.
'As for that I do not know, sir. I can only see what you have seen, what you been doing, to who have you met for these three years. Other than that is beyond my capacity.' AI T said politely. "But, we advise you not to commit rash acts. It will only harm you, Sir. Instead, you just need to trust us. We will help you to take the most fair revenge ever."
Trevor frowned again. "With the system you told me before? What exactly does that mean?"
'It is called BE KIND TO GET RICH, Sir. It is a system that allows you to gradually recover your damaged life. So that you can clear your good name. We also can help you avenge the people who hurt you in an elegant way.'
"How? Was it with the help of someone called Mastermind earlier? Who is that person?
'The Mastermind is the one who created this system, Sir. He is the one who chooses the players, supervises them, and controls them to the end. That's the data I have about him," said AI T.
"So you really don't have any data about him like an identity or a photo?"
'You are right, sir. But I always have respected him for creating me and this whole system.'
Trevor was curious about this person. He wondered what kind of person to think of making innovations as crazy as this. Trevor also wanted to know why he was chosen.
'Now I will explain it in more detail. Please raise your left hand, sir,' AI T talked again in his head shortly after.
"My left hand?" Trevor was confused following the request. He looked surprised to see a watch that was not his already put on there. "What is this? Why is it already in my hand?"
'Did you see the red button on the right side, sir? Please press that,' AI T directed him again.
Even though he was still confused, Trevor followed every suggestion. He immediately pressed the said button.
Another unbelievable thing happened to him again. His eyes darkened for a moment before some red letters in bold font welcomed him.
[DING!]
[ACCESS: ON]
[HELLO, PLAYER TREVOR SCOTT. WELCOME TO BE KIND TO GET RICH.]
***