Chereads / Wangdao : The dark funeral / Chapter 5 - Chapter 5 : Wanted fugitives part II

Chapter 5 - Chapter 5 : Wanted fugitives part II

Morning dawns slowly, and little Aika wakes up peacefully in her bed. The young lady, with a warm smile, enters the room carrying a tray filled with delicious surprises for Aika's breakfast. However, his faithful companion, Merphis, who was supposed to be at his side, seems to have disappeared. Panicked, she starts looking for him and finds him in the gym of the large restaurant. There, she discovers Merphis in the middle of training, doing push-ups with determination and lifting weights with impressive concentration. Her determination bursts through every move, showing his commitment to fitness. Merphis' feat is truly impressive. With remarkable ease, he lifts any weight present in the gym, demonstrating incredible strength and perfect control over his movements. Additionally, completing over 5,500 push-ups in just a few minutes is a testament to his remarkable endurance and unwavering determination. His incredible performance leaves everyone stunned, making him a true role model of inspiration to everyone in the room. 

Astonishment can be seen on the faces of Aika, the young lady from the restaurant and the old man who owns the establishment. They gape, amazed by Merphis' exceptional performance. Their admiration for his strength, endurance and determination is palpable in the air. The amazed looks exchanged between them speak volumes about the admiration they feel for this impressive feat. It's a moment where silence is golden, as words seem insufficient to describe the feeling of disbelief and awe that washes over them all. 

Merphis, moved by Aika's affection, stops his training and walks towards her, now considering her his little sister. However, before he can say anything, Aika gives him a light but significant slap. With tears in her eyes, she blames him for not having informed her of his departure, emphasizing that she would have been worried to death. Her tone expresses both the anger and worry she felt during his absence, but also the love and attachment she feels for him. This emotional confrontation brings them even closer, strengthening their special bond and leading them to understand each other. Despite the pain, Merphis remains calm and tells him that she could have chosen more civilized words. As Aika tries to punch him, he skillfully dodges and sticks his tongue out at her to annoy her. However, the young lady from the restaurant, not tolerating the lack of respect towards Aika, intervenes again. With a precise kick, she hits her target, and Merphis kneels in pain. His look expresses immeasurable anger, but also some understanding that he may have taken things too far. 

The old man, observing the scene with amusement, lets out a sincere laugh at the tumult that has just taken place. He intervenes wisely, asking the two young girls to leave Merphis alone. His tone of calm and authority calms the tense atmosphere, encouraging everyone to reconsider the situation. The girls, respecting the old man's request, withdraw, leaving Merphis to recover from the intense exchange. This moment marks a turning point in their relationship, prompting them to reflect on their actions and find a way to resolve their differences. The old man hands Merphis a black t-shirt, who gratefully puts it on. Then, they head together to the dining room where their lunch for both of them is already prepared. The room is quiet and empty, no one there except the two men. They sit at the table, take their napkin and are about to start their meal. A peaceful atmosphere reigns, providing a setting conducive to conversation. 

- Merphis: Excuse me, sir, but why isn't Aika joining us for dinner?

-Old man (slightly sneering): Oh, don't worry about that, young man. Aika received her breakfast in her room. She is a very independent young lady, but I can clearly see the brotherly love you have for her.

-Merphis (gratefully): Thank you again for your hospitality and help you have given us. We are truly grateful.

-Old Man: That's okay, my boy. It is my pleasure to help you. Your special bond is evident, and it delights me to see such bonds forming in this world. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask.

- Merphis (intrigued): But why help us, especially when we were being chased by the police?

-Old man (in a serious tone): My boy, this country has been corrupt for many years. Justice is often twisted, and the innocent are sometimes convicted. The young lady who works in my restaurant told me about your story, about your determination. Your fight for justice and your dedication to Aika touched me deeply. I believe in your innocence and in your cause, and that is why I am helping you.

-Merphis (moving): It's incredible to find such support in such dark times. We are infinitely grateful to you for believing in us and offering your help.

-Old man (kindly): True strength lies in solidarity and empathy. We must help each other in this unfair world. Never hesitate to ask for help when you need it. 

- Merphis (intrigued): It's incredible that your restaurant is free of any police intrusion. How did you achieve this?

-Old man (in a serious tone): Formerly, I worked for the state. Over the years, I have watched our country descend into prodigious laws. I wanted to resign, but the higher-ups still needed my services. Before accepting their latest request, I demanded that they sign an exceptional undertaking which guarantees me total immunity and protection, even after leaving state work. They agreed, and that's how I was able to quit my job and start this restaurant. This agreement assures me that my property, including this restaurant, cannot be searched by the authorities.

-Merphis (perplexed): It's incredibly complex. Who are these extremist organizations Do you know them?

-Old man (with a touch of sadness): These are groups made up of racist, violent people with morbid beliefs. They received the green light from the Japanese state to neutralize rebels throughout the country. Their existence is dark and terrifying, and unfortunately, they act with impunity under the guise of maintaining order. This is a dark reality that we must face. 

- Merphis (incredulously): How can you be sure that I am responsible for Agent Connor's death?

- Old Man (calmly): The official autopsy on Connor's body revealed that he was killed by fire fiery, a type of fire no one had ever seen before. During the chase with the police, the race was broadcast on television. I could see you were launching fire attacks. That's when I made the connection and realized that Connor was killed by your powers 

-Merphis (intrigued): It doesn't surprise you that I have powers?

-Old man (shaking his head): No, my boy. In this world, a minority of us have extraordinary powers. This has become a reality since dimensional portals opened during World War III. Heinous and nightmarish monsters have emerged, spreading destruction and death throughout the world. But humanity has received an unexpected gift. Mythological beings, heroic spirits, appeared, merging with ordinary humans and granting them extraordinary abilities. It was our only way to deal with the threat that weighed on us.

-Merphis (thoughtful): It's both incredible and terrifying. These powers can be a blessing and a curse, right?

-Old man (seriously): Exactly, Merphis. They can be used to protect or destroy. It is up to each of us to decide how we use this gift, but it is essential to remember that with power comes responsibility.

-Old Man (with gravity): After the monsters were decimated, the humans chosen by this power chose to use their abilities to control the world, spreading death, fear, and destruction around them. They have created a dark and corrupt world.

-Merphis (determined): I received this power to eradicate evil from this world, to bring peace and justice.

-Old man (with a kind smile): I have no doubt, Merphis. Your determination and bravery are evident. I believe in your ability to make a difference. One day, you will manage to bring light to this dark world. Never give up, because even in the deepest darkness, there is always hope for renewal. 

As Merphis and the old man were eating peacefully, a public announcement broke out on television, revealing Merphis' face in broad daylight. A colossal bounty of more than $56 billion is placed on his head, offered to anyone who manages to catch him and deliver him to the extremist organization. A heavy silence falls over the room, the once calm atmosphere is now electric with tension. Merphis finds himself in a delicate situation, his identity exposed to the general public, and he realizes that every move he makes from now on will be scrutinized. The old man, aware of the seriousness of the situation, looks at Merphis with concern, knowing that their tranquility is gone and that dangerous new challenges await them. Aika, informed of the situation, opens the door to the dining room and runs to Merphis, crying. Without a word, she presses herself against him, seeking refuge in his arms. Tears of anguish and fear flood her face as she realizes the severity of the threat facing Merphis. In this vulnerable moment, Merphis wraps her protective arms around Aika, trying to comfort her despite the storm of feelings overwhelming them all. The old man, watching the scene with concern, knows that they now face greater challenges than ever, and he prepares to support them in this difficult ordeal that lies ahead.

-Old Man: Merphis, about 100 meters from here there is a ruined neighborhood, the refuge of a rebel organization. They have ideals similar to yours, seeking to destroy evil and bring light to this dark world.

-Merphis: Perhaps I should go there to find allies in our struggle but i cant , I have to be here to protect Aika .

-Old Man (concernedly): It's an option, but now that your true identity has been revealed, the stakes are much higher. I know you want to protect Aika, but the situation is different. Mercenaries, assassins and bandits, far more powerful than ordinary humans, will be after you. Aika, the young girl you want to protect so much, could become a burden that will lead to your downfall .

- Aika (crying): I'm not going to let you go, Merphis! I refuse to let you face all this alone.

-Old man (calmly): Aika, you will be safe here. And Merphis too, if he goes far from this place. I promise we will take good care of you.

-Merphis (looking at Aika with determination): Aika, you need to understand. The extremist organization is after me. If I stay here, I endanger the lives of many people, especially yours. I don't want anything bad to happen to you. I have to face them, even if it means I have to leave. It's for both of our safety.

Tears continue to flow down Aika's face, but she gradually understands the seriousness of the situation. She clenches her fists, accepting Merphis' decision while being determined to remain strong, supporting her friend in this difficult ordeal that awaits them. The old man, seeing their courage, offers them his silent support, knowing that they will face extraordinary challenges in the days to come. 

- Aika (crying): I don't want you to die, Merphis. I do not want to lose you.

-Merphis (gently hugging her): Listen to me, Aika. I promise you that I will come back alive. I will do everything in my power to return to you, safe and sound. We will get through this together, I promise.

-The old man (wise): Merphis, put on a mask so as not to be recognized. Change location frequently, be volatile and suspicious. A sword of Damocles has been raised above your head. Be careful and vigilant. The lives of each of us depend on your safety.

Merphis nods, accepting the burden on her shoulders. He gently caresses Aika's face, trying to reassure her despite the fear that assail them both. Together, they prepare to face the uncertainty of the future, united by their determination to protect what they cherish most in the world.

Merphis dons a light black jacket over a black t-shirt, her resolute look hidden behind a mask of determination. Equipped with his saber, he walks towards the window, ready to face the challenges that await him. But before leaving, he turns around one last time to see Aika, her eyes clouded with tears, her heart aching painfully. Despite the sadness that grips them, he offers her a warm smile, full of promises and hope. Then, in an instant, he disappears into the shadows of the night, ready to face his destiny, leaving behind the radiance of his smile in Aika's memory. Merphis accelerates at an exponential speed, his footsteps barely echoing on the ground. His face is hidden behind a gray mask, his eyes shining with fierce determination. He heads towards the destination indicated by the old man, crossing the daylight with superhuman agility. His silhouette quickly disappears into the light, ready to face the unknown and fight against the darkness that threatens his world.