I fell onto my knees, gasping for breath, my chest constricted with pain. Two imposing figures appeared over me, their eyes empty of mercy, as they expertly bound me to a chair. Before me, the man orchestrating this sinister plot took a seat, his posture displaying a cold confidence.
I recognized him instantly—a minister whom I had once admired for his apparent kindness, his words once filled with praise for my contributions to the medical industry. But now, he was a different being entirely.
A flicker of my memory transported me back to the time when he had commended my ingenuity. His kindness had been genuine, or so it seemed. Back then, he embodied the hope of a just ruler for our nation. He had appeared to want nothing but the best for his people.
The minister wasted no time in launching into his tirade, his anger palpable. "Right then, the day I met you for the machine you made, I knew that you were more than any ordinary scientist. I knew you were special. Because of your stupid machine, MY SALES HAVE DROPPED, AND I AM IN LOSS BECAUSE OF YOU!"
His sudden outburst made me flinch, my mind struggling to process the surreal turn of events. With trembling hands and a voice filled with desperation, I dared to question him.
"I –I thought you were good. Why would you do this? What do you want from me?" I stammered, my words barely audible.
The minister's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing through my fear. "I don't care about the people. The weak must bow down to the powerful. I want this land under my control, following my orders. But I am not here because of your machine. I am here because I am well aware of the rumors."
My confusion deepened. "What rumors?"
The minister leaned in, his voice dropping to a sinister tone. "I heard from my men that you were obsessed with the story of King Hiroki VI. Legend has it that he was known as 'The King of Death,' as he had the power to spread death and destruction with just the touch of his hand.
There had been many theories that he belonged to another world, granted this ability to protect himself when he came to this world." I struggled to comprehend his revelation. "I don't understand why you're telling me this story now."
The minister's lips curled into a malicious smile. "Because I know how special you are. I knew you wouldn't leave this story alone and would try to find that other world. A few years ago, you brought a girl here from the other portal.
I wanted to kill both of you and go through the portal myself, but it rejected me. So I had no choice but to wait. However, I knew you would have to send her back at some point. I waited, and now the time has finally arrived."
My heart pounded in my chest as his sinister plan became clear, but a surge of defiance coursed through me. "But why do you want the portal?"
The minister's eyes gleamed with malevolence. "Because this small country isn't enough for me. I want the other world as well. With the people from that world, I can form an entire army of my own subjects and conquer more of this world.
My resolve solidified as I locked eyes with him. "Well, you'll have to get past me first."