Chereads / The manipulator, Michel / Chapter 5 - new life

Chapter 5 - new life

Michel stumbled through the dark alleys of the city, blood pouring from his wounds and soaking his clothes. After ensuring he was far enough from the agents, he stopped in a secluded corner, took a deep breath, and laboriously began to peel off his shirt. As the fabric came loose, horrific injuries were revealed all over his body—torn skin, dark purple bruises, and bones that appeared to be out of place. These wounds should have been fatal for anyone, yet Michel still stood, albeit unsteadily.

He felt along his fractured ribs, wincing with pain each time he drew a breath. Some shards of glass from the car he crashed into were embedded in his skin, and blood dripped from his wounds incessantly. His arm showed a cracked bone, and his knees shook every time he tried to support his weight. Yet, despite his terrible physical condition, Michel's gaze remained resolute. His sharp eyes reflected anger and pain, wrapped in an unyielding mental strength.

"I'm not done yet," Michel whispered to himself, almost like a promise. In his mind, this defeat was merely a temporary obstacle; these wounds were nothing more than reminders of the strength he possessed. He knew his body was severely damaged, but he also knew his endurance surpassed that of an ordinary human. He reached into his pants pocket and found a small bottle of antiseptic and some makeshift bandages that he always carried as emergency supplies. With trembling hands, he poured the antiseptic over his wounds, stifling a groan that was nearly unbearable as the liquid burned his skin.

After cleaning the worst injuries, Michel wrapped several parts of his body with the bandages, especially around his ribs, which felt nearly shattered. He was aware that this was merely a temporary solution, but it was enough to give him more time to escape further. In his battered condition, Michel forced himself to keep moving, even though each step made him feel weaker. In his mind, he was plotting his next move, devising a new plan to exact revenge on Xander and the agents who had disrupted his mission. Michel knew this was not the end— the game had just begun, and he would return with greater power and deeper rage.

As Michel staggered down the empty alley, a strange sensation suddenly enveloped his body. The pain that had once tormented him transformed into a warmth radiating from each wound. He stopped, stunned, as he felt his torn skin begin to close on its own, like fine threads sewing the wounds from within. Michel stood frozen, his eyes wide as he witnessed the inexplicable phenomenon.

The wounds on his body began to heal at an abnormal rate. The skin torn by the shards of glass sealed up, the blood flow ceased, and the damaged muscle tissue reconnected. Even the fractured bones in his ribs and arm began to shift back into place, as if an unseen force was guiding the healing process. Michel felt strength return to his legs, which had previously trembled and felt weak, now able to support his body without pain.

But the most astonishing thing was his lost eye. Michel felt around the side of his face, which had previously been hollow, leaving only a gaping pit. Yet now, in the mirror reflection of a nearby shop window, he saw his eye starting to form again—veins and nerve tissues appeared to regenerate, creating a new eyeball that slowly filled the hollow. In mere seconds, he could see perfectly again, as if the lost eye had never disappeared.

He lifted his hand and looked at his finger, which had once been severed, now whole again. The skin around it looked new, without scars, while his internal organs, which had previously hurt, now functioned normally, as if he had never been injured at all. His breath stabilized, and his entire body now stood upright without any difficulty.

He gazed at himself in astonishment and admiration, realizing that his regenerative abilities exceeded what he had imagined. Not only could he survive fatal falls, but he could heal from wounds that should have been lethal. A faint smile appeared on his face as he understood the new potential he now possessed. "So, this is true power…" he murmured softly, filled with triumph. Michel now felt stronger than ever; his fully recovered body became a symbol of his resurrection. With newfound confidence, he stepped out of the shadows, ready to continue his quest for revenge with unstoppable strength.

With his body fully healed, Michel knew it was time to plan his next steps. He didn't just want to take revenge on Xander and the agents who troubled him; he wanted to build new power behind the darkness, manipulating those around him to achieve his goals. For that, he needed to blend in with society, taking on the role of someone who appeared ordinary, even friendly.

Michel chose to present himself as a charming young man. He wore trendy casual clothes, projecting the image of a carefree and cheerful youth. With every step, he exuded an air of natural confidence, attracting the attention of girls around him and building relationships with the men nearby. He roamed various places, from cafés to shopping centers, engaging in light and familiar conversations, as if he were part of the community.

One night, while at a bustling café, Michel noticed a group of young people chatting. Among them was a young woman named Lila, with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She had a charm that made her approachable, and Michel saw potential in leveraging this relationship. He joined them, presenting himself as a fun and energetic person. Michel shared funny stories, making everyone laugh, and within a short time, he gained their trust and friendship.

As part of his strategy, Michel also paid attention to every detail about Lila and her friends. He began to delve into their daily lives, habits, and the places they frequented. In the process, he discovered that they had many friends and connections that could be utilized. Michel was skilled at manipulating conversations, subtly planting ideas in their minds without them realizing it.

Lila began to be captivated by Michel, and she often invited him out. They went to parties, concerts, and community events, where Michel cleverly inserted himself into a broader social circle. He sought to create strong emotional bonds with everyone around him. In every opportunity, he subtly infused ideas about freedom and power, altering their perceptions without them realizing it.

By blending into society and gaining their trust, Michel knew he was building a solid foundation for his larger plans. He was determined to exploit this social network, finding ways to control them and turn them into tools for his revenge against Xander. Michel didn't just want to destroy his enemies; he wanted them to feel his defeat from within, in the most painful way possible. Everything felt perfect; step by step, he approached his goal without raising suspicion.