(CHAPTER 1.1: The Dream and the incident)
(CHAPTER 1: The Dream and the incident)
A man stood clad in a tattered white business suit. His black trousers were equally ragged, the material stretched and torn yet still oddly flexible, The clothes were riddled with holes, darkened by old, dried bloodstains that hinted at countless struggles of life and death situations.
He carried three old 18th century firearms, each resting in a dark leather holster designed to fit it perfectly. A flintlock pistol was secured to his right leg, its polished wood and metalwork gleaming faintly, accented with gold along the wide barrel. A short-barreled double-barrel shotgun rested across his back, the stock scratched and aged, the barrels darkened with use. At his waist, a silver revolver with intricate engravings gleamed softly, the cylinder loaded with six bullets, ready for action.
Beneath each gun's handle, a small, unusual carving caught the eye, an eye with a horizontal, goat-like pupil, crossed by a bold X. The mark was subtle but eerie, as if hinting at secrets only the man himself understood. Despite the ragged state of his clothing, the meticulous care given to his weapons and their holders suggested he is a survivor who had endured countless battles.
"Ha... ha... ha... argh! my back it hurts!"
The three guns strapped to his body felt unbearably heavy, each step a reminder of the relentless chase that had pursued him nonstop through the endless glowing stairways, landing treads and corridors with black wooden doors, towards the sky by faceless figures. A number of a hundred, a thousand, a million, they were tall, some small, others of no clear size at all—but all of them wore the same wide, unnatural smile. Their footsteps and heavy breaths closed in from every direction. At times they leapt toward him, their outstretched arms nearly catching him as he fled.
Thud… thud… thud…
The sound pounded in his ears as he ran up the endless stairs, each step uncertain, each turn leading only to more possibilities.
"Ha… ha… ha… why is this happening to me?!" he gasped, clutching his chest as he tried to catch his breath. "Why won't they stop!? They just keep multiplying and chasing me, for two centuries straight!"
It was terrifying. Yet there was something far worse.
Tick… tack… tick… tack…
The sound of the clock—or something like it—followed him relentlessly, as he looked down. Black water surged upward from below, swallowing the stairs bellow.
Any faceless thing that slipped into the water never returned. Above him, the sky was nothing but darkness, with a faint of one black star. His only light came from the glow of the endless stairs and the black star in the sky.
Then, without warning, a deafening splash of water shattered the stillness below.
Splashhhh!!!
The water trembled, it was dark and oily, as if the water itself were holding its breath. Something moved beneath the surface, a ripple too large to belong to any great fish. Slowly, a massive creature broke the water's surface. A head surfaced first, crowned with slick, twisting tentacles that writhed like serpents, each socket bristling with sharp barbs.
Then the eyes—twelve rectangular pupils, glowing iris that are golden orange like ambers, appearing one by one across its monstrous octopus/alien like face, sweeping in every direction, but all landing on him at once. The same chill ran down his spine, the sensation of being watched by the creature was almost and always unbearable.
The solid stairs trembled, and the air seemed to shiver, as if the sky itself were about to collapse. Darker and larger ripples spread across the dark water, as it moves.
The creature heaved upward, its enormous arms ripping through the surface of the water, claws slashing through the water like blades. Its chest rose next, bloated and grotesque, muscles flexing under mossy green skin that glistened. Each movement caused waves to ripple outward, carrying a faint, sickly stench.
Finally, with a slow, deliberate motion, leathery dragon like wings unfurled from its back, stretching across the water like a type of darkness that can swallow the night sky. It leaned forward, dark water cascading from its body, and for a moment the world seemed to pause—the creature is gazing with all twelve eyes at the trembling figure on the stairs.
It was impossible to tell whether it had come from the depths, or if the depths themselves had been made to hide it. And yet, there it was watching, waiting, and aware of every small movement he made.
"God, forgive me… please wake me from this nightmare," he whispered, gripping the old flintlock pistol in his hands. Pointing it towards the creature below, its polished wood was worn smooth from centuries of use, the brass fittings dulled to a faint, greenish patina, and the hammer still shone with deadly clarity. For 238 years, it had never left his side—his only companion through the endless horrors.
A moment ago, he had been on vacation—sunlight, leisure, nothing like the chaos around him now.
That day, July 22, 2024, it was scorching hot, the thermometer climbing past 39.3 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest day of the year.
(Time: 5:59 pm)
A 40-year-old bachelor is dining at a fancy restaurant located on the 20th floor of a seaside hotel. The restaurant is really fancy, with shiny lamps and comfy chairs covered in soft material. The view from the windows is amazing, showing the big ocean, and the sun setting in the distance gives everything a warm glow. You can hear the waves crashing against the shore, which adds to the peaceful feel of the place.
- "ahhh what a beautiful scenery" the man said complimenting the scenery outside the window
The man is sitting at the middle left side of the restaurant's table, he was surrounded by people in expensive suits and dresses. He wore a simple, plain outfit that didn't have any fancy labels. It was clear that his clothes didn't cost a lot of money compared to the others in the restaurant.
- "why does my food taking so long?" He said
The aroma of the foods in the next table,
*rumble rumble* making the man's stomach growled loudly, unable to contain its hunger any longer.
The man glanced at a nearby table where a mother and her daughter were eating.
- Look, that old man keeps staring at us.
- Just ignore him, honey.
- But, ma'am, I feel really scared.
As the man Observing the surrounding, a middle-aged waiter caught his eye. This waiter was dressed in a sharp outfit, consisting of a clean white shirt and black trousers, topped off with a matching apron tied skillfully around his waist. His outfit seemed tailored to fit him just right, giving off a polished appearance. With his professional look and friendly manner, he seemed like a veteran server, ready to assist clients with a smile.
Then the waiter glanced at the man's table.
"Here's your meal sir!" the waiter said cheerfully as he wheeled a lavish, gleaming cart adorned with intricate golden details towards my table. The cart sparkled under the soft glow of the fancy lamps in the restaurant, casting a mesmerizing light around.
The waiter arrived to the man's table with a smile, the waiter placed the covered meal on the table, making sure everything was in its rightful place. They arranged various forks, spoons, and knives neatly beside the meal, each with a unique design. A single wine glass stood gracefully at the side, to be filled with a delightful beverage. A simple but beautiful white napkin added a touch of sophistication to the setting, completing the picture of a fine dining experience.
As the waiter carefully lifted the lid, a cloud of steam rose from each dish, filling the air with enticing scents. Spread out across the table were an array of mouthwatering delights. A beautifully roasted whole chicken, its skin golden and crispy, adorned with fragrant herbs. Next to it, a steaming bowl of flavorful clam soup, brimming with tender clams and savory broth. in the center of the table, is a thick tomahawk steak, perfectly grilled and served with creamy mashed potatoes smothered in rich gravy. A colorful side of crisp broccoli added a refreshing touch to the feast.
The man looked at the table full of different forks, spoons, and knives and felt a bit puzzled. "Why are there so many types of eating tools?" he wondered aloud. Without overthinking it, he just grabbed the fork he knew best and started.
First, the man carefully cut the steak into small, tasty pieces using his sharp knife. The juices from the meat spread all over the plate, making it look even more delicious. He then used a fork to pick up a piece of steak, lifted it to his mouth, and savored the flavor.
As he chewed, the rich taste of the beef filled his mouth, and he could feel the meat melting with each bite. It was clear that this was no ordinary meat – it was a top-grade beef that melted like butter in his mouth.
"Wow, this is amazing! The flavor of this high-quality beef is just incredible. It's like the meat is melting in my mouth," he exclaimed as he relished every bite.
Unable to resist the temptation, he continued eating until there was no more meat left on his plate. He then scooped some creamy mashed potatoes with gravy using a spoon and taste it.
The combination of buttery mashed potatoes and savory gravy was so delightful that he couldn't help but take another bite. The smooth texture of the food danced in his mouth, pleasing his taste buds.
He then moved on to the broccoli, taking a bite and savoring the fresh, crunchy texture. Although the flavor of the broccoli was more standard compared to the tantalizing steak and mashed potatoes, it still provided a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meal.
After enjoying the main course, the man's eyes drifted to the bowl of clam soup. He grabbed a spoonful of the steaming broth and took a sip.
"Mmm, this soup is amazing! It's packed with the natural and fresh flavor of clams," he exclaimed with a smile.
The soup was so flavorful, with the clams adding a clean and nourishing taste to each spoonful. The man savored every sip, feeling the warmth and comfort of the soup filling him up from the inside.
He continued to enjoy the soup, taking his time to appreciate the flavors and textures. The richness of the broth and the gentle taste of the clams blended together perfectly, creating a delicious and satisfying experience for his taste buds.
Then the man gazed at the roasted chicken.
the man became frustrated with the fancy utensils provided on the table as he tried to eat the whole roasted chicken. After a few failed attempts to use them, he waved down the waiter.
"Excuse me, can I please have a glove or something to eat with my hands?" he asked.
The waiter looked puzzled. "Is there a problem with the food, sir?"
"No, no, the food is great! I just prefer to eat with my hands," the man explained.
The waiter hesitated for a moment before understanding the customer's request. "I'll bring you some plastic gloves, sir."
With the thin plastic gloves snug on his hands, the man reached forward and tore off a piece of roasted chicken. Steam rose gently from the meat, carrying with it the rich scent of charred skin and savory spices. The golden-brown surface glistened under the restaurant's light, its juices sliding down in tiny drops.
He lifted the piece to his mouth, unable to resist any longer. The first bite was tender, the skin crisp, the flavors bursting far beyond what he had expected. Each chew released a warmth that spread across his tongue, leaving him both surprised and satisfied. It was more than he had imagined — simple, yet deeply comforting.
"Mmm, this is delicious!" he exclaimed, savoring each bite. The flavors of the perfectly cooked chicken danced on his taste buds.
After savoring every bite from the meal, he signaled the waiter for a wine and something sweet to end his dining experience.
When the waiter returned, he presented a scrumptious peach tart, "Sir, Here is your dessert," the waiter said cheerfully.
He eagerly grabbed a spoon and dove into the luscious peach tart. With each bite, he reveled in the juicy peaches nestled in the buttery pastry. The sweet fragrance of the peaches filled the air, enticing his senses. The combination of the soft fruit and flaky crust was a delicious treat. The tart's delightful texture and balanced flavors left him feeling satisfied and content.
Then a server approached the man with a bottle of deep red wine. The server poured the rich, aged wine into a glass, filling it to the brim. The man picked up the glass, swirling the wine around, letting its aroma fill the air. Taking a sip, he closed his eyes, savoring the familiar taste. Memories flooded back as he reminisced, "It has been so long since I last savored the flavor of wine." He felt a sense of nostalgia, thinking about all the years that had gone by since he last enjoyed a glass of wine. Time seemed to stand still as he reflected on past moments, now made sweeter with each sip of the exquisite wine.
"Oh man, this wine takes me back. It's been ages since I've had a sip of this. My father used to love this stuff. It's stronger than your usual red wine. Ahh, those were the days, the best times of my life." He let out a long sight as memories flooded back.
His name is *Edward Montague Hasling* a 40 years old man.
Edward works at a company. He is always working hard every day to support himself.
He had a small house that he lived in all by himself. Edward didn't have any family or friends to keep him company. He didn't have a wife, children, parents, or even relatives who would visit or check up on him.
One summer day in July 2, 2024, Edward's life took an unexpected turn when he lost his job.
his boss suddenly told him he was being fired.
"Sir Edward, we have to let you go," his boss said.
Edward was confused and asked, "Why am I being fired? I always do my job well."
His boss leaned back in the chair, letting out a long, weary sigh. The office was quiet except for the faint hum of the air conditioner. Papers lay scattered across the desk, as if it had been piling up for days.
"I'm sorry," the boss said at last, his tone heavy, almost reluctant. "But we have to make some tough choices for the company. You've been with us a long time, and I respect that… but you're getting older. You never finished college, and now we need younger employees — people with higher education who can carry the company forward."
The words fell slowly, one after another, like stones dropped into still water.
Edward couldn't believe it and said "I've worked for this company for so many years! How can you just let me go like this?"
"We are truly grateful for your years of service and unwavering loyalty to the company, Sir Edward," the boss said, his tone formal but tinged with respect. "I know this is not an easy decision—for either of us. But on behalf of the company, and in recognition of everything you've done, we have decided to grant you a retirement package."
Edward's expression remained stubborn, a flicker of resistance in his eyes. The two of them went back and forth, words carefully measured yet firm, each side holding its ground. Finally, after a long and tense exchange, Edward sighed and accepted the retirement money, the weight of the gesture settling between them like a silent acknowledgment of years gone by.
Feeling upset and frustrated, edward decided to use his savings to go on a luxurious vacation. He booked a room in the most expensive hotel he know and treated himself to a fancy dinner in the hotel's restaurant.
As he sank into his chair, Edward let his gaze wander across the table, taking in the subtle gleam of polished silverware and the soft glow of candlelight. He could still feel the sting of being dismissed—unfair, abrupt, and humiliating—but he shook it off with a measured breath. "No," he told himself, "I won't dwell on that today." Today was different. Today was a day for him, a day to reclaim a small piece of joy in the midst of life's injustices. He straightened his posture, a faint, determined smile tugging at his lips, and thought, "I deserve this meal. I deserve to savor it. I deserve a good time."
And that's how he ended up eating in the hotel