Tears cascading down Kael's face as he sat on the railway lines. He felt totally smashed.
*Perhaps I should just kill everything. . .
But he was unable to accomplish it. He lacked courage. Rising, he said, "I guess I should go home," wiping tears.
His heart sped as he passed the lanes. He froze as he turned the corner toward his house.
Park outside their lights flashing police vehicles. Neighbours watched nearby, murmur.
- No; they discovered what I did!
He felt a burst of panic. He saw a police officer and turned to run.
Hey, stop just there!
Kaels' legs moved before he could think. Heart racing, he raced down the road.
Catch him, the officer yelled.
Kaels mind traveled. * Please, no! This can't be the end!
The police pursuing him's footsteps could be heard.
Give in, child! Or it will be more difficult for you!
Kaels legs blazed, but he kept going. He next heard a car engine sound. He turned back to observe a police vehicle approaching.
"This is it," he muttered, his breath coming in erratic gasps. *This is the way it finishes.
His body shaking, he stopped running. A tiny, sour grin showed on his mouth.
But then he saw a truck coming from his right, its headlights blinding.
Kaels' eyes grew wider.
*No NO!
The truck crashed against him with a terrible crunch. Thrust upward, Kaels body came down crumpled on the road.
The police vehicle screeched to a stop.
One officer, dashing to Kaels' side, inquired, "Is he alive? "
Pale-faced, the truck driver fell out of his car. I-I did not see him! Swears!
The officer evaluated Kaels pulse. He is breathing, but I am unsure of how long hell last.
Kaels eyesight darkened. He saw a shadowy figure above him—a dark silhouette with an unsettling grin.
Is this an angel? Kael pondered, his thoughts drifting away. *Are you here to carry me to hell?
Though he attempted to cry, no tears developed.
*Please just let me die.*
Later everything blacked out.
Kaels eyes fluttered open. He was stretched out on the cold, tough cave floor.
He thought, sitting up gently, where am I? * Am I dead; is this hell?
He stared downward and froze.
His body was leaner, more muscular, stronger. He felt sharp cheekbones and smooth skin as he touched his face.
What happened to me?
Walk toward the crystal-like mirror nearby. The reflection staring back at him was unrecognisable.
Looking back at him was a good-looking face with sharp characteristics, black hair, and blazing eyes.
Is this me? Kael whispered, touching the mirror.
He smiled faintly, but the shock soon returned.
*What's happening?
A voice appeared in his head all of a sudden.
Kael, welcome. I your system assistant Anis. Your fitness, skills, intellect, and strength will all be improved. Your status and capabilities are now under my direction.
Kaels eyes widened.
*What is that?
Closing his eyes, he imagined a flashing dashboard. It showed his metrics:
Kael Ardent is the name.
**LEVEL:** 1
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Intelligence: 5
Durability: 5
ABILITIES:
- Duplication (Lv. 1): Establish one clone at 100%.
Points Counted: 10
Kaels heart pounded.
Who you are? he asked out loud.
I'm Anis, your system helper here to point you and enable you to reach your whole capacity.
Trying to settle Kael took a big breath.
*Okay okay. This is real. I'm not fantasizing. *
He searched the cave. It was huge, with twisted tunnels diving farther into the darkness.
*I must determine my location, he pondered, and what this energy means.
Again the voice spoke as he traversed the cave.
Your first goal is to investigate this cave and activate your talents. Be wary—danger could be lurking in the darkness.
Kael nodded; his dread gradually becoming resolve.
This is my second opportunity, he mused; I shall not squander it.
(Chapter 3 Fin)