The ward smelled of sharp antiseptic and old dust, a scent that usually meant healing, but tonight, it felt like a cage. Bhairin stood for a long time, staring at the sleeping Lian.
Pale, thin, and with a clean record. None of it aligned with the reality of Vellion City vanishing in an instant.
Then Bhairin pulled his phone from his pocket and opened the report folder. He gripped the phone tightly, reviewing Lian's report.
"No family, no job, living in poverty... yet the city disappeared, and only he remained." Bhairin closed the file, his gaze sharp.
"This doesn't add up. Scan this room again!" Bhairin commanded, clenching his left fist.
Four heavily armed counter-terrorism troops stood guard inside the room. Two others watched the corridor. Their thermal scanners detected nothing.
"The area is secure," the soldiers replied in unison.
Outer watched with amusement from the corner of the room, sitting casually as if enjoying a performance by Bhairin and his soldiers. Lian stirred at their voices. He lifted his body and sat up slowly. His gaze swept over the squad members, who hadn't noticed Outer at all. Then he looked at Bhairin.
"Who are you?"
"I am General Bhairin."
Lian's eyes widened slightly. "Do you need me?" His voice was weak, but unwavering.
Bhairin narrowed his eyes. "You seem quite calm for someone surrounded by armed men."
Lian smiled faintly. "Does the General intend to do what the previous General's subordinates did?"
Bhairin's eyebrows rose. "Do you want to be treated like that again, Mr. Esculenta?"
Lian held his breath, then repeated, "What is this about?"
Bhairin didn't beat around the bush any longer. "You've been named a suspect in the disappearance of Vellion City."
Lian clutched his blanket. "Proof?" He stared straight at Bhairin without blinking.
"You're the only survivor," Bhairin replied.
The troops observed Lian while Outer walked among them, breathing down their necks. Afterward, Outer returned to Lian's side.
"And you were right at the epicenter of the destruction," Bhairin asserted.
A subtle change crossed Lian's face. His smile faded, his expression turning flat.
"Nonsense, General. If I were the culprit, why would I stay there waiting to be found?" Lian said.
One of the soldiers raised his rifle, aiming it at Lian. "Watch your mouth!" he snapped.
Outer began to grit his teeth, fuming at the soldiers. Bhairin shot a sharp glare at the soldier, taking it as a silent command, and the man immediately lowered his weapon and stepped back.
Bhairin looked back at Lian. "Then what about Esculenta?"
"There were thousands of people in that city," Lian argued. "Has the General even asked who truly benefits from this tragedy?"
Outer chuckled, a sound only Lian could hear.
Bhairin nodded. One of the troops scanned the room again. "Still nothing, Sir."
Outer waved his hand mockingly in front of the scanner.
"The room is secure, Sir," the soldier confirmed.
Bhairin gave Lian a sharper, colder look. "You are no ordinary person. Your body is weak… too weak. Someone like you wouldn't have survived Vellion's destruction without a reason."
Lian smiled a little, unsettlingly. "Or perhaps the General is only focused on what's in front of him, not the hands behind the scenes."
Bhairin took a step forward until their faces were inches apart. "Is that an indirect confession?"
Lian rolled his eyes. "I'm just asking you to think logically. If I am the gun, then find out who pulled the trigger."
The words stunned Bhairin for a split second, but he doubled down. "What did you do to Major Nox Eosvile? Why did he collapse? He's in the ICU because of you."
Lian stared at Bhairin with feigned innocence. "I'm sorry. I have no idea why he fainted."
"You're good at twisting words," Bhairin spat.
"You don't believe me? Look for the proof! The Major is human, General. Maybe he's stressed. He just lost his parents, didn't he?"
"Stress doesn't bring down an undefeated world boxing champion," Bhairin asserted. "And the strangest thing is you. People who are depressed don't act this calm."
Lian fell silent. He bit his lip, remembering the incident with Nox and Ron. His hands clenched under the blanket. "Then you'd know your subordinates have already abused me," Lian said.
Bhairin did not respond. Instead, he handcuffed Lian and shackled his legs.
Clink, clank.
"Tomorrow you'll be transferred to a military prison," Bhairin concluded. "Get ready!"
Bhairin left, followed by the elite troops. Outside the room, he asked, "What's the situation now?"
"Nothing, Sir," all the troops answered without hesitation.
"CCTV?"
"No interference, Sir," the officer reported.
Bhairin snorted. "Maybe he himself is an anomaly. Keep an eye on him!"
As the door closed, Lian leaned back. His thoughts were racing.
Lian looked at Outer. Should I run away? Lian thought. He tried to convey his wish silently through his eyes, hoping Outer would understand.
Outer turned with a wide grin. "No, Lian only needs to return this place to nothingness."
Lian froze, barely blinking. How did Outer know what I was thinking?
Outer bowed slightly, his sharp teeth reflecting the dim light. "Because Lian has already accepted Outer completely."
Lian closed his eyes, his breathing heavy. If I erase this place, it would mean I admit to their accusations.
Outer immediately covered his mouth, regretful. "Outer is sorry, Lian…"
The room lights dimmed for a moment, no one noticed. The CCTV was operating normally, recording nothing.
The wheels of fate were already turning. Lian sat in the dark, the weight of the military's suspicion pressing down on him. The transfer tomorrow wouldn't just be a change of location. It would be the start of a catastrophe.
***
In the other wing of the hospital, in front of the ICU, in contrast to the grand plan forming in Lian's ward, Ron sat slumped in his chair, his strength slowly fading. The sound of the air conditioner was a torturous hum.
Every breath Ron took felt heavy, like lead in his lungs. Ron covered his face. His shoulders trembled. "Nox... you're strong... you always get up. Hang in there..."
Tears fell, wetting his own hands.
The two worlds ran side by side, Lian planning something that would change history. Ron could only hope that his beloved brother's life wouldn't be extinguished.
To be continued...