Five minutes later, Rami and Selina were sitting just outside the room, speaking quietly. But the tension in their voices was clear.
"What do you think?" Rami asked.
Selina hesitated, then said, "I think he's telling the truth."
Rami gave a faint smile. "I know he's telling the truth."
She stared at him. "What? You're talking like you already knew."
"Not exactly. But my memory's better than yours. I remember some images from when I was about three."
Selina looked surprised. It was rare to recall anything from that age. She, on the other hand, remembered nothing.
"Do you remember anything else? About our parents? Or why we came here?"
Rami shook his head. "Just hazy images… two faces—I think they were our parents. A child around my age. A beautiful castle. Small details. I used to think they were dreams. But after what Mortex said, it all started to connect."
Selina nodded, a bit disappointed, then had an idea. "What if we ask Ryan? He's the one who found us. Maybe he knows something."
Rami's tone shifted instantly—sharp. "No."
She looked at him nervously, and he added in a tired voice, "Don't mention any of this to Ryan. Remember when you asked Mortex if Ryan sent him?"
She nodded.
"Even though he denied it, his answer confirmed something I can't explain yet. Just… don't trust Ryan. Or anyone in his team."
She hesitated, but he continued, "I promise I'll explain everything later. Just trust me—for now."
She nodded slowly. But she said, "What about Mortex? I don't trust him—even if he's telling the truth."
Rami paused, then said, "Killing him now isn't an option. He's registered with the Guild. If he disappears, we'll face consequences. We don't have the power or time to make him vanish without drawing attention."
She nodded in understanding. He went on, "We keep him under watch. Never be alone with him. Act normal. When the chance comes—in a place with no witnesses—we finish it."
Her eyes widened. "You want to keep a potential killer close?"
Rami replied calmly, "There's no other choice. Either we wait for our moment—or we wait for our Awakening. I think once that happens, the curse might strengthen. It could make killing him impossible."
She looked down. "I hate feeling this powerless."
"I hate it more. But you know how hard it was to make that sedative incense. We can't make another anytime soon."
"I get it... We follow your plan. At least today was his only chance to kill us inside the orphanage. Tomorrow, he leaves."
Rami nodded, stood up, and walked back into the room.
Mortex looked at them, unsure what they had decided.
Rami stepped closer. "We're letting you go. But don't mistake this for trust. Tomorrow, you leave the orphanage. Consider it a gift."
Mortex nodded. "I promise, young master. I won't try this again."
He left quickly, without looking back.
Rami yawned. "You can go too. I'm exhausted."
Selina nodded and walked out.
But the moment the door closed, the fatigue disappeared from his face.
He went to his closet, moved a box, and pulled out a book hidden behind it.
The cover was strange, but the feel was familiar. He muttered, "The book… it really was real."
---
— One Year Ago —
He woke up one morning and found the book beside him. Asked Yan—he denied any knowledge.
He opened the first page. Neat handwriting filled it—instructions, formulas, warnings.
The author was unknown… but claimed to be from the future.
Among the entries:
"Beware the adventurer group that found you. Their real goal isn't to help you—but to use you."
At the time, it sounded paranoid, like a cruel joke. He almost threw the book away.
But his cautious nature—his tendency to doubt—held him back. He decided to test it.
He tried a simple formula from the early pages. Gave it to Selina. It worked. She created a powerful sedative.
He remembered how much effort it took to steer her away from asking where the formula came from.
Then came another warning:
"On the day Mortex awakens, he will try to kill you. You'll lose your eye."
He waited a whole year. And today, it came true. Every word.
---
— Back to the Present —
The book didn't explain why the attack happened—or that they were from Aster. So, it wasn't all-knowing. But now, Rami was sure: the curse prevented the kill. It wasn't mercy from Mortex.
He sat in silence, replaying memories from childhood:
"Hey, brat! Catch this."
"Rami! Look what I got!"
"Tell me if anyone bothers you, okay?"
"It's Rami's birthday today!"
Laughter. Games. Familiar voices…
A tear rolled down his cheek. He wiped it quickly.
Murmured, "I won't be fooled again. I won't cry again."
His red eyes flared for a moment… then went still.