home

search

Chap 12- Naive / Present

  The morning air was thick with tension, the kind that clung to your skin like the sweat from a hard day’s work. The sun hadn’t even fully risen yet.

  "Wake up, Slimmy, time to go," Bunchy’s voice cut through the fog of my tiredness.

  “I hate this,” I groaned, still half-buried in the blankets.

  "I know, me too, But the earth's mine's a bit far, Tenque told us that they need more man hands so we’ve gotta get a move on. Sorey will take Josh."

  “Serious? Those two started off on the wrong foot,” I muttered, but I could hear the concern in my voice. It wasn’t just about the work anymore—it was about keeping things from going sideways with Josh and Sorey.

  “I know," Bunchy said, shaking his head as he started getting dressed. "But Josh doesn’t have a car. He’s gotta put up with Sorey for now."

  I had to admit, that was a cruel twist of fate. Sorey seems like someone who could get under anyone's skin, even on a good day.

  "The Earth mine will be a little different from what you’re used to," Bunchy continued, zipping up his jacket. "They’re near a forest, so always keep your helmet on. There’s been a few accidents in the past—beasts and all that—but nothing fatal. Don’t be afraid, though. Just keep your wits about you."

  Beasts? The thought hit me like a cold breeze. My stomach clenched, but I nodded. Forests and beasts didn’t mix well with the mundane work I’d been doing. But this was my new reality now.

  The drive was a blur. The car rumbled beneath us as we passed familiar stretches of road that soon gave way to more treacherous terrain. I kept my eyes on the horizon, mentally preparing myself for whatever came next.

  We reached the mine station, where we went through the usual logging in with our ID. The routine was starting to settle in, but this time there was a shift in the air. I could feel it. The mines were different today.

  “Now we’ll need a new tool for you,” Bunchy said, tossing a look over his shoulder as he led me to the reception. "Jackhammers won’t do in underground mining. And in this area we don't have many plugs. We’ll need something more... old school."

  He went up to the counter and asked for four pickaxes. I stared at the tools lined up, their sturdy, rough handles gleaming under the station lights.

  “What’s this?” I asked, eyeing the pickaxe warily. It didn’t look like something I’d be able to use without some kind of training.

  “It’s a pickaxe,” Bunchy said with a grin, “We use these instead of jackhammers in the underground mines. No plugs down here and there, so we go manual. The real way."

  I raised an eyebrow. “Why don’t you just buy magical jackhammers? That seems like it would save some time.”

  Bunchy chuckled at my question, a bit of mischief in his eyes. “Because me and Sorey don’t know how to use magic for that stuff. We’re old school, Slimmy. No magic involved.” He handed me the pickaxe, and I gripped it cautiously. It felt like a shovel, only much heavier and with a sharper edge.

  “You’ll get the hang of it,” Bunchy said, slinging one of the pickaxes over his shoulder with ease. “Now, let’s go see what the others are up to.”

  Outside the station, I spotted Sorey and Josh standing by the entrance. The atmosphere between them was tense—Josh looked more annoyed than usual, while Sorey wore that smirk of his, the one that usually meant trouble.

  “Sup, you two?” Bunchy greeted them, his tone casual as always.

  “Sup, Bunchy,” Sorey shot back with a grin, looking over at Josh. “Still carrying that old bag of fat around with you?” His voice was teasing, but there was an edge to it that I could feel, even from a distance.

  “Too funny,” Bunchy said dryly, though it was clear he wasn’t bothered. He’d long since grown used to Sorey’s antics.

  “Alright,” Bunchy clapped his hands together, signaling the start of the discussion. “Here’s the plan. We’ll divide into two groups. Slimmy and I will handle the surface work for the rest of the month, and then we’ll switch roles next month. Sorey, you good with that?”

  “Damn,” Sorey muttered, scratching the back of his neck. “Guess I grabbed the wrong tools for today. Well, take these,” he added, handing over a small bundle of metallic implements. “You’ll need these for the boulders we’re hauling out of the underground.”

  I watched as Sorey handed over the tools. “Are these wedges?” I asked, leaning in a bit to get a better look.

  “Correct, Wedges,” Bunchy explained, holding one up for emphasis. “They’re used to split boulders into smaller, manageable pieces. Down in the mines, we use belt conveyors to move the rock out,” he gestured towards the conveyor system snaking up from the underground shaft. “But sometimes, these boulders are just too damn heavy to carry as a whole, so we split them up and take them piece by piece.”

  “Right,” Sorey chimed in. “Because our bosses are too cheap to give us proper amounts of TNT.”

  Bunchy let out a dry chuckle. “Yeah, that too. Although, to be fair, the bosses do have their reasons. Remember the mess our last guy made? Blew a section of the mine clean out—completely unplanned, almost collapsed part of the structure.”

  Sorey nodded, rubbing his temples at the memory. “Exactly. That little stunt cost us weeks of work and a load of safety inspections. So now we’re stuck playing it safe. Wedges are slower, sure, but at least they don’t blow holes in places they’re not supposed to.”

  Bunchy turned to me with a smirk. “For now, it’s wedges, hard work, and sore muscles. That’s the miner’s life, guys.”

  “Then stop wasting time, Crack and I will handle the underground as we agreed. Just don’t crack a bone, Crack. I don’t wanna be carrying your sorry ass out of there.”

  Josh’s face darkened at the jab. “I will not,” he said seriously, his jaw set. It was clear he wasn’t backing down.

  Sorey raised an eyebrow, but before he could say anything else, Bunchy jumped in. “Alright, let’s get to work. You guys know the drill.”

  I felt the weight of the pickaxe in my hand, and with a quick glance at Bunchy, I followed him to the surface work area. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew it was going to be a long day.

  As we walked towards the worksite, Bunchy gave me a look. “Don’t worry too much about those two. They’ll figure it out. Just focus on getting your job done.”

  The midday sun blazed overhead as I stood awkwardly with a pickaxe in hand, the tool feeling foreign and unwieldy. Bunchy, on the other hand, looked like he belonged here, his every movement purposeful as he assessed the rocky terrain. "There," he said, pointing to a jagged outcrop where the rock shimmered faintly, veins of ore glinting beneath the surface. He swung his pickaxe with a practiced arc, the sharp clang echoing like a command.

  I swallowed hard, gripping my pickaxe and imitating his stance. My first swing landed with a dull thud, barely scratching the surface. Bunchy chuckled, not unkindly, and stepped closer. "You’re aiming too shallow, Slimmy. Let the weight of the pick do the work," he advised, demonstrating another powerful strike that sent shards of rock scattering.

  I adjusted my grip and tried again, this time feeling the satisfying jolt as the pick bit deeper into the stone. Dust rose around us as we worked, and I found myself watching Bunchy’s movements, the rhythm of his strikes, the precision of his aim. For him, this seemed almost like second nature; for me, every swing was a battle between frustration and determination.

  “Not bad,” he said after a while, wiping sweat from his brow. “You’ll get the hang of it soon enough.”

  “Yeah, it’s kind of difficult, but not much different from using a shovel,”

  “Good, don’t get tired, since later we need to split the boulders that are piling up. Save some wedges in your pockets every time we do this.”

  With a grunt, he passed me a few more wedges, and I stuffed them into my pockets, every day.

  The week dragged on—an endless cycle of pickaxing, splitting boulders, and, of course, hauling the broken debris to the piles. Each day felt like it stretched longer than the last. But, at last, the end was within sight. Tomorrow, I’d finally get paid. The thought made me restless with excitement.

  Bunchy has explained me that both pay would come to his mail, until I get an apartment of my own.

  “What if we hang out tomorrow?” Bunchy asked with a playful gleam in his eye. “

  “Sure let’s meet in the capital, have some fun, enjoy the day. I’ll even treat the rookies to lunch. But no offense, Bunchy after the last time I treated you for lunch, I’m still having nightmares,” Sorey added with a smirk, his tone mocking yet somehow endearing.

  Bunchy threw his head back and laughed, the sound booming out like thunder. “Fair enough,” he said, clearly unbothered. "You know I don’t mind."

  Josh sidled up to me, his usual reserved demeanor replaced by an unusual spark in his eyes. “You know, Daryn,” he began, his voice low but eager. “There’s gold down there in the underground mines. A lot of it.”

  Gold? My ears perked up at the word. “Gold?” I repeated, hardly able to believe what I was hearing. It seemed like the kind of thing you only heard about in stories, not in real life, not in this hellish place.

  Josh’s face lit up with a smile, one of those rare moments where he wasn’t burdened by the weight of the world. “Yeah, gold. It’s for the rich, obviously, but it’s there, beneath our feet. It’s incredible.”

  I couldn’t stop myself from imagining it—gold gleaming in my hands, piles of it. The thought made my pulse quicken, but a whisper of doubt crept in. Could it really be true? And if it was, what would I do with it?

  “Wow...” I muttered, barely able to contain my excitement.

  “Hey, you two,” Sorey’s voice broke through the moment as he draped an arm casually around our shoulders. “What are you guys talking about?”

  “Nothing,” Josh quickly replied, his smirk hiding any trace of the conversation we’d just had.

  “Right. Well, let’s go, Crack.” Sorey nudged Josh toward the direction of the bar. I took my cue and followed Bunchy, but my mind kept going back to Josh’s words. Gold. It lingered in my thoughts like a tempting, forbidden fruit.

  The next day, Bunchy drove us into the capital, the city bustling with energy and life. We made our rounds, visiting a few places, trying to make the most of the rare time off. But when it came time to meet up with Sorey and Josh, neither of them picked up their phones.

  “I’ll check the hamburger place. You go to the bar and see if you can find them,”

  “Ah… sure,”

  I made my way through the crowded streets, weaving between people as I walked toward the bar. The neon lights flickered above, the low hum of chatter filling the air. As I approached the door, someone grabbed my shoulder from behind, sending a jolt through my body.

  “Lost?” Josh’s voice was smooth, his smirk barely visible in the dim light.

  “Josh!” I exclaimed, startled as I turned to face him. “Where’s Sorey? Bunchy and I’ve been looking for you.”

  He looked around, making sure no one was paying attention, then placed his hand firmly on my shoulder, his gaze suddenly serious. “I lost Sorey,” he said, his tone cold. “For good.”

  Something about his words sent a chill down my spine. He wasn’t joking.

  “Listen,” his voice dropping even lower. “Not here.” He gestured for me to follow him.

  I hesitated, but curiosity and a strange sense of urgency tugged at me. We moved to a quiet alley where the noise of the crowd faded behind us.

  “We can go back to the mine. Get the gold,” Josh said, his voice heavy with conviction.

  Josh’s eyes locked onto mine, his gaze intense. “The gold’s there. Natural. No one will know. Yesterday, I was in the underground mine, I know where it is. We can take it. We don’t have to keep doing this dirty job. Don’t you want to quit this life?”

  My thoughts were a whirlwind. I’d dreamed of a life beyond this—beyond the mines, beyond the backbreaking labor.

  Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

  My payment would have not been enough to buy me a house on my own, barely pay the adventurer fee, so perhaps stealing some few grams… or kilograms would not be a bad idea. Besides there are more kingdoms to run away to. But I need to make sure this plan he has could work.

  “But the place is closed today,” I said, trying to find a reason to back out, something to get my head straight again.

  “ Don’t worry there is a cave that connects to the mine, and this is the map” from his pant’s pocket I can see a map half hidden by his long green coat.

  Josh didn’t miss a beat. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a car key and letting it swing in front of me. “I’ve got Sorey’s key. We’ll use his car. If anyone asks, we’ll say he’s the one who took the gold. You’re with me, right?”

  My mind screamed at me to back away. This was dangerous, reckless. But my hands were shaking as I stared at the key. The money. The gold. It was so tempting. What could I buy with that kind of fortune? A house? A stable life?Weapons? No more of this grueling work?

  “I...” I trailed off, my thoughts clouded by the possibility. It was everything I’d dreamed of, everything I’d wanted. A way out.

  I reached out and touched Josh’s shoulder, my decision made.

  “I’ll do it,”

  Josh’s smirk widened, but I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that I was walking into something I might never come back from. Still, the thought of the gold—the freedom it promised—kept my resolve strong.

  To avoid being seen we parked in place inside the forest. The path ahead of us seemed endless, the forest growing denser as we pushed forward. My body ached from the long hours of walking, but Josh’s words echoed in my mind, pushing me forward: “We will be rich soon.” The thought of gold, of freedom, of never having to lift a shovel or jackhammer again, kept my steps steady. I couldn't let fear take hold—not when I was so close to the promise of a better life.

  Josh handed me a helmet, the kind that looked more advanced than the usual gear we wore for work. “Get ready, Daryn. We will be rich soon,” he said, his tone laced with excitement, his eyes gleaming with something darker. I nodded, my hands trembling slightly as I adjusted the helmet. This wasn’t the first time I’d felt a sense of unease, but the idea of wealth had a way of silencing those doubts.

  "Okay," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper. I couldn’t back out now—not when the gold was within reach.

  Then, as the sun dipped lower in the sky, we found it—a cave nestled in the side of a cliff, its entrance hidden by overgrown vines and moss. The shadows in the cave were deep, almost impenetrable, but Josh didn’t hesitate. He pulled out the map, the edges frayed and worn, and unrolled it with careful hands.

  “We’ll enter through here. This cave connects to the old mine,” Josh explained, his voice low and almost conspiratorial. “We just have to follow the path. Don’t worry about anything. The helmets are fully charged, and I know where we’re going.”

  I stared at the cave’s dark mouth, uncertain. “But how can a cave and the mine be connected?”

  Josh gave me a sharp look, then gestured to the map. "Shh, not much, but what matters is we follow the right path. We’ll be in the underground mine in no time."

  "Let me see the map," I insisted, stepping closer.

  Josh quickly pulled it away, shaking his head. "No, Daryn. If you screw this up, we’re done. We won't get another chance like this."

  I felt a sinking sensation in my stomach, but I nodded anyway. "Fine. I need the money too, I get it."

  He handed me a bag and a pickaxe. As I took them, I couldn’t help but wonder what we were really walking into. But the thought of the wealth that lay at the end of this journey kept me from asking too many questions.

  The air inside is cool and damp. The darkness seemed to swallow us whole, and the sounds of the forest faded behind us. The air grew heavier the deeper we went, thick with the musty smell of earth and stone. My heart pounded in my chest, and my thoughts kept drifting back to the gold—how much could we get? How many pieces? How could I spend it all?

  We walked for nearly ten minutes, the silence between us only broken by the occasional scrape of our boots against the rocky floor. Then suddenly, the sound of Josh’s footsteps ahead of me stopped. His light flickered, and before I could call out, the beam went dark.

  “Josh!” I shouted, the words echoing off the stone walls. But there was no reply. The only sound I could hear now was the echo of my own voice. He was gone—completely gone.

  My pulse raced as I flicked on my own helmet light, but the beam seemed weak, the darkness pressing in on me from all sides. I called his name again, but the silence was deafening. I moved forward, calling out desperately, but there was nothing—only the fading sound of footsteps and the deeper silence that followed. It felt like the cave itself had swallowed him up.

  I stood frozen for a moment, trying to make sense of the situation. Josh had left me—he’d just disappeared into the dark, leaving me behind with nothing but his promises of riches. My mind whirled with questions. Was this all a lie? Was there even any gold in the first place? Or had I been foolish enough to follow him into a trap?

  As I pressed forward, the light from my helmet illuminated a strange scene ahead. A large, bold rock stood ominously in the path, its surface scarred with deep slashes—like something had struck it with immense force. My pulse quickened as I stepped closer, noticing that the marks weren't random. They looked deliberate, almost as if someone—or something—had been here before. Buried beneath the rock, just barely visible, was the outline of something metallic. A sword? I wondered, my thoughts racing. It looked ancient, its hilt weathered and dull, partially obscured by dirt and debris.

  Nearby, scattered bones of animals lay in disarray, their skeletal forms eerily white against the dark rock. Some were cracked clean through, others gnawed at the edges. Whatever had been here wasn’t just dangerous—it was predatory.

  I must have walked for another twenty minutes, though time felt warped in the oppressive silence of the cave. Just when I was ready to give up hope, I saw it—a faint, flickering light in the distance. It wasn’t the cold glow of my helmet or the harsh artificial light of the mine. It was warm, soft, and promising.

  I made a fatal choice. I did run and made a bad step. The ground beneath me gave way with a sharp crack. A loud, splintering noise echoed through the cave as the fragile floor collapsed, plunging me into a dark abyss. I fell, dirt and debris tumbling around me, the sensation of freefall lasting longer than I expected. My stomach lurched as I hit the bottom with a bone-jarring thud, pain shooting through my entire body.

  I lay there for a moment, stunned. The first thought that hit me was disbelief—I was alive. How did I survive that? My body ached all over, my head spinning as I struggled to make sense of what had just happened.

  But as I tried to move, panic set in. Two heavy rocks were pinning my ribcage, pressing down with agonizing weight. My legs were buried under layers of dirt, the pressure making it nearly impossible to budge them. Every time I tried to push against the rocks, they shifted slightly, threatening to crush me completely.

  I grit my teeth, sweat mixing with the dirt on my face as I fought to breathe. The air here was thicker, almost suffocating, and my light flickered weakly, casting erratic shadows on the jagged walls around me. I was trapped.

  Despair clawed at the edges of my mind. This is it. This is how it ends? Buried alive, chasing after some stupid gold? My chest heaved, every breath a struggle under the weight of the rocks. My fingers scrabbled at the dirt, trying to find some leverage, but it was no use. The more I moved, the more precarious my situation became.

  I stopped struggling for a moment, staring up at the faint glow of my helmet light. My thoughts drifted to Josh. Where are you? Did you know about this? Anger and fear mingled in my chest, but they couldn’t overpower the crushing reality of my predicament.

  I stayed here for hours, until my light was flickering.

  And… Now.. I am here the way I am, it’s Josh's fault.

  Present:

  As I lay trapped, my thoughts drift back to the life I live in this world. For all its hardships—the grueling work, the endless sweat—it isn’t all bad. My life is simple but fulfilling in its own way. Now, faced with this suffocating stillness, the thought of losing it all gnaws at me.

  Something shifts in my mind when I remember. The fog of fear and sleepiness lifts, replaced by a strange clarity.

  Relax, I tell myself. Panicking only wastes the precious air left in this pit. I inhale deeply, savoring the sharp bite of the stale air and letting my lungs settle into a steady rhythm. I need to think clearly.

  But the situation is dire. My brain throws out a flurry of ideas, most of them absurd. My gaze falls on the jagged rock pinning me down. Could I… eat it?

  The notion is ridiculous, but desperation has a way of bending logic.

  “It’s an isekai,” I mutter, a weak grin spreading across my face. “Maybe I’ve got some hidden talent. Like… Rock Chewing?”

  I tilt my head back, open my mouth wide, and sink my teeth into the cold, unyielding stone.

  The result is instantaneous and painful. My teeth scream in protest, a sharp crack echoing in my skull as a molar gives way. I yank back, clutching my jaw and groaning in agony. So much for hidden talents.

  “Well, that is dumb,” I say aloud, the humor of it only slightly masking my growing despair.

  Time slips by in silence, broken only by the faint sound of dirt shifting around me. Every minute feels like an hour. My body grows weaker, the weight of the rocks pressing down harder with every shallow breath.

  I can’t just wait here. I have been trapped for hours—if anyone is coming, they’d be here by now.

  I have one shot or more to say, I have the option to give it all and die, or dont give it all and die. I think the choice is obvious.

  I take a deep breath, feeling my ribs strain against the weight. The air is thin, but it’ll have to do. Summoning every ounce of strength left, I clench my fists and brace myself.

  “Here goes nothing…”

  With a guttural roar, I drive my fists into the rocks pinning me, my chest heaving as I push with all my might. My body screams in protest, but I don’t stop. The sound of rock cracking fills the chamber.

  Shock washes over me. My punches… they’re working?

  I slam my fists again, harder this time, and feel the stones shift. It’s like my arms turn into hammers, each strike reverberating with power I don’t know I have.

  “Come on… MOVE!”

  With one final push, the rocks shift slightly, granting me just enough freedom to twist my torso. Relief floods through me for a moment, but my victory is short-lived. I still can’t move fully—the weight pressing on my legs remains unforgiving.

  As I adjust my position, something sharp jabs into my thigh. My thoughts scramble. What is that?

  The wedges.

  A flicker of hope lights up in my chest. The wedges we use for work—they might just save me.

  I maneuver my arm, slipping it into the narrow gap between my torso and the rocks. Each movement is a struggle, the confined space grinding against my bruised ribs. Sweat pours down my face as my fingers fumble to retrieve the tools. It is agony—sharp, burning pain tearing through my arm—but finally, I manage to pull two free.

  My arm is now stuck in an awkward position, but the sight of the wedge in my hand renews my determination. I bite down on the urge to cry out, forcing myself to focus.

  You’re so close. Don’t stop now.

  With a guttural effort, I twist and shove my arm upward. Every inch of movement comes with searing pain, the rough edges of the rocks scraping against my skin. Blood trickles down my arm, warm and sticky.

  But I don’t care.

  Finally, my arm breaks free, trembling but clutching the wedge like a lifeline. The motion leaves me with a deep wound and raw, bleeding skin, but there is no time to dwell on it. I still have a chance.

  Clamping the wedge between my fingers, I begin forcing it into the crevice between the rocks. Each push is excruciating, my fingers screaming under the pressure. Blood wells beneath my nails, and with a sickening crack.

  The pain is overwhelming, blinding. Tears stream down my face, but I don’t stop. The hope of freedom burns brighter than the agony, driving me forward. Another wedge. Another brutal push.

  “Come on… COME ON!”

  With both wedges in place, now to execute the craziest idea. I raise my fists. The skin on my hands is raw, the bones aching as if they’re on the verge of snapping. But I strike the wedges anyway, using my arms like a hammer.

  One. Two. Three.

  The sound of metal biting into stone echoes in the confined space. I can feel the pressure on my bones of my hand as I keep striking. Each try grows weaker, my strength waning. Air is running out, the staleness suffocating me. My roars turn into choked gasps, my voice cracking into silence.

  Blood splatters from my hands with every hit, dripping onto the rocks below. Pain lances through my body, but I push past it, a strange mix of laughter and sobbing spilling from my lips.

  You can’t stop. You’ve come too far.

  I strike again. The wedges groan under the pressure. A fissure spreads across the stone, small at first, then wider.

  Crack.

  The sound is like music to my ears.

  I give it one last, desperate blow, and suddenly, the rocks shift. The pressure on my legs eases, and I feel the weight lift.

  The rock gives way, crumbling into pieces around me.

  For a moment, I don’t move. I just lie there, staring at my bloodied hands, breathing in shallow gasps of precious air. A weak, incredulous laugh escapes me.

  I did it.

  I am free.

  My body is finally free from the crushing rocks, but reality hits me like a boulder. I am still trapped—fifteen meters underground with no clear way out.

  As I try to catch my breath, something flickers in the corner of my vision. A faint glow.

  The menu.

  The system interface hovers before me, its familiar orange light cutting through the oppressive darkness.

  Skills:

  Research Beyond the Scope

  This skill can’t evolve.

  Allows learning of skills unrelated to your category through experience and fulfilling specific requirements. Learned skills, however, cannot evolve.

  Survival

  Automatically activates when HP drops below 10%. Grants unlimited stamina for a brief period and negates most pain, except from extremely severe wounds.

  I stare at the description of the Survival skill, a sudden realization hitting me.

  Evolve?

  Pachesko’s words echo in my mind. Every skill can evolve once its experience bar is full. The path to unlocking stronger abilities.

  But right now, there’s no time to dwell on that. My body trembles with exhaustion, yet I feel oddly energized. My limbs move, the crushing fatigue replaced by a strange, almost artificial vitality.

  The Survival skill.

  The surge of strength I feel isn’t my own—it’s the skill taking over. It dulls the sharp edge of pain and pushes my stamina to its limit. Like anesthesia mixed with an overdose of energy drinks, it keeps me moving even when my body screams for rest.

  “This is my shot,” I mutter, clenching my fists.

  With no time to waste, I drag myself to the jagged rock wall and begin to climb. Every inch upward is a battle. The rocks are loose, the air is heavy, and I can’t see far ahead. But the skill keeps my stamina surging, numbing everything but the desperate need to escape.

  I push and pull, my fingers digging into cracks and crevices. Time blurs into a haze of effort and determination. The weight of my body feels distant, the strain manageable—even if my nails crack and skin tears.

  Finally, my hand reaches the edge of the opening. With one final pull, I haul myself out and collapse onto solid ground.

  The moment I hit the surface, Survival deactivates.

  The pain comes rushing back like a tidal wave, every cut, bruise, and strain screaming at me all at once. My body feels like a sack of broken bones and bruised flesh.

  I can’t move. All I can do is lie there, gasping for breath.

  But I am out.

  Resting on the cold, hard floor, I laugh weakly, the sound broken and hollow.

  Then I close my eyes, thinking that I am alive.

Recommended Popular Novels