Read with BonusRead with Bonus

Chapter 3: Twice the Wave

As I approached the WDC Building, my phone began to vibrate. Our group leader's message appeared on the screen. Currently, we were working on a group assignment and were scheduled to meet to discuss our progress, but I chose not to attend.

From: Group Leader Dwayne Carter

Are you going to attend or not? I think I might get you out from the list of members.

Just as I was about to reply to him to delegate other tasks that can be completed at home, my wounds began to ache once again. Then, all of a sudden, a group of males emerged from various directions. My vision began to distort just as the wounds were about to close again and the heavy rain rinsed away the blood. I can scarcely see my immediate environs. I could hear every indistinct sound of my respiration as I attempted to regain my balance after becoming dizzy.

"What are you doing in this private area?" In the midst of the sound of the rain pounding on these concrete floors, I could hear one of the men asking. I was unable to determine what he or they were doing, but I could hear a series of metallic sounds emanating from the area, as if something was about to attack me.

A shadow that I observed approaching me and walking as if unaffected by the rain. This individual swiftly brandished a long, pointed object in front of my face as I was about to respond to his query. It was sheer luck that I was able to avoid his attack despite being unsteady after landing.

"I am looking for the CEO!" I yelled rapidly to ensure he could hear me despite the weather. "I am not a criminal! I will not do anything wrong!" I added. I took a moment to recover my breath before realizing that I could scarcely hear my heart beating over the sound of the rain. Raindrops were dripping down my eyelids as I gazed up at the sky and saw the enormous, brilliant moon beaming upon me.

A series of silhouettes of men holding long, pointed objects appeared until the only sound I could hear was the sound of the ring rolling on the floor, backed by the sound of the unfair rainwater. Then, everything slowed down and went completely dark.

I awoke to the unfamiliar scent of expensive fragrances invading my humble and innocent senses. No, it was the fragrance of smoke emanating from a single room just a few feet away from where I was laying. Still dizzy and with vision a little indistinct, I massaged my eyes to at least improve my field of vision. I panicked when I realized I had lost the ring and frantically searched the pocket of my outfit, but I was unable to locate it there.

Where’s the ring?! There is no way I could have misplaced it!

“I kind of wonder where you found this ring.” A voice coming from a middle-aged man disrupted my thoughts. I was taken aback by how lifeless it all was, and it wasn't until I turned around that I realized he wasn't somewhere else.

A tall guy in business attire was seated on a swivel chair there. This clued me in to the fact that I was in a location resembling the marble floors of high-end hotels, both in color and texture. I was at a loss for words and couldn't think of a good excuse to lie to him. The question rattled around in my mind: "Is this inside the WDC building?"

He stared me down, dispassionate to the point that I had no idea what he was thinking. A simple "You are right," came out of his mouth as he continued to fiddle with the ring. Getting to his feet, he went up to me. Even though he told me to remain still, I went ahead and did the same thing.

"Give me that ring, Mr.!" I casually said, slipping from my mind that he could conceivably be the CEO of WDC. He should not be bothered by something that was never his to begin with!

“This ring is too rare… Very very rare…”

When he saw me racing towards him, he pointed something at me, perhaps a small machine, and clicked in an area that caused me to tremble in position. I stumbled to my feet and gasped loudly as I caught my breath. I did not anticipate that! Holy heck, what was that?

I held my neck and tapped my chest.

“Mr. Sylvester, please be gentle to her. She’s still a child.”

Oh, so I was right to assume that he’s indeed the CEO.

“A teenager, you mean?”

When I glanced up, I observed a guy making his way from the lobby elevator to the level of the building. When compared to Mr. Sylvester, he seems to be dressed in garments that were procured from a different time period or dimension.

This guy seemed to be deeply contemplating something as he gazed down at me. He pulled up right in front and questioned, "They said you are looking for the CEO. Are you?" as I was still trying to collect my breath.

"What is it that you need from him?"

I cleared my throat and gave Mr. Sylvester, who was still examining the ring, a quick look before continuing. After that, I turned my attention back to the guy. "I-I really want to get my hands on some historical books about werewolves..."

The man paused for some time and was unable to reply right away. Both he and the CEO gave me suspicious looks, as if I had done something wrong. "Tell me why you want to read A Werewolf's Epitome Existence Book." When he asked this question, I froze to the point that I forgot to take a breath or listen to my pulse rate. I was at a loss for words.

I didn't think he'd have any idea what book I was trying to ask for!

“A-Ahm… I-I—”

“You remind me of all the nosy youngsters who dig into things they have no business investigating.”

My eyebrow raised at the man's comment. I was caught off guard by his unexpected words. “Huh? Please explain yourself, Mr. The book I'm interested in reading presumably deals with our nation's past—”

"Young woman, the book has nothing to do with our history. So, if I were you, I'd go home and worry about my future," the man interrupted hastily. Averting his gaze, he approached the chief executive officer’s table.

I don't even know what happened anymore; I'm so befuddled. Part of my brain was preoccupied with the book, while the other part was anxious about the ring. "But the library's reference desk says it's a history book! The book was prominently exhibited in our school museum, and I think it serves a purpose for our country," I argued, defending my side.

Suddenly, the CEO turned away from the ring and faced me, and the man turned back to me with an appalled and confused expression. Did I say something wrong?

"Did you just say that the book was on exhibit at the student museum at your school?"

I nodded. What's the big deal all about?

"What university are you from?"

Previous Chapter
Next Chapter