April 14th.A date like any other… except for the two parties embarking on a quest that would forever alter their fates.
First up: Rey and Aiden.
At precisely 11:30 a.m., they exited their apartment with purpose in their steps.
"Alrighty, mission mode is on!" Rey announced, slinging a bulky backpack over his shoulders—stuffed to the brim with mysterious tools and gadgets.
"You sure about that?" Aiden asked, his tone dry as he eyed Rey's trembling legs, which looked like they were ready to give out.
"Absolutely! This is just… adrenaline," Rey said, slapping his thighs in an attempt to suppress the shaking.
"Let's just stay focused. Operation 'Saving the Comrade' begins now. Be sharp and cautious," Aiden replied, eyes gleaming with quiet confidence.
Without another word, they turned and began marching toward their target: the abandoned factory. Also known as… the Thug's Hideout.
Meanwhile...
Elsewhere, in a modest apartment, Evan Windstone stood in front of a mirror, ensuring a band was tightly secured under his clothing. Once satisfied, he stepped out and locked his door behind him.
As he descended the staircase, memories flooded his mind—his arrival in this place, his first encounter with Jason and his wife, Rossy. As someone introverted and slow to trust, forming bonds hadn't been easy.
But thanks to the couple's warmth and guidance, he had grown in ways he never thought possible.
Arriving on the first floor, he stopped in front of a familiar door and knocked.
"Uncle Jason, Aunt Rossy, I'm here," he called.
"Coming," Rossy's voice responded. After a moment, the door opened, revealing her smiling face.
"Oh, Evan, you look ready to leave. Wait, I'll call Jason—"
"No, Aunt. Please wait," Evan interrupted gently. "I came to say goodbye… but I think seeing me go would only make Uncle more upset. It's better this way."
He handed her the apartment key.
Rossy's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Alright… but promise to call sometimes. Send our regards to your parents. And Evan—be a good man, and stay healthy."
Evan gave a soft nod and turned to leave. He looked back once to wave… but the door had already closed.
"…Now then," Evan muttered, tightening his grip on the strap of his bag. "Time for some thrilling stunts."
He walked toward a familiar park, memories swirling in his mind.
This was the place where, in his original timeline, he had been abducted—stuffed into a van and taken to a factory with countless others. What followed was a blur… but he had managed to escape, discovering a strange artifact in the process. Thirteen days later, the artifact activated and transported him to another world—an unknown realm where he lived, fought, and ultimately died.
But death wasn't the end.
The Thrones had brought him back, restoring his memories and offering him another chance—because something had changed. A butterfly effect, they called it. Now, he had a shot at completing his mission properly.
He arrived at the park and waited.Minutes passed.Nothing happened.
"Definitely different this time…" he murmured, eyes narrowing. He walked to a sheet-covered bench and sat, deep in thought.
Then—A hand clamped over his mouth.
The sharp scent of chloroform invaded his nostrils.
As two men flanked him, blocking any chance of escape or witnesses, he feigned a struggle. Their act was convincing—they pretended to help him as if he'd passed out from heatstroke, muttering about getting him to a clinic.
But they were no Good Samaritans.
As Evan's vision blurred and he slumped forward, a smirk tugged at his lips.
"Perfect."
The plan had worked.
He was finally inside the same factory once again.
Now… it was time to find the artifact and return to the world that awaited him.
{A/N: Which, by the way, is the beginning of my next story — THE THIRD RETURN OF THE NECROTIC MAGIC SWORDSMAN 😎 Stay tuned~}
Elsewhere…
A boy crouched behind a wall, eyes fixed on a towering gate in the distance. To anyone watching, he might have looked deranged—muttering to thin air. But in truth, he was speaking to someone only he could hear.
That someone… was Aiden.
And the boy whispering?
Rey.
"So, what's the plan now?" Rey asked, eyes locked on the factory. "My gut says the thug boss will be extra cautious today. I doubt I can just walk in like last time."
"They don't know the path you used before," Aiden replied calmly. "We can reuse that entry point—should be safe."
"Got it. Let me think…" Rey closed his eyes, tracing the memory. "Yeah… I remember. Follow me."
After a tense few minutes, they arrived at a familiar section of fencing—a mesh wall made of tightly-knit iron wires. Thin enough to see through… but risky.
Staying low, they peeked through.
Inside, thugs were everywhere—patrolling the grounds with baseball bats, blades, and even firearms.
"Guns?! Are you kidding me? That one looks like a freakin' modded G18," Rey whispered harshly. "We are so dead if we charge in like idiots."
"I know. No normal guy can fight that," Aiden muttered. "Suit up."
Rey quickly donned his gear. "Alright… what's the plan?"
Aiden grinned faintly. "Something crazy."
And then—He vanished.
"Wait—huh?!" Rey gasped, losing balance and falling flat on his back.
📘 To be continued…
{Author's Note: Action is coming soon, so buckle up! Please support the novel.}