Frank perished… he did not simply meet his demise, but rather, he was ruthlessly slaughtered by an ethereal entity, an entity that materialized out of the void. It felt as though I stood in the presence of mortality personified.
As I found myself almost completely drenched in Frank’s blood, I gradually raised my gaze towards that otherworldly being, consumed by sheer horror in that very moment.
That entity… dispatched a human life effortlessly, merely by stooping down and making contact with an individual’s head… and at that instant, the person was already lifeless.
I contemplated the profound fragility and feebleness of our human existence… these beings tower above us in terms of strength and power to such an extent that it became truly frightening.
The figure standing before me, adorned in a somber, hooded cloak, was none other than the embodiment of “death” itself.
The entity in front of me was death.
Me: …
I had an overwhelming urge to flee, to rise swiftly and escape to the farthest reaches possible.
Yet, concurrently, I sensed that evading “him” would be utterly futile and devoid of purpose.
However, I vehemently desired to preserve my existence, for I possessed a multitude of aspirations and aspirations left unfulfilled. I could not bear for my life to terminate in this very moment.
Within a few fleeting moments, I mustered the courage to rise, squarely facing “him.”
In response, “he” began to draw near once more, prompting me to commence a desperate flight, sprinting with every ounce of strength within me, venturing as far as my legs could carry.
As I continued my headlong flight, I found myself once again in the vicinity of the compound, compelled to traverse its confines.
Having entered the stronghold, I promptly shut its imposing doors behind me, ruminating in my innermost thoughts:
Me (thoughts): Damn it! I must extricate myself from this place swiftly! There exists an alternate exit door located on the opposite side of this complex!
As I pivoted, my gaze fixated on the second entrance, propelling me into a sprint toward it.
However, before I could reach the coveted threshold…
BOOM!
The stronghold I had sought refuge in met a cataclysmic demise, utterly obliterated and reduced to vapor by an unfathomable force.
Me: ?!?!
The base, devoid of any remnants, had vanished entirely. Even the very door I had intended to open was reduced to ruins. And yet, amidst this desolation, I remained unscathed, the sole survivor in this desolate landscape.
Overwhelmed by shock and horror, I sank to the ground, whereupon a voice emanated from behind me.
Death: Derek…
With trepidation, I slowly turned around, confronting “him.” “He” stood a few meters away, his imposing presence amplified at such proximity.
Me: …
Death: Derek, do you comprehend… the purpose behind my arrival?
His words reverberated with an air of might and dominance, a voice commanding reverence and submission.
Approaching closer, Death now stood directly in front of me, his proximity forcing me to strain my neck to catch a glimpse of his towering figure, let alone his countenance.
He then descended, lowering himself to my level, peering down upon me.
Never before had I experienced such profound fear. Was this to be the end of my life? Would it be extinguished here, at the hands of Death?
Me: How… how did you manage to track me down?
Death: I possess my own methods, but I am here because I seek to inquire something of you.
Me: What… what do you desire?
Death: Have you ever encountered a being known as “Liran”?
Upon Death’s inquiry about Liran, I was thrust into a state of utter shock. Liran? My closest friend? Why would Death himself seek information about Liran?
What could Liran have possibly done to prompt Death’s personal appearance before me and warrant such a query?
I was utterly bewildered, my mind in a haze of confusion and disbelief. I was inundated with a flood of questions, desperately seeking answers.
Taking a moment to collect myself, I finally mustered a response:
Me: Well… I do know him, but it has been several days since I last saw him. He departed without disclosing his destination.
Death: Where did he go?
Me: I… I honestly don’t know. He did not share any details with me prior to his departure.
Death: Derek… are you withholding the truth from me?
At the very moment Death posed that question, an intense wave of terror and dread washed over me, surpassing anything I had ever experienced. Fear and anguish surged through my being, and tears threatened to spill from my eyes.
Me: What?! No! I’m telling the truth!
Death seized me, gripping my shirt with an iron grip.
Death: I will end your existence. I will obliterate your body and soul, consuming every ounce of you. I will make you writhe in pain and terror.
ARE YOU LYING TO ME?!
Tears streamed down my face as I struggled to respond to him. I was engulfed in sheer horror and fear.
Death: ANSWER ME!
I was paralyzed with uncertainty, unsure of how to proceed. I had to say something, for if I remained silent, he could effortlessly snuff out my life. Gathering what courage I had left, I managed to stammer out a response:
Me: I have no idea! He didn’t inform me of anything! I swear! We only recently reunited after a prolonged separation! You must believe me!
Death: …
With an enigmatic silence, Death released his grip, freeing me from his grasp.
Me: ?!...
I experienced a peculiar mixture of relief and terror. Although a sense of relief washed over me knowing that Death might spare my life, I remained deeply horrified and frightened. Slowly, I raised my gaze to meet his face, trying to comprehend the enormity of his presence.
Death: Perhaps it would be a waste to end your life… No, killing you might deprive me of valuable information regarding Liran. Consider yourself fortunate.
Me: …
Death: I will encounter you again, Derek.
Following those words, I was suddenly struck by Death. The swiftness of the blow defied all comprehension. It was as if he had struck my neck with unimaginable speed, rendering me unconscious in an instant.
Time seemed irrelevant to him, as if the concepts of speed and temporal flow held no power over his being. I was incapacitated by a being beyond my comprehension.
As I plummeted to the ground, losing consciousness and succumbing to defeat, I lay there, sprawled on the earth.
Unconscious.
.
.
.