Archen
1029 Words
Author's Note:
This part may feel a little confusing at first, but that's intentional. The mysteries will slowly begin to unravel as the story progresses. Most of the clues are hidden throughout the middle and near the end of this chapter.
Happy reading.
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On the Outskirts Racing Circuit
A racing circuit stood on the outskirts of the city.
A place built for one purpose alone.
High-speed motorcycle races were held there, featuring sharp oval turns and long straightaways that stretched as far as the eye could see. Grandstands surrounded the track, complete with barriers and protective fences designed to shield both riders and spectators from unexpected accidents.
The air roared with the deafening sound of high-performance motorcycle engines revving at full throttle, drawing everyone's attention. The smell of gasoline and burning rubber filled the atmosphere, giving the unmistakable impression that a major race was about to begin.
A young man accepted an expensive racing helmet from his best friend. The two exchanged a silent nod before climbing onto their respective racing motorcycles, while the rest of their friends erupted into cheers, encouraging them to claim victory.
A woman dressed in revealing clothing stepped onto the track, standing in the center while holding a flag.
As she lowered the flag, engines began roaring louder and louder.
The instant she raised it—
Every racer shot forward at breathtaking speed.
The race quickly turned fierce.
Several motorcycles veered off course.
Others were forced to stop before reaching the finish line.
When Xiose Archen Valerioz's motorcycle was only a few meters away from the finish...
Another rider behind him overtook the motorcycle beside him before deliberately slamming into the rear of Archen's bike with tremendous force.
Both motorcycles skidded violently off the track.
The crowd's cheers came to an abrupt stop.
Moments later, they were replaced by terrified screams from Archen's supporters.
Some rushed onto the track.
Others frantically called for an ambulance.
---
At the Hospital
The pale-faced young man lay motionless on a hospital bed, various life-support devices attached to his body.
Slowly...
His fingers twitched.
His head felt unbearably heavy, throbbing with pain, while his eyelids resisted opening.
One by one, his senses gradually returned.
The first was his hearing.
He could hear the steady rhythm of a heart monitor.
Not long afterward, his sense of smell returned as well.
The familiar scent of a hospital filled his nose—
Sharp.
Sterile.
Cold.
Using what little strength he had left, he forced his eyes open.
Blinding white light immediately flooded his vision.
He blinked several times, allowing his eyes to adjust before finally opening them completely.
Where... am I?
The question echoed silently inside his mind.
His throat was painfully dry, making it nearly impossible to speak.
He slowly looked around the quiet hospital room.
Why was he expecting someone to be there?
He had always been alone in this world.
Click.
The sound of the door opening drew his attention.
Turning his head, he saw a broad-shouldered man with an imposing build staring at him coldly.
Another man stood behind him.
His gaze was equally sharp.
A strange thought suddenly crossed Archen's mind.
Are they the boss of the people who killed me?
But if that were true...
Why bring him to a hospital instead of finishing him off?
He couldn't decide whether they were enemies...
Or allies.
"He has amnesia," the man standing behind quietly said.
Amnesia?
A few moments later, a doctor entered the room.
After respectfully greeting the two men, he walked straight toward Archen to examine him.
Although the doctor appeared somewhat nervous, he remained professional throughout the examination.
"Can you tell me your name?" the doctor asked.
Archen simply stared back in silence.
Receiving no answer, the doctor asked again.
Still...
Archen refused to respond.
First, because he had no idea who the two men were.
Second...
Because his throat was so sore he could barely speak.
"Can you tell me your name?" the doctor repeated.
Archen slowly raised a finger, pointing toward the notebook and pen resting on the bedside table.
Understanding immediately, the doctor nodded before handing them to him, raising the head of the bed slightly so he could write comfortably.
Archen.
That was the only word written on the paper.
The doctor nodded.
"How old are you?"
19
The answer caused the doctor to slowly shake his head.
Something about that age seemed wrong.
"What are your parents' names?"
I don't know.
"Which school do you attend?"
I don't go to school.
"Do you remember your blood type?"
O+
The doctor let out a troubled sigh.
"You should get some rest. Tomorrow we'll perform an X-ray examination to determine whether there's a problem with your head."
With that, the doctor left the room.
Although Archen still had no idea what was happening, he simply nodded and closed his eyes to rest.
After the doctor left, the two men approached his bedside.
One gently stroked his hair.
The other continued staring at him with the same piercing gaze.
"Xio..."
"I already warned you not to cause trouble."
"Did my warning sound like a joke to you?"
The man gently caressing Archen's head spoke quietly.
Archen frowned.
The name sounded completely unfamiliar.
Just as he was about to ask—
His hair was suddenly yanked backward, sending a sharp pain shooting through his scalp.
"Ah!"
"I told you before!"
"Don't even think about leaving me!"
"Do you still not understand?!"
The man's eyes burned with anger as he gripped the back of Archen's hair, forcing him to tilt his head upward.
"Ah!"
After a few moments, the man finally loosened his grip.
He rubbed his own face in frustration, clearly struggling to suppress his emotions.
Then he looked back at Archen...
Leaned forward...
And briefly kissed his forehead before leaving the room for a cigarette.
Archen froze.
The unexpected kiss left him completely stunned.
His heart suddenly pounded uncontrollably.
Then—
An intense pain exploded inside his head.
Fragments of unfamiliar memories began flashing through his mind like an old film reel he couldn't stop.
The pain became unbearable.
And once again...
Archen lost consciousness.
To Be Continued...
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