Chapter 4: Rielle and the Secret

I think when the mission is over, I can sleep soundly.

But no.

All I got was a nightmare — Mardas' face drooping, the smell of blood still clinging to my fingertips. I woke up this morning with sweat dripping down my forehead, even though it was cold last night.

"Chaos," I whispered to the mirror. "Who exactly are you… and who am I now?"

A small knock on the door jolted my reverie.

Knock knock knock.

"Yo~ are you okay, mysterious killer?" A cheerful but slightly sarcastic voice greeted from outside.

I opened the door. Standing in front of me was a young girl, about the same age as me now. Short wavy jet black hair, sharp sky blue eyes — his smile was sarcastic, but somehow soothing.

"My name is Rielle Caldenia. Do you still remember?...”

"Assassin?" I asked without hesitation.

She nodded, then leaned lazily against the wall. "You killed Mardas. I saw that fire. No one in this area could do that... except Chaos."

I'm silent. She continued to conjure me, then raised an eyebrow.

"But you are not the Chaos I know. Your movements are not the same, your aura is... calmer. More human."

I looked down. "I don't remember anything… I…"

She waited. I don't know why, but I feel like I can trust her.

So I tell her. About me before. About Tokyo. About the bullet in the chest.

Rielle was silent for a moment.

And then she laughed.

"HAHAH! So you're from another world? That's crazy—but strangely enough, I believe it."

I was surprised. "You believe it?!"

She shrugged. "That body is indeed Chaos. But the way you talk... it's like someone who's not used to killing. If you want to know the Chaos of the past... she killed while smiling."

HORRIBLE!!

I feel nauseous. But Rielle continued, more slowly.

"If it's true you're from another world... maybe this is an opportunity for Chaos to change. You're not him. But she is too... now you are."

Be quiet for a moment.

Then she patted my shoulder.

"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me, Aoi... or should I call you Chaos-chan?” she said with a grin.

“Don’t add -chan. It’s scary.”

We both chuckled.

For the first time since I've been in this world, I feel like... I have an ally.

And maybe... also a friend.