Although I thought I had successfully convinced myself that I no longer had any feelings for Maya, it now occurred to me that it was simply a coping mechanism. I realized that I still felt something for her.I started to pant, and my head was spinning. I didn't know what to do. Maya was going to be killed, and it was all my fault.
No one saw what had transpired between me and the stranger who kidnapped a student right in front of their eyes. I went to the lecturer to request to go home. Although I tried to hide it, the anguish and terror were written all over my face.
My lecturer asked if everything was alright, but I told him it was fine. He gave me permission to leave. I ran as fast as I could to the nearest bus stop.
I looked at my phone—it would take fifteen minutes for the bus to arrive. As I sat down to wait, I noticed a man next to me. He was quite old, probably in his 70s, a white man with grey hair. He held up a cigarette and started to smoke it—without lighting it. That freaked me out a little, but I had a bigger predicament to worry about.
I checked my phone again—finally, the bus had arrived. I took out my wallet, tapped it on the card reader, and boarded the bus.
As soon as I arrived at my apartment, I quickly went online and typed in the address that was left at the scene. I couldn't find anything related to "Night City" or "Yommir City."I began to sweat profusely, and my body started to itch. Then I heard a voice in my head:
"Don't bother wasting your time. You won't be able to get to Night City at this rate. Besides, the girl is probably dead."
I was about to raise my voice again, but instead, I asked calmly:"Can you tell me where this city is? I can't abandon her—this was all my fault to begin with."
She replied,"Is this because of your unsure feelings for her? Just give it up. She's probably dead."
"Feelings or not, I can't abandon her to die," I said. "Please… tell me anything you know about Yommir City."
I could feel irritation within myself—probably stemming from her.
She began to speak:"First of all, Yommir City isn't a place you can just go to whenever you like. You need a certain amount of spiritual essence—for both your body and your soul to hold together. Secondly, getting to Night City requires a special incantation. I have a friend who sells spiritual relics. I'll transfer my consciousness to you… but know that this will cost you."
Then she went silent.
Suddenly, I began to feel a strange sensation in my brain—like a part of it was being overwritten. I stood up, and instinctively, I knew where to go. I whispered softly, "Thank you."
I arrived at a place that looked deserted and desolate—an old building that seemed like it could collapse at any moment. I knocked on the black gate repeatedly, but no one answered.As I turned to leave, I saw an old man standing in front of me.
As he continued walking toward me, I realized—it was the same man who had sat beside me at the bus stop.He stopped, looked me in the eyes, and said, "I've been waiting for you, young lad."
He opened the black gate and gestured for me to come in.
I walked slowly behind him. When we reached his front door, he offered me a seat. I sat down politely and asked, "How did you know I was coming? I saw you earlier today, didn't I?"
He replied, "Do you believe in fate, boy?"
Fate. A pre-written, unshakable destiny."I'm not really sure… but I think I do," I answered.
Then he stood up and took something that resembled incense. As he burned it, a strong, mysterious scent filled the air.
"I know what you're looking for," he said. "You're looking for a way to Yommir City."
I was stunned. I immediately answered, "Yes," my voice trembling. "How did you find out?"
"It seems Hildegarde hasn't filled you in," he said.
Confused, I asked, "Who is Hildegarde?"
He looked at me with surprise, then gave a mocking laugh. "The second entity bound to your soul," he said.
It dawned on me—I didn't know anything about the woman whose soul was bound to mine.And yet, for the first time, I could feel her emotions. Hildegarde's soul was slightly… relieved.
The old man said, "There are two things I'd advise. First—going to Night City will definitely get you killed. The good news? Your female acquaintance is still alive. For now.
"Second—you have to give me something of equal value before I can give you the incantation. You know what trade by barter means, don't you?"