I'm alive.

Am I free, though?

Yes, I am. They're unconscious... for now. What if I kill them now? Nobody will know who did it... or will they?

Looking back at them, he pursed his lips and shook his head.

I can't kill them. I owe too many things to him... I just can't. Besides, there are too many risks involved too.

The jabbing, piercing pain in his stomach intensified tenfold as soon as he thought of contemplating murdering the same people who once meant the world to him.

Did they really still matter to him though?

A wave of dizziness struck him relentlessly. Gripping the edge of the door, he forced himself to take in deep breaths while he struggled to stay conscious. He knew he had to flee soon, for if he didn't, the current freedom that he had now will only be temporary and forever out of his reach.

I wish I could... no, don't do this. People change... and-

The pain became more intense, and he clutched his stomach in agony. I can no longer hang in there any longer. I must go.

He glanced around at the formerly pristine dungeon which, with its elaborately designed torches and weapons, hinted at unprecedented wealth. Now, it was a wreck and a bloodied mess.

Just like my life.

As he fled, all he knew for certain was that he needed to survive. He was also cognizant that he needed to build a new life for himself when he was able to and become a new person while he was at it.

But first, I have to survive.

He could feel the iron wall starting to be constructed around his heart, a protective layer of essential barrier that would shield him from further pain.

Now, he just wanted one thing. One thing that would help him revert the people he loved back to the version he yearned them to return to and change the world.

And it was...