The estate was a silent fortress of stone and glass, a two-story structure spanning 600 square meters, nestled within a sprawling plot of land. Ancient, towering trees stood like sentinels around the perimeter, shielding Zigh’s sanctuary from prying eyes. Zigh pulled his car into the garage, the engine’s purr dying into an echoing silence. Without a word, he unlocked the front door and carried Lian—still limp and unconscious—into the house.

  He moved with practiced efficiency, bypassing the guest area and heading straight for the stairs. The entire second floor was Zigh’s private domain: an expansive, open-concept space that served as his bedroom, office, and personal gym. No walls divided the areas, only the vastness of the room and the floor-to-ceiling glass panels on the far side that overlooked the veranda, reflecting the crimson twilight like the mirrors of a high-end training center.

  In the center of this minimalist expanse sat a king-sized bed, pushed against the only solid wall. To its left, a small nightstand sat three meters away from a massive wardrobe. Beyond that, the corner was dedicated to his training: heavy bags, barbells, boxing gloves, and racks of equipment.

  To the right of the bed, a razor-thin LED TV hung on the wall. Beneath it, a media console housed various players and even a vintage tape recorder. A plush 5x5 meter rug lay before the screen, littered with two oversized pillows. Further right, his workstation—a high-end computer setup—marked his territory. A solitary sofa and chairs stood near the entrance, the only concession to comfort.

  Zigh laid Lian down on the bed.

  "The first time I’ve ever brought a stranger into my room," he muttered, his voice barely a shadow in the large space.

  He sat on the edge of the mattress, staring out through the great glass windows at the vermilion horizon. "I need to call a doctor first..."

  He stood, pulling his phone from his pocket as he stepped out of the room.

  "Hello. This is Zigh Eosvile. I need a medical team from your clinic to come to my residence. Immediately. Can you manage?"

  "Of course, Sir Zigh," the dispatcher replied politely. "However, it might take a short while. Is that acceptable?"

  "Fine. Just make it quick."

  "Please send your coordinates."

  Zigh shared his location with a few taps. "Done."

  "Payment will be processed after the examination, Sir Zigh."

  "Understood."

  He ended the call and headed to the kitchen. He poured a glass of water, the cold liquid doing little to settle his mind. Why am I doing this? he wondered. In the beginning, I was only interested in Lian because of that anomalous power. I didn't even know if that vanishing meant actual death...

  He shook his head, trying to clear the fog of doubt. No. As long as Lian has been with me, nothing has vanished—except for that damn sniper’s bullet.

  He set the glass on the table and returned to the bedroom.

  "This place..." a weak voice whispered.

  Zigh rushed to the bedside. "Lian..."

  Lian stared at him for a moment before turning his face away.

  Zigh sat beside the bed, his posture heavy. "Lian, I was wrong..."

  Lian remained silent, his fingers tightening around the bedsheets, knuckles white.

  Zigh sighed. "A doctor is coming to check on you."

  He started to stand, but a voice stopped him.

  "Why...?"

  Zigh turned back. "Why what?"

  "You still... care," Lian said, his voice brittle.

  Zigh sat back down, looking at Lian’s face, which was now as pale as parchment. "I don't know either."

  "Is it because of my power?" Lian asked.

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  "Yes, you're right. I was interested the moment I saw you erase Miss Edelweiss’s door when we first met."

  Lian remained quiet, his breathing shallow and rapid.

  "Lian, this Eosvile has been digging into your data," Outer’s voice hissed in a whisper that only Lian could truly feel.

  Lian flashed a thin, bitter smile. "So, you already know who I am?"

  Zigh’s eyes widened. "What are you talking about?"

  "Why keep pretending? Haven't you been doing things behind my back?" Lian’s tone was sharp, laced with accusation.

  Zigh went rigid, his hands balling into fists. How does he know? Outer... that damn creature, he thought. Aloud, he said, "Lian, I only wanted to find out why you’re sick."

  Outer let out a low, mocking chuckle.

  Lian snorted. "And did you find it?"

  Zigh crossed his arms. "A little."

  Lian laughed softly, a sound devoid of mirth. "Satisfied?"

  "Lian... we are partners. And more importantly, you saved me."

  "I want to rest," Lian interrupted, closing the conversation.

  "Right. You need it. Do you... want some porridge?"

  Lian exhaled slowly. "No need."

  Zigh ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "Then what do you want?"

  "I don't know."

  "I'll bring you something that isn't porridge." Zigh turned and walked out.

  The moment the door clicked shut, Lian pushed himself up into a sitting position.

  "Outer, what do you make of him?"

  Outer grinned, showing rows of sharp, white teeth. "That Eosvile... was terrified when Outer appeared. He even fainted."

  Lian closed his eyes. "And?"

  "Eosvile still came back to see Lian. Hehe. How bold."

  Lian opened his eyes, his gaze cold. "Besides that. What else?"

  "Hmmm... Outer saw Eosvile bring out something glowing and then point it at Lian."

  "So he really is playing a double game," Lian murmured.

  "Lian doesn't like it?"

  "I don't know his motive yet. Outer, can you watch him for me?"

  "Lian, Eosvile also mentioned something about immigration."

  "Immigration? I see. Outer, go. Watch him closely."

  Outer’s grin widened. Its form dissolved into a dark mist, seeping through the gaps in the door like a shadow seeking its prey.

  ***

  In the kitchen, Zigh was scanning the fridge, pulling out green vegetables and fruit. Does Lian like fruit juice? But he needs nutrients from vegetables. Should I just blend them together?

  The mist gathered behind him, reforming into Outer’s tall, spindly silhouette. The creature stood just a step away, watching.

  "Maybe I should check the forums for what's best for Lian's condition," Zigh muttered to himself, oblivious to the monstrous entity looming over his shoulder.

  He pulled out his phone. "Bananas... oranges... broccoli? Carrots..." He looked at his meager supplies. "I only have apples and grapes. Veggies are just cucumbers and tomatoes."

  He sighed, putting the items back.

  "Better just order soup. Low sodium... maybe something bland."

  He tapped his screen. "Okay, ordering soup."

  Zigh walked to the living room and sank into the sofa, staring at the ceiling. "So he really hates hospitals, huh," he whispered.

  Thirty minutes later, the doorbell chimed. Zigh met a man in a white coat at the gate. "Doctor, please, come in."

  "Thank you, Sir."

  Zigh led the doctor upstairs. They found Lian standing by the massive window, staring out at nothing with hollow eyes. The doctor gave a stiff, nervous smile. "Is this the patient?"

  Zigh nodded. "Doctor, please, take a seat."

  Zigh approached Lian gently. "Lian... the doctor is here."

  Without a word, Lian walked past him, ignoring his presence entirely, and sat on the edge of the bed.

  Zigh sighed and turned back to the physician. "Please, check my partner."

  "I'll begin immediately."

  The doctor approached and pulled out a thermal scanner. "Sir, please close your eyes."

  Lian complied. Zigh watched from a distance, unaware that Outer was practically clinging to his shadow. At least he's not resisting. But something is wrong... why is he acting so distant?

  After the exam, the doctor pulled Zigh aside. "Sir Zigh, your colleague is suffering from severe depression. And more urgently—he has acute malnutrition."

  "I know," Zigh said.

  The doctor’s eyes widened. "Then why didn't you—" He stopped himself, bowing his head quickly. "Forgive me, Sir Zigh. That was out of line."

  Zigh patted the man’s shoulder. "It’s fine. It’s a natural reaction."

  The doctor handed over a prescription and hurried toward the door. Lian watched them leave with a vacant stare.

  As they walked downstairs, Zigh asked, "Can my partner eat soup?"

  "Sir, I would strongly recommend porridge."

  Zigh smiled bitterly. He won't eat it, he thought.

  "Is there a problem, Sir?"

  "No. He's just bored of porridge."

  The doctor stroked his chin. "In that case, soup is a fine alternative. Just avoid vegetables that cause high gas."

  Zigh tilted his head. "Then, what am I supposed to give him?"

  "Carrots," the doctor replied instantly.

  Zigh let out a breath. The forums were right for once.

  "Anything else, sir?"

  Zigh shook his head, and they reached the gate.

  "Sir, please scan this barcode for the billing."

  Zigh scanned it, the transaction silent and instant. "Done."

  "Thank you, Sir Zigh. Have a good day."

  Zigh closed the gate and walked back into the house, Outer trailing him like a silent curse. Carrots? Was there a lot of carrot in that soup I ordered?

  He checked his phone again. "Let's see... Ah! There are carrots in the base. Man, they're still making my first order. Well, I should place another order, but with a specific note."

  He called the restaurant immediately. "Hello?"

  "Yes, May I help you?"

  "Can you make another order of soup under the name Zigh Eosvile? But this time, I want it specifically with only carrots."

  "Certainly, Sir. There will be an additional service fee. Is that alright?"

  "Money is no object. Just do it."

  "Of course. We will deliver it shortly."

  Zigh returned to the bedroom, finding Lian still sitting in the same spot on the edge of the bed. He approached with a small, hopeful smile.

  "Lian, we'll have some soup together soon."

  Lian looked up, his expression flat. "I hate carrots."

  Zigh froze, his jaw dropping in genuine shock. "Eh?"

  To be continued...