Revenge After Death



"When everything is over..." Steven's sudden words echoed mine even though he couldn't have heard me.

I looked at him in shock, my gaze flickering.

"We'll find a deserted island... and start new," Steven whispered softly, his voice hoarse.

I stared at him for a long moment before quietly responding, "Okay, we'll do just that."

Even though we couldn't physically touch each other, there was still a profound sense of connection between us.

While from a scientific and medical standpoint, such occurrences might be perceived as some form of mental anomaly, I firmly believed that the souls of the departed lingered around us in some way.

Even if it was just wishful thinking, it provided solace to our lonely souls.

"Stephie, you're here with me, aren't you?" Steven asked softly.

"Yes, Steven, I'm here," I replied with a smile.

Though he couldn't feel my touch, see me, or hear me, I felt compelled to respond to his words nonetheless.

"The laboratory is nestled in the undeveloped mountains of Yesa, bordering Myrindara. It's secluded from the public eye. While it masquerades as a retirement haven for affluent retired scientists, beneath the surface lie three hidden levels of laboratories.

"Nancy is the overseer of this facility, wielding complete control. Though it's reported that Genome Society has numerous labs across the country, this is the only facility that has been unearthed thus far.

"We thought we could trace the entire organization network starting from Nancy's lab, but we underestimated the power of Genome Society."

Zion explained outside the emergency room, his frustration palpable.

"Each lab within Genome Society operates independently, cultivating its own experimental subjects, researchers, and medical staff. There are no connections between them.

"In essence, if we aim to dismantle the entire organization like a spider's web, we have only two options."

Eason glanced at Zion and picked up where Zion left off, "We gather information from either Nancy or the human traffickers, peeling back the layers one by one."All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

It was clear that their attempt to rescue me had startled the traffickers, leading to a dead end.

"How's Nancy doing now?" Zion inquired.

"The doctors are still working to save her, but the outlook isn't promising. Unlike Stephany, she lacks a resistance to drugs," Eason explained with a shrug.

He then continued, "Luckily, the dose she received wasn't fatal. The doctor mentioned we can only hope she doesn't end up in a vegetative state."

Steven sat on the ground, looking dejected. I joined him, resting my head on his shoulder.

So, this was what it felt like to be in love, wanting to be by his side always. I only felt safe when he was

around.

It was a stark contrast to how I felt with Michael before. Back then, I only felt like I was compromising. Reflecting on the past, my gaze dimmed as I wondered if I was truly Stephanie Carlson or not.

Were all Stephanie Carlson's memories in my mind merely a memory implant?

Was I truly Stephany Larson herself and not Stephanie Carlson?

"Zion, we found this in the lab-" Phil suddenly rushed over. Noticing the presence of others, he hesitated before continuing, "Can I say it here?"

Zion nodded.

"Linda, the teenage girl, has awakened safely with no major injuries. She was administered a truth serum and disclosed information about Peter and Stephany Larson's plan... Here's all the evidence.

"Stephany Larson was merely impersonating Stephanie Carlson at Peter's behest. After thoroughly studying Stephanie Carlson, Peter hypnotized Stephany Larson... In essence, Stephany Larson isn't Stephanie Carlson," Phil said the last part in a hushed tone.

While Steven remained motionless with his head lowered, I grew a little panicked and avoided his eyes. Upon hearing Phil's words, Michael hurriedly approached them and snatched the evidence from their hands. His fingers were stiff. "What's the meaning of all this... Implanted memories, hypnosis?"

"It means Stephanie Carlson is truly gone. She perished due to your carelessness and arrogance, Michael," Zion replied in a low voice, each word a jab at Michael.

He then concluded, "There's no coming back from death. The supposed reincarnation was just a ploy by Peter to expose Genome Society's laboratory, nothing more."