Chapter 14 Rave

Ethan looked out of the car window and was taken aback by the sight of Brislane. He had memories of the late Ethan Chase but the city seemed to have developed even more in the past few years.

The city was a marvel of modern architecture, with towering high-rises that sparkled in the sunshine and a monorail that zipped by overhead. Despite its modern appearance, the city was surrounded by a high wall that served as a stark reminder of the untamed world beyond.

Ethan's eyes were fixed on the nearby wall, as his mind was inundated with information about it. It was erected to guard against the mutated cannibals, a consequence of the catastrophic First World War of Helen.

During the war, the world was in turmoil with three dominant powers vying for control: the Northern Alliance, the Southern Confederacy, and the Eastern Collective.

A rogue group of scientists from the Southern Confederacy developed a compound that boosted the physical abilities of their soldiers in order to fight the strongest species on Helen, Valors, who were then supporting the Northern Alliance.

The Eastern Collective, in response, created the Rave virus to combat the superhuman soldiers. Although the virus was intended to only affect the enhanced soldiers, the scientists failed to consider all factors, and their actions resulted in unintended consequences.

The virus affected one of the strongest Valors, Zabek, causing him to turn berserk and kill everyone in his unit. He went on a rampage, devouring and killing anyone in his path. Those who survived became like him, and the mutation rapidly spread like wildfire.

It was later discovered that Zabek was infected by the Rave virus and had mutated into something beyond imagination. The world was plunged into even deeper darkness.

With a shared adversary, Helen appeared to be united, although it was only skin deep. The World Council was established as a result. The world, which was on the brink of significant progress, declined abruptly, and it took hundreds of years for stability to be restored.

Ethan couldn't fathom what life was like during that period, known as Hell. At least now they were protected from the highly evolved virus that had infected everything, even plants. It was a curse for humans and other species for the mistakes they made.

"What are you looking at? Planning to jump from there?" Mia's annoying voice broke him out of his thoughts.

He turned to look at her driving the car and snorted. "You appear much better when your damned mouth is shut."

Seeing Mia sneering, Ethan said with a serious face. "No, let's make this clear. I don't want you bullshit to affect mom and dad's happiness. Just why the fuck do you hate me so much, Mia?!"

Mia suddenly slammed on the brakes, causing the car to skid to a stop. Fortunately, Ethan was wearing his seatbelt and there was no car behind them. He furrowed his brow at her. Mia gripped the steering wheel tightly and glared at him with venom in her eyes.

"Why do I hate you? Don't you remember pushing me down that hill?"

"What nonsense--" Ethan paused as a memory came to mind and he corrected himself. "I never pushed you."

Mia's face turned red with anger and she panted heavily. "You never pushed me? Alright, fine, maybe you didn't push me, but I fell because of you. You son of a bitch could have helped me. I still remember reaching out my hand and asking for your help, but you just stood there and did nothing. You just watched as I fell!" Tears streamed down her face. "Do you have any idea how painful it was?"

Ethan was at a loss for words. She was correct. According to his memories, he could have saved her, but he just stood there, immobile. He was never the type to stand by and not help someone close to him, especially after losing his parents. It was strange and confusing.

He tried to argue that he took good care of her after the incident, feeling guilty. Mia shot back, "What care? All you cared about was lusting after my mother and then me once I grew up. Who wouldn't hate someone like that? Only my parents are blind not to see your true colors."

Ethan hung his head and closed his eyes, leaning back against the seat. She was right. That damned Ethan Chase!

[Stress: 50/100]

[Ethan, the lower cap of stress has become 2 now.] Nyx softly informed him.

'I don't give a fuck.'

[Ethan, try to relax and take some deep breaths.]

'I am trying.' After a moment of calming himself, he thanked Nyx and opened his eyes to ask Mia, "Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?"

Mia shrugged. "Would it have changed anything? Would it have reduced my hate towards you?"

"It might not have, but I would have at least understood you and tried to make amends," Ethan said with a sigh.

"Are you serious? Damian tried to make amends out of guilt, but you didn't accept it. Why do you expect me to forgive you now?" Mia retorted.

Ethan shook his head. "Our situations are different. We'll be living under the same roof, and even if I did make things right, what you did to me was wrong. Because of you, they found my weakness and I ended up in a coma for three whole years, Mia."

Mia looked straight into his eyes and coldly said, "I wish you were dead."

"Really? I don't understand you anymore," Ethan said, shaking his head. "No matter what happens, our relationship will never improve?"

She nodded firmly. "No matter what." Ethan took a deep breath and nodded, acknowledging the situation.

[Stress: 17/100]

"Alright, it seems like our parents are unaware of your involvement, which is why they haven't disowned you."

Mia let out a cynical laugh.

"I don't want to cause them any pain," Ethan continued. "So let's put on a united front in front of them, okay?"

Mia started the car and replied, "That's exactly what I intend to do. Just like always, I'll conceal my hatred for you."

Ethan gazed ahead at the road ahead. Despite his attempts to comprehend Mia's perspective, she remained obstinate and unreasonable. He had given up trying to understand her and was now focused on completing the tasks set forth by the Remnant Will… in his own way.