Seven Sins System Chapter 257. Forgotten Chapter I (Patreon)

Seven Sins System Chapter 257. Forgotten Chapter I

"Is this the reason why you hid it, Dad? Because you're afraid I'll go down that path again?" I muttered, my voice filled with a mix of frustration and accusation. It was a question that had been eating away at me.

And just like before, my dad turned to face me. His gaze was cold, icy even, as if he held back a torrent of emotions beneath his composed exterior. It was a look that pierced through me.

"Yes," he replied, his voice devoid of warmth, his words hitting me like a slap in the face. "I am afraid that you will unravel everything I've painstakingly built. You should count yourself lucky that I've allowed you to live."

After that intense exchange with my dad, the world around me seemed to twist and warp once again, transporting me to an entirely unfamiliar place. The sudden shift left me disoriented, my mind struggling to catch up.

As I regained my footing and rose to my feet, I found myself in the mortal realm. I was greeted by the warm embrace of the sunlight, casting its radiant glow upon the surroundings. It was a stark contrast to the gloomy abyss I had grown accustomed to.

I couldn't help but notice the beauty that surrounded me. To my left, a picturesque river flowed gracefully, its sparkling waters meandering through the landscape. Lush greenery adorned the riverbanks, with tall trees standing proudly, their branches reaching toward the sky. The leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, creating a soothing melody that added to the serene ambiance of the place.

The trees themselves were a sight to behold, their trunks sturdy and branches laden with vibrant foliage. Shades of emerald, jade, and gold danced in harmony, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that painted the landscape with natural elegance.

"Where is this place?" I wondered, my brows furrowing in confusion. This felt completely foreign to me. I looked around, trying to make sense of my surroundings, but instead of finding familiarity, my eyes caught sight of someone unexpected.

There he was, a kid of about 7 or 8 years old, clad in black clothes, walking through the forest with a small twig in his hand. It was undeniably me, but from a time long gone. Memories rushed through my mind, trying to piece together when this moment could have occurred, but nothing seemed to align. How could I have traveled to the mortal realm at such a young age?

My younger self appeared lost in his own little world. His innocence radiated from his bright eyes, brimming with curiosity and a hint of mischief. He seemed carefree, unfettered by the burdens and complexities that the passing years would eventually bring. As I observed him, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, transporting me back to a time when life was simpler and the weight of destiny had not yet settled upon my shoulders.

I cautiously approached. Memories of my own childhood flooded back, the familiar sensations of laughter, scraped knees, and boundless imagination. It was a bittersweet reminder of a time when dreams knew no bounds and the world was a canvas awaiting my colorful strokes.

"When did this happen?" I murmured to myself, struggling to remember it.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity and intrigue as I watched my younger self wander through the forest. There had to be a reason why this particular memory had slipped away from my consciousness.

With cautious steps, I followed my younger self. It was fascinating to observe his behavior, his actions driven by a childlike curiosity and a determination to find something hidden within the forest's embrace. Holding a simple twig in his hand, he combed through the undergrowth, occasionally pausing to investigate any rustling or faint sounds that caught his attention.

His eyes scanned the surroundings eagerly, ever vigilant for signs of discovery. Whenever a noise reached his ears, his face lit up with anticipation, and he swiftly made his way toward the source. But more often than not, his excitement turned into disappointment as he realized it was just the whimsical whisper of the wind or the scampering of a woodland creature.

As time passed, frustration crept into his voice. "Uh... I've been looking for an hour, why didn't I see any of it?" he grumbled, his anger mirroring the impatience of a child whose expectations were unmet.

He continued to walk, his frustration evident in every step, his irritation seeping through his grumbles. "I wonder if Asmo and Luci were just playing me," he muttered under his breath, kicking a small rock in front of him. "There's no such thing as crows or cats in the mortal realm," he added, his disbelief palpable.

A jolt of recognition surged through me as his words echoed in my mind. Suddenly, it all clicked into place. I vividly remembered the day Asmo and Luci had brought a black cat and a crow to the palace, claiming they had acquired these peculiar creatures from the mortal realm.

Back then, as a curious and impressionable child, I had been captivated by these unfamiliar animals, especially since they were absent from the shadow realm. I had eagerly approached Asmo and Luci, eager to learn more about these newfound companions. But to my disappointment, they had informed me that the animals were already bound to them as their masters. If I desired such companionship, they had challenged me to find my own in the mortal realm.

And there my memory had ended, a void filled with boredom and forgetfulness. I had never recalled venturing into the mortal realm to fulfill this quest, and the memory of seeking those seemingly mundane creatures had faded away.

I trailed behind the young version of myself, my curiosity piqued by the realization that this forgotten memory held a significant place in my heart. There was something lingering within me, urging me to uncover the truth behind this incident that had taken place in the mortal realm.