Billion Dollar Player

Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Truly Broken

The Path of Dreams and the Path of Reality... There were only two paths before Raven. And both these paths had a difficult trial waiting behind them.

It was a hard choice to make, especially since he didn't know what he was going to see in the second trial. It was clear that the Trial was going to show him something that was enough to disturb him to his core.

Even though he didn't know what that was, he had a feeling that keeping his heartbeat calm in that situation was very hard. However, at least he had some level of control on the second trial.

In the first trial, he had no control. It depended on what he did in the dream without any outside knowledge to wake up.

Without hesitating for long, he made a decisive choice and propelled himself forward. With his fists clenched tightly, he approached the second trial, resolute in his decision to embrace reality over mere dreams.

No matter how uncomfortable the reality was, he had to face it. He couldn't live in dreams.

In the secluded chamber, the Guardian of the Bloodline Trials observed as Raven entered the second pathway.

"In the end, you made your choice. I wonder if you'll still be the same person when you come out of the Trial..."

....

Raven ventured down the second path, but as he made his way further in, he suddenly felt as though he had been whisked away to a completely different space.

Abruptly, he found himself settled on a plush chair. Casting his glance towards the left, he beheld an awe-inspiring view of the sky through the window. He realized that he was aboard the first-class section of an airplane, en route to some destination.

"How do you think they will react to the news?"

As Raven's mind was filled with uncertainty, he suddenly caught a sound of someone nearby. His heart raced as he realized it was a voice he recognized so well - it was his mother's voice! His usual composure deserted him and he was left feeling overwhelmed with emotions.

His mother was on the same flight! That meant this flight was...

The more he thought about it, the more he felt his heart being crushed. This was the flight which took the life of his parents! Moreover, this was supposed to be the reality! The only difference was that he wasn't in this flight in reality.

Fortunately, he still remembered the rules of the trial. He couldn't interfere no matter what happened, and he had to stay calm.

He shut his eyes and tightened his grip on his fist. He took deep breaths to steady himself and regulate his heart rate.

"I don't know. Those two guys are quite unpredictable. But one thing I'm sure about... Both of them will be happy when they hear the news that they're about to get a little sister soon."

In different seats that were close to Raven, a middle aged man was sitting next to a beautiful woman who appeared to be in her late thirties, lightly patting her stomach that looked a little chubby.

"I never imagined that I could still conceive at this age, but here we are expecting our first daughter..." The woman beamed with joy, as if she could already envision their little girl in her embrace.

She had always dreamed of having a daughter and unexpectedly, her dream was about to come true. Despite not planning for it, she was overjoyed at the prospect of welcoming a little girl into her life.

Despite the considerable age difference between her two sons and the upcoming arrival of their sister, she remained optimistic that her little girl would be showered with love and attention, being treated like a princess by her elder brothers.

"What do you say if we allow Raven to name her when she comes into this world. I think it'll be interesting to drag that brat." The middle aged man laughed, glancing out the window.

Sitting near them, Raven was somehow able to hear everything! It was as if this was thanks to this trial that their words were crystal clear.

As soon as he heard their words, he realized everything! His eyes revealed a pained expression as her heartbeat became unsteady. He was about to get a sister? His mother was pregnant when she died?!

His hands were tightly balled into fists, the pressure causing trickles of blood to seep from his palms. He remained undeterred, consumed by the weight of his thoughts. The loss of his parents, brother, and even his unborn sister left him feeling utterly lost.

A single tear rolled down his cheek. He felt helpless and wished he could have done something to save them. It was hard for him to stay composed despite knowing that it was the past that couldn't be changed.

Along the way, he heard more of the conversation of his parents. One such conversation was about the gift that they had selected for his upcoming birthday. It took the two of them an entire day to select a nice gift that they thought he would love.

They even left all their important business meetings for the day, and went to buy a gift for him, as if that was more important. Moreover, they didn't think twice about returning as soon as they got his call in the past.

Tears streamed down his face, an unusual occurrence since the funeral of his parents. It seemed like he had built a wall around his heart, but now it crumbled before him and he couldn't hold back the tears any longer.

He knew he was losing points in the trial currently, because of how unstable his mind and his heart was. However, he couldn't do anything about it. He felt lost... Completely lost and broken.

As the plane approached its imminent crash, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Panic swept through the cabin leaving everyone in a state of fear. Everyone remained in their seats, channeling their hopes and prayers for a safe landing. His parents held tightly onto each other's hands.

Even in their last moments, their only thoughts were about their kids and nothing else.

Raven remained seated, his hands bleeding from being clenched so tightly. He couldn't bring himself to unbuckle his seatbelt and look at his parents, who sat directly behind him.

It was as if he knew that he couldn't bear to see their faces... Or he was going to be truly broken.