BEYOND BETRAYAL: WAR WITHOUT END

Carrick Gale felt like an outsider at the party. He looked around the fancy room and saw people laughing and having fun. But he didn't feel like he belonged.

His mom, Janice, was smiling and talking to others. She was beautiful, and everyone seemed to like her. But Carrick knew the truth. She was treated poorly by the Gale family, even though she was kind and loving.

Carrick's mom called him over, but he didn't want to go. He felt awkward, and the other kids were staring at him. They whispered to each other, making fun of him.

Carrick's mom wanted him to join her, but he felt like he didn't fit in. The other kids were mean, and he felt like he was walking through mud as he approached them.

Their dirty looks and snickers hurt Carrick. He clenched his jaw and tightened his fists. He was used to being left out, but it still hurt.

"Hey, bastard, what are you doing here?" one of them sneered, a tall, muscular boy with a cruel grin, his voice like a rusty gate scraping against Carrick's nerves.

"Just enjoying the party," Carrick replied, his voice even, but his heart racing like a wild animal trapped in a cage.

The boy laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "What does a bastard and beggar like you have to enjoy in a party meant for true Mafia scions. You don't belong here. You're not one of us."

Carrick's eyes flashed with anger, but he knew better than to fight back. He was alone, and the Gale family wouldn't hesitate to crush him like an insect under their heel. For the sake of his mother, he must remain docile.

Suddenly, a hand clamped on his shoulder, spinning him around like a puppet on a string. Carrick faced his half-brother, Domino, a sneer twisting his face like a grotesque mask.

"You don't belong here, bastard," Domino spat, his voice low and menacing, like a snake slithering through the grass.

Domino's eyes blazed with contempt. "You're nothing but a dirty secret, a reminder of our father's weakness. You're a stain on our family's name, a bastard child who shouldn't even exist." Domino's words stung him real deep. Shame and anger danced around Carrick's heart.

Carrick's mother appeared, her eyes flashing with anger. "Domino, leave him alone!" she demanded, her voice firm but trembling with emotion. Carrick could she was scared but still stood up for him.

Domino sneered at her. "You're just as guilty, whore. You and your bastard son are a disgrace to our family. You're the reason our father's lost respect, why our family's reputation is tarnished." Domino didn't hold back at all.

The room fell silent, all eyes on the tense scene unfolding before them. The guests were a bit excited as they anticipated a good show. Meanwhile Carrick's face burned with shame and anger, but he knew he had to keep his head down, to survive.

"Enough, Domino!" A voice full of power and authority boomed out. Zachary Gale, tall, muscular, handsome, with eyes cold and hard as steel. "Leave Carrick alone. He's still a Gale, after all."

Domino's sneer faltered, but his eyes still burned with hatred. "For now, he's still a Gale," he muttered, before turning and disappearing into the crowd like a snake slithering into the shadows.

Carrick's mother placed a gentle hand on her son's arm. "I'm sorry, darling. I wish things were different."

Carrick shrugged, his heart heavy. "It's okay, mother. I'm used to it." But deep down, he knew he couldn't take much more of this life, always living in the shadows, always an outcast. Something had to change. He needed to change his life and that of his mother's.

Zachary Gale approached them, his presence commanding attention. He was the current helmsman of the Gale family, and thus he commanded much respect from everyone. "Carrick, come with me," he said, his voice firm leaving no room for questions or discussion.

Carrick followed him, his heart racing with anticipation. What did his father want from him?

As they walked, the crowd parted, whispers and stares following them like a dark cloud. Carrick felt like a specimen under a microscope, examined and judged by everyone around him.

They reached a private room, the door closing behind them like a trap. Zachary Gale turned to him, his eyes piercing.

"Carrick, I know you're not like the others. You have a fire in you, a spark that can be fanned into a flame. I want to help you cultivate that spark, to make you a true Gale."

Carrick's heart skipped a beat. What did his father have planned for him?

"There's a business transaction I want you to oversee. Do this successfully and no one would ever look down on you ever again." Zachary said.

"Really father? What sort of business transaction if I may ask?" Carrick asked in curiosity, this was exactly what he need - something to prove himself as a capable Gale. But instead his father's brows creased as if he had committed a crime.

"You have no right to know. But I will tell you this, the merchandise is of great importance that even ten of your lifetime isn't enough to redeem it should you fail." His father said in a stern tone.

"Yes Father. I will not fail you. I will not throw away this opportunity you have given to me." Carrick said and bowed his head.

"Go and prepare, you leave at once. Edgar will drive you." His father said, dismissing him. Carrick bowed again and left his father alone in the study.

Seeing that Carrick has left. Zachary brought out his mobile phone and dialled a number.

"He's on his way. Make it swift and clean. He will be with a driver, you have my permission to clean off all witnesses." He then hung up.

"I'm sorry Carrick, but even I can't tolerate this anymore. I assure you that in two years your mother will join you and keep you company." Zachary said to himself with an emotionless face.

Carrick walked to the garage, wondering what his father's mysterious business deal was about. He felt uneasy, but he couldn't quite put his finger on why. If this business deal was as important as his father made it out to be, then why didn't he send Domino? Domino had always been his favorite. Carrick decided to see this through.. as this was the only way to redeem himself and earn the family's respect.

Edgar, the driver, greeted him and asked if he was ready. Carrick nodded and got into the car. As they drove, Carrick's mind kept going back to his father's words: "Clear away the shame." But something didn't feel right.

The car stopped at a deserted warehouse. Edgar told Carrick to wait while he checked if everything was ready. Carrick watched as Edgar entered the warehouse, feeling his heart pound in his chest.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the shadows. A voice called out, "Carrick Gale, welcome." Carrick turned to see a figure emerging from the darkness.

"Who are you?" Carrick asked, trying to stay calm.

"I'm someone who's been waiting for you," the figure replied, its voice dripping with malice. "Your father made a deal with us, and you're part of it."

Carrick's instincts screamed at him to run, but he wanted answers. "What kind of deal?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

The figure chuckled. "You'll find out soon enough. But for now, let's just say you're in our hands."

Suddenly, Edgar appeared beside him, his eyes cold and hard. "Sorry, Carrick. I had no choice."

"What do you mean you had no choice? What's going on." Carrick asked in confusion.

"There was never any merchandise to pick up. I brought you here to die." Edgar replied with the same expressionless face.

Carrick felt a wave of betrayal wash over him. "You're in on this too?"

Edgar shrugged. "I'm just following orders."

The figure gestured to a group of men emerging from the shadows. "Take him away."

Carrick struggled against his captors, but they were too strong. They threw him into a dimly lit room, the door slamming shut behind him. The sound echoed through the space, making Carrick's heart race.

"Welcome, Carrick," one of them said, their voice devoid of emotion. "Your father sends his regards."

Carrick's eyes adjusted to the light, and he saw Edgar standing in the corner, his eyes downcast. Carrick's mind raced with questions. His mind still refused to believe that his father and Edgar would set him up. If they wanted him dead so much, why didn't they just kill him back at the mansion, why go through all these trouble? All he can do is hope that whatever this man was saying is wrong, and Edgar would find a way to help him out of here.

"Edgar, what's going on?" Carrick asked, trying to keep his voice steady. "Why are you here?"

Edgar didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the floor. Carrick's anger grew. Was Edgar really betraying him too?

The captor who spoke earlier stepped forward. "Your father wants you taken care of, Carrick. Permanently."

Carrick's heart skipped a beat. His father had ordered his own son's execution. He couldn't believe it.

"Why?" Carrick asked, trying to stall for time. "What have I done?"

The captor shrugged. "You're a liability. And after we're done with you, Edgar here will be taken care of too."

Edgar's eyes flickered, but he still didn't speak. Carrick knew he had to act fast. He had to escape, and he had to protect Edgar. He knew from Edgar's downcast expression, he didn't want this to happen, but had no choice as he had to follow his father's orders.. a low-level mafia member is a pawn, a chesspiece that can be discarded as trash whenever the big boss wishes, and the pawn can't do anything but accept. But what about him? Would he, Carrick Gale, accept this?

"You're not going to get away with this," Carrick said, trying to sound braver than he felt.

The captor laughed. "Oh, I think we will. Your father has paid us well to make sure this is a clean job."

Carrick's mind raced. He had to think of something, anything, to get out of this situation.

*

Carrick's captors tied him up, his wrists and ankles bound by thick rope. He struggled, but it was no use. They dragged him out of the room, Edgar's lifeless body following behind. They had killed Edgar because they felt he might prove difficult later on, so a bullet to his head solved their problem.

"You're a foolish boy, Carrick," one of the captors sneered. "You should have stayed out of this."

Carrick spat at his feet. "You'll pay for this. My father will make sure of it." Till now, he chose not to believe his father had a hand in this.

The captor laughed. "Your father's the one who ordered this. You're just a pawn in his game. What's so difficult to accept?"

They reached the car, the same one Carrick had arrived in with Edgar. The captors tossed Carrick into the backseat, Edgar's body thrown in beside him.

"Please," Carrick begged, "Don't do this. Just let me go."

The captor just smiled. "You're going to be a nice little bonfire."

One of the captors poured fuel around the car, the smell of gasoline filling the air. Carrick's heart raced as he realized their plan.

"No, no, no!" Carrick screamed, thrashing against his bonds. "You can't do this!"

Just as they were about to light the fuel, gunshots rang out. A gang fight had erupted nearby, the sound of shouting and screeching tires filling the air.

"What the...?" one of the captors exclaimed, momentarily distracted.

That's when a stray bullet found its way to the car, piercing the fuel-soaked metal.

The car erupted in a blaze of fire, Carrick and Edgar's bodies trapped inside, while his captors were blown away to kingdoms come. Carrick's screams were drowned out by the roar of the flames, his world consumed by heat and darkness.

"No!" Carrick shouted, his voice hoarse from smoke. "Mother!"

But it was too late. The flames engulfed them, and everything went black.

Carrick floated in darkness, his mind filled with painful memories. He thought about what had happened, and his emotions swirled with regret, anger, and sadness.

He couldn't believe his father was behind it all. But deep down, he knew it might be true. Edgar, the driver, didn't deny it. He said he was just following orders.

Carrick's mind was filled with questions. Why did his father want him dead? Was it because his mother was a mistress? Because he was powerless in the family? Or because his mother used to be a maid?

Carrick felt angry and hurt. He had never fought back against the family's abuse. He had always stayed quiet. So why did they want to kill him?

He screamed into the darkness, "Why!?" His anger grew with every thought.

If only he had been given a chance to live, maybe he could have become a powerful Mafia Lord one day. But now, he was left with only anger and sadness.

«Ding!

Data collection complete!

Fusion successful!

Host's health is currently in a critical state. Injecting revitalization serum!»

Carrick heard a female mechanical voice. He immediately turned around but saw nothing except infinite darkness.

«Ding!

Host's emotions are a mess! Injecting Ever-Calm serum!»

Carrick felt his mind calm as a cool sensation ran over him. He began to rearrange his thoughts, but first thing first, what exactly was that mechanical voice earlier.

«Welcome Host, I am Erebus. Earlier I detected an attempt of brainwashing on the host, thus I made use of the Ever-Calm serum on the host.» the voice spoke again.

"Erebus, huh? Who or what are you?" Carrick asked.

"I am an Artificial Intelligence System, you can think of me as your personal assistant. Needless to say, I am not of this backwater world of yours. I was soaring through the data airspace when I felt a pull to you. I felt your unbridled desire to make a change in your life, thus I am here to help.» the mechanical voice said with a hint of glee in its voice.

"And how will you be able to help me?" Carrick questioned the system. In the past he would have been fretting, but now his mind was as calm as the sea.

«I can grant the Host sets of skills and monetary rewards should the host walk in the path of accomplishing his goal.» the mechanical voice replied.

"Like those Systems in Light Novels that make their protagonist so OP? Hmm, fine. But where exactly I'm I?"

«You are in the void, an airspace between the Living and Purgatory. Host should awaken in ten minutes.» the system replied.

"Alright. Since you said you're a system and I'm the host, can you show me my stats?"

«Ding!

STAT (System for Transfer and Analysis of Tactical data):

Host: Carrick Gale

Age: 18

Status: Comatose

Attributes:

Strength (STR); 10

Intelligence (INT); 25

Agility (AGI); 10

Vitality (VIT); 25

Endurance (END); 25

Charisma (CHA); 15

Combat stats:

Attack power (ATK); 10

Defense (DEF); 10

Health points (HP); 100%

Mana points (MP); 100

Accuracy (ACC); 0

Evasion (EVA); 0

Performance metrics:

Experience points (XP); 0

Level; 1

Skills:

Revitalization (passive, upgradable)

Ever-Calm (passive, non upgradable)

Gold or currency; $0

Kills or deaths; 0 kills, 1 death

Win-loss record; 0

Goal: To be a Mafia Lord.

(System suggests the host will level up ASAP or the host's goal will just be nothing but a pipe dream).»

Carrick was stunned by his stats, he didn't know he was this weak. But when he saw the Mana point and the skills, he got a bit confused.

"Hey system, what's with Mana point? Isn't that part of a game-like stat for mages and spellcasters? Why is it amongst my stat?"

«Host is correct. But in this case, the Mana point helps you to perform certain active skills which you will acquire in time. With the Mana point, you can perform some skills that can enable you to dodge bullets, shoot in a curved manner, read lips and other excellent active skills.»

"That's really cool. What about the two skills there, Revitalization, what does it do and why is it upgradable?"

«Ding!

Revitalization will aid the host to recover from any wound, illness, or poisonous state. Also when upgraded to a certain level, the host can even regrow a severed limb and recover from even a bomb attack. Nevertheless, that will cost lots of Mana points.»

WHAT!?

"Hold on! Are you saying that with the right amount of Mana points and revitalization level, I can be said to be immortal!?"

«You could say that.»

"This is so damn OP, I feel like I'm a protagonist in a light-novel."

«Ding!

Host will awaken in sixty seconds. Host is currently in a facility. System detected traces of attempted brainwash earlier but terminated it by injecting Host with the Ever-Calm serum. System suggests Host to act brainwashed as Host is currently too weak to defend himself against whatever the unknown individuals will do. Again, System urges the Host to find a way to level up quickly, otherwise the host's goal will never be achieved.»

"Huh!? What!?"

«Host to awaken in 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1..»

*

"He's coming around!"

"He's regaining consciousness!"

"Quick, get Doctor Ambrose!"

"Get some guards in case he goes berserk!"

Carrick could hear a cacophony of voices as his brain and eyes tried to adjust to the new surroundings. He felt he was laying on a soft bed and wearing a strange helmet on his head, also there was a lot of tubing attached to needles that had been inserted into him.

He didn't know where he was, but he had a feeling this was exactly where the system told him about, and he remembered the system telling him to act brainwashed in order to stay alive.

Sigh!

"Even after being revived and given a second chance in the same world, I'm still weak. It won't be long though."

Soon Carrick heard hurried footsteps, he could tell there were more than ten persons coming. Then he saw a clean shaven middle-aged man in a white medical coat that came and stood near him.

"Welcome back son, from now on, your name is X, and you serve Rambosia."