Endless Vertex Chapter 13

Thinning fossil-gray hair slicked back, Nam scanned the crowd before him . The current city mayor, who was one of the earliest orphans he has adopted, has thrown a huge party to convey gratitude for his good deeds .

Nam sighed . He of all people should know that parties weren't his jam . He did not choose this career for fame, gratitude or positive reputation, though it would not have been polite declining such invitation . As the principle of an orphanage, and also the only teacher in the orphanage, he was defined an angel . On the surface, he was a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who one day, visited an orphanage he had invested in, where he unintentionally discovered his purpose . All this was veracious, yet non has truly uncovered his former backstory .

Living a tranquil life of helping orphans for nearly 55 years, he is an antique has watched so many children grow up, and has even shed tears for short lived 'children' .

The people he raised who were present had gone up the stage one at a time to thank Nam for his hospitality, while he received numerous messages greeting him Happy Birthday . Finally, the last person, a twenty-ish adult in blue business suit ran up the stage, shaking Nam's strong, callus marred hand, his voice quavering with zeal . "Thank you so much . I owe you my life . Until today, I'm still so grateful how you prioritized and saved us kids from that supernatural earthquake 13 years ago . "

Supernatural earthquake? 13 years ago? Just arriving at the scene, Atlas heard the adult's words of gratitude .

"Excuse me sir . "

Nam glimpsed behind . Somehow, he bore natural affinity with the teenager, the golden chains with detailed hieroglyphics that substituted casual necklace seemed to evoked intimate perception deep within his heart . He wanted to talk, when "Boom", deafening explosions cut him off . Bombs secretly implanted around the square detonated, screeches ringing in everyone's ear . Panic dispersed, spreading like virus amongst the shambolic crowd .

Nam clutched a bronze metallic stick disguised as a cane, the calluses on his palm perfectly securing it . The good old days . Flashbacks of the battlefield in the Vietnam war brought thirst to Nam . Neglecting his families intention to inherit the fortune they had, he enrolled in the army on the day he reached adulthood . The battlefield was his home and he was a spectre of the war . Fights were the drugs he needed to enliven his rusty joints .

"Hello citizens of Daxrim city . " An amplified voice broadcasted from speakers set up around the square, "No need to panic . As long as you drop all valuables and lie on the ground, your life shall be spared . "

Bulky men in black ski masks marched into the square holding rifles as three white vans drifted in . In tar-black uniform, a young man spoke into a microphone, stepping in sight .

"So many influential people here today . You know who you are . Please line up before the van in an organized formation and do not resist . Our bullets don't have eyes . My, my . Beloved Mr . Nam . " He caught a glimpse of Nam, "Thank you for raising me . I shall treat you with extra care if you choose to abide by my orders . We have cookies in the car in case your hungry . "

Effusing an eerie manifestation, Nam straightened his back, displaying youthful energy .

"Haven't I properly raised children? Has my parenting led you to a wrong path?" Nam narrowed his keen eyes, "Despite all the reason you may have, I will not tolerate this action . You have derailed from morality Dennis!"

"Everyone has their own beliefs and secrets . As a matter of fact, it looks like you carry few too . Executing my superior's orders are now officially my primary concern . No privaliges for you anymo . . . Ah!!!" Dennis's voice trailed off into an agonizing, high-pitched scream .

Atlas has appeared behind Dennis, shouting, "Surprise motherfucker!" as he stabbed the man's ass with the butterfly knife he retrieved from the psycho guy .

"Help! Call an ambulance! My ass is ruined . " Dennis crawled away, butt cheek bleeding .

What a failure of a terrorist leader!

Chapter end