[Hello, human.]

"Where is this? Am I dead?" she immediately searched for the strange voice she heard.

[You're in my domain, and no, you're not dead yet. They are about to capture you but I'm here to give you a chance to flee. I noticed that you have a long lifespan; if not for this encounter, you should live for the next 186 years. I'm pretty sure you'll be dead the moment they find you.]

"Who are you? How is it possible for you to give me a chance to escape?"

[It doesn't matter. Back to what I'm saying. Your case is extremely rare because the average lifespan of a normal human is currently less than 100 years, but I have a proposal.]

"What is it?" she asked nervously.

[Do you want to go back and live your remaining years normally, or do you want to exchange half of your remaining years for a boost in aptitude and help society? Choose]

She is currently 14 years old and has 186 years to live. She wants to live a long life, but she also wants to be extraordinary and accomplish more.

However, she still can't believe she's in this situation. As far as she recalls, she was on her way home when she came across a dangerous situation.

4 hours earlier

Zaelin is just silently reading a book under the tree when the bell rang.

Her class already ended an hour ago and she's just waiting for the gates to open.

"Finally!" she thought.

She dusted off her skirt then looked at the horizon and smiled as she saw the sun setting off.

"Time to go home," she said to herself.

"I'm so excited to go home! Mom said she will cook my favorite."

"Hey! Let's attend Jacob's party later."

"Sure"

"I bet there will be handsome guys there!"

"And also, cute, and sexy girls!"

As she heard the students' excitement rushing to the gates, she was reminded of her family. They come from a middle-class family. Her mother is a stay-at-home mom, and her father is a university professor. She has two younger brothers as well, with whom she enjoys playing with. Their smiling faces and cute antics made her also excited to go home.

Their home is just a 15-minute walk from school. She kept walking until she came across a grocery store and decided to stop because her brothers liked to eat marshmallows. She can't help but giggle. They are simply adorable!

She was about to find the section where marshmallows are displayed when she heard someone called her name.

"Zaelin!" I looked back and saw my best friend, Leah.

"Are you going to attend to our field trip this weekend?"

"Yes, I was just about to prepare my things tomorrow"

...they kept talking until Leah's mother called her.

She wanted to cry as soon as she walked out of the store. It's already evening! and almost forgot to buy the marshmallows, her main reason for visiting the store.

She was just about to resume her walk when she heard a commotion.

"How dare you run away from the organization!"

She looked around for the source and saw a group of people surrounding a guy.

"Please! I..."

Before the guy could finish speaking, the man who appears to be the team leader pulled the trigger.

She was terrified by the scene. Why is this happening to her? She simply wishes to return home!

In her panic, she began to move away, but they heard her.

"Who's there?!"

Ah, she just wants to cry without tears!

They chased her. She kept running, afraid they'd catch up with her. Then she saw an inconspicuous corner and immediately decided to hide. Her body kept on trembling, hoping they wouldn't notice her. She has no recollection of losing consciousness, but that's how Zaelin ended up in this situation.

She's now conversing with this unknown voice. She deliberated for a long time before deciding on the latter.

"I'll trade half of my remaining years for an increase in aptitude," Zaelin answered with certainty.

[Very well, just a reminder you will enjoy half of your remaining years only if you don't encounter a mishap. Take care of your remaining years, bye!]

"Wait!" She still has some questions. Before she could say another word, an invisible force knocked her out.

Thank you for your support!