A World Without Villains

Chapter 3.1

Ven stared at his brand new reflection in a bathroom of the hospital. His once frail figure was now well built and adorned with muscles. He wasn't too big, yet he was pleased with the results. He wondered if it was fair to celebrate his new physique, though the emergence seemingly gave him powers. He put his white T-shirt back on and walked out of the bathroom.

Now that he was officially and miraculously made healthy, he was being discharged from the hospital. The only reason why he hadn't gone home yet was because many doctors in the facility were skeptical and didn't fully believe that Ven was now healthy.

As Ven walked back to his hospital room, he wondered what he'd do next. If he were discharged, what was the plan? Would he apply to many universities? He still wasn't entirely sure what he wanted to major in. Or would he go to Spectralis and attempt to fulfill his dream of becoming officially employed by the prestigious Hero Brunch to fight alongside other brave superheroes? Speaking of superheroes, he still wasn't even sure what his superpower was exactly. Just how could he find out?

Due to his mother's wealth, he really didn't need to do any of that, however even the son of a billionaire knew he had to find purpose elsewhere. As he walked, he glanced at his strengthened hand with awe. Becoming a superhero would become his goal. He just had to pass the annoying task of passing the tests to get employed.

Ven put his hand down as he continued to ponder. Though he was healthy now, he realized he really didn't feel all that different emotionally. He was still fearful, and he was still sad. Would those negative emotions fade away when fighting crime? Why would those emotions persist though he gained a healthy body? Perhaps his mind was still in doubt of his new reality.

Ven finally made it back to his hospital room and saw Patty, the nurse making his bed.

"Don't think you'll be here much longer Ven," smiled Patty, her face still filled with awe.

Ven looked at her with an almost sad smile. "I guess you're right." Perhaps he would miss her when he gets discharged. "Have you seen Rudy? I checked by his room but he wasn't there. I wanted to tell him 'what happened.'"

"Ven... Didn't you hear? Rudy is no longer with us. He had a grand mal seizure sometime after midnight and passed away. Doctors tried everything but there was no saving him... I'm sorry."

Ven's eyes widened in disbelief. Rudy's extreme pessimism was annoying, but hearing about his untimely death was extremely disheartening. He wasn't exactly close to him, yet his eyes began to soak. He and Rudy were a lot alike - two sick men who gave up their naive conquest on the world. It appeared Ven's conquest was just beginning, while Rudy's never even started. If only Rudy listened to him and went with him to the emergence site. If he did, would he have gotten healed and thus still alive? If he listened to Rudy and went back to his room, would be also be dead like Rudy?

"I don't know what to say," Ven frowned. Perhaps nothing could be said.

"Though we wish Rudy was still alive, it's important to understand that he is now free from his suffering."

"I guess..."

Ven's phone began to buzz, his mother was calling. He gasped when he realized he already had numerous missed calls from her. God forbid he forget to take his phone to the bathroom.

Ven answered the phone, his excitement beginning to overshadow him.

"Ven!" Vera screamed on the phone.

"Yeah Mom?"

"I got a call from Doctor Tiba. Are you really okay?" The worry in her voice could be heard miles away.

"Yes Mom, I'm fine. Everything's okay. I'm being discharged now," said Ven. Funny enough, he didn't know if he really believed himself or not.

"Oh, thank God!" cried Vera. "I know I was praying for a miracle and all, but I didn't expect things to happen so fast. Tiba says you're not even skinny anymore. How do you think this happened?"