EX-istential Crisis

Chapter 43: The Warden of the Flickering Candles

Nelly returned home after delivering Chisai safely to her parents. Exhausted, he took a deep breath, leaning back against the wall. So much had happened, and the weight of it all pressed on his mind. He muttered to himself, "I still can't believe horrors like that exist in real life... Thirty years of darkness, countless sacrifices. How many infants lost? How many parents were murdered?" His fists clenched, his knuckles whitening as the gravity of it settled over him.

The Cradlewolf, ever watchful from his wrist device, spoke in a calm yet grave tone. "Don't worry, Master. For thirty years, I've done my best to protect the innocent. But I could only do so much to save the parents. Their faces still haunt me." There was a tinge of sadness in his voice, one that revealed he too carried burdens from his long years of silent service.

Ero's holographic form flickered beside him. "Oh, Mr. Cradlewolf," he said, his voice carrying a hint of mischief, "would you like to see profiles of people who might look like them now? It's a bit eerie, but I can cross-reference their features."

Cradlewolf perked up at the suggestion, his voice steady. "Impressive, Ero. Let's have a look." They activated a scan through various databases, each entry pulling up bits of information until finally, Cradlewolf exclaimed, "Here they are. Nine survivors, now adults. Each one has left a unique mark on the world."

Nelly gazed at the profiles that appeared on the holographic display, each showing a brief summary of the lives they had built. His heart tightened as he realized just how impactful these lives had become:

Amaya Ito - Age 27. Adopted by a loving couple in Tokyo, she graduated with honors in biomedical sciences and now works as a researcher in gene therapy. Driven by a deep need to understand life and protect it, she's developed new technology in pediatric medicine.

Leon Rivers - Age 24. Raised in a small village, he became a prodigy in software development and, alongside his adoptive parents, founded a company focused on mobile technology. His work helped invent an app dedicated to connecting children with prospective adoptive families.

Sofia Grey - Age 21. Rescued and adopted by a family in London, Sofia is currently a student at Oxford, studying psychology and sociology. She dreams of working with at-risk youth and dedicates her spare time to volunteer work with local orphanages.

Darian Morales - Age 29. Now a structural engineer, Darian designed a sustainable home model for orphanages, creating a safe, nurturing environment for future generations. He was raised by adoptive parents in Mexico City and speaks fondly of his childhood.

Kai Yamada - Age 36. Adopted by a family in New York, Kai went on to study philosophy and theology. He's a published author and travels as a public speaker, discussing the importance of faith, resilience, and protecting the innocent.

Lila Nguyen - Age 19. Adopted by artists, Lila grew up in a home filled with love and creativity. She studies art therapy and hopes to open her own practice one day. Her dream is to bring healing to young minds through art.

Jinsoo Han - Age 25. After a childhood in a loving home, Jinsoo excelled in technology and coding. He now works as a cybersecurity specialist, focusing on protecting children from online threats. His drive to ensure children's safety is his calling.

Zara Ali - Age 30. Raised in a bustling city in Pakistan, Zara became a pediatric nurse. She specializes in neonatal care and has dedicated her life to helping newborns and vulnerable infants in hospitals.

Elias Dawes - Age 32. Known for his generosity, Elias founded an organization for orphaned children. He was adopted by a philanthropist couple who encouraged his passions, and he now works tirelessly for children's rights globally.