Chapter 1 : The Devil's Offer

Like any ordinary person, I had dreams I wanted to achieve. But just like anyone else, life threw numerous challenges my way. This is the tale of an unsuccessful individual who would come to regret his mistakes, underestimating the gravity of life's matters. Here I am, in 2015, having just been fired from my job for the 7th time due to my persistent lateness. It was the final straw for my director; he couldn't forgive me this time, resulting in my termination. If I were in his position, I would have done the same. Who would want an irresponsible fool always arriving late due to his addiction to drinking?

Night had fallen, and I found myself in a bar somewhere, consumed by sadness and despair. I squandered what little money I had left on the finest drinks, as if it were my last night on Earth. And yet, once again, I found myself being kicked out of the bar, just as I had been dismissed from my job for some trivial reason.

Drunk and lost in my thoughts, I questioned why trouble always seemed to pursue me, never leaving me in peace. What had I done to deserve such torment? Why did that despicable manager fire me? Wasn't I loyal to him? So what if I occasionally arrived late? I still fulfilled my duties. Damn this life! Suddenly, amidst my intoxicated state, a loud crash echoed through the air. Panic ensued as I realized I had hit something. The world spun, and darkness overcame me.

When I awoke, I found myself in a hospital room illuminated by a solitary lightbulb. Confusion enveloped me as I wondered how I had ended up here. Flashes of memory returned—I had left the bar, got into my car, and then the accident happened. A doctor entered the room, breaking my chain of thoughts.

Doctor: Oh, you've awakened. There are a few individuals who wish to ask you some questions.

Perplexed, I inquired about the identities of these people.

Doctor: I believe they are from the police. I will call them now... Gentlemen, he's all yours.

Investigators: Well, thank you, sir.

Investigators: Hello, Mr. John. We have several questions to ask you. Considering your severe injury, please respond with a simple yes or no, okay?

Feeling a sense of dread, I braced myself for their inquiries.

Investigators: Let us begin. Are you John Engine, a 24-year-old unemployed resident of 3rd Benjamin Street, Building 7, Apartment 666?

John: Yes, that's me, I suppose.

Investigators: Do you remember anything about what happened yesterday?

John: Yes, I recall leaving work and heading home. However, due to the rain, my visibility on the road was poor. (I should lie for now. If I admit to being drunk, they might fine me, or worse, imprison me, and I have no money at the moment.)

Investigators: Alright. But do you know what or who you collided with?

John: No, I don't remember.

Investigators: You collided with a little girl who was playing on the road, you addicted scoundrel.

John: What? That can't be true! There was nobody on the road. And why are you calling me those names?

Investigator: That's because we found alcohol in your bloodstream, you fraudster. You claim there was no one on the road, so explain why there's the blood of an innocent girl on your car. Speak!

John: I didn't... I don't remember any girl. I admit I was drunk, but I swear, the road was empty. Suddenly, I collided with something.

Investigator: Shut up, you liar!

John: I swear, I'm not lying. Please believe me!

Investigator: Believe you? Are you insane? How can I believe a homeless person like you?

John: Please, just believe me. I'm innocent!

Investigator: Screw you and your innocence! I'll ensure you rot in prison, deprived of everything you once had, so you can understand its value, you despicable bastard!

Six months later, I stood trial for the death of a little girl caused by drunk driving. The judge sentenced me to 15 years in prison, shattering my life completely due to my foolish addiction to alcohol...

...A beam of white light shines into my prison cell.

John: What the hell is this? Where is that light coming from?

Stranger: Hello, John.

John: (How does this person know my name? And why does he look exactly like me, as if I'm looking into a mirror, only dressed differently?) Who are you? And how do you know my name?

Stranger: Ha-ha-ha, fear not, for I am here to offer my assistance.

John: Assistance? How can you help me? And you still haven't told me who you are.

Stranger: Ah, you have so many questions. Let me summarize everything. My name is Drago, a demon from the underworld whose occupation involves soul-stealing.

John: A demon? So, you've come to claim my soul, right?

Drago: Ha-ha-ha, not quite. I've come to propose a contract with you.

John: What sort of contract is this?

Drago: I shall grant you the power to rectify your mistakes, but in return, I will require something valuable from you, with your consent.

John: You want me to correct my mistakes and offer something in return? What is this "something"?

Drago: I shall take the soul of someone you do not know.

John: What? You're asking me to kill someone I don't know. Are you insane? I can't agree to such a contract.

Drago: Ponder it carefully. Don't you wish to rectify your mistakes? Don't you desire to save the girl you accidentally killed while driving under the influence? Don't you yearn to turn back time, amend your life, and abandon alcohol?

John: ...(Damn it, it's an agonizing choice, but... but I must save my life and the life of that little girl. Besides, the person whose soul will be taken might be truly wicked, and by sacrificing them, I'd be protecting the world from their evil. Yes, yes, this is the best solution. I have to accept this contract.) Well, I accept, but I have one question: Why are you doing all this? Why are you helping me?

Drago: Ha-ha, simply because it amuses me.

John: Amuses you? (What a psychopath!)

Drago: Well then, shall we proceed with the contract?

John: Alright, let's get started.

Drago: Give me your hand.

John: What? Give you my hand? That's impossible.

Drago: Just give me your hand and remain silent.

John: Okay. Offers his hand

Drago inscribes symbols on John's hand

A radiant light emanates from John's hand

Drago: The contract is complete. Where would you like to begin?

John: So soon? Okay, let me think. Take me back to the year 2007, during my final year of high school.

Drago: Very well. Let's go. Snaps his fingers

A portal materializes before John

John: Wow, this is incredible! I can't believe my eyes.

Drago: Hurry, step through!

John: Here I go. Enters the portal

John opens his eyes

John: Amazing! It's really the high school I attended. Oh my God, I've truly traveled back in time.

And thus, my life took an unexpected 180-degree turn, all due to a contract whose consequences I couldn't fathom at the time.