[Liam Kade's Funeral]
Noah was greeting the people who came to his brother's funeral and handling the arrangements. His face was ice-cold, but he was trying to smile. Just then, a man wearing what looked like a gang outfit approached Noah.
Ethan: Are you Liam's brother?
Noah: Yes, who are you? Were you a friend of my brother?
Ethan smirked slightly as he looked at Noah.
Ethan: A friend? Why would I be friends with your brother?
Noah: Then how do you know him?
Ethan: How do I know your brother...
Ethan pulled out a packet of cigarettes, took one, and lit it.
Ethan: We were in the same gang, that's how. But he let his arrogance get the better of him... and now he's six feet under.
Noah stood frozen in shock at Ethan's words. Just as he was about to respond, Ethan cut him off.
Ethan: Don't even think about avenging him. Or go ahead—doesn't really matter to me.
Ethan stubbed out his cigarette, dropped it to the ground, and walked away with his hands in his pockets.Noah was stunned, speechless. What the hell was that...?
[2:46 AM – At the Computer]
Noah opened an old program. An interface that couldn't be seen by others—couldn't even be screenshot. At the top of the screen, a single word appeared:
"WHAT?"
Noah typed:
Noah: I need a new identity. For a school transfer.
The reply came within five seconds:
"WHAT'S THIS? TRYING TO DISTANCE YOURSELF FROM ILLEGAL STUFF NOW?"
Noah paused for a moment, then replied:
Noah: It's not that. Don't ask questions. Just get it done.
"AS USUAL. ONLY WHAT'S NEEDED."
Noah: Exactly.
After a few seconds of silence, lines of code started streaming across the screen. The system was scanning, generating a fake history, school records, family background—everything.
A few minutes later, a final message appeared:
"NAME: LUCAS VANEAGE: 17EMAIL, PHONE, ID NUMBER, ALL SET.ENROLLED SCHOOL: BLACK RIDGE HIGHTRANSFER DATE: WITHIN ONE WEEK."
Noah confirmed:
Noah: Thanks.
After a brief pause, one last message appeared:
"PLAY IT WELL. THIS WORLD'S FAKE ENOUGH ALREADY."
Noah shut off the computer. The room was dark. Only the echo of his own thoughts remained.
[After Receiving the Fake ID – 3 Weeks Ago]
When Noah closed his laptop, his eyes were bloodshot. He'd been sitting in the same position for hours.The documents for the fake ID were now all in his hands.Lucas Vane.That was his new name now.
He was about to step into a life built on lies. Even he didn't fully know what that meant.
[2 Weeks Ago]
Noah picked up the documents that had arrived by post. They were in sturdy, official-looking envelopes.One letter confirmed that the school application had been accepted.
Black Ridge High School had accepted a student named Lucas Vane.Inside were also the student ID copy, class schedule, and accommodation details.
Noah read everything carefully. He stared blankly at the papers spread across his bed for a while.
He whispered to himself, "It's starting..."
[1 Week Ago]
He hadn't eaten properly in days. Just thinking.
He locked himself in a room, reviewing the school's layout, checking out teacher lists, student clubs.Like an assassin memorising every detail.
"What did you do in this school, Liam?"The words slipped from his lips. Even his own voice sounded unfamiliar.
[3 Days Ago]
Noah packed his bag.
He took only what was necessary. Everything else went into a box, locked in a cupboard.
He looked into the mirror.
It was like a stranger was staring back at him.Lucas Vane wasn't him. But he had to become him now.
[1 Day Ago]
Noah sat on the edge of his bed. The curtains were drawn. It was past midnight.
He took out the fake ID from his pocket and stared at it for a long time.His fingers slowly traced the letters.
"Only one day left," he muttered.Just one more day until he became Lucas Vane.
His voice carried a mix of anger and curiosity.
[Morning of the First Day of School]
05:52.Noah hadn't slept at all.
He didn't eat breakfast.
He checked the buttons on his shirt in the mirror.Counted his belongings. Checked all his documents.Took the fake ID out of his pocket, looked at it again, then put it back.
As he walked to the door, he paused. Took a deep breath.
"It begins today."
He opened the door—and stepped out into a new life, toward the sharp edge of reality.