Esper Harem in the Apocalypse

Chapter 1004  Realization

Minutes stretched into an agonizig eternity as Rudy meticulously scrutinized each entry. Twelve instances of an Elise emerged, each sharing the same last name and age. The possibilities loomed large, casting a shadow of uncertainty over Rudy's heart. Any of these entries could represent his beloved Elise, or they could be unrelated strangers thrust into the same tragic fate.

The somber reality settled over him as Rebecca and Jessica called him to the dinner table. With a heavy heart, Rudy joined them for the meal, the weight of uncertainty overshadowing the simple act of nourishment. The answers he sought remained elusive, and the ambiguity surrounding Elise's fate persisted, casting a pall over the otherwise ordinary dinner table.

As Jessica and Rebecca observed Rudy's somber demeanor, concern etched across their faces, Jessica couldn't help but voice her worry. "Rudy, is there something wrong with the dish? Don't you like it?"

Rudy, lost in the maze of his thoughts, was momentarily pulled back to the present by Jessica's inquiry. A smile, albeit a faint one, graced his lips. "No, Jessica, there's nothing wrong with the dish. In fact, it's amazing. I was just... lost in the flavors, you know?" He chuckled lightly, attempting to dispel the heaviness that lingered in the air.

Rebecca, still attentive to Rudy's mood, exchanged glances with Jessica. They shared a silent conversation, trying to discern if something beyond the realm of culinary preferences was bothering Rudy. The dish before him was his favorite, a culinary masterpiece crafted by Jessica and Rebecca with love and care.

Rudy, breaking the thoughtful silence, continued, "You both did an incredible job. This is exactly what I needed today, and I appreciate it more than I can express." He raised his fork, savoring another bite of the delectable dish, hoping that the richness of the flavors would momentarily overshadow the weight of his thoughts.

The atmosphere lightened as the trio engaged in conversation about various topics, providing a brief respite from the uncertainties that clouded Rudy's mind. In the comforting ambiance of the home-cooked meal, Rudy's gratitude resonated, expressing itself through the genuine appreciation he conveyed to Jessica and Rebecca for their culinary prowess.

After the hearty dinner, Rebecca and Jessica insisted on taking care of the dishes, but Rudy, feeling a sense of responsibility and a need for a moment of solitude, offered to handle the task himself.

As the water cascaded from the faucet, Rudy stood in front of the sink, sleeves rolled up, ready to tackle the pile of dishes that awaited him

With his hands immersed in the soapy water, Rudy's mind couldn't help but wander back to the list he had meticulously searched through earlier. Eleanor's name on that list had struck a chord within him, stirring emotions that were both unexpected and profound. Eleanor wasn't just a casual acquaintance; she held a significant place in his heart.

Why did her well-being concern him so deeply?

The weight of concern for Eleanor pressed upon him as he scrubbed the dishes, each plate and utensil serving as a distraction from the unsettling thoughts that lingered in his mind. He didn't fully comprehend the nature of his relationship with Eleanor in this altered worldline, but the instinct to safeguard her, to ensure her well-being, was undeniable.

Rudy pondered a discreet way to ascertain Eleanor's current situation without arousing suspicion. With both Jessica and Rebecca occupied in their respective activities—Jessica engrossed in her project and Rebecca luxuriating in a well-deserved bath—Ensuring that the coast was clear, Rudy retrieved his phone and dialed Eric's number. The familiar ringtone echoed through the kitchen as Rudy waited, the anticipation building with each passing moment. Finally, Eric's voice broke through the connection, apologizing for the delay due to a shower.

Casually engaging in conversation, Rudy inquired about Eric's plans for the evening. Eric, seemingly preoccupied with the prospect of gaming and homework, mentioned he was home alone, as was often the case. This cryptic detail only fueled Rudy's unease, amplifying the concern for Eleanor's well-being.

With a subtle excuse, Rudy gracefully ended the call, promising to catch up with Eric at a later date. As he hung up, Rudy's thoughts converged on the unanswered questions surrounding Eleanor and the profound connection that seemed to tie him to her in ways he was yet to unravel. The dishes, momentarily forgotten, served as a backdrop to the intricate puzzle that Rudy found himself entangled in, a puzzle with threads that led to the past, to relationships forged and altered by the hands of time.

'Eleanor and I had an innocent and pure relationship… until that night. We blamed it on being drunk, but I committed the same act when we both were sane. I even did that when Elise was suffering. Instead of being by her side, I cheated on her with Eleanor… my best friend's mother.

To be honest, I don't think I deserve Elise anymore. Even if nothing has happened in this worldline, it won't change the fact of my actions in the past worldline. I can't just pretend that it didn't happen.'

At that time, a thought crossed Rudy's mind, it almost seemed like it wasn't his thought, but someone else's thoughts.

'Wait, why did I accept the fact that I time traveled? It could be many other things. I was a test subject of a supergene experiment who was left to die in the middle of nowhere. Even if the gene experiment was successful, why would it give me the ability to time travel?

Maybe I didn't time travel and I only have the memory of another Rudy from a different worldline? That would make the most sense, no? I mean, it doesn't make sense, but it sounds more reasonable than time traveling.

So who am I? Rudy from this world with the memory of the future of another Rudy, or a variant of Rudy who time traveled? If I am Rudy from this world, why don't I have any memories or this world?

I didn't know anyone named Jessica in the past wordline, but in this one, she is an important part of Rudy's life. If I am Rudy from this world, I should have that memory, right?'

"Hmm… still, why did all this happen? Is someone helping me fix my mistakes… if so, who is it and why are they doing it…?"Nôv(el)B\\jnn