The Ultimate Revenge System

10. Execute

"Even though, if they indeed had footage, they would know I was far away when that happened!"

 

"We know. This is just their tactic to defame you, Danzel. 'One stone, two birds,' as they say."

 

I clenched my fists in anger. These people couldn't be underestimated! "Actually, I already have a plan."

Anne and Dr. Bertha's attention was now fully on me. In the dimly lit, cramped room, I outlined my plan, a plan that had actually been formulated by the system in my head.

 

***

 

"Are you sure?" Dr. Bertha interjected, "But how is it possible? You don't have the capacity for that."

 

He hesitated after I explained the procedure for a complete face-lift to change my identity entirely. The only person who could perform this was Dr. Bertha himself, known as the 'miracle worker.' Ironically, he didn't entrust anyone to touch his own messed-up face. For him, the only one who could do it properly was himself, and it would damage his pride if someone else did it and the result didn't meet his expectations.

 

"I have a contact from the outside who can help me with legal matters, documents, ID cards, and records at the civil registry. Even medical records from hospitals, he can create them for me. No one will know that a new person has appeared overnight," I explained, even though what I meant by 'contact' was the system. For now, no one should know about the entity inside my head.

 

"Operating on you is an easy job, but this education, this wealth and history. Are you confident in bringing them down through legal means? As a big investor?" Dr. Bertha asked.

 

"Because if we only eliminate Merrick, it won't solve the problem at its roots. Merrick is his wealth; he's nobody without it," I explained, quoting the system's words.

 

"What do you think, Anne?" Dr. Bertha inquired.

 

"What he said makes sense. It's a change in the game's atmosphere that we need. It sounds promising. I agree."

 

Hearing Anne's argument, I felt flattered. She was not only beautiful but also intelligent. My admiration for her grew even bigger.

 

"If you're saying that too, then we won't waste any more time. When do you want to do it?" Dr. Bertha asked me.

 

"Tonight."

 

"Whoa, easy there, tiger. Even though I'm skilled in my field, I need time to get the medical tools I require. Give me one week, but take notes; I like your enthusiasm."

"Because sooner is better, right, doc? With your hands, how long does recovery usually take? We never know what Merrick can do during that periods. It has to be precise when we execute the first attack."

 

"Arrgh, you're right. Alright, two days it is then."

 

"Thank you, doc."

*** 

Two days later, I was ready on the impromptu operating table in the secret underground room that had been transformed into a sterile environment. Before injecting the anesthetic, Dr. Bertha asked me,

 

"Are you ready to part with your old self, Danzel?"

 

"No, I'll carry it with me. My old self and my vendetta will never be separated."

 

"I like your answer. Sweet dreams."

 

Those were Dr. Bertha's parting words as consciousness carried me far away. I dreamt of the happiness of my family, back when we were whole. The laughter of the four of us on picnics by the banks of the Thenes River in the summer of my first year at Merrick High School and Helen's final year.

 

Mom prepared delicious cakes, scones, chocolate muffins, and colorful macaroons. Dad took me fishing, a futile endeavor because neither of us had a clue, but it was an adult activity we could share because of his busy schedule at the Merrick mansion.

 

I felt deep sadness. If it weren't for Merrick, all of this could still be part of my life. The happiness of our family was abruptly torn away in a tragic manner.

 

***

 

After four long months of recovery, a time I passed with impatience. The frustration of seeing my swollen face that showed no sign of improvement eventually subsided. During that time, I also practiced new habits: how to talk, how to look people in the eye, and how to shake hands, all from Anne and Mr. Rocky, who had years of experience serving various kinds of guests.

 

What kind of image did I want to portray to gain their trust? That was what I aimed to build.

Now, in front of the mirror, I caressed my new face. I had to get used to this face that looked back at me cynically from the mirror's reflection. I had to learn to smile, a convincing fake smile.

 

***

 

The awaited day had finally come. With confidence, I got out of the luxury car I had driven myself, right in front of the towering Merrick Corp building. The grand structure wouldn't be enough to intimidate me; I would be the one intimidating the people inside!

 

With determined steps, I passed the reception desk, where the girl on duty chased after me.

 

"Excuse me, sir. I'm afraid you'll have to stay in the lobby if you don't have an appointment or any business with the company."

 

The girl lowered her head slightly, likely awestruck by my charisma. I was sure she was cursing herself right now for daring to hold back a Rupert Anderson. This was the moment I had been waiting for because I had a reason to make a scene and attract attention.

 

Just then, Tom, Margaret, and Bash Merrick entered the building and saw the commotion. This was what I had been waiting for. With a loud voice, I challenged them.

 

"Do you not know who I am?! I am the one who will saving your company for thousands of illegal practices you've carried out! Here, I will buy all your stakeholders."

 

I threw a stack of documents on the floor. People around bent down to pick them up out of curiosity. It was different for the Merrick family. They looked at me as if they were about to pounce on prey!