The Tower Reversed: Back to 18 (Venus) novel Chapter 42

**One Step Changes Everything**
By Ruby Parker

Florian’s expression was a mix of bewilderment and frustration. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Monica is my second sister and, honestly, she’s the only one in the Sharps family who has ever shown me any kindness. She’s the one who usually checks in, asks if I’m managing at work or if I need anything. But Thursday night? I can’t recall taking her call at all.”

Venus felt a slight throb in her temples as she tried to process his words. “There is a method to recover your memories from just before your death. But…”

“But what?” he interrupted, a hint of anxiety creeping into his voice.

“You would have to endure the agony of your death all over again. Each time you retrieve a memory, your soul would be forced to relive that trauma, as if being ripped apart, piece by piece.”

Florian’s face paled slightly. “Yeah, no thanks. I’m out. I absolutely detest pain.” He shrugged off the idea with a casual indifference, as if the weight of his own death meant little to him. “Let’s just take our time figuring this out. I’m in no hurry.”

An unexpected silence enveloped the room, thick with unspoken thoughts.

Since Florian seemed so unconcerned about the gravity of his situation, Venus reluctantly picked up his phone, gathered his belongings, and took the room key to the front desk, adopting the role of his assistant to check him out of the hotel.

“If you’re not keen on the painful method, you might want to spend more time at the Sharps’ estate when you can. You could stumble upon some clues,” she suggested, trying to maintain her professional demeanor. “If you do find something, I can assist you in obtaining the Black Mandate.”

Florian’s curiosity piqued. “What exactly is the Black Mandate?”

With a calm demeanor, Venus explained, “Every grudge has a source. The Black Mandate grants you the power to exact revenge, and not even the gods can intervene.”

“Ohhh, I see. It’s like a license to kill!” He gazed at her with newfound respect. “But wait—how do you know so much about the occult? You’re younger than me. And I’ve been wondering—you’re not like those movie psychics who need props to see ghosts. Were you born with some kind of spirit vision?”

A faint smile graced Venus’s lips. “Not exactly. But perhaps my experience of dying and coming back has altered things.”

As for her knowledge of the occult, she knew it was limited. She couldn’t simply utter a spell and expect magic to happen—not yet, anyway.

What she relied on was psychokinesis, a focused form of spiritual energy. Casting spells drained her reserves, much like a mana bar in video games.

And when her “mana” ran out, she was left with only her life force to draw upon.

Yet, she had traversed this path before. If she were to do it again, she would undoubtedly be better equipped for the challenges ahead.

“Wait, you died once?” Florian’s eyes widened in astonishment.

His gaze fell upon the jagged scar that marred her forehead, a testament to her past. It explained so much. Despite its roughness, she was still alive—luckier than him, in a way.

Once Venus stepped out of the hotel, she made a beeline for a used vehicle lot.

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