GAMBLE: Rule of Cards

CHAPTER 19

“LET’S DO that,” Paul replied to Denton who uttered his ideas about exploring more the hole that they all discovered. Jannah and Sandra were just listening to both the men in their group who were excited about exploring more the hole than be depressed about dying anytime soon. Since the start of the game, Denton and Paul has grown to enjoy the games even though they are a bit deadly that may lead to anyone’s death. In the first match, these two are known to have great cooperation, in which may be the reason why they are still alive up to this point. “However, we do not know when to explore it again. They might notice that we have created a secret hole in there.”

“Actually, and to be fair, that hole was not made by us. It may be is discovered by us, but still, someone put it there, for an unknown reason.” Paul nodded at Denton’s remarks. “The only time we can explore that whole hole is after game and if we do not have the worry of dying, like before the game. For now, let us not worry about that thing first, let us worry about how to overcome the sixth game. How do you think will the sixth game be?”

Paul thought deeply. “To be honest, if we will think about the algorithm of the game, since the last game, which is the Lucky Seven, was a lot about the physical of the players, I think the next game will be about the minds and/or strategy?” Paul replied. Denton somehow agreed with his ideas. “I mean, if you will think about it, the games are the combination of the physical and mental games. If the last game is a physical one, then there is a great possibility that the next one will be a mental or strategic one.”

Jannah nodded. “I agree with Paul. It might be something that requires us to use our minds.”

Denton heaved a deep sigh. “If only we can postpone the game, but we cannot. I just hope it will be by group win and not as individual. If it is by group win and we are free to choose our teammates, it will be very easy for us to choose our own team and play by team. At least, we are there to help each other when we are needed,” Denton replied. “Just if it is an individual play and you feel that you needed our help, just tell the rest of the team members, right? We will be there to help.”

The guards started on getting inside the arena which signifies the start of the next game. They all stood up around the whole arena, as if protecting the players from someone outside. The monitor inside the arena showed up and it showed the masked face of the speaker. “Good day, players,” the speaker muttered. Denton was about to prepare himself for the game that will happen but stopped upon hearing what the speaker told them. “The players must have prepared a lot for the sixth main match, but we are sorry to tell everybody that the sixth main match will be postponed today and will be rescheduled tomorrow.” The players all look so quiet while listening to the speaker but deep inside, they are all screaming in joy. “For this happens, this day will be a free day for the players and the arena rules will not be implemented inside the arena. To add, the guards will not be as strict as they are during the regular days. The door of the arena will be opened until further notice. Players are allowed to go out of the arena and go to places that are allowed for them. However, players are not allowed to kill other players, in this time. That would be the announcement. Enjoy the free day and greetings from the game head.”

After the announcement, the guards walked out of the door in line. After seeing the guards leave the arena, the players, all screamed in joy and celebration. “You really are a lucky person, Denton,” Sandra muttered as she tapped Denton’s shoulders. “Imagine, you just manifested it just a while ago and this time, the sixth main match was postponed. You just said something and it happens. I don’t think it’s still luck, but you already have the angel’s tongue.”

Denton smiled awkwardly. “Maybe, it’s just coincidence, Sandra. It happens to me, a lot,” Denton replied. He is a person who cannot stand compliment and praises, so it is given that he cannot respond a lot better to a compliment. “Let us just enjoy the moment of freedom, at least. I guess the game head is not that bad to give us a one-day break after all these killings that we have seen.”

“Yes, and that is why we are celebrating this, even though it must be a given that we have a break day, at least. Anyway, I am glad to experience at least a day of freedom in this hellish place,” Sandra muttered. Celebrating is not enough for her to express her joy. She suddenly hugged Jannah who was just quiet until she did what she did. Jannah tried to escape but Sandra was too strong with a tight grip towards her. “I am just happy. All the days that I was in here, every day, I was depressed into thinking all the what-ifs I have in my mind, like what if I die in the next main match? What if I don’t make it… and so many more. I just felt like this free day is a refreshment to all of our hardships inside.”

“Don’t you think we need to refresh our bodies more than our minds? I feel really sticky after not washing for two straight days,” Paul replied as he looked at Denton who raised his eyebrows. “Let’s go shower right now, Denton. You girls, if you want, go shower in your comfort room and be safe, still. The guys are already going to the comfort room, Denton, let’s go.”

Denton has no other choice but to go, as Paul’s command. The other two was left inside the arena since Jannah wanted to take the chance to sleep more, since she is not getting enough sleep due to her insomnia. Sandra, on the other hand, told them that she will stay on Jannah’s side, at least, until they come back, just to be sure, since they do not know whether someone will appear and attack them. Denton saw the guys of the opposition leave the arena but nodded in agreement, since Sandra’s words actually have senses.

Fortunately, the bathroom was not as full as it was on the first days of their stay inside the game hall. They started to remove their dress without being awkward to each other, since they always take a bath together, scared that someone might come in and attack them. “The bathroom was on the left side, right?” Paul asked Denton who just nodded in response. “Then, the infirmary was on the right side, right?” Denton made anything but the grasp of air as he nods. He was busy cleaning himself with the scrub he uses to soap himself. “Should we go there after we take a bath? I mean, I never saw a single guard out there, and if there is, let us tell them that the dress our wounds have had was already wet.”

“Lower your voice, somebody might be spying us.” Paul nodded. “I think it is really the best time to explore more that hole. We might, as well, get a lead as to who the hell is running this game. I actually thought of that while going here. Should we ask Sandra and Jannah to go there?”

Paul sighed. “I do think that bringing them there together with us will be much more obvious.”

Denton nodded. “Let us finish washing ourselves first, then think about how we will go there without anyone, neither the guards, knowing,” Denton replied. After few minutes of talking about how they will go to the infirmary, they finished their bath and went to cloth themselves already like they are running out of time. They never know when the guards will take over again, and they are of no control of their time, so they are really making the hell out of their time. “Let’s go out.”

“Stop,” someone muttered as soon as they went out of the men’s comfort room. It was Sandra, with Jannah, in which both of them are waiting for the two outside of the comfort room. “Jannah and I are here in front of your since I know you two have your hidden agendas. It was a little time of knowing you but I know that whenever you two goes out together, you find something to explore. Now, I heard you two talking about going to the infirmary without us, Jannah and I. Don’t you, two, dare talk and not let us come with you. We are on the same team and why are we treated as outcast? Jannah and I will not go away from you two unless you bring us with you. We are on your team too, why are we being treated as an outcast?”