Shades of Wolves

Chapter 17: The Unexpected Decision

November 14th, 2100

Today is indeed a very happy day. The hall is full of blood. I heard their hearts beat wildly, crazily before fading away and disappearing. That must have been how humans feel knowing that they are about to die in vain. That desperation and injury gave my music notes a chance to break their own cocoons. That is just so beautiful!

I don't know why I'm helping the girl, honestly. Perhaps I was fascinated by the sound of blood hitting the delicate walls of those veins. Each and every body has its own tune. From that flow, I feel the harshness but not rushing or drastic enough. I wanted to see when she screams out for help, how stimulating the crazy pulse bouncing in her veins would be.

The next game will be even more intense, I will try to wait until the day I can see that shining moment!

Peccinini

Sitting in Mahoney's room, Hoa began to cut off her friend’s excess hair with scissors. Mahoney grew her hair because of her brother, because Xavier had said that he had really wanted Mahoney to be the muse for his future songs. Unfortunately, that would have never had a chance to happen in any time of this era of history.

“Don’t you feel regret? Doing this?” Hoa asked. Her blonde hair was really beautiful. It was a proof that it had been very well taken care of.

"Not a bit. Xavier is gone, anyway. The long hair makes me look weak. It is no longer suitable for this deadly game.” Mahoney smiled happily looking at Hoa. Maybe only being with this close friend of her that she could completely relax like that.

“Okay. Done. After finishing the game, we will go to the best hair salon and ask the beautician to make it better. Okay?” Hoa went to bed, but Mahoney stayed silent.

Would there really be a future for the two of them? Everyone knew that through all seasons there was only one winner, no one had ever split the throne. Even if there were two lucky people who would make it to the last round, they would split the prize and only get $100,000 for each? That money could not solve anyone's problems. That was no helpful to save and replace the liver for Hoa's father, and it was also not possible to free Mahoney from the evil family.

“From the next round, please don’t hold back!” Mahoney looked at Hoa. Her eyes were full of determination.

“Okay, I definitely won’t hold back!” Hoa smiled to reply.

…………………

On the rooftop, 11pm, 8 hours before the second eliminating round.

Nabeya and Sammul were on the top of the building. The fire was like the color of burning blood. They were all holding red, strawberry-flavored beer bottles. The wind whistled through the flesh, but no one felt the cold.

“Tomorrow could be a team competition” Nabeya spoke up to break the silence. Waiting for this guy to start the conversation would even more difficult than waiting for a pig to fly.

“You want to team up with me and her” Sammul curled his lips.

“Sounds like you want to be on the same team with Hoa. Not a bad idea! But it's not certain that her friend will choose you."

Nabeya also tapped beer into her mouth. When Hoa submitted the answer sheets, she was in a hurry and didn't carefully calculate which one would be the first to be submitted. When the electronic board appeared the person at number 1, it was Mahoney.

They had just been revealed by Malvis that the next challenge would be teammates. They would most likely have a couple groups to go together. Sammul was awesome, she could see. A blind guy would have better advantage in small and dark spaces. But if he was out there, in a large terrain with lots of traps and required fast speed, he would definitely be a boil, a burden that no one wanted to get involved with.

"We don't know how the rules of the next game will be. You may look down on me now, none-taken, but there are countless good-eyed guys are nothing but being blind"

Sammul finished speaking and stood up. He poured the remaining beer into the fire. The sound of sizzling caused by fire and water meeting each other was harsh. The fire gradually weakened but did not go out completely. Sammul turned to leave, but a sound behind him stopped him.

"I'm giving you something back. In the future, you have to think carefully before doing anything."

Nabeya was still sitting there without any intention of getting up. She enjoyed the dark space, cold wind, a little warmth and a bottle of fruit beer in her hand.

"Thank you"

Sammul entered his room. He pulled a red pill from his pocket. However, it only had two red pieces left, the medicine inside was gone. Sammul's mouth curled up. He threw them down the toilet and flushed them so no one could see them ever again.

…………………

Day 1. 7 a.m. The second eliminating round.

Today, they gathered in a yard. There were exactly thirty people left, but none of them was as uninjured as those from Hoa's group. There were scars all over their faces and bodies. However, to have their hands on the reward, to reach their feet to the last destination, this price was still too small to complaint.

The judge remained the same, still the same suit and red tie. It was still a cup of hot coffee in his hands. He looked at the people in front of him. A smile gently showed up on his face. Now, no one could even have their mood to raise their lips any bit, except this guy who was sitting then and there to enjoy his fresh coffee.

“Congratulations to everyone who have made it to this round. Standing here are excellent elites. One of you will be the champion of this season. I won't take much of your time anymore. This is the rule of the game."

The Malvis gave each person a bag. Someone tried to open them but was stopped.

“Each person will have a book. When you are in danger, it can be helpful to you. But it can only be used once. So please think carefully and appreciate it.”

“You will go together as a group of three. Each group will enter the multi-terrain area that we have arranged before. We will choose in order from top to bottom, the first person will have the right to choose who they want to put on their team. If that person chooses the person with 2nd and 3rd place in the previous contest, then the next team, the person with 4th place will get to choose who he wants. You all follow that instruction until there are enough teams.”

The examiner continued. "Remember not to let anyone of your teammates die. Once someone dies, the other two will be eliminated together."

Hoa could see that according to this rule, three lives would be joined together as one. Surely her team would have her and Mahoney. If they chose Sammul, with this multi-terrain challenge, it would be extremely disadvantageous. When they had two women in it and one man who was blind, their speed would be greatly reduced. Not to mention if they were attacked, it would be very difficult for them to fight back against their opponents.

If they chose Nabeya, their team would be full of female. Good thing was, Nabeya was stronger than Sammul, at least in terms of physical strength. As for Peccinini, he was also tall and strong, but he was really spontaneous. Hoa found it completely difficult for her to understand and work with him. Moreover, he always wanted to know how she died. How could some trust someone like that? Ander was definitely a no in this case. Apart from physical strength, he was stupid and difficult to handle.

Each had their own strong points and weak points. However, it was clear that the weakest in the team was still Mahoney. Even with her being tougher, to live in a situation where the traps were everywhere, she was still too immature and easy to be intimidated. She had a lot to discuss with Mahoney in order to find the next suitable person for their team.

“The mission of the teams is to get to the tower. The number of winners is only 3 teams. And you'll have seven days to get there."

One of them raised his hand and asked.

“Do we have a map?”

“You can buy a map with the same amount of your reward for your rank in the first round. The money levels include $4000, $1000, $750, $500, $400, $300, $200, $100, $50, $25. If the first person chooses the person with the second and third place in their group. They get $4000. The first 4th place person will find a team and get $1000, until the last team gets only $25.”

The judge smiled and added.

“We will give you two minutes to think about your team selection. After forming your team, each team will step into our stockpile to make a purchase. Please consider carefully, what to buy and what not to buy.”

“Now, the game officially begins…”

……….

Hoa pulled Mahoney into a corner to talk. First place was Mahoney, second was Sammul, third was Hoa, fourth was Nabeya, fifth was Peccinini. They needed to think carefully about who should be chosen among the remaining three.

"Who do you want to choose?" Hoa asked. She wanted Mahoney to be as comfortable as possible.

“Why did you put my answer sheet first?” Mahoney put her hands on Hoa's shoulders. Their eyes met each other.

“Perhaps I was in such a hurry that I accidentally put there?” Hoa smiled. “Is that important now? We should find someone to join the team.”

“You intentionally put mine first, didn’t you? To let me have the advantage?” Mahoney squeezed her best friend's shoulders.

“….”

“Yes, true. It will help you a lot this round.” Hoa confirmed. She had placed Mahoney's answer sheet first, the latter she had not paid too much attention to. The judge also said that the winner would have had a very special treat, so she had wanted to give it to Mahoney.

“Okay, let’s choose Sammul!” Mahoney smiled happily and announced her decision.

"I got it"

Sammul was a bad decision, but not truly terrible. He's smart and did a great job. Without his superior sense of smell, Hoa might not have won in the first round.

……………….

“Everyone has made their own choices, right? Now is the time to team up. 1st place, Mahoney, please step forward! Who will you choose for your team?”

“You, her and Hoa. The worst team for this challenge. Congratulations from the bottom of my heart” Nabeya took a look at the tiny girl before laughing at Sammul beside her.

“She… won’t choose Hoa!” Sammul spoke up.

"What makes you say so?"

Her finger was bruises with blood. She was torn inside. What could make her like this? Nabeya looked at Hoa who was standing next to her. Her face was very bright. It was clear that there was no conflict between the two of them. So surely the thing that bothered Mahoney was only…

“I choose… Ander and Peccinini!”Chapter 17: The Unexpected Decision

November 13th, 2100

Today is indeed a very happy day. The hall is full of blood. I heard their hearts beat wildly, crazily before fading away and disappearing. That must have been how humans feel knowing that they are about to die in vain. That desperation and injury gave my music notes a chance to break their own cocoons. That is just so beautiful!

I don't know why I'm helping the girl, honestly. Perhaps I was fascinated by the sound of blood hitting the delicate walls of those veins. Each and every body has its own tune. From that flow, I feel the harshness but not rushing or drastic enough. I wanted to see when she screams out for help, how stimulating the crazy pulse bouncing in her veins would be.

The next game will be even more intense, I will try to wait until the day I can see that shining moment!

Peccinini

Sitting in Mahoney's room, Hoa began to cut off her friend’s excess hair with scissors. Mahoney grew her hair because of her brother, because Xavier had said that he had really wanted Mahoney to be the muse for his future songs. Unfortunately, that would have never had a chance to happen in any time of this era of history.

“Don’t you feel regret? Doing this?” Hoa asked. Her blonde hair was really beautiful. It was a proof that it had been very well taken care of.

"Not a bit. Xavier is gone, anyway. The long hair makes me look weak. It is no longer suitable for this deadly game.” Mahoney smiled happily looking at Hoa. Maybe only being with this close friend of her that she could completely relax like that.

“Okay. Done. After finishing the game, we will go to the best hair salon and ask the beautician to make it better. Okay?” Hoa went to bed, but Mahoney stayed silent.

Would there really be a future for the two of them? Everyone knew that through all seasons there was only one winner, no one had ever split the throne. Even if there were two lucky people who would make it to the last round, they would split the prize and only get $100,000 for each? That money could not solve anyone's problems. That was no helpful to save and replace the liver for Hoa's father, and it was also not possible to free Mahoney from the evil family.

“From the next round, please don’t hold back!” Mahoney looked at Hoa. Her eyes were full of determination.

“Okay, I definitely won’t hold back!” Hoa smiled to reply.

…………………

On the rooftop, 11pm, 8 hours before the second eliminating round.

Nabeya and Sammul were on the top of the building. The fire was like the color of burning blood. They were all holding red, strawberry-flavored beer bottles. The wind whistled through the flesh, but no one felt the cold.

“Tomorrow could be a team competition” Nabeya spoke up to break the silence. Waiting for this guy to start the conversation would even more difficult than waiting for a pig to fly.

“You want to team up with me and her” Sammul curled his lips.

“Sounds like you want to be on the same team with Hoa. Not a bad idea! But it's not certain that her friend will choose you."

Nabeya also tapped beer into her mouth. When Hoa submitted the answer sheets, she was in a hurry and didn't carefully calculate which one would be the first to be submitted. When the electronic board appeared the person at number 1, it was Mahoney.

They had just been revealed by Malvis that the next challenge would be teammates. They would most likely have a couple groups to go together. Sammul was awesome, she could see. A blind guy would have better advantage in small and dark spaces. But if he was out there, in a large terrain with lots of traps and required fast speed, he would definitely be a boil, a burden that no one wanted to get involved with.

"We don't know how the rules of the next game will be. You may look down on me now, none-taken, but there are countless good-eyed guys are nothing but being blind"

Sammul finished speaking and stood up. He poured the remaining beer into the fire. The sound of sizzling caused by fire and water meeting each other was harsh. The fire gradually weakened but did not go out completely. Sammul turned to leave, but a sound behind him stopped him.

"I'm giving you something back. In the future, you have to think carefully before doing anything."

Nabeya was still sitting there without any intention of getting up. She enjoyed the dark space, cold wind, a little warmth and a bottle of fruit beer in her hand.

"Thank you"

Sammul entered his room. He pulled a red pill from his pocket. However, it only had two red pieces left, the medicine inside was gone. Sammul's mouth curled up. He threw them down the toilet and flushed them so no one could see them ever again.

…………………

Day 1. 7 a.m. The second eliminating round.

Today, they gathered in a yard. There were exactly thirty people left, but none of them was as uninjured as those from Hoa's group. There were scars all over their faces and bodies. However, to have their hands on the reward, to reach their feet to the last destination, this price was still too small to complaint.

The judge remained the same, still the same suit and red tie. It was still a cup of hot coffee in his hands. He looked at the people in front of him. A smile gently showed up on his face. Now, no one could even have their mood to raise their lips any bit, except this guy who was sitting then and there to enjoy his fresh coffee.

“Congratulations to everyone who have made it to this round. Standing here are excellent elites. One of you will be the champion of this season. I won't take much of your time anymore. This is the rule of the game."

The Malvis gave each person a bag. Someone tried to open them but was stopped.

“Each person will have a book. When you are in danger, it can be helpful to you. But it can only be used once. So please think carefully and appreciate it.”

“You will go together as a group of three. Each group will enter the multi-terrain area that we have arranged before. We will choose in order from top to bottom, the first person will have the right to choose who they want to put on their team. If that person chooses the person with 2nd and 3rd place in the previous contest, then the next team, the person with 4th place will get to choose who he wants. You all follow that instruction until there are enough teams.”

The examiner continued. "Remember not to let anyone of your teammates die. Once someone dies, the other two will be eliminated together."

Hoa could see that according to this rule, three lives would be joined together as one. Surely her team would have her and Mahoney. If they chose Sammul, with this multi-terrain challenge, it would be extremely disadvantageous. When they had two women in it and one man who was blind, their speed would be greatly reduced. Not to mention if they were attacked, it would be very difficult for them to fight back against their opponents.

If they chose Nabeya, their team would be full of female. Good thing was, Nabeya was stronger than Sammul, at least in terms of physical strength. As for Peccinini, he was also tall and strong, but he was really spontaneous. Hoa found it completely difficult for her to understand and work with him. Moreover, he always wanted to know how she died. How could some trust someone like that? Ander was definitely a no in this case. Apart from physical strength, he was stupid and difficult to handle.

Each had their own strong points and weak points. However, it was clear that the weakest in the team was still Mahoney. Even with her being tougher, to live in a situation where the traps were everywhere, she was still too immature and easy to be intimidated. She had a lot to discuss with Mahoney in order to find the next suitable person for their team.

“The mission of the teams is to get to the tower. The number of winners is only 3 teams. And you'll have seven days to get there."

One of them raised his hand and asked.

“Do we have a map?”

“You can buy a map with the same amount of your reward for your rank in the first round. The money levels include $4000, $1000, $750, $500, $400, $300, $200, $100, $50, $25. If the first person chooses the person with the second and third place in their group. They get $4000. The first 4th place person will find a team and get $1000, until the last team gets only $25.”

The judge smiled and added.

“We will give you two minutes to think about your team selection. After forming your team, each team will step into our stockpile to make a purchase. Please consider carefully, what to buy and what not to buy.”

“Now, the game officially begins…”

……….

Hoa pulled Mahoney into a corner to talk. First place was Mahoney, second was Sammul, third was Hoa, fourth was Nabeya, fifth was Peccinini. They needed to think carefully about who should be chosen among the remaining three.

"Who do you want to choose?" Hoa asked. She wanted Mahoney to be as comfortable as possible.

“Why did you put my answer sheet first?” Mahoney put her hands on Hoa's shoulders. Their eyes met each other.

“Perhaps I was in such a hurry that I accidentally put there?” Hoa smiled. “Is that important now? We should find someone to join the team.”

“You intentionally put mine first, didn’t you? To let me have the advantage?” Mahoney squeezed her best friend's shoulders.

“….”

“Yes, true. It will help you a lot this round.” Hoa confirmed. She had placed Mahoney's answer sheet first, the latter she had not paid too much attention to. The judge also said that the winner would have had a very special treat, so she had wanted to give it to Mahoney.

“Okay, let’s choose Sammul!” Mahoney smiled happily and announced her decision.

"I got it"

Sammul was a bad decision, but not truly terrible. He's smart and did a great job. Without his superior sense of smell, Hoa might not have won in the first round.

……………….

“Everyone has made their own choices, right? Now is the time to team up. 1st place, Mahoney, please step forward! Who will you choose for your team?”

“You, her and Hoa. The worst team for this challenge. Congratulations from the bottom of my heart” Nabeya took a look at the tiny girl before laughing at Sammul beside her.

“She… won’t choose Hoa!” Sammul spoke up.

"What makes you say so?"

Her finger was bruises with blood. She was torn inside. What could make her like this? Nabeya looked at Hoa who was standing next to her. Her face was very bright. It was clear that there was no conflict between the two of them. So surely the thing that bothered Mahoney was only…

“I choose… Ander and Peccinini!”