Heiress (Hanazono Series #2)

Heiress 9: Death Maze

Jess’s POV

The next day we woke up the moment Lavalee called us on our earpiece.

“Breakfast’s ready.” Chelsea informed us so we went to the kitchen.

Nagtaka ako nung kaming tatlo lamng ang nandito. Lavalee’s not her but usually she’s the first one to come.

“Where’s Lav?” I asked the moment I sat on the chair

“Upstairs. Nagbabantay parin.” Sagot ni Irene kaya inion ko ang earpiece ko

“Lavalee, time for breakfast.” I told her

“Ohayo! Go ahead. I’ll eat after you. By the way, check your metal bracelets.” She said and we shook our heads and sighed after hearing it

Sanay na kami. She would always insist to continue doing the job and covering for us then when everything’s sure and safe that’s the only time she’ll be carefree again.

We checked our metal bracelets and read the new notifications.

‘Good day, Students! Those who can read this must’ve survive while those who can’t, condolences to your families. This would be our newest announcement! The Callous Exam is about to commence. The list of challenges will be sent afterwards.’

I swiped the hologram to the left side and it dispersed into nothing. What can I expect. Last night, I wasn’t comfortable so I read the names of the deactivated metal bracelets. Deactivation means you’re no longer breathing because the metal bracelets (according to Chelsea) acquires energy through pulse rate.

I opened the next one and read it.

‘Callous Exam Challenges

> Death Maze – Tuesday/ 5PM - Irene

> Race to Hell – Wednesday/ 10AM - Jess

> Chess of Luck – Wednesday/ 1PM - Chelsea

> Pestillent Tag – Wednesday/ 5PM - Lavalee

> Capture the Flag – Thursday/ 6PM to 7AM

May you reach your desires.’

“So what do we do?” Irene asked

“I’ll take the Chase the Killer.” Lavalee replied

Chelsea shook her head na me na parang sinasabing wag na akong sumali sa usapan.

She looked at the food and I realized why.

We’re eating and yet these two daredevils are currently talking about the gruesome activities that will definitely lessen the number of students that will go back to the school.

“Lavalee, we’re eating.” Saway ni Chelsea kaya natahimik ang dalawa

“Gomen’nasai, Chels.” Sabi ni Lavalee

“Gomen’nasai, Mama Chelsea.” Irene teased so we all chuckled.

After eating, Chelsea went upstairs and later on Lavalee descended downstairs.

She’s probably eating so I went to the front door and stood there.

“So what’s the plan?” I heard Irene asked

“Choose what event you’ll participate in.” Lavalee replied.

She’s done eating na? Ang bilis nila kumain talaga ni Chelsea.

“I’ll play the Chess of Luck.” Chelsea said

“I’ll do the race.” I said and checked the list again

“I’ll take the Death Maze.” Irene said so I checked the schedule and my forehead knotted because of the schedule of that challenge.

Ngayong 5PM yun, and it’s already 5:30AM at puyat pa sila ni Lavalee.

“Then you should rest, Irene. Ikaw ang unang magpaparticipate.” Lavalee said

“I agree, Irene. Hindi magandang lumaban ka ng pagod at puyat ka.” Chelsea said

“Hai! Hai! I will.” I heard Irene surrendered

“Rest well.” I said

“Jess, incoming call for you.” Sabi ni Lavalee

“Connected to your phone, Jess.” Chelsea informed so I answered the incoming call

“Mueoseulyo?” I said the moment the call connected to my phone

[Andrea!] I rolled my eyes heavenward

This guy. He’s the only one who’s brave enough to get on my nerves.

“What do you want?” pagtataray ko sa kanya

[Icarus told me you’re participating in the Callous Exam. Mag-ingat ka, Andrea. Pakakasalan pa kita.] he said

“You don’t have to tell me that, Bryle.” I replied sternly

[I know. I know you can handle yourself but I’m worried. Please be safe, I love you.] he said and I sighed

“Majayo! You don’t have to worry, Bryle. I can and will come back safely.” I said reassuringly

(Korean: That’s right!)

“I love you, Andrea. Please, stay safe.] he said

“Jaega alkiiloneum. Momjosimhaseyo.” I replied to him and smirked

He wouldn’t understand because I spoke too fast.

(Korean: I understand that. Take care of yourself.)

[Huh? Hindi ko naintindihan pero sana hindi insulto yung sinabi mo. Bye na nga. Nakakabakla. Naiiyak ako. Shi-] he hang up after that

I can’t help but chuckle. Sometimes, he’s not irritating but touching.

“Sweet!” sabay na irit nung dalawa

Oh yeah, I forgot to turn off my earpiece

“Urusai.” Mahinang saway ko sa dalawa

“Shouldn’t you be sleeping right now, Lavalee?” I asked her

“Aniyo, kwaenchanayo. Joneun jal jinaeyo, Jess. I can manage.” She replied

(No, thank you. I’m fine, thank you, Jess.)

“Wag mo nang pilitin, Jess. Matigas ulo niyan.” Kalmadong saad ni Chelsea

“Chelsea, can you activate the traps on the first floor for a while? I want to play.”  I asked Chelsea

“Hmm. Sure thing. Don’t go too far, you’ll attract attention if you do.” She reminded me

“Yeah. I understand.” I said and went out of the building

The sun’s rising. For normal people, it’s a new chance but for us who belong to the dark side of the world, it’s another round of fighting.

I walked with class like I’m in a runway.

Duh! I’m walking on the asphalt road that looks like a red carpet because of the crimson blood that had dried.

I’m not that disgusted anymore because I got used to it. I’ve been living in this side for seven years now. Lavalee helped me escape the hands of death when we were just 11 year old.

I encountered a man with a big bulky body. He still looks like a student but he’s too big. I think this one’s working under a yakuza.

“Ang ganda mo naman miss.” He smiled maniacally making me scoff and roll my eys

“I know. I don’t accept praises from unidentified creatures though.” Maarteng saad ko

“Seriously, Jess?” Lavalee asked while laughing

“Sumama ka kaya samin. Kaya ka naming protektahan.” He said so I I looked at them from head to toe one by one.

Eew. SO disgusting!

“No thanks. I’m fine.” I said and walked pass them but the guy held my arms so I digustedly jerked him towards the ground.

Gulat naman silang nakating sa akin. Why ba? Para binalibag ko lang yung leader nila.

“Ikaw na babae ka!” the other shouted with his saliva showering so I stepped back to avoid getting showered with it.

“Eew! You’re saliva’s talsikan. SO digusting.” I said and rolled my eyes.

“Why ba? I know I’m a girl no.” Sabi ko pa at nakita kong lalo lang silang nagalit kaya they attacked me

All of them are holding daggers, kunais and shurikens.

Aww so sad! No katanas! They attacked me while the other guys are throwing the shurikens. I was able to dodge perfectly so I counterattacked and placed a gloves on my hands from my pockets.

I took a kunai and ran around them slicing everyone in close contact.

I punched a guy on his stomach and his chest. I jumped and turned then kicked his diaphragm and chest where his heart is located.

After that I went to the main battle arena. The ground in this place is already bathing with the crimson liquid from the cold corpses.

I walked in the middle like a queen. My head raised high, stomach in, chest out. I smiled with class and when they started throwing daggers at me I elegantly dodged those.

“Are you thinking you’re in some kind of fashion show, Jess?” tanong ni Chelsea kaya natawa ako

Para naman talaga akong nasa runway because may mga tao sa gilid ko making a way for me the only difference is that patay na sila but tao parin sila.

“Not quite, Tal.” Sagot ko at tumakbo na at nagsimulang lumaban.

I threw the daggers I picked up to different directions and continued fighting in a close battle. My gloves are already turning into red because of the blood and my pants and shirt are already stained with blood.

“Time’s up. Try to lure some towards here.” Lavalee said making me smirk

“Time for test drive.” I said and turned my back

“Hoy! Bumalik ka dito!”

“Get back here, b***h!”

“Walang urungan.”

I laughed amused when I noticed that they are running after me. Too stupid.

When I came inside the building I dashed towards the other side.

“Dito ka lang pala tatakbo.” Sabi nila samin

“I want to fight here.” Sabi ko at sinubukan nila akong atakihin but may natapakan silang tile sa sahig dahilan para may mga shuriken na lumipad papunta sa kanila.

Little did they know that they are in the middle of a trap that every wrong step would kill them.

“What’s the matter? Scared already?” I asked and walked towards them.

The other one tried to pull me but I pulled her hard then stepped back making her lose her balancce and land on a trap so I walked back while hearing them writhing in pain. Oh my. I really enjoy hearing people from the underground society beg for their lives because it’s considered a rare thing especially those who are part of the ranking

It’s a very dangerous thing to fight but it is a shame to beg especially since they see themselves almighty.

I took a katana and walked pass them. Stepping on the tiles as if they don’t bring any danger if I make a mistake.

I pulled one of them outside the building and tied them with a rope I saw with the katana.

“Don’t make a mess here, Jess.” Chelsea warned me

“Don’t worry, Tal. I can handle this. I’ll bring them back to the center. The testing is done already, am I right?” I said

“Yeah. Just keep yourself away from any suspicion, Andrea.” Lavalee warned

“Roger, Val.” I said and turned my earpiece off.

Irene’s POV

“Rine, wake up...” I can feel someone tapping my cheeks lightly

“Do you think she’ll make it?” I heard another voice say

“Of course.” I heard someone tapping my cheeks again this time the person seems impatient.

I opened my eyes and sat up, I saw Chelsea and Lavalee seated in front of me. Lavalee is seated on my bed while Chelsea sat on the other side.

“12PM na. Mag-lunch ka na sa baba.” Sabi ni Chelsea at tumayo na sila ni Lavalee kaya tumayo na ako at sumunod sa kanila.

We walked downstairs while Chelsea went to the security room.

“Anong nangyari?” I asked when I noticed the blood trails on the tiles on the front door. The only entrance and exit to this building.

“We tested the security system and none of the test subjects succeeded in passing.” Lavalee replied

“Nasundan ka?” I asked her she chuckled before answering

“Pinasunod sila ni Jess. If you only you saw how classy and spoiled she looked while fighting.” She answered

“Tch. What else would I expect?” I said shaking my head.

She left after we arrived on the dining hall (according to us). I ate as fast as I can and went upstairs.

I took a quick bath and wore a black tee and black jeans. I wore my black converse shoes and went downstairs.

“Nice. Grim reaper Irene.” Lavalee commented when she saw me

“Ah wait. You need this.” Jess gave me a purse.

I opened the purse and I saw bright blue contact lenses ang a black lipstick, there’s also a black base lacquer. I looked at her questioningly.

“Wear those, Irene.” Chelsea said and they made me sit on the chair.

Chelsea helped me wear the contact lenses, then she started applying the lacquer on my nails while Lavalee applied the lipstick on my lips.

After that they made me stand up and turn. Gah! I seriously feel like a doll.

“Now you really look like a grim reaper.” Jess said and unsheated her katana.

I can see my reflection clearly from the blade. She’s right, I look like a grim reaper.

Black clothes, black lipstick and black nail color, added that I have a natural Black long hair. Jess sheated her katana again and placed it on her back

“This.” Chelsea said and went behind me. I felt that it was a choker when I touched it.

“Hindi niyo naman ako pinaglalaruan noh?” I asked sarcastically

“We aren’t.” Lavalee said and Chelsea showed me her iPad.

“The nail lacquer are actually keypads. You can type what you want to see or search and that choker you are wearing can project a computer so I guess you know why we applied the nail color on your nails.” Chelsea explained and I tried it.

So cool!

“Those contact lenses are special lenses as you can see.” She said

The lenses are showing me the vital parts and critical points of their bodies.

“What does the colors mean?” I asked them

May mga nakikita akong kulay green sa mga critical points and vital parts.

“Green are those that are still untouched while as the damage on those parts are getting worser the light turns to yellow, orange and well red if that part have been damaged very badly and as you can see it also applies to you.” Chelsea explained

“How about the lipstick?” I asked and they turned to Jess

“Fine. It’s just to complete the outfit.” She said so I shook my head.

They allowed me to get accustomed to the gadgets by letting me play with the security system on easy level and with them aroun. I somehow got used to it and I can already move without looking obvious that I can see something they can’t.

We went out while Jess and Chelsea we’re left at the building. They said that they will stay there to keep the place secured.

When we arrived at the center of the battle ground the asphalt road is already red. This probably became the red carpet for Jess earlier.

“Johimaeyo, Irene.” Lavalee told me without looking

(Korean: Take care, Irene)

“I will.” I replied and threw my left arm around her which made her smile

“We’re conquerors.” She said and I nodded

“Be ready, Irene, Lavalee, the facilitators are coming.” Chelsea told us so we became alert.

“GOOD AFTERNOON, RFA STUDENTS!!” That greeting boomed from the speakers

“We are about to commence the Death Maze. All participants will have to scan their metal bracelets to be registered..” The facilitator said and Lavalee tapped my shoulders before she walked away

“We’ll be watching, Ire.” she told me through the earpiece

“Watch me succeed.” I said

“We will, Bianca Irene.” Chelsea said making me smirk

I scanned my metal bracelet on the scanner.

“BLARE JANG.”

My name was written as the thirteenth participant

I went inside the dome and we saw a guy, probably a facilitator, on the screen. He smiled and heck it looks creepy.

“Good afternoon, Red Fire Academy students. Are you sure about what you are about to do? This is a death maze, only one will win but you are still lucky if you survive the built in challenges, traps and the bloodlust of your fellow students inside the death maze.” He said making me scoff at his statement.

I’ve been through a lot worser than this to be scared at this kind of game but I think it’ll be harder considering I don’t have an intel to ask information but having these gadgets, I think I’ll manage.

“You will be given an hour to prepare. Take whatever you want, any weapon you think will help you. Your timer starts now.” The screen changed into a black screen with a ticking sound and decreasing numbers

The students started the chaos even before we started the game. There were already corpse scattered around the place because of the rising tension.

“I didn’t know you’ll be joining.” A guy, a member from the Student council said when he saw me.

I ignored him and went inside the maze.

“ALL OUTER ELECTRICAL CONNECTION WILL BE BLOCKED IN 3, 2 AND 1. COMMENCING THE DEATH MAZE.” Once again, sounds of fireworks echoed as different colors we’re shown in the sky. The fireworks were our only light apart from the glowing posts on each corner of the maze. It was as small as a garden gnome but instead of a gnome it is in the form of a skull.

I walked slowly when I noticed something. The lights. They have a formation.

It wasn’t just skulls, there were bones of different sizes.

The skeletal system? I tried to follow it but I encountered a bulky man. He’s holding a dagger and a rapier.

He smirked when he saw me so I immediately looked at him and even though it’s too dark I was able to target his vital organs and critical points precisely

He kneeled down and coughed blood. I opened the hologram from my choker and assessed him. At his current state, his whole body is currently paralyzed.

I turned aroun and my eyes widened when I saw the ground lifting like a keyboard.

DAMMIT! It is a keyboard.

Suddenly a hologram appeared in front of me.

SHIT! A DAMN RIDDLE! I only have half a minute to type the answer.

‘Four golfers named Mr. Black, Mr. White, Mr. Brown and Mr. Blue were competing in a tournament. The caddy didn’t know their names, so he asked them. One of them, Mr. Brown, told a lie.

The 1st golfer said "The 2nd Golfer is Mr. Black."

The 2nd golfer said "I am not Mr. Blue!"

The 3rd golfer said "Mr. White? That’s the 4th golfer."

And the 4th golfer remained silent. Which one of the golfers is Mr. Blue?’

What the heck?! This is so freaking  confusing.

I panicked when I saw the time ticking quickly.

Dammit!

I jumped from one letter to another and on the last press I landed the same time the time ended.

I sighed heavily when I got it correct. It is the third one. The third one is Mr. Blue.

A brick opened and I saw a katana. I took it an examined it. It’s enough to help me finish my fights and encounters faster.

I walked while following the bones I saw. I registered it on my choker hologram and like a huge puzzle I slowly was able to build the rib cage.

‘I am your mother’s brother’s only brother in law. Who am I?’

I saw another hologram the moment I was near the left rib cage on the skeletal system I was building on my hologram.

Easy. Even a gradeschool student can answer this.

I jumped from one letter to another. And I smirked when I saw a passage opening. I knew it. Something’s off with this death maze because it seems like everything’s a dead end. It’s because the walls are moving.

My forehead knotted when I saw the floor. It’s an alternate black and red.

Checker? No.

Chess? No.

I studied the whole place. It’s the only way because the wall behind me had closed.

I took a kunai and threw it on a tile and I saw how the walls started beaming lasers.

Just what the heck?!

A trap? I tried to look for a way but it’s really secluded. The only way to move is to pass through the trap.

I remembered my nail keyboards so I immediately recalled what Chelsea and Lavalee told us and what Bloom used to remind us.

Right! Every booby trap has a sequence. A pattern.

But what?

My eyes widened when a hologram appeared.

SHIT!

DAMMIT!

THIS IS F*CKING CRAZINESS!

‘Every 30 second the lasers will activate on the player’s coordinates.’

And with that I saw the timer ticking.

I’ll be toasted in case I fail!

Think, Irene. Think

I made my choker scan the tiles and make a hologram version.

I checked it and that’s when I noticed it. It’s unnoticeable because it’s dark but because I made a copy of it using a hologram I was able to see it.

It’s not just a tiled floor! It’s a goddamn word puzzle.

|E|T|D|C|R|P|S|

|J|I|L|G|M|A|E|

|L|W|G|J|N|L|U|

|P|A|Q|E|X|L|A|

And there it is! The clue! I stepped on it swiftly remembering the correct spelling even if it’s so pressuring especially when it’s already down to three seconds.

|E|T|D|C|R|P|S|

|J|I|L|G|M|A|E|

|L|W|G|J|N|L|U|

|P|A|Q|E|X|L|A|

The letters I stepped unto glowed and turned to red.

When the wall opened I needed to fight off five men. They’re all holding a baseball bat on the hands so I needed to swiftly and neatly slice the bats.

“Mahina ka parin miss.” The other guy told me and I mentally shook my head. Men and their goddamn ego.

“It’s five against one.” I said and they plunged a punch towards me which I immediately dodged. I closed my eyes because It’s so damn confusing seeing to many dots and information.

It’s making my head hurt because I couldn’t control which I should only see. I can see all that it’s very confusing so I have to close my eyes.

I run towards them and waved my katana side ways and around me. I turned around and I can feel something sticky landing on my skin.

“D-demonyo!” the one who survived but got injured very badly said while pointing me

“I’m a grim reaper, not a demon, idiot!” I snickered and slowly played with my katana.

I swayed it fast making the blood surrounding it scatter and splatter all over the place and on my arm.

I smiled devilishly and walked towards him.

I slit his nape making blood spurt. Good thing I was able to jump away so I was able to dodge it.

I was able to find the end of the maze and I scanned my bracelet and smirked when I saw the fireworks that are exploding in the sky.

“Congratulations, Irene.”  I heard Chelsea congratulate me

“I did it.” I said while looking at the sky when I felt a presence and killing intent so i immediately blocked his rapier with my katana.

I manipulated it and slit his throat.

“Loser.” I said and a little later the walls opened and it made a way back to the center.

“Let’s welcome our Death Maze Champion, BLARE JANG!” he said and my named ranked up to the first place in the score board.

I know this would happen.

“We will see tomorrow if Irene can keep her rank or if someone will steal it.” The facilitator said

“I’m not participating tomorrow.” I announced and it earn a lot of reactions

“Duwag!”

“Boo!”

“Lumaban ka bukas!”

“But why?” the facilitator asked so I smirked

“It’s a game tactic.” I replied and stepped down

When everyone’s already gone I smiled and he welcomed me for a hug.

“I knew you can do it. Congrats!” he greeted and kissed my temple

“Thanks.” I replied

“You look like a grim reaper, added those blood stains.” He said and I smiled

“Wait, I’ll just contact them.” I said and typed the message into thin air and I can see fascination in his eyes

“What is it, Jax?” I asked him and he shook his head

“Chelsea’s invention? You have contact from the outside? That’s cheating.” He said and shook his head

“No. I didn’t. The facilitator said that anything can be brought inside since they’ll deactivate and block any contact from the outside.” I said

“Smart. I’m curious on what your base looks like.” He said and I chuckled

“Tal, Val, Jaxith wants to visit, can he?” I asked them

“Sure thing.” Lavalee replied and I lead Jaxith to our base

“That simple?” Jaxith unbelievingly asked and I nodded.

He can’t believe what it looks on the outside so I invited him in and rushed towards the other side of the floor.

He tried to pass the security trap but we laughed at him because he failed.