Second World



Jack stopped after noticing those two red dots. Kramer and Winson asked why he stopped. He didn't reply. He was thinking.

After some time, he climbed down from his bike and started walking while pushing his bike.

"I thought we are in a hurry?" Winson asked.

"I've run out of fuel," Jack answered.

The two looked at the fuel canister on the bike's back. 'Is that empty?' They thought.

"Then why are we walking instead of running?" Winson asked again.

"I'm tired," Jack said, which caused his two companions to look at each other in confused expressions again. 'You were riding the bike the entire time. How can you be tired?' They thought.

Jack walked at a leisurely pace. Kramer and Winson had no choice but to follow his pace.

Jack watched his radar as they walked. Since they were now walking, it didn't take long for the two red dots to come close enough. He noticed the two red dots never got past a certain distance. It was the range of mana sense. Since it was this way, he deduced one of these two red dots must be the old elven martial artist.

Jack was right. The two creeping behind them were Freddie and Saddie. The two had seen Jack and the others from a distance. Seeing the group was only three people, they thought they might get a jump on this group and score some kills.

Freddie recognized Jack after getting nearer. He had fought Jack and knew Jack was an expert swordsman. Although Jack didn't show mana manipulation ability during the fight, Freddie suspected Jack might have mana sense. It would be weird for a youngster to reach such a height in martial art without an understanding of chi.

Hence, he took precautions and kept his distance outside of mana sense's range.

That range was not out of earshot. Jack talked in a rather loud voice to Kramer and Winson while walking, "You two, I have good news for you. We just have to bear one more day. Afterward, we will be free!"

"What? That's great, Your Majesty!" Kramer asked excitedly.

"For real? You have found a way to escape?" Winson was more skeptical.

"Yeah. There is still work to do, but I promise you there is a way. I will get you all out, but you need to follow my instructions."

"That goes without saying, Your Majesty," Kramer declared.

"All right. We have known each other for only a few days, but I can see that you are a good lad. I trust you," Winson said.

The two's mood was now more cheerful after hearing Jack's news. They chatted as they walked. Jack entertained them but he kept his attention on his radar, ready to act in case the two red dots decided to attack.

Freddie and Saddie heard the conversation.

"It's a trap," Freddie whispered to Saddie. "He knows we are following him. He is baiting us out so he can kill us."

Saddie showed a complicated expression.

"You are not believing that bullshit, are you?" Freddie asked. "There is no escape. This place is hell and we are its denizens. We will stay here for our entire lives."

Hearing that steeled Saddie's resolution instead. "This might be a trap, but does it make a difference? If we win this game, we will still be here to join the next one. If we lose, we are forced to train and then join the next game as well. I no longer care if this is his trap to kill us. But if there is a chance that he is being truthful, are you truly going to let it go?"

Freddie was unable to say anything back.

"I'm going out," Saddie told him. She then came out of hiding and onto the road.

"Wait!" She called out. Her slingshot was aimed at Jack.

Kramer and Winson turned back. "Enemy!!" They shouted as they brandished their weapons.

"Hold!" Jack told the two. He smiled at Saddie but otherwise didn't say anything to her. He saw on his radar the other red dot circled to his flank.

"Do you truly mean it?" Saddie asked.

"Mean what?" Jack pretended to not understand.

"What you said just now. Do you truly have a way out of this place?"

"I do," Jack answered.

"Prove it!" Sadie demanded.

"I can't," Jack replied. "It's your choice if you don't want to believe, but know that we are not your true enemy."

The other red dot had now stopped. It was behind them. It was still maintaining a distance outside of mana sense's range.

"So, what's it going to be?" Jack asked. "It's going to get dark soon. I don't think any of us wants to be out here when that happens."

At that moment, the red dot behind him sprang into action, it came at high speed. Saddie also fired her slingshot.

'They still intent on fighting?' Jack thought with disappointment. He unsheathed his wrench and shortsword, but then he noticed Saddie's shooting trajectory. It was slightly off.

The metal ball flew past next to Jack and headed to Freddie who was dashing over.

The shot took Freddie by surprise, but his reflex allowed him to block the shot with his Karambit. He didn't need to, though. A teammate couldn't deal damage.

Freddie glared at Saddie. "Are you mad, woman?!"

"Stay away, Freddie! I'm following them!" Saddie declared.

"Freddie…?" Jack turned to the old elven martial artist. "Uncle Freddie?"

Freddie was bewildered by Jack's statement. Jack pointed at himself and uttered, "I'm Jack! Jack Fei, Domon Fei's grandson!"

"Jack…? Do… Domon…?" Freddie stammered.

Freddie was actually Domon's friend who came to play with Jack using the drunken fist style in the past. Jack couldn't recognize Freddie because his appearance had changed tremendously from the past. He used to have full hair and a clean face. His head was now half bald and a beard covered most of his face. Hence, Jack was unable to recognize him.