'Tick-tock, tick-tock'
The clock was ticking, the time was running. In about 30 minutes, the next contestant was supposed to start fulfilling their assigned tasks. Contestant number 1 was fumbling as he tried his best to fulfil his duties. If one were to be put into his shoes, one could understand what he was going through. He looked pitiable to the onlookers.
'TRRRIIIIIIIINNNNGG'
The alarm clock sounded. Its sharp sound piercing the eardrums of the contestants as they covered their ears. It wasn't too loud but it was an irritating sound.
"Chop, Chop. Contestant 2, it's time. Hurry up and come forward to fulfil your duties", Mr Russell announced with his hoarse voice that was as intimidating as his face. He looked terrifying for real this time around. He was an intimidating man but when he got serious, that's when you knew you could get in trouble easily.
The next contestant stepped forward to take up their assigned duties. It was a girl named Paula.
She was a little nervous at first, her face was a little sweaty but her confidence was brimming through her. Rather she showcased a strange sense of excitement and courage to perform.
"Good", Mr Russell smiled. He was pleased but his smile was scarier than his serious face. The weak-hearted contestants were terrified. Even brimming with confidence 'Paula' was squirming a little from his smile.
Paula still held her ground and was ready to take on whatever may come her way.
"What are your assigned duties? Please read them aloud", sweet Mrs Maria had also undergone a change at this point. The sweetness in her voice from before was nowhere to be found.
Paula read aloud for everyone's knowledge, "Ballet dance with a leopard, prepare tea in Japanese style and write and recite a poem on the Amazon forest." She shivered after listening to her own words. She must've got the shock of her life.
"How could you make us do this? We are humans too! We're not mere pawns ready at your command, pleasure and disposal", shouted a brave man amongst the crowd. His name was Victor Gilbert. He couldn't stand the indifference with which they were being treated.
Alena agreed with Victor but she was observing how the events were unwrapping in front of her eyes. She didn't want to act on impulse but she knew the boy standing up for them was the right thing.
"Seems like someone's displeased", smirked Kai, his head resting on his palm. "If it's bothering you so much, the door is right over there. You're free to leave", stated Kai closing his eyes. His indifference spread across the room, as it was obvious, he didn't care. The room froze as if his indifference had just dropped the room temperature making the room akin to a freezer.
Victor was left speechless. Mr Arnold only watched whilst pushing his spectacles up the bridge of his nose. He wanted to watch what the young boy had in mind, but mostly it was to allow the boy to associate with the candidates. Arnold knew what Kai was doing was wrong but he didn't interrupt despite knowing that.
Just like Mr Arnold, Alena too was observing. She read the atmosphere of the room. Kai was indeed as the rumours said about him, 'cold'. She couldn't help but wonder what bizarre things would reveal themselves in front of her next.
"Miss Paula, what's wrong? Young Master is waiting, please begin", said the sweet Miss Maria in a stern and cold tone. The sweet aura of Mrs Maria seemed to have vanished now, completely. Everyone in the room could feel how tense and cold the atmosphere was.
Paula was shaking in fear, her palms felt so sweaty that she could swear they'd fill a bucket. She was terrified when the leopard was brought inside the room. Her face was a thing to watch, as it lost all colour turning from pale to white. She was trembling as if she had been seated on a massage chair. Cold sweat all over her place.
"Miss Paula, if you don't wish to participate, the door is right over there. You are free to leave", stated Mr Russell after watching little Paula tremble and shiver like a little puppy.
Apart from the judges, amongst the candidates, Miss Walton was also unfazed by the activities taking place inside the room. She wasn't even batting an eye at the events while a leopard growled inside the room. She was unusually calm, so calm that it was unsettling.
Paula squirmed; she was at the verge of tears. She burst out in tears and ran out the door.
"Well, looks like the decision would be easier to make now", spoke Kai, looking bored as he stared at his nails.
"Looks like you guys have less competition now. One gone, next candidate please come forward!", urged Mr Russell with a stone face. None of the judges seemed bothered by what had just taken place. They seemed to continue with no care. Meanwhile, the other candidates except for Miss Walton were covered in a cold sweat.
Candidate one fell to the ground, drawing in everyone's attention with the thudding sound of his collision with the floor. He had just fallen off his bicycle due to exhaustion.
"Looks like another one is down. Even less competition now", smirked Mr Russell.
"No, please, wait! I was doing fine until now. Please don't eliminate me. I swear I can continue again. Please don't kick me out. I still have energy left", begged candidate number 1, with no sign of empathy from the judges and 'young master Kai'.
"Sorry, but you failed the task. This means direct elimination", stated Miss Maria. The cold from her eyes was intimidating.
"I-I don't want to go back. Please give me another chance", he continued his pleading. With no luck, soon the guards were ordered to come to take him.
"Please take him away. Show him the way out", ordered Mr Russell.
A resisting boy with flailing hands and legs was carried outside the room. The tension in the room had raised up a notch.
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To be continued.....
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Stay tuned for more! ;D