My eyes bulged out as my throat constricts tightly. If this girl truly is a reaper, then the death of all other game participants will be ensured, including me.
See within the arena; each captured individual are separated into graded categories—with the more powerful ability one has, the higher their placement within the ranks become. People who reach the
A and S rank receive more rewards after winning their battles. However, they may only fight prisoners who are a rank higher or lower than them—therefore increasing the likelihood of death.
But within the ranks are individuals whose power exceeds everyone else, abilities that can only take lives and contribute nothing to anything else.
The Reapers.
If the information I have is right, then there are only seven categorized reapers within Reglain, and this girl might be one of them. Each of the Reapers wields different skills and are well known for their cruel nature and deadly abilities. If I were to face any one of them, then there is no question as to whether I will survive the encounter.
I lowered my head immediately, swallowing the words that were threatening to come out of my mouth. All three of us within this room are severely injured from prior battles and punishments—even if we are not, there is still no way for us to be saved. Especially not now that this girl entered the waiting cage, preparing herself to step into the arena. I don't know what abilities she has, but if one simple collar that can incapacitate an almost B rank ice user is not enough to contain her… then
I dread to know the extent of her powers.
I scooted over to the wall, widening the distance between the two of us. Only to feel a stabbing gaze directed towards me, inciting my fearful eyes to lift towards the source of the uncomfortable stare. Her face remains calm and expressionless as she watches me directly, it wasn't until I stared into her brown eyes that I felt greater fear stirring within me.
Dead.
Lifeless.
Appearing like an endless void, seemingly without the hint of life in them. My heart throbbed painfully against my chest, as the fear started mixing with curiosity and sympathy. No bloodlust nor ill intention was stemming from the young woman sitting in front of me, in fact, there is nothing in her that suggests that she is alive. Sure, happiness and comfort are things that one cannot find within the arena—but pain and suffering and fear are always swimming inside each of us. To see a girl as young as she be a blank canvass surely pulls people's heartstrings. She continued to stare at me, eyes blinking now and then. I was about to ask her if she needs anything, only to have her quickly turn around and stare outside of the barred window.
I sighed pitifully inside my head. I know that I should talk less in this situation, but I can't help but be worried that she may harbour negative feelings towards me. Ultimately making my death worse than it should be. God knows the horror that one must face for carelessly opening their mouth.
I was about to close my eyes and take one last nap before needing to march to my death when a soft voice called out.
"Uh," she mumbled lowly, facing my direction once again. "There is a spider on your hair."
"Huh"
"There is a spider on your hair," she repeated, making patting motions on the top of her head. "It's pretty big."
I mindlessly lifted my hands and pushed my hair backwards, only to feel something crawl over the back of my knuckles. Sure enough, a spider half the size of my fist crawls quickly downwards to my forearm. My breath thundered loudly as I fling the arachnid towards the other side of the room, biting down on my lips to prevent myself from screaming. She looked sadly towards the spider which ended up hitting the brick wall and being squished to death by the other boy sitting next to it.
Her pitiful gaze sent my mind on the alarm. She obviously feels bad for the spider that I recklessly killed. Is it her pet? Did she want me to give it to her? What if she decides to kill me now that I murdered it! I cleared my throat out loud, lowering my shoulders to appear submissive.
"Is… is it yours?" I asked apologetically.
"No."
She then shifted back into her former position and stared lifelessly outside of the window once again. I wanted to apologize more since she obviously did not want me to kill the spider, but I feared that I would be overstepping my boundaries. I inhaled sharply before opening my mouth once again, but the gate slammed open, and the guards once again entered the cage. They scanned the room, before their eyes eventually settled on me.
"3686, it's your turn."