Exhausted, I collapsed onto the bed in my room, my eyes drawn to the vast expanse of the sea visible through the glass wall. Thoughts of Karun, Mom, and Dad swirled in my mind, leaving me restless. Hemma was a constant presence, bringing me food and medicine with precise regularity. Karun, on the other hand, remained silent, avoiding conversation for the rest of the day. Yet, according to Hemma, he checked on me throughout the night, ensuring I wouldn't attempt another escape. That night, I slept deeply, the weight of the day's events finally giving way to slumber.
The next two days passed in a blur. Karun gradually relaxed, and we settled back into our usual rhythm. The official results were released, confirming that we were fit to enter the deadly game. With this announcement, our lives accelerated. We started attending classes led by the research team, who taught us the intricacies of cheat code cracking and explained the technical aspects of the game. Afternoons were dedicated to rigorous physical training sessions focused on shooting, conducted by the elite guard. The pace was relentless, but we were ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Our week began with early morning wake-up calls, the blaring sound of alarms ensuring we started the day at dawn. Each morning kicked off with intense physical conditioning led by the elite guard, pushing our endurance and strength to their limits. We ran obstacle courses, practiced hand-to-hand combat, and underwent various drills designed to enhance our agility and reflexes. Gibbard, the strict and seasoned captain of the guild, monitored our progress with a keen eye, his stern demeanor motivating us to push harder.
After a quick breakfast, we transitioned to the theoretical part of our training. The research team, including the disciplined Daisy, delved into the complexities of cheat code cracking, explaining the algorithms and strategies needed to manipulate the game's system. Their lectures were dense with information, requiring our full attention and quick thinking to grasp the intricate details. Liam, who was part of both the research team and the elite guard, often lightened the mood with his jokes, making the heavy material more digestible. We were given practical assignments to test our understanding, often working in pairs to solve problems and decode sequences.
Lunch was a brief respite, providing just enough time to recharge before the afternoon sessions. The second half of the day was dedicated to marksmanship training. Under the watchful eyes of the elite guard, particularly the cold and meticulous vice captain Damian, we practiced shooting with various firearms, honing our accuracy and precision. We learned to handle different types of weapons, from pistols to rifles, each session more challenging than the last. Astrid, the only female member of the elite guard, was supportive and often shared tips, her humorous nature making the grueling sessions more bearable. Aiden, always professing his love for Astrid, kept us entertained with his constant, dramatic declarations, much to her amusement.
One day, during a particularly tough shooting drill, Aiden tripped and fell in an overly dramatic fashion, sprawling across the training ground. "Astrid, my love, I have fallen for you again!" he exclaimed, making everyone burst into laughter, even the usually stoic Damian cracked a rare smile. Liam took this opportunity to quip, "Aiden, if only your aim was as good as your timing for a joke!"
Evenings were spent in strategy meetings, where we discussed tactics and shared insights gained from our training. Karun and I often stayed up late, analyzing potential scenarios and devising plans to outwit our opponents. Hemma ensured we had everything we needed, her quiet support a constant source of comfort amidst the chaos.
By the end of the week, we were exhausted but more prepared than ever. The grueling schedule was taking its toll, but it was also forging us into a team capable of facing the deadly game ahead. Despite the intensity of our training, moments of humor and camaraderie kept our spirits high, binding us closer together.
With all the practice coming to an end, Uncle Gibbard, the captain of the elite guard, came to watch over our training that evening. He bore news that we knew was coming, yet it still put us on edge: the game trials would begin tomorrow. A team was stationed to enter the first level. The team included Astrid, Damian, Liam, Aiden, and Uncle Gibbard himself. Along with us, they would enter the game the next day.
My anxiety must have been evident, as Uncle Gibbard, while explaining, walked over and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Stay strong, Kathy. This hasn't even begun yet," he said. I nodded, offering a half-smile that betrayed my fear.
As he walked away, I collapsed onto a nearby bench. The sun was about to set, and Damian had already ordered Aiden to drop us off at home. Aiden went to fetch the jeep, and the others were also beginning to disperse. Leaning back against the bench, I gazed up at the sky. Birds flew overhead, returning to their nests as a gust of wind blew, stirring the dirt around me. The combination of Uncle Gibbard's strict demeanor, the alarming news, and the sight of everyone heading home made tears well up in my eyes.
Just as I was trying to hold back the urge to cry, I felt a chill on my cheek. Astrid had brought me a drink. "You scared?" she asked gently.
"Nah, it's just some dust flew into my eyes," I replied, adjusting my position and taking the drink from her. She sat beside me, her presence a comforting contrast to the turmoil inside me.
Astrid smiled knowingly and sat down beside me. "You know, it's okay to be scared. We all are, even if we don't show it. Remember, you're not alone in this," she said, her voice soft but firm. "We've trained hard, and we'll face whatever comes together."
Her words offered some comfort, and I nodded, taking a sip from the tin. The cold drink was refreshing, momentarily distracting me from my worries. "Thanks, Astrid," I said, managing a more genuine smile this time.
We sat there for a moment, enjoying the quiet, when Aiden pulled up in the jeep and honked in a rhythmic pattern, earning a glare from Astrid. "Stop it, Aiden, that's annoying," Liam whined.
"No, it's him that's annoying," Astrid corrected.
Aiden, never one to care, replied, "Whatever you say, sweetheart," and signaled us to hop in. As we started driving, I waved goodbye to the others, watching their figures disappear slowly into the dark. It struck me that it was the distance between us that made them look smaller and finally vanish with the trees and bushes obscuring them. Similarly, I tried to distance myself from the overwhelming news I had received, and I felt like I could finally breathe.
Meanwhile, I could hear Aiden and my brother fiercely conversing over something. Their talk went something like this:
"Bro, the key to making a girl fall in love with you is to be mysterious," my brother suggested earnestly.
Aiden scoffed, "Nah, man, girls like confidence. You gotta be bold."
"Yeah, right. And then get slapped for being too forward," my brother retorted.
"You think Astrid will slap me?" Aiden asked, genuinely concerned.
I laughed out loud at them, causing my brother to glare at me. "What's so funny to you?"
"I just can't with you two. So, Aiden, why are you even taking his advice?" I asked, curious.
Aiden started his story about Astrid. "God, she's the love of my life. But she's so tough to crack. I mean, I've been a perfect gentleman, but she just doesn't see it."
"But from what I've seen, it doesn't look like she's totally against it," I said.
Aiden looked at me in disbelief. "Do-do you think Astrid loves me?"
The jeep took a small bump as Aiden was more struck with the thought than the road ahead. Karun swiftly took control of the steering, groaning, "Don't give him false hopes, Kathy."
"No, I'm not. I said what I saw, Aiden. I can't assure you, but she isn't totally against it either." There wasn't just a hint of hope but stars lit up in Aiden's eyes. The last week I spent in training, I had a fair amount of conversation with Astrid. Some of them did include Aiden, and there was a sparkle I noticed in her eyes when his name popped up, so I was quite sure of it.
Aiden, still in high spirits after hearing my opinion, managed to drive safely and dropped us off. He beamed at me. "Thanks for the affirmation, Kathy. I'll pick you guys up tomorrow at 11 o'clock sharp."
I waved back. "Sure, be careful on the way back."
As he drove away, I felt a mix of emotions but a sense of relief. Tomorrow was a big day, but for now, we had a brief respite.