HPDBC Chapter 301: Sparring Session Starting
Chapter 301: Sparring Session Starting
Ty sighed, his thoughts trailing off into the ether of sleep. "I still can't figure out what that third person inside of me meant by having to choose a side though?" His question hung in the air, unanswered as he drifted into unconsciousness.
As Ty's eyes closed, he envisioned a pair of white clouds hovering above what seemed to him like Earth. There, he saw a version of himself painted in black, gazing back at him with calm, red eyes and a serene smile.
"Are you the monster or creature inside of me?" Ty inquired.
"Something like that," the creature responded vaguely.
Looking around, Ty asked, "And what are you doing exactly?"
"Just enjoying the view of some old memories," the creature answered as Ty peered down over the edge, observing a large gathering of people. Men dressed in black and women in white mingled together, their laughter echoing, embodying a sense of freedom and joy.
"These are your memories? Who exactly are you?" Ty pressed, seeking clarity.
The creature's smile faded, choosing not to respond to Ty's query. Suddenly, a bomb detonated below, transforming the scene as screams pierced the tranquility. Ty was jolted awake by the sound of a baton slamming against the cell bars, pulling him abruptly back to the grim reality of his confinement.
Ty, fueled by frustration, slammed his fist down on the ground, muttering curses under his breath. "As soon as I feel like I'm understanding something, I get more lost than where I began... why the hell—" His rant was cut short by the guard's sharp call. "Hey, Demon Boy! Please don't make me ask twice!"
"Yes, sir, but aren't the other participants people who actually desire to be in it versus being forced?"
Ty observed as the Lieutenant elaborated on the competition's stakes, highlighting the dual nature of its participants—those seeking redemption and those with wishes to be fulfilled. "Of course, at the end of the day, whoever wins earns pardon of all crimes and guilty pleas. Someone on death row can even lead a good life if they win.
But those who have not committed any sins also aim for wishes to be fulfilled, so I don't think the watchers will care too much. But we will see."
"R-right," the guard agreed, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "Well, I look forward to you bringing him back, and, Demon Boy, please don't give the Lieutenant any problems." With a bow, he exited, leaving Ty no opportunity to respond.
The Lieutenant then turned his attention to Ty, proposing a move to a more action-oriented setting. "Let's get you into a sparring zone. I want to see you use that sword. I did some studying on it and found nothing about it. Even trying to use it myself, it was nothing more than a fine-looking blade that sliced well."
He continued, addressing the uncertainties surrounding the sword's origins and capabilities. "You mentioned this man who brought it can't be trusted, but until we know what the sword can do, it's hard to piece together points of where we can take this."
"Sure, I don't mind trying anything at this point, whatever helps bring him down and win this tournament," Ty expressed, showing his willingness to confront whatever challenges lay ahead to achieve his goals.
The Lieutenant gave Ty a confused look and asked, "A what?"
Ty elaborated, "A tournament. Like where a bunch of people fight, and only one or two end up as winners? Usually, you see it in sports like basketball or football after a long season. The best teams go into a tournament style where, over time, only two teams remain, and then you have a winner for the year."
Still looking puzzled, the Lieutenant admitted, "I didn't understand half of that. What does that have to do with anything? Though, it seems you mean the Arena of Life but less cool."