ALL NOVEL Chapter 296: Back to the Cell
Ty acknowledged the urgency with a respectful tone, "I'm on my way, sorry for making you wait, Lieutenant sir."
He gave his face a final splash of water before exiting the bathroom to find the Lieutenant standing at the center of the room. Ty ran a hand through his hair, stifling a yawn, "Let's just get you back to the holding area."
"The longer it takes to deliver you, the higher my risk of landing in jail. Now, please put your hands out," the Lieutenant explained, a hint of tension in his voice.
Ty complied, stepping forward to allow the black stones to be clasped to his hands. "So, I'm this big bad demon, right?" he inquired, seeking confirmation or perhaps understanding.
"Yeah, you already know that. Why do you ask?" the Lieutenant responded, somewhat puzzled by the question.
As they began to exit, Ty pondered aloud, "Well, I haven't been here long, that's for sure. But, uh, why haven't I seen any other demons, or much in the way of rebels, for that matter?"
It was nearing 5:30 AM as they stepped outside. The dual suns began their slow ascent over the city's horizon, casting a gleaming red on one side and blue on the other. As their light merged, it painted a subtle streak of purple across the sky, adding a surreal beauty to the dawn of a new day.
"Interested in the history of this world, are you?" The Lieutenant began as they walked down the street, Ty concealed beneath a hood to obscure his identity from prying eyes as they neared the Lieutenant's vehicle.
"Well, for starters, it's been just about 80 years since the Kingdom triumphed over what are now referred to as the rebels," he explained, providing a glimpse into the turbulent past that shaped their present.
Ty, pondering this revelation, responded, "Hmm, but the recent bombing and attacks seem to suggest that there's still a rebel force attempting to achieve something, at the very least, right?" Find your next read at m_v l|e'm-p| y r
The Lieutenant shrugged, a noncommittal gesture that conveyed both uncertainty and a hint of concern. "Possibly, though I'm more curious about identifying that orange-haired man," he admitted, revealing his personal intrigue amidst the broader conflict.
As Ty settled into the car, the engine growled to life, the Lieutenant placed his hand on the central orb, initiating control over the vehicle. "I did mention he was bad news—really bad news. You should—"
"I'm aware he might pose a significant threat, as you've indicated. And your sudden appearance here suggests he's likely connected to it. But considering you're a Demon, I naturally take everything you say with a grain of suspicion. So, don't take it personally," the Lieutenant interjected, his voice firm yet tinged with the complexity of their uneasy alliance.
Intrigued by the world's history, Ty listened as the Lieutenant began to unfold the past. "It's been roughly 80 years since the Kingdom emerged victorious in the war against what are now referred to as the rebels," he explained as they walked down the street, Ty's face hidden beneath a hood to shield him from the gazes of passersby. They were approaching the Lieutenant's car.
Responding to this, Ty mused, "Hmm, but the recent bombing and attacks seem to suggest there's still a rebel force attempting to make a move, right?"
The Lieutenant gave a noncommittal shrug. "Possibly, though I'm more curious about identifying that orange-haired man."
As they settled into the car, which hummed to life, the Lieutenant placed his hand on the central orb to steer. Ty reminded him, "I did tell you he was bad news, really bad news, you should—"
"I'm aware he may pose a significant threat, as you've mentioned. And your sudden appearance here is likely not a coincidence. But given your nature as a Demon, I can't take your word at face value. It's nothing personal," the Lieutenant interjected.
Ty scoffed, "Everyone seems to think they'll be the one to catch him. I don't want to give him too much credit, but I've seen him planning, laying groundwork years in advance. It's conceivable that even my presence here is part of his contingency plans."
Acknowledging Ty's speculation, the Lieutenant focused on the present, "But you're correct about one thing—we can only influence our current situation. Whether or not you believe I have your best interests at heart, you understand that winning this 'Arena of Life' is in your favor, right?"
With a simple nod, the Lieutenant accelerated, the car speeding down the road. "Yes, that's part of it. As you're aware, the victor is granted a wish by the king."
Ty paused, considering the implications. "So, you're saying there have been 80 winners who've had their wishes granted? And from what I gather, this event primarily involves hardened criminals, correct?"
The Lieutenant chuckled, appreciating Ty's perceptiveness. "You're correct. The event was initially devised as a means to penalize rebels and those defying the kingdom, thereby strengthening its dominion, which has indeed become a significant power globally. Over the past 80 years, there have been 80 victors, though not all were adversaries of the realm."
He continued, "After the initial decade, those who staunchly opposed the kingdom had largely been eliminated. Yet, the kingdom's passion for combat did not wane. It continued to smolder within the hearts of its citizens and beyond."
Ty narrowed his eyes, seeking clarification, "So, what exactly are you implying?"
"For about the last 70 years, the Arena of Life has evolved into a premier event for the world's elite fighters. These participants are often branded as severe criminals or beasts to ensure the public's contempt towards them," the Lieutenant elucidated.
"Your arrival has reignited the notion of genuine monsters participating, injecting a fresh wave of excitement into the event." His words filled the air as they reached the jail where Ty had previously been detained.
Ty, still puzzled, pressed on, "But that doesn't really explain why it's been (50) years since someone like me has shown up, does it?"
As the Lieutenant exited the car and came around to open the door for Ty, a rustling sound from Ty's pocket caught their attention. A little blue fairy emerged, stretching and yawning, before commenting with a hint of sarcasm, "Oh, we're already back to playing in prison... yay." With that, she nestled back into Ty's pocket, seemingly resigning herself to a nap.