-chapter ninety-

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'His fangs gleamed. His stance was very predatory. Ang pesteng bubwit na lider ng Warbeast.'

"HEX, DON'T mind~" biro ni Voldmir sa katabi na masama ang timpla ng mukha.

Solace spared them a glance. Hex stiffened the moment they saw Feyre fall in the pit, with Life below waiting with open arms. The whole guild noticed the moment Hex' jaw clenched when Life was asking Feyre if she liked him or not. At ang pesteng si Feyre, tumango naman.

Solace sighed. Alam niyang walang ka-alam alam si Feyre sa pinagsasabi ng kasama. She's wearing the face where she's contemplating whether the person's life is worth it or not. Sigurado siyang ang pagpatay ang pinoproblema nito at hindi ang kung ano mang pinagsasabi ni Life. Solace can bet that Hex noticed it too, given the time these two spend together. Napakabilis na ng dalawa mabasa ang isa't isa, however, Hex must be currently drowning in jealousy for him not to realize it

Solace would like to comfort her friend, tell him to get out of his mind and reread Feyre's personality. Tapunan mo na ang babaeng 'yon ng salitang "gusto kita" sa mukha, at iisipin niya lang na gusto mo ng patayan. However, before she could do so, a very fast movement caught her eye.

Mendeleev noticed it. Feyre, the bloodthirsty rogue, is holding back. Her usual hunger for fighting is being prevented. Hindi na nito binabalik ang mga atake niya, and is more focused in escaping. Even the rain of knives and daggers were not enough to faze her. So he stopped and observed. What could the reason be for the rogue's hesitation?

Naalala niya ang guild leader nito. The famous elf warrior who possess the title, 'Slayer'. The famous player who has every men and women swooning. Mendeleev has glanced at her once and immediately understood the sentiments. Solace is truly a beauty. 

However, different from Leon who caught interest, Leev is much more fixated on the rogue that follows the slayer around. He watched her plays and studied her techniques, each of them changing and varying to her emotions and temper. Leev won't deny it. Feyre is truly a fearsome rogue, unafraid to take risks even at the cost of her life. He briefly wonders if all members of Oddcredibles lay their lives on their battle.

Umiling siya't isinantabi muna ang iniisip. Feyre once again caught his eye, walking around and oblivious to the huge pit in front of her. Mendeleev gave it a thought - kung sasabihin niya ngayon sa babae ang naghihintay at atakehin itong muli, the pesky rogues around them might interfere again, but if he let her fall and follow, they can fight peacefully.

He didn't even spare Feyre a glance when she screamed in terror. Mas interesado siya sa floating rock. He's not sure when it will fall down, as it operates randomly, so he frowned and leaped down, fingers gripping his twin knives tightly.

"Something's wrong..." sambit ni Vesta habang tinitingnan ang laban.

Mendeleev came barreling down to the two who immediately intercepted the attack. Isang malaking bugso ng hanging ang namuo at nagkalat ng magtagpo ang dagger ni Feyre at knife ni Leev. Feyre had to crouch down a bit, channeling all her strength to her knees and legs to fight off Leev's intense strength. Agad namang umatake si Life sa binata, dahilan para mapaatras ito at mapatingin sa kaniya. Feyre inhaled deeply and stretched her wrists.

Hex nodded. Despite his boiling irritation, nakikita niya ang current analyzation ni Feyre. Her eyes are mapping the whole pit and her opponents, obviously strategizing her escape. What Hex can't understand is why would she want to leave? When fighting's all she cries about, anyway?

"Why?" mahinang tanong niya sa sarili.

Solace began to shake. Napasulyap silang lahat sa guild leader na mahinang tumatawa.

"Ate Sol? Gutom po ba kayo?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Priamos. Handa na nitong ibigay ang Cheetos na hawak kung hindi lang umiling ang kausap.

"Nah," she wave her hand in dismissal. "It's just that Feyre's up to something stupid again."

"She's always doing stupid things, Solace." ani Voldmir. "Anong klaseng stupid ba 'yan at parang wala siyang planong makipaglaban?"

Solace slightly smirked. "You guys noticed it, right? Feyre's HP bar is decreasing reaaaaal slow."

Unti-unting lumaki ang mata ng mga guild members niya at napasinghal ang mga 'to. Although they look annoyed and frustrated, amusement is dancing in their eyes.

"Sandali, sandali," awat ni Ais. "Anong ibig niyong sabihin? May plano si Feyre?"

"Mm." Hex chuckled. "Our stupid rogue is out there doing her best to have the highest HP before this game ends."

They snickered and Aisling had a grimace that looked like a smile. It's unbelievable. The rogue who will go through such lengths for the taste of fight is avoiding it just to regain her honor? 

"That's-"

"-stupid." Solace finished with the flattest tone.

Napatingin ulit si Aisling sa mga itsura ng kasama. Their once amused faces are replaced by dead ones. As always, Aisling is left wondering about her guild's moods. 

Napatingin muli sila sa screen. Patuloy pa rin ang paglalaban ng dalawang rogues. Although, it's obvious that it wasn't a three-way battle. Mendeleev's attacks are too focused on Feyre, and Life is supporting Feyre rather than fighting her. 

Feyre huffed. Her HP bar reached 91%, which is such a downer dahil ang plano niya pa naman ay 100%. Sinamaan niya ng tingin ang pandak na linder. Kainis naman kasi! She was so close to finishing the game with the highest HP, but no, the stupid dwarf of a leader had to follow and fight her. She cursed mentally. Now that she's avoiding fights, it came to chase her.

A wide slash in her shoulder. Hissing, Feyre jump back and covered her bleeding arm with her chains. It's a good thing her pain tolerance is very high kaya naman parang wala lang sa kaniya ang higpit ng kadena. She observed the floating rock, noticing the small tilt. Life's currently taking most of Mendeleev's attention. Medyo naghe-hesitate tuloy siya kung papatayin niya ang lalaki o hindi.

Mendeleev gave an irritated sigh. Kanina pang parang lamok itong lalaki na kasama ni Feyre. Mendeleev thought that Feyre would be alone, thus making his assassination attempt successful. He didn't plan and prepare for the presence of the other. Kung pwede niya lang itong agad mapatumba, but the male rogue is capable. Answering his every attacks with little sweat.

And because the two of them are fixated with each other, they haven't noticed the obvious shifting of the rock above.

Feyre noticed it. The time is running towards the last two minutes when the rock began to fall. Mukhang hindi pa rin ito napapansin ng dalawa. Feyre smiled and hid in the shadows. Inalis niya ang kadena na nakapalibot sa kanang braso at inihanda ito.

Hindi sakop ng floating rock ang space ng pit. There's a narrow opening at the side. There's also a crack in the pit's wall, courtesy of their fighting. At kapag dadaan na dito ang bato ay kasya na ang limang tao.

So Feyre perfectly waited for that opening, immediately piercing her chaindagger on the falling rock's bottom part and using it as leverage to jump up and squeeze herself through the crack. 

The smoke then covered the entire screen. For a moment, only silence filled the stadium as they watched the most favored rogue get squashed by the rock. Ilang sandali ay may makikita nang pigura ng tao sa gitna ng mga alikabok. Nakatayo ito't hinihingal. Mula sa kamay nito ay mga kadenang umabot sa lupa. Anoher figure lay on the ground, bound in chains.

Voldmir hummed. "I'd never think Feyre is capable of saving another person."

"Nag-guilty ata." sagot ni Solace.

The timer is already counting the last thirty seconds before the game's closure.

"Wait," maeskandalo ang mukha ni Minerva. "Marunong magguilty si Ate Feyre?!"

Mukhang nakuha nito ang atensiyon ng iba. Natigilan sila't napatingin kay Minerva. Their eyes held messages that only they know context of. In just a second, the seven of them already formed a huddle, discussing how Feyre is capable of regret and guiltiness. Solace rolled her eyes at their teammates. Parang hindi pa sila natutulungan ni Feyre kung maka-react.

Feyre inhaled deeply. Sinulyapan niya si Life na nakahandusay sa tabi. Honestly, she wasn't planning on saving him. But when she retrieved her chains, it accidentally surrounded Life and brought him with her. Sayang nga. Hitting two birds with one stone na sana iyon. Literally na stone.

Isang presensiya ang nagpatigil sa kaniya. It was familiar and threatening, like an impending beast that promises death and terror. She smirked, all in pure admiration. That guy is truly a monster, worthy of his position in the rankings. Isang malaking pagsabog ang nangyari at lumitaw ang halimaw. Mendeleev escaped the crushing rock. A true monster.

The timer sounded, signifying the end of the game.

Nagtitigan ang dalawa. Both standing in the other side of the pit, facing each other. Eyes glazing in hunger for a worthy fight with clear results.

Feyre tilted her head to the side, staring the other rogue down with mirth dancing in her eyes. It's a pity, nightmare of a rogue, she thinks, but I can't entertain you for today. I had a different plan that does not include bloodshed. 

Napailing si Solace. The game has ended and their results are out. Vesta is currently preparing for her round, while the rogues are exiting the Basement. Whispers began to break out in the arena, all in hushed and loud voices, expressing their excitement and surprise over how the reckless rogue was collared for this round. 

"This is nuts." natatawang komento ni Cord. "I can't believe Feyre managed to complete her goal."

Solace smiled. She, too, is surprised. Feyre, the most-hated rogue for her recklessness and short temper, sat on the top of the ranks, having the highest HP for this round. 

Comparing today's results with the previous one, Feyre holds the crown for the survivor with the highest HP - 89%. Vesta sighed, fixing the array of bullets trapped in her thighs. She thought Feyre's goal was merely a dream because of her explosive behavior. Ngunit ngayon napatunayan niyang she can also tame herself.

And if that doesn't encourage Vesta to be on top of her game is a lie.\

And everyone can see it.

Five minutes into the game, four NPC's are shot down. The direction of the bullet came from the tallest building. Everyone came to the conclusion of a sniper. And the sniper was shown on screen after her seventh successful kill.

"Grabe..." mahinang tugon ni Voldmir. "Ano ba ang nakain niyong lima at parang G na G kayo this round?"

Feyre loudly sipper on her energy potion. "That's called determination, pre."

"Luh, huwag mo 'kong i-pre. Not funny, dude." may disgusto sa mukha ni Voldmir.

Hex flicked Feyre's forehead. "Anong determination ang pinagsasabi mo diyan, pusa? Alam kong nainggit ka lang sa result ni Leev noong nakaraan kaya ganiyan ang trip mo ngayon."

Umusok ang ilong ni Feyre at sinamaan niya ng tingin si Hex. However, the argument that they all expected ended with Feyre averting her eyes from the fox, confirming his suspicion. Hex smirked.

"I never thought I'd see the day where the cat and fox would be in agreement." ani Aisling.

"Well," Solace humored them. "Alone, Feyre and Hex can be surprisingly domesti-"

Mabilis na tinakpan ni Feyre ang bibig ni Solace at sinipa si Aisling sa tiyan. The dancer grunted in pain and clutched her stomach. 

Aisling cursed. "Walanjo. Bakit may kutsilyo pa 'yang ilalim ng boots mo?"

Hex immediately went to heal his teammate's bleeding stomach. Agad namang inaway ni Minerva at Voldmir si Feyre. Solace ignored them and preferred to observe Vesta onscreen. But it wasn't Vetsa who appeared nor any other players. She can feel her heartbeat on her throat, breath stuttering.

Natigilan siya sa nakita. An all-black yukata with red obi and brown zori. Black hair that reached the obi. Long bangs parted to the side. Charcoal eyes that seemed to read your very soul. Hindi lang nakatali ang buhok niya ngayon, but it's still him.

Solace felt her knees go weak. How...?

How is Hiraeth inside the Dead Ground? The battle ground of the rangers. Hiraeth who appears like a storm, messing her whole life and disappearing without a trace. Hiraeth who is now standing two streets away from a non-suspecting Vesta. Hiraeth who is the very reason for her thumping heart and agreement to the game. 

"Sol?" narinig niyang tawag ni Feyre but her eyes are stuck onscreen. Kahit na wala na ang imahe at napalitan ng nagaaway na rangers. "Bakit namumutla ka?"

"You look like you've seen a ghost, Ate." Priamos hummed.

Hiraeth, registered as an NPC in the game. Which signifies that he is to be killed.

Solace's wide and frightened eyes met Cord's panicked ones. Hiraeth is not an NPC nor is a player. He's trapped, soul chained to the game like his father. So there's a possibility that he won't be resurrected once killed.

And Kill☆Shot is a game that requires all one-thousand NPCs to be killed.

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-chapter end-

[NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW]:

Napalingon muli ako sa likod habang itinutulak ito papasok sa kwarto. Thankfully, we seemed to have lost him. Mahina kong isinarado ang pintuan at tinitigan ang pangunahing problema ko.

I sighed. My decision better be worth it.

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