The day just before the tenth episode of the Killing Gauntlet Reality Show, there was a sudden fire on the show’s grounds. The fire started in the ape area for reasons unknown. The fire burned ferociously and it still hasn’t been put out now. The show’s original shooting schedule is thus pushed back indefinitely.
George happens to have been stuck in the morning rush then, and he feels uncomfortable the moment he hears it. He doesn’t know why, but he suddenly recalls that time he and Bright interacted together. Bright took a look at the area where the apes lived specifically. For some reason, George also mentioned fire himself that time, so he can’t help but link the two events together.
Ding——His train has stopped at a station, and the door is open.
He hesitates for a second but does not get off. He still goes to the show like usual.
There aren’t many staff members in the show. Most of them returned home after receiving the news. Some who have arrived early are walking outside. They see George, and finds it strange, “haven’t you heard? Today’s off.”
“I did.”
“Aren’t you going back?”
“I’ve something to do.” George vaguely answers his way through and returns to his office. He is surprised to find his leader there. He can’t help but ask what the details of the accident were.
The leader appeared serious, “it might not have been an accident. The fire brigade has just put out the fire of most areas, and the apes are all gone. None of them has escaped, all having died in the fire. Do you think that’s possible?”
“Then…” George’s throat feels parched. His heart is beating fast.
“They might have been eliminated.”
“How is that possible? Nobody can sneak into the show and cause such great damage.”
“Yeah, nobody can…” Besides the internal staff of the show.
At the same time, the Inner City residents are also discussing the incident. Statistician has reported on the losses up until now. Without counting the direct economic losses due to the fire, that the show had to be postponed and the damages this causes to the reputation of the show is severe.
Such a detrimental incident occurring under his leadership is making Director absolutely furious. He is unable to keep up his stance of being a noble scholar. He walks back and forth while swearing, “don’t let me find out who did this. I’ll make them regret being born!” He vents out, then asks, “Detective, what clues do you have?”
The curly-haired young man analyses the crime calmly, “the scene was swept clean, and there were no clues in the CCTV either. We know it’s an expert that is an internal staff of the show. I’ve worked through the attendance records of the previous night, and have narrowed the list of suspects down to 21 people, including the vice-director. I’ll start working down the list by descending order of the rank of their jobs. Half an hour ago the people who had gone to secure him discovered his body at his residence. Preliminary investigation shows it is a suicide committed about an hour after the fire occurred. The vice director is an important suspect, but the possibility of accomplices must not be ruled out. I’ll continue working down the list. Also, the criminal will definitely go check on the show today. All staff members present must be examined as well.
Director nods, “good work.”
Detective tells him that it’s his job, then saying, “compared to the potential suspects, I’m more concerned about the motive. It is possible this is done to postpone the shooting.”
“You mean, the contestants are involved?” It is certainly possible. For example number 56 and the werewolves all have some strong connections. If the upper management of the Outer City is involved, then the incident will not be a simple one.
And then, Statistician suddenly says, “the werewolves and the military have been under my supervision. There were no movement.”
Detective believes Statistician because he does not care about anything other than data. They are the most reliable and honest source currently.
“Focus on number 56 and number 199, or the combination of the two.”
Detective is as sharp as ever, pointing out, “why is it the area the apes lived? Apes are communal animals, and since episode seven they have not elected a new ruler. I suspect they still see number 199 as their leader and listens to his orders.”
Everyone is spooked by this point. Can the slave really do that much unnoticed? Everyone can’t help but look at Gentleman, probing, “about number 199.”
Since the start of the show, Gentleman has been quiet. His expression looks indifferent. Scientist interjects, “I modified number 199 so that he is absolutely loyal to Gentleman.”
“Not necessarily. We’ve seen him before in a social function, not appearing to be obedient or tame.”
Everyone looks at one another, “we need proof.”
Gentleman barely maintains his calm, “certainly.”
To deal with this malicious attack, the show decides to act the opposite of what it wants, and the show starts shooting according to the original schedule, only changing the location of the shoot. The show selected an old studio. Where the show is at is actually the new location that was started from the first episode and only put in use by the second. The first episode took place at a group of closed-off ancient buildings. It is what’s left of the era of the zombie apocalypse, and also where Director directed his ‘Trilogy of Apocalypse’ which propelled him to popularity. It is currently changed into an attraction open year-round for tourists to experience. There are also paid entertainment inside where you can shoot zombies.
“No matter what tricks they pull, the show will go on. I promise, this will be grander than any previous episodes.” Director takes his fury and vents it all taking every valuable resource the show had for the episode, “thaw the zombies and release them. Which one? Hmph, all of them. Including the top-class one.”
To maintain safety, the show strengthens the security and surveillance. High voltage barriers were erected around the attraction. Almost all the cameras in reserve has been put into action. Every single member of the staff of the show is now on standby, completely devoting to their work, and ready for inspection at any time.
Such a big movement is almost immediately reported across all factions.
Piers, of course, learns of it as well.
Carefulyou: tch tch. so this is what they call 'wasting rice failing to steal a chicken' ? We spent so much effort, even expending my vice director, but the show still went on as scheduled
Mineisnotsmall: wait a sec old man piers, ill get bright for you
Carefulyou: …
Mineisnotsmall: I’m here.
Carefulyou: do we need to take wolfie out? he knows were working together
Mineisnotsmall: the fuck was that old man piers?! hmph! see if I help u kite the monsters next time we play!
Carefulyou: … why r u 2 using the same acc?
Mineisnotsmall: (Bright) He’s half an ally.
Piers smacks his lips in his mind. He didn’t expect that Bright even got the werewolves on board. He exchanges information with them.
Mineisnotsmall: (Bright) The old grounds may be dangerous, but the show has less control over it. I mainly want to prevent them from manipulating the episode and making me duel Alpha.
Carefulyou: the fuck u afraid of? u cant take out a dog soldier?
Mineisnotsmall: (wolfie) of course he cant beat alpha! how do u no were werewolves?
Carefulyou: ain’t there no thing i dont no in outer city
Mineisnotsmall: (wolfie) keep dreaming. u def dont no one thing, bright’s got a son
Carefulyou: what?!?!?!?!? fuck!!!!!
Mineisnotsmall: (Bright) Quit probing, and do your thing. I’m logging off.
Carefulyou: what son???!?!?!? come back and explain!!!!!
Satisfied he made Piers mad, Wolfie clears the chat logs. He turns around and sees Bright and his son and pet playing a game of blind tag. One person is blindfolded and then has to tag people. Currently, Hope is It while Bright is standing at a corner.
Wolfie writes on the table with water, “why?” Why did he want 56 to be aware of Hope? He always thought Bright is trying to protect the kid. And why is he talking about him like this? He’s completely on guard against him.
Bright shakes his head, indicating him not to ask more.
He writes, “have you told the Wolves?”
Wolfie nods, “our leader says to make the deal after episode 10.”
He’s already glanced over the information in the u-drive by now, and is stunned speechless by what is inside. He also knows what Hopkin has done to Hope now. Connection of the five senses, he sure comes up with ridiculous schemes! No wonder when he was cleaning Hopkin’s feet that one time Hopkin acted so familiar and cooperative. In fact when he has done that to Hope countless times Hopkin can see, hear, smell, and feel it.
Shit he’s almost helped Hope shower every day! He even helped him wash his little dong and his little butt!
At least the connection is unilateral. If what he did to Hopkin were to transmit onto Hope…
Just imagining it is so shameful he doesn’t want to live anymore.
Of course, Bright has to admit that, while he’s angry and shocked he’s still a little bit happy. So Hopkin cared about him that much…
Although it’s perverted.
“Dad, where are you? I can’t find you.” Hope is touching all around, but failing to catch Bright.
“The point of this game is not to make any noise.” Wolfie rolls his eyes and then mocks him.
“I don’t want to speak with you!”
“Then who are you talking to right now?”
“…”
“You can also tag the dog!” Wolfie suggests.
“He’s stupid! He doesn’t know to hide, and just comes up to get tagged. I want dad!”
“Then you’ll never catch him in your whole life.”
Hope puffs up his cheeks into a bun – so infuriating!
As everyone looks on, episode ten begins. Due to the sudden location change due to the fire, the competition is changed into a free-for-all, no-holds-barred. The drama going on in real life has made the show even more of a hot topic, though, and the ratings and view count have all hit historical heights, breaking records.
The contestants stand at the entrance. They can clearly see the zombies wandering about in the streets ahead. There are rows upon rows of crows with bloodshot, virus-inflicted eyes atop electric poles. This is one straight road where the end can be directly seen. Though the depressing atmosphere about the place and the cold eyes of the crows are all indicating danger.
Everyone knows that a free-for-all means that the show is not opposed to them teaming up. So something must be up, and there is something inside the ruins that is capable of completely wiping the floor with them even if they team up. This will probably be the harshest episode so far.
Number 56 has a serious face on for once, “there’s a massive number of zombies.” His suggestion is still the same, to reduce the number of contestants, only leaving behind enough for the last two episodes. Yet in doing so, the number of people alive will be dwindling into the single digits, and Bright will never listen. The young master is feeling helpless.
Harry is leading Big Retard on, following closely behind Bright, “boss, what do we do?”
Bright listens closely with his eyes closed. He can feel the strongest one standing by in the corner of at the east of the ruins. It is highly intelligent and capable of controlling regular zombies.
“Don’t worry. This is my fight.” He dares say in the City nobody understands zombies more than him, since he’s already killed so much in the game. “I’ve seen the documentaries.”