The conversation between Wendy and Zain had ended, and there was no real plan for now, aside from getting rid of the white-haired hunter named Tack. However, all Zain had was her word for it. There was a chance that this could all be an elaborate plan to manipulate him into doing something that would justify their decision to eliminate him.
"There's also a chance that Wendy herself doesn't want to be exposed for what she did in the past. She might be having second thoughts about saving me and wouldn't want to be revealed as a traitor," Zain thought as he walked back.
Her actions during the conversation did suggest that she was being truthful. She consistently looked back to see if anyone else was listening in on them.
"Hey, so you're finally back. So, what did the pretty hunter girl want with you?" Dart asked, raising an eyebrow.
"She just wanted to know where I came from," Zain replied. "She was curious about the skills I displayed."
It was a good lie, considering Zain had returned without any injuries or scratches on his body. Even Dart was intrigued by his skills.
"I wanted to ask, what happens to the rest of you? From the conversation we had before, I'm guessing all of you went through the same thing I just did. So, what happens to us now?" Zain asked.
These were some of the questions Zain wanted to ask Wendy, but it was always best to gather information from multiple sources to verify and form his own understanding. Besides, Wendy seemed to be in a hurry to leave the place in the first place.
"You're right," Dart replied. "Every single one of us currently in this cell went through what you just experienced and survived. That's why the mood here is somewhat somber. Some of us came in with friends and allies, but we are all that's left, and none of us really know each other well."
Zain was glad to have someone like Dart there. He seemed to be the type of person who was enthusiastic about any situation he found himself in, while the others were reluctant to talk.
"When newcomers like yourself arrive here, they wait until there is enough for an entertaining show. After that, all the newcomers participate in an event together. Since newcomers are rare, it sometimes takes a while before a newcomer event begins.
"In your case, you were lying on the floor for who knows how long. If you hadn't woken up by the time the event started, you might have just been thrown into the dead pile."
Zain thought that might have been an easier way out of this whole thing. If they thought he was dead, they would have left him outside, and when he woke up, he could have just gone to meet the others.
"As for what happens now, each cell is brought out together in groups. All we can do is wait until our group is called and we have to fight. This isn't the gladiator times. There's no fighting for your freedom, no fighting for honour.
"We're just fighting to see another day in this rotten cell."
Under these conditions, Zain wouldn't be surprised if some chose death when it was their turn for the next event because there was next to no hope. However, that probably made it even more interesting for those who bet on these events.
"I wish... I never joined the hunters!" the woman who was sitting down and had her back against the wall shouted out after hearing everything. Zain had only heard her and Dart's voices before.
"I've been here for two weeks, and in those two weeks, I fought a total of five times, and they still ask me to fight and fight... when... when will it stop?"
Dart looked at the woman and then turned back to Zain.
"Humans are certainly evil creatures to set up something like this, don't you think, Zain?
-----
Inside the presidential suite of the large hotel they were staying at, which had been converted into an office, those on the second balcony had gathered. They discussed and talked to the hunters about how and when to provide their deliveries for their betting services.
"That red hair was certainly exciting. I wonder if I could ever convince them to let me take him out of here," the woman in the sparkly dress said.
"Good luck with that. It's hard enough for us to come in and out. They check me every single time for at least six hours, and that's even with no scars or bites," another man commented.
Soon, the doors opened, and Tack entered the room.
"Ah, here you all are. I hope today's event pleased you all!"
The group of people cheered as they saw Tack.
"It was a splendid show. Broadcasting these events live to the rest of the world via the dark web was a great idea. Every day, there are double the number of people watching and betting on all of this," one of the men commented.
"Of course, we always aim to please. The newcomers always bring a sense of unpredictability," Tack replied.
While looking at the group of people, Tack noticed one man, wearing a black mask over his face, who seemed uninterested in the whole thing.
"Did today not please your tastes?" Tack asked.
"Today was a great event. Just like everyone else, I wish to see more of the Red-Haired Zombie. But I do believe the events have gotten a little stale. Why don't we try something more interesting for the next event?"
Tack smiled, rubbing his hands together.
"I believe I can make this whole event very interesting."
The man behind the mask had a thought as he looked at Tack.
'Humans are certainly... evil creatures.'
*****
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