“H-How about it senior, is my appearance appropriate?”

Enthony was busy tidying his clothes just before the president's room. As a newcomer, this is the first time for Enthony to meet directly with the chairman at the company where he worked. That's why his whole body was shaking non-stop, so his seniors kindly accompanied him.

Looking at his track record and performance, it's no wonder that Enthony got this opportunity shortly after he was hired. Be it subordinates or superiors, young or old, male or female; many put their hopes and expectations on this hardworking young man.

"Come on, you're handsome already! And by the way, our president doesn't like to be made to wait! We'd better hurry in!" The senior tease.

“I-If you say so…”

Enthony knocked on the door several times before he entered. As soon as the door opened, the room was not at all what he had imagined. He was expecting a very luxurious room, shimmering with sparkles as jewelry and antiques were scattered everywhere. But the only light he sees emit from the enormous monitor far across the room—no other lights.

"Enthony? The golden boy? Come in, come in! There's no need to be so shy." Said someone in a deep voice at the end of the room facing the monitor.

Even after approaching in, Enthony could not see the appearance of his President. His entire figure was jet black due to the backlight effect. The only thing he can describe about his superior is that he has a round head. Then, the President is not alone either; a woman is sitting on his lap.

The President turned his chair to face Enthony. This time, not only does his head shine, but his eyes also seem to emit light so that he can clearly see the sharp gaze in his eyes. The president director of the company was ready to ask Enthony many things. Actually, whatever the question is, Enthony can face them with confidence in his voice. But seeing the prominent and mysterious figure in front of him, his guts shrunk.

“Did you enjoy the premier game, Enthony?” the president keened his eyes. The first question and Enthony already feel a tremor. That person didn't mean to, but what could he do? His figure in the shadows was already exerting pressure.

Enthony gulps, his heart throbbing faster, and he doesn't know how to respond. Either frightened or stunned to see the vast figure with his deep voice. He needs more time just to answer that simple question. The president taps his fingers on the chair arm, waiting for an answer from his up-and-coming subordinate. Meanwhile, his senior nudges, signalling to answer immediately.

Seeing that his subordinates just froze, the senior finally take Enthony's right to answer. “My apologies for speaking without your permission, but I think Enthony really enjoyed the game, even-”

"I'm not talking to you, Luci!" he snapped at Luci. Luci didn't reply because he knew he would be scolded again. Luci already understood the nature of his boss actually, but he was forced to do it to awaken Enthony.

“U-Uhm… Y-Yes, president… As senior Luci said, I really enjoyed the Train Track Race. The last part was really tense.” Finally, Enthony was able to answer the President's question. His brain's nerves transmit faster now.

"Good, very good! You entertained! Khukhukhu." The higher-up smiled slightly, revealing his big, neat teeth. "Then what do you find interesting?"

Here it is, without preamble, comes the question that anyone who enters this room should anticipate. And of course, Enthony had prepared a lot of files to help him answer that question.

“Estre number 33, Leo. He kept running throughout the game like a wild animal. Even more amazing, he ran by carrying his three partners on his back in the last part. Overall, the team is in first place.”

“Estre number 1, Makoto. His teams could pass all of the obstacles easily through his help. He was the team's brains; he brought his team to a glorious finish without any major difficulties. After the train waves, this person challenged his team to a race run. Even though he was the last to set foot on the finish platform, somehow the system showed that he was ranked first among his group. Overall the team is in third place.”

“Estre number 77, Fausto. The surveillance camera in his team's tunnel was broken, as were all the high-frequency sound speakers. The wave did not chase his team because all the train engines died. So they finished without any significant obstacles, relying only on stamina. Somehow I find it interesting even though there isn't much info about him or his entire team. Overall, his team is ranked seventh.”

“Estre number 21, Queen. This team got the highest teamwork score. Those can be achieved thanks to Queen's communication skills. He can unite a team that scores poorly individually and lead on the front lines fearlessly. The whole team respected her like a queen. Overall the team is in tenth place.”

“Estre number 14, Gill, the serial killer, a death row. He formed a strong bond with his track partner, namely Estre number 16, Geneva, a serial killer maniac. After meeting with each other, they constantly threatened and forced the other Estre into acting as they wished. They don't really care a thing about the rules, even almost crossing the line. Overall his team is ranked fourteenth. I don't want to deal with these people."

“Estre number 69, El Tora. This competitor is so strong; he can even destroy the high-frequency sound speakers in the tunnels that have been buried several meters behind the wall. He strikes with a hammer, but even the strongest human would not be able to destroy the thick tunnel walls with the help of a hammer alone. Overall, his team is ranked twentieth.”

“T-Those are the people I find most interesting, sir! Even though Paragon hasn't been handed over yet, but the level of competition is already intense!” There were still many names that Enthony recorded in the thick folder he brought, but he didn't want to waste his president's time, so he only presented seven participants that he thought had the most potential. Enthony has learned a lot from his seniors.

"Hmm, I see. Your taste isn't bad." Enthony smiled at the direct compliment from his superior. However, his blushing smile disappeared as soon as the figure in black asked his next question. "What's the most interesting one?"

"T-The most..." Enthony looked confused and flipped through the files. But he never finds the answer. Enthony didn't prepare himself for the question at all. So he can only answer with what is in his head at the moment. “I-I think… Estres mentioned earlier are all interesting, I-I can't choose between them.”

"I want someone more interesting! You still have to learn a lot, Enthony! " The mysterious figure hit his chair arm slightly. "But it's okay. It can be dangerous if I'm too hard on you. Luci, you know what to do, right?! "

"I understand, sir." Luci takes a large tablet PC from behind his coat. The gadget is directly connected to the screen behind the boss. With his help, the large screen was divided into 25 small boxes, featuring a replay of all teams participating in the premiere game.

The figure fills with enthusiasm, swift turning over his chair, making the lady in his lap almost tumble. The president observes the entire video playing simultaneously before him, making sure he isn't missing any details. His head turns here and there like a crazy person. But, Enthony's eyes sparkling in awe.

Shortly, the black figure focuses on one specific video. He chuckles again. His whole body trembles; every single movement of him looks zestful, like finding something he had been targeted for a long time. "Here he is!"

"Understood. President doesn't have to bother telling me." Luci swiftly zoomed in on one of the replays shown, specifically the last team to reach the finish line. Luci had actually been preparing for the video just after the game ended. Luci had a better understanding of his superior's taste. At this point, Enthony feels he had to dig a lot of information and learn from his senior.

“This person, this person is very interesting!! Khukhukhu." The president exclaimed, tapping the screen right where one of the figures was standing. “You know why I find him appealing, Enthony? Is he recorded on those papers you're holding?”

“Estre number 5, Farkas… He is fast and agile for his age. He used his head during the game, unlike the majority of Estres in this game. He can suppress a person and has a keen wolf's instinct, helping to solve problems that occur in groups with evidence and logical statements. Honestly, I think he's a bit creepy. I felt like I would be torn to pieces if I had to walk with him. But with that alone, I don't think he deserves to be in the top 20."

“*whistle* I'm proud that you are observant and your notes are comprehensive! But that's not all, young man. As you said, he's a wolf. But more than that. He's a cunning, clever wolf, and also good at taking advantage of opportunities."

The figure in black was silent and continued after he saw Enthony's scratching his head.

"Khukhukhu. The look on your face is very interesting to look at. Well, I'll explain in-depth to our future youth!” Luci gives the tablet pc he was using to the hairless figure, giving him complete control over the clip.

“He framed the loser! First, from the very beginning, Farkas had put pressure on the people he just met, to see their reactions. The loser easily fell into this trap, nervousness poured all over his body as soon as he met him. You saw the rerun, right? The loser sold his track partner to save himself! He was afraid to lose his life if Farkas found out that he was the one who made the group's time swell. What an amazing loser! After that, as you know, the loser kept pressing his track partner. At that point, the loser is in complete control, so there's nothing the track partner can do."

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“Let me forward a few minutes. When Farkas saved the boy from the loser's raw fists, Farkas changes his nature to a friendly and 'stupid' impression. He did that on purpose, once more to see the reaction of his interlocutor. Besides that, he gave a feeling of 'safety' to the boy, and thanks to that alone he got a lot of valuable information! Feeling safe, the boy could rest his mind and body. Because he feels 'the smartest' in their team, the boy can think more clearly; his true potential can be seen. From this alone, he was able to draw a conclusion that the boy was actually a helper, an intelligent person, someone he considered 'kind'. And thanks to that too, all control goes back to the boy and the loser can only stand still!"

“But Sir, isn't that done without some cunning trick? He's just like a discerning person who has a strong aura, isn't he? Especially he has a lot of evidence to push that liar.” asked the lady who sat on the black figure's lap.

"Be patient, honey. The fun part has just begun. Once he found out who the good and the bad were, the ambush operation began. Before that, you should understand that Farkas adheres to the notion that 'people will be judged by the way they treat others'. So, he will deal with cunning people in a cunning way too. You may ask where I know from. I can see it! I can clearly see the nature and attitude of this person from his behaviour.”

“There was no such thing as 'evidence', it was all just Farkas's ruse! Bloody ears? Bah! From the start, we didn't intend to damage the audience's hearing, just slow down their movement and disturb them. I feel 'a little guilty' because maybe the boy has very sensitive hearing so it's too difficult for him. But the sound wasn't at an eardrum-blasting level! Farkas cut his finger to make it bleed a little, and pointed it out cleverly so that it looked as if the boy's ear was bleeding!”

“Barbecue sauce on the loser's shirt? Nonsense! I'll tell you one thing, there weren't any food stains on his shirt! He just told his partner to tell lies. Remember, lies must also be rewarded with lies! Ironically, the loser who felt caught red-handed couldn't say anything more, so it became clear to Farkas that the loser had indeed devoured at least one box of food at the first checkpoint. But coupled with the only tangible evidence at the second checkpoint, he came to the right conclusion that the loser was a real glutton, a real loser, a liar, a clown. The rest was just Farkas preys on the loser."

“All the scripts are done in such a subtle and beautiful way. Estres in the tunnel were just supporting actors in a classy play, with Farkas as the main character.” The figure in black looks very proud and satisfied.

Enthony looked at his president in admiration. He was impressed by how the figure was able to explain in such detail. However, there was still a big question in his head. “Sir, sorry for my impudence, but I was wondering how did Estre number 8, Wayne, end up in last place? Isn't it obvious that his partner allowed Wayne to overtake him on the finish line?"

The figure only chuckled behind the shadow, “Of course, that was also one of his scenarios! If you see the rules of this game, you'll understand! That person is absolute interesting!”

***

Moments ago at the checkered platform.

Farkas had already burned his seventh cigarette by the time Grey and Wayne approached. He remained silent on the platform; only puffing and exhaling cigarettes came out of his mouth.

However, no one knew that Farkas was grumbling a lot in his heart ever since he got there.

“I hate that kid so much! How could he still want to help people who are bad to him?”

"I will never be able to understand a kind person like him!"

“Being kind-hearted means being ready to be deceived, you know!”

“Altruism? Ptui!”

"Aargh, why is every generousers is so easy to fool and annoying?"

“I'd love to punch that kid in the kidney for being too nice, but I can't because, well, he's a good person, right? Gosh, why has this become so complex?"

"What's so special about Wayne besides his bulging stomach?"

“Hurry up, damn it! The cigarettes will be out in no time!”

Countless how many times he grumbled and cursed with the exact same words. That's when he became more convinced of something, that he really didn't want to be a nice person.

When Evelyn announced the consequences, Farkas felt a little panicked. He didn't expect that the punishment given would be that cruel. He's too disparaging. Now he feels like a murderer.

But he convinced himself that there was indeed a proper punishment for bad people, maybe that punishment was one of them. He also felt that he would never know what kind of family Wayne had. Maybe liars? Or even a killers-kin of some sort? Can be.

“Well, apart from that, that kid has helped a lot, he's also a good person. But he was treated badly. So it's not wrong that I helped him win too, right? Anyone would also know that the boy's big brain is a more valuable asset than those old uncles' bloated bellies."

Farkas couldn't help but take a deep breath, looking blankly at the white lit monitor "... Even so, I hope that the one who died was Wayne's very distant family."

The monitor has been turned off. He still felt a little uneasy. That's why he took the only cigarette from his last pack of cigarettes. Before taking out his lighter, he crumpled a small piece of paper from his coat pocket and threw it carelessly. The paper was not wrinkled perfectly, so the words "Grey" could be read clearly.

Farkas experiences severe dizziness right after his last cigarette burns. His body has no energy at all, and a few moments later, he falls. His 99% remaining cigarette slipped from his mouth, rolling right in front of his eyes. Farkas tried to take the cigarette with his right hand, he also pursed his lips, but he could never reach the thing he loves.

"At least let me finish my last cigarette, you bastard. Not even a single puff.”

Perhaps without realizing it, Farkas was a whole-hearted person. Kindness must be returned with kindness too, right, Farkas?

***

I wake up on Saturday with black in my eyes. How couldn't, I had to do heaps of assignments given by Mr Enzo last night after playing with Johann.

Just like the days before, I check for news articles on the internet while having breakfast. No, of course, I'm not searching for it, but this news has been advertised anywhere. Shortly after, I drop my freshly baked chocolate jam toast. Not because of the heat. I can't believe what I read.

“A major accident occurred at the Tulip road's junction yesterday afternoon. Newcomer amusement park's freight truck crashed into a sedan driven by Wayne Blacke, one of the leaders at a business firm. The truck driver who survived claimed that the sedan ran a red light, and the police confirmed it via CCTV footage. The driver of the sedan has been rushed to the hospital, but the paramedics are unsure of his life…”

I suddenly have a horrifying flashback. Everything is real; the punishment is real too. I'm reminded of even the smallest details.

I feel sick. If only I could vomit up the coconut drink that had been digested yesterday. Now I clearly remember, I never bought a drink on my way home. So, who gave me that? Everything got creepy.

Then, with the death of Mr Wayne, is the safety of his family guaranteed? Will the punishment not be carried out? What will happen to his wife and daughter...?

If not a dream, then what was it? Where exactly am I playing that bullshit game?

To be sure, it all started with this TickBit on my left wrist. I raise my left hand and uncover the gadget under my long-sleeved shirt. If I'm not mistaken, I have to press the screen seven times.

I tap on the screen slowly with worry in me, hoping that nothing strange would happen. Unfortunately, the screen of the gadget that Mama gifted me showed something familiar.

NEXT RIDE

28 SEPTEMBER 2024, 8:30

Look, I really like doing my daily routine. But I don't mean routines that involve my life and death. Maybe, I jinxed myself; Now I don't wanna hear someone say 'routine'.

***

A middle-aged woman lives with her only daughter in a less crowded suburb. The house is small, just enough for two or three people to live in. Seen from the outside, the place looks rundown, with a garden that is not maintained at all. But locals are not happy when outsiders only judge the occupants only from the house's outside appearance because there is an extraordinary warmth inside.

Locals call the woman 'Sophia the Goddess' because apart from having a beautiful face in her age, her attitude and behaviour also resemble why they call her by the name. There isn't a single person who doesn't like Sophia. Many people even often visit her home to serve food. Although classified as affluent, residents do it to repay Sophia's kindness.

Today is the same; several people pay to visit Sophia's house to just hello and ask how she is. But unlike usual, Sophia only answers from behind the door. This worries the locals. But Sophia is adamant that she is fine, so the citizens can only believe her.

The television keeps on showing a news program. In fact, news programs across the country as of noon only focused on the major accident that occurred at the Tulip road junction yesterday afternoon. Still, Sophia chose to watch it on her favourite channel.

Since early morning, Sophia has been sitting on the sofa in her living room accompanied by Marie, her young daughter. Because of that, the television volume was turned down so that Marie wouldn't pay too much attention and hear about the terrible news. Now Marie keeps her eyes only on her beloved teddy bear.

"We're going to the amusement park next Sunday, right, Mommy? Daddy's coming too, right?" Marie asked during a commercial break.

Sophia took a long, deep breath. “Honey, Daddy will be out of town for a very long time… Mommy doesn't know when Daddy will be home…”

Hearing those words, Marie's lips curl down. Sophia feels the same; she wipes the tears she couldn't hold back.

“But Marie, we can go there, just the two of us, okay?”

Smile blooms from Marie's mouth. “Yeay! I'm finally going to the new amusement park! I'm also happy, even if it's only with Mommy! I'll tell you about my vacation later, Browny!" Marie exclaimed enthusiastically at her teddy bear that is full of stitches.

***

“You are indeed more interesting than the other Estres, Farkas! Khukhukhu. I have my high hopes on you.”

Now only the President was left along with his big monitor. He had been playing Farkas' team reruns for hours, with plenty of snacks and sodas by his side. On his large desk also scattered all Estre's biodata that enlivens the scene.

The large, bald-headed figure laughed loudly every time he saw the clip of the boy who decided to accompany Wayne until the very end. He thought the boy was very easy to fool. But the more he saw someone he thought was stupid, the more he realized something.

"Hmm? I think I've seen this boy somewhere before. His face looks familiar. Where have I seen him? Maybe at the convenience store nearest? Well, It's impossible because I can't get out of this room, and Luci is going to shop for me, khukhukhu…”

"Hang on."

His eyes caught one slip of bio that was slightly buried among other files. His large hand grabbed the piece of paper quickly.

"Oh?! Grey? That naive boy is Grey? Khakhakhakha! This is interesting, very interesting! Grey and Farkas on the same team? That's what I call absolute interest! Now I'll root for this team, for sure!” The president savagely tore through files that had nothing to do with the two Estres, flew them to the ceiling, and laughed through the rain of shreds of paper all night long.