When Akiko found the library, it was in such a terrible shape that he didn’t think that the Amazonian would still be around., However, she did find something else that was worth the trip.
Black eggs!
Already, the Death Princess could sense the hostility coming from the library that looked like its walls were barely holding together. If it wasn’t for the game logic to defy complete structural annihilation, the library would have been blown to smithereens. Capturing one was difficult. Zen might not be able to get more than five eggs even if Akiko was collecting them. Walking into the black egg lair was akin to running across a minefield.
However, disarming the black eggs before they exploded was worse than running through a minefield. It was like running through a minefield with a bomb on her neck. Akiko’s training covered many things. Bomb diffusing was something she learned, but that was very different from diffusing an exploding egg.
When in doubt, the first thing to do was collect information. Without knowing the triggers to the egg explosions, there was no way she could bring any eggs back.
Just as she was about to get started, Akiko sensed killing intent. Her body swayed to the side just in time as something heavy crashed beside her, creating a crater in the ground.
Akiko recognised the tall, dark and muscular big-busted babe. Skilled in archery and wrestling, this woman could take any men out. She was one of the older candidates, and even among the big three, only Liu Feng would match her in strength. The Seer’s lithe killing machine body and Oritha “Amazonian” Silva’s powerhouse body were on a completely different level from hers and Johan.
However, there was one thing that Akiko had that might work against this formidable opponent.
“Are you hungry?”
That question worked like a charm. The Amazonian stood up and stared at the Death Princess. She didn’t move, but she eyed the hard-boiled eggs that Akiko held out for her in a plastic box.
Akiko memorised the background information for everyone attending the academy as part of her family’s training. The Amazonian was raised in an assassin camp, much like the gruelling training centre for the Kanzaki’s best blade. The training was harsh, and the Amazonian had to kill the children she grew up with to emerge as the top. She was the strongest, and such belief was deeply ingrained in her.
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In the same way, Oritha was someone who feared hunger. Hunger was a weakness that meant death to her. Akiko did not know why she joined guild Carnage, but they must have offered her a deal. If Johan could offer the Amazonian a deal to buy her loyalties, Akiko could do the same but better.
“It was cooked by Zen. I’m unable to taste anything now after my poison training, but Liu Feng likes it enough to take that boy under his wing. They made an omerta and are sworn brothers on the first day of this shitty school life. Do you not want it?”
Oritha frowned. She understood what Akiko was trying to do. Rumours were going around the academy about a strange kid who caught everyone’s interest. Johan also had his eyes on the kid for different reasons. Felix told Johan about the truth of this competition. The one with the Godfather’s Blood can be the next Godfather through the competition, and while Zen appeared to be a twig that she could easily snap, he had something a lot of other candidates did not.
“I don’t take leftovers,” she told the Death Princess, who maintained that legendary poker face.
Oritha scowled. “I will look for him myself. If his cooking is bad, I will kill him.”
Akiko blinked. “Liu Feng will kill you first.”
For a moment, neither girls backed off. Oritha sneered. “He can try. Even if I die, he will not be able to clear the dungeons without his eyes. None of you can clear it. Johan said it. Only one can live. And it is not you or me. We don’t have the blood.”
At that, Akiko froze. So this person knew about the true candidates as well.
“Why don’t you join us? If we support the candidate with true blood, there’s still a way to survive.”
Oritha made a face. “Follow and support him? The world is doomed if such a weak boy becomes the Godfather. Compared to him, Felix is stronger.”
The Death Princess merely smiled. It was rare for her to display any emotions, and the world was stunned by her innocent beauty momentarily.
“Strength comes in many forms. I won’t stop you. However, do take these eggs with you. It would be a shame to waste it on someone like me who cannot taste anything.”
As the container of eggs was tossed in the air, Oritha wondered if she should consider their offer. Zen might not be a strong person to follow, but she had a soft spot for those who fed the starving.
As Oritha took the first bite, she was quickly reminded of her childhood. Eggs were a rarity in Africa. It was considered a treat only to be eaten on someone’s birthday. Even so, one was never enough. Looking at the container of eggs that were meant to be points, the Amazonian did something she usually would not do.
“The black eggs explode when you step on some places. Don’t go too close and think carefully. They don't explode if you don’t step in certain places. If it isn’t for Johan the fool, the library will not be in this mess.”
That was the olive branch that Akiko was waiting for. She did not look back to thank the Amazonian. The warrior left quickly, but the Death Princess was not worried. If Oritha was looking for Zen, she would find the answers she sought.
There was always more than one way to survive in their world, and being strong wasn’t always the answer. Sometimes, one had to be cunning. Even the weak had their ways to kill the strong.