Chapter 26: The Arena

With his eyes wide open, Wuren saw a swarm of butterflies flashing on the small pistol's muzzles. A mix-bag of colors struck his forehead, mercilessly.

Reaching the peak of anxiousness, even glitters looked like bullets to him. His primal fear emerged out of his heart. "Am I dead? Fine, I’m dead!" He thought.

In delirium and stress, he determined that he was already dead. He felt like his soul was leaving his body.

With a thud, he lost consciousness. This event was bound to hunt him forever. It would haunt him even in his dreams.

"Pfft."

…

Wuren dropped sideways with his tongue out. The whites of his eyes showing, his pupils flipped on the other side.

Reine, who shot the glitter gun, fell on her knees. She gasped and huffed. It was a surreal experience for her. She almost thought she would kill someone today. She wanted to be angry but had no energy left.

She looked at her pale hands. It was shaking.

She could hear the giggles of the loan shark beside her. The man was pointing at Wuren with his hand holding his stomach. There was mischief, glinting on his eyes.

Zhou Qi watched beside and grinned. After seeing the young lady getting a little peeved and angry. He raised a big thumb as a sign of his approval. The loan shark reached his hand and caressed the head of the young lady. "Pfft. You did well! Remember this feeling. When the right time comes, you mustn't think twice, especially when you're in danger."

"Many people die in this new world simply because of having a half-ass resolve. Remember, you could never be like them! In this era, there are only two choices when face with uncertainty - kill or be killed."

Reine raised her head, nodding with determination. Although she was still a bit scared and angry, she knew that it was a good experience for her. Maybe, she could face her future like this. After all, she was still clear of her condition.

Zhou Qi walked towards the phone, waving his hand. "Nevertheless, the time for you to kill someone wouldn't be today."

He dialed number two on the telephone. Soon, rings echoed within the room. After a few breaths, someone picked up the phone and answered.

"Hello? How may I help you, Mr. Dior." It seemed like they knew who stays in the rooms.

"Could you give me a new suit, a black tuxedo is good?" Zhou Qi then carefully looked at Reine. "Oh, please prepare a dress for the lady I bought. I want the dress to be not revealing. I don't want any fight rising because of the girl. I believe you already know her size, right?"

"Absolutely sir, we have experience dealing with this stuff. Should I put it in your tab?"

"Yes, put it on my tab. I need it fast. I'm going to watch the event at the Arena. Oh, bring us some light snacks."

"Don't worry, sir! Everything would arrive in a jiffy. Anything else, Mr. Dior?"

"None." Zhou Qi then put down the phone after acting high and mighty.

Tut. Tut. Tut.

The loan shark raised his head to the young lady. "Get ready. We're going to get your brother."

Reine immediately stood up. Her thoughts focused on saving her brother She courageously walked to the bathroom, ignoring the dead body lying inside. She washed her face, waking herself up with a cold splash of water.

Although she was still feeling weak, she was determined to go and look for her brother.

Meanwhile, Zhou Qi pulled the unconscious Wuren. He dragged him into the bedroom. After cutting a few more curtains, he tied and gagged Wuren. He then stuffed the guy under the bed.

Soon, Zhou Qi and Reine heard knocks coming from the door. "Mr. Dior, your order is here."

"Leave them there! We're still exercising here. I'll get that after we're done! Haha!" Shifting his head, Zhou Qi shouted, his voice hiding some innuendoes.

A happy voice echoed from outside the door. "We'll leave them here, Mr. Dior. If you need us, don't hesitate to give us a call."

Soon, the two heard the footsteps getting farther and farther.

When Reine heard the vulgar shouts of Zhou Qi, she couldn't help but soak herself in the cold faucet water. With her eyes face like a dripping red tomato, she splashed her face with cold water. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Zhou Qi waited for a moment. He pasted his ears on the door, assuring that no one was outside anymore. He raised his head then looked at the young lady, winking at her. "Reine, can you get the items. It will be troublesome if someone spots me. After all, I still don't look like Mr. Dior."

Reine nodded like a puppy. The young lady opened the door, swinging her head left and right. After confirming that no one was outside, she walked towards the trolly. She then checked the black tuxedo and the white dress, bringing the serving trolly inside.

Reine closed the door again, sighing in relief.

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Soon, a light yummy scent wafted out from the trolly. Reine's saliva almost drifted down. It was hours ago since she ate anything. The grumbling of her stomach couldn't be contained anymore. Like a lion roaring, it echoed throughout the room.

Reine looked at Zhou Qi, her face dripping with red paint. "I-I."

Zhou Qi only giggled at the blushing young lady. "You could eat. Take your time. Eat slowly."

Light shone from Reine's eyes. She immediately walked over to the trolly. She picked up a spoon and a bowl. From the smell of the food, it was definitely high class.

She started eating with a blissful smile on her face.

Due to financial difficulties, Reine and her brother usually try to save money through scrimping on food. It's very rare for them to eat such delicious food.

Imagine, if the price of Sasa's DFC chicken combo set was already staggering. How much more would those high-class cuisines be?!

Zhou Qi gazed at the Reine. The young lady was a glutton like Sasa. He mustn't assign her to the kitchen. He couldn't help but smile. Maybe working on taking the orders would be a good start. As for her brother, I'll give him to Fatty.

Unbeknownst to him, Zhou Qi was already unconsciously planning the future of Reine and her brother. Deep in his heart, he already accepted the two into the Law Bar.

...

The DJ's electronic music rattled the whole floor. The synthetic beats shook the four corners of the hall. Zhou Qi saw whiskey, vodka, rum, and other rare alcohols waltzing from one hand to another. The loan shark could feel the rush of adrenaline coursing on the twitching bodies on the dance floor.

The loan shark saw tablets and syringes lying on various tables. He also caught sight of the few government higher-ups, squirming on the floor. A freaky grin grasped their faces. A few, on the other hand, were wearing empty and blank faces, smiling like dumb-asses. With the scent of alcohol permeating his new black tuxedo, he couldn't help but furrow his brows.

Beside her was a young lady, her pure white dress flowing and danced along with the music. She hid on the back of Zhou Qi like a frightened kitten. It was the first time going into a place like this.

After getting sold by Wuren, she and her brother were immediately separated by muscled goons. Reine, along with a few thin female captives, was brought in different rooms. Then they were soon presented to the VIP guest as gifts. That day was also the time she saw the brutal Arena.

As for her brother, she only knew that he was within the building's premises. Where? She doesn't know.

Zhou Qi's lips twitch after seeing a large bar. All kinds of rare alcohol were kept on the shelves. This place was much larger than his Law Bar.

Envy filled his eyes, finding another reason to trash the place. I must crush this place! He thought

As he walked around, he caught the scent of fruit juice. He saw a waiter distributing the drinks to all the guesses for free. He walked over and picked two fruit juice cocktails.

Turning around, he gave the other glass to Reine. He bowed his head a little, a gentle smile dancing from the gangster's face. "Would you like some, my lady?"

"Y-yes." With a nervous smile, Reine received the drink.

The moment Reine took a sip. A light smile filled her lips. It was quite tasty.

"Tsk, at least my bar is more elegant." Zhou Qi looked around; disgust veiled his lips. He saw ladies wearing revealing dresses cuddling perverted rich guys or influential people. He could see the hopelessness in those girls' eyes. It was hidden deep within their fake smiles.

A glint flashed in his eyes. "Pity."

He moved his hands to his ears casually. "Fatty, I already infiltrated the place. I already confirmed the presence of a wielder. I might start a ruckus soon. Let, the officers enter."

Hearing the solemn voice of his boss and the "wielder part." Fatty was baffled.

"Boss! I think you must retreat. Maybe, we could wait for the government's wielders. I don't think you could handle this guy. Based on the information you shared with me. I can see that this man is an expert wielder."

Fatty's worried voice made the loan shark think. However, Zhou Qi shook his head. If he doesn't move now, a lot of innocent people would definitely die. He finds no joy in watching the innocent dying.

"Peh! Just believe in me. My abilities aren't for show. It's not like I've hidden my secrets from you. I also upgraded my abilities. Anyway, don't worry. I'll search for the wielder first. He will be my primary target."

"Upgrade? Are you a damn Mecha or a loan shark?! Anyway, fine, I’ll trust you on this, Boss." A light sighed sounded from Zhou Qi's earpiece. "Oh, who's the lady I heard a few minutes ago. Even in mission, you're playing with ladies. It's not like you, boss! Tell me, is she beautiful."

Zhou Qi almost choked on his drinks. He looked at the young lady before him before nodding his head. "She's cute."

"See! Should I call her sister-in-law? Or… Hehe."

"Shut up, Fatty! The girl is still a kid. She will join the Law Bar. I already decided."

"What the heck boss! You just picked up a brat a few days ago. He's not even reporting yet after taking my, I mean, our 20,000 Zeals. Now you're picking another one!?"

"Tsk, they're related."

Fatty was muddled. "Related? To whom?"

Zhou Qi took another sip, chuckling lightly. "She's our new brat's sister, blood-sister. It seemed like our new brat has a knack of misfortune."

…

The intercom went silent for a moment. "It's good that they're still alive. How's Wuren?"

"I already caught the bastard. He's nicely tied, gagged, and stuffed under the bed. I’ve knocked the dud out.”

"Dead or alive?"

"Alive."

"Why?"

"I promised in exchange for information. The old man is really a sly fox."

"Hmnn. Fine. Throw him to prison, let him suffer for a few years."

All of a sudden, their chat was cut off. A loud voice boomed, followed by ear-piercing microphone feedback. It caught the attention of everyone. The music stopped, all the eyes turned towards the broad Arena in the middle of the halls.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Our most awaited event for tonight is waiting for everyone! Theeeeeee Arrrreeeeennnnaaa!

"Life and Death!"

"Man against Beast!

"Human vs. Zealot."

"Let your money decide! The betting starts now! How long will our friends survive?! Three minutes? Five minutes? Ten minutes?!"

Excitement burst throughout the hall. The dance floor and the bars were emptied. All were heading to the Arena, taking their sit as they stare below the Arena.

Zhou Qi stood up, and he stared at Reine. He signaled her to stay near him.

Soon, fog covered the stage. In a few seconds, the Arena was akin to the Roman Colosseum. With one look, you could already tell how wild the place was. One by one, the announcer presented the participants. Each man was tied, gagged, and blindfolded.

Zhou Qi's sharp eyes caught sight of Zhai Baiwu. He shifted her gaze on the young lady beside him. "I think you better return to the room first. Things might get complicated soon."

Reine raised her head before lowering her gaze to the floor. Her face was downcast. She wanted to stay but also knew that she would only be a burden.

"Don't worry. I'll save your brother." Zhou Qi ruffled Reine's head again. "I'll send a small team to secure you later."

Reine could only nod and agree. She knew how powerless she was. "I—."

Before Reine could even answer, another round of loud rumbles dawned the hall.

Zhou Qi moved, bringing the young lady back to the room. "It's more dangerous than I thought. Please hide in the room. Wait for the police."

Pulling a pistol out his side, Zhou Qi reached out for the hands of the young lady. With his tone serious, he then furrowed his brows. "Use this to protect yourself. Just in case. This is a real one."

Zhou Qi's caring smile gave her a sense of security. She wanted him to stay. But after remembering her brother, she held it in.

Reine watched the broad back of Zhou Qi moving out of the room.

A glint of thought flashed on her eyes, a sweet grin appearing along with her two canines.

Reine's eyes turned crimson before shifting back to their original black-inked hue.