Anathema (The Academy of the Cursed)

Chapter Seven: Questions Not Yet Answered

-chapter seven-

"If students want to survive, they have to play games sooner than expected."

Sumimangot si Kahel. "Ano'ng ibig mong sabihin?"

I pointed my forked fry at him. "Exactly what I mean. A few days from now, games will rain down the hallway. It's better to stock up chips for now before we lose them."

"Big word coming from a woman who spent three chips in her shopping spree."

"In my defense, I have no clothes." ngumisi ako. "Well, that is if you won't mind me walking around, naked."

Sinamaan niya ako ng tingin. Don't get into a verbal fight with a witch, dog. Your barks are nothing to my cursed books.

"S-Sandali," napabaling ako kay Ana. "So dalawang chips na lang ang mayro'n ka?"

"Hm? No. I have five chips." ipinakita ko sa kaniya ang ID card.

"I thought you've already used up three chips?"

Ngumiti ako. "Yep! But we played a game with a prize of three chips so I'm alright."

Nanlaki ang mata ni Ana. "Ha?! Naglaro na kayo? At kung three chips ang bet, what about you who only have two chips left? Hindi ba kulang ka ng isa?"

My smile turned sweet, a hint of sinister in it. Oh, darling, who said you can only bet with chips? Isn't it more exciting when you have much more dangerous plays?

"I'd be their pet for a day."

Nakakatawa ang gulat na mukha nina Akiru at Ana. They looked at me like I had two heads or like I'm some lunatic.

Umiling-iling si Kahel. "She's insane."

"H-How does the game work?" tanong ni Akiru.

He's not using his 'po' anymore. Sandaling naningkit ang mata ko.

"It went just like how Miss Secretary explained. The requested duo can place the amount of bets, or if the requesting duo has placed it first, they have the power to change it. Kung walang set na game ang requesting duo, they can also decide for it. A monitor ensures the fairness by being the referee and making random picks for players. In a partner match, na one by one, there can be three rounds. Best of two." paliwanag ko at may inihabol, "Depende din sa inyo, basta most likely odd ang number of rounds."

Akiru muttered an 'oh' and nodded. Ngumiti ako at binalingan si Ana na mukhang hindi pa rin makapaniwala sa nangyari. She seemed to be a rational and responsible person, kaya siguro hindi niya kayang paniwalaan ang mga taong masyadong risky kung maglaro.

"That's... something to pull off." aniya. Tumaas ang kilay ko doon. "Most students will stay and observe how games work rather than participate in one-"

Mikhael grumbled his agreement. Sinipa ko siya sa ilalim ng mesa. What better way to study the game than be a part of it. Tsaka kung laging gano'n ang mindset ng mga tao dito, then paano kung walang mauuna at maglalaro? Would they wait for the circumstances to force them to play?

"-pero, mabuti naman at sumang-ayon ang nakalaban niyo."

Instantly, Mikhael deflated like a floating ballooon. Memories bring backs pain, huh.