DEADLOCK [On Hold]

Chapter V

THE WEIGHT OF THE SILENCE
Chapter V.

The Panopticon—a place where the Darkins huddled together. Deadlock's main building for them, as it seemed. Approximately fifty floors, each lined with prison-like rooms, except the bars were replaced with thin walls.

So, they still care about our privacy, huh? Klein thought, lying down on the bed, its metal frame creaking with each slight movement.

It had been about two to three hours since they left the building where the Dustfall game took place. The same place where he and his friends had run and survived—at the cost of those they'd left behind, and the man who got shot. Twice, apparently. Once with a dart and then with an actual bullet.

Klein shook his head, trying to push the thought aside again. He sat up, letting his gaze wander around the room—partly normal despite being inside Deadlock's premises. A single bed with a surprisingly comfortable mattress. A small bathroom, just enough for basic needs. No windows, but a tiny vent above the sink offered a weak breeze. A small table stood against the wall, and the only door led to the hallway on the fifth floor.

Kumusta kaya sina Mama? he wondered, his tired eyes catching on one of the surveillance cameras positioned in the corner. Oh, I take it back. They don't care about our privacy, he thought, rolling his eyes. But the sight of the camera pulled him back into the harsh reality he and his friends had stumbled into.

The game. The live broadcast. The watchers. And most importantly, the stakes that loomed over every move they made. If he had to survive this twisted game, he knew he would need to push his morals aside. And being who he was, he wasn't one to back down from any game, no matter how high the stakes.

He was Klein Zarkin Valeriano. But now, he was Ace—a name he'd chosen, an alias and a new persona.

If he had to step up, he had to become Ace. He had to be that Ace.

Klein tugged at his eye mask, his eyes locking onto the camera. Mind over heart, he thought, a determined glint settling in his gaze.

. . .

DICE

"Pleasant evening, dear Darkin. What can I do for you?" the automated bot droned from the front desk, its voice flat and mechanical, the same tone that greeted anyone stepping up to it.

"I'd like to check the privilege I earned tonight," I replied, my voice just as monotone, leaning an elbow against the counter.

Honestly, wala naman talaga akong pake sa mga patente na natatanggap ko araw-araw for completing missions. But tonight's reward had piqued my curiosity—something about the mission made me want to see what I'd gained. Who wouldn't be curious, really?

About Four Hours Earlier.

Buzz!

"Oh, ang aga ata ng mission mo, Dice," Poker teased as he heard the familiar faint ding of the device, his eyes fixed ahead as we strolled down the fifth-floor hallway. Technically, we were supposed to be running for our lives. But what was the point? The other Darkins either lacked the nerve to challenge us or simply couldn't keep up.

I glanced down at the device strapped to my wrist. Yeah, pretty early for a mission.

'Empathize with the newcomers. Accomplish on time and get exclusive privileges.'