A Man for Himself (Norton X Eli) [Identity V] *UNEDITED*

Chapter 2 - Flattery

"Good job on your first match!" A tall, dark-skinned man gave Norton's shoulder a smack. "I heard you contained the hunter all throughout the match. And it's not just any hunter. It's the Ripper! Bloody Jack the Ripper! It's never easy to go against him. But you, my friend, managed to buy time for your teammates and get a four man escape! Truly amazing."

It was dinner time. Most of the survivors had gathered around the long table to feast on the variety of delicacies served by the owner of the manor. It's a small reward for winning most of the matches for the day.

Norton was sandwiched between a burly man named William and a buck-toothed lawyer named Freddy. He preferred talking to the former despite the smacks that he's constantly receiving from the big guy. From what he'd learned, William was a rugby player, and it showed. He had the built, the energy and the charisma. He seemed like the type that could guarantee the victory of his team-a real team player. Norton needed a man like William on his side.

"I honestly had no idea what I was doing back there," Norton responded in an almost timid manner and shrugged. "It's mostly thanks to Eli. If it wasn't for him, I would've been caught by the hunter."

"Ah, yes, Eli." William nodded, picking up a glass of wine and taking a sip from it. "He's the best. I may sound like I'm exaggerating, but words can't describe how good he is as a teammate. You've witnessed it yourself, haven't you?"

Norton picked up an apple from the bowl of fruits at the center of the table and bit a chunk off of it. "I have."

He had to admit that the stunt Eli had pulled was outstanding, although he's still slightly pissed about the time he'd missed a calibration because of the owl.

"So how's your stay in the manor so far?" William continued, picking up a grape and popping it into his mouth.

How was it? Norton let his eyes wander around the room. He saw different faces and personalities. He hadn't yet spoken to most of the survivors, barely interacted with them. This was merely his second night after all. It's too early for him to tell whether he would get along with everyone or not, whether the challenges would become harder or not. But, of course, he would make it so things would work in his favor. He's in a game, but he wouldn't let the game play him.

"So far so good," Norton replied, taking another bite off of his apple. "It's challenging, but I have amazing teammates; and I'm sure I'll get to know more incredible people like you in my future matches."

"You're flattering me." William laughed and stood up from his seat. "Anyway, nice meeting you, Mr. Campbell, but I have got to go now. Enjoy your stay, and I hope to be on the same team with you soon. Have a nice evening."

"You have a nice evening as well." Norton grinned. "But I'm not flattering you. I know an exceptional person when I see one."

"Thanks."

Waving a hand, the rugby player made his way out of the dining chamber, leaving Norton with the company of the people whom he barely knew. These people chose to live in the moment despite having full knowledge of the situation they're in. They laughed as though their lives wouldn't be taken from them any moment. Norton wished he could be like them, but all he could see was the overwhelming false camaraderie. These people were like him, and it's sickening.

After gulping down the remaining wine in his glass, Norton got up from his seat and left the room. He hadn't explored the rest of the estate yet, so he decided to go and visit the garden, which he figured would be at the back of the manor.

The garden could be considered a tranquil place. There was a fountain at the center of it and a few wooden benches where one could sit on to admire the view of the sky while being surrounded by a collection of various shrubs. It was a perfect place for Norton to contemplate on his next moves. However, as he was making his way to the fountain, he spotted two people at the far left side of the garden. He quickly took a few steps back and hid behind a column so as not to let his presence be known.