Erika

After eating our dinner, we returned to our assigned room. Ry was blabbering nonstop, but I was preoccupied with other thoughts, so I didn’t pay much attention to her.

Still, I caught some of her rambling—she was obsessed with that man, ‘Alexis,’ like a fangirl, which made me roll my eyes.

Lying on my bed, I stared at the side wall as many thoughts raced through my mind. One stood out: this was a good shelter with food. So, I decided to stay here for a few weeks and continue exploring until I found a reliable resource.

            ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️

Time flew by. It had been two weeks since I entered this training facility, and I learned much more about this place than I had originally thought.

We were definitely on an island, with no way to escape unless you had a boat or someone’s help. Yes, I could sneak onto a boat with food and other essentials, but it seemed they had already stocked up for the entire season.

Some bodyguards and team members could freely enter and exit the island, but sneaking onto their boats or ships was nearly impossible. If anyone raised suspicion, they’d kill you immediately.

That was why I tried to fail every exam, hoping to be eliminated from the competition. However, I still didn’t understand how I passed every one.

We were evaluated across various categories—combat, speed, academics—but I didn’t impress anyone. I was badly beaten in combat and accepted defeat quickly. I finished last in every race. Academically, I left my papers blank—but still, I was not eliminated.

Ry’s story was quite different. She decided to leave the contest, saying, “It’s not worth it.” Her obsession with that man vanished the moment she took a punch to the face in the boxing ring.

On the third day, I waved goodbye to her. Many contestants left after that—some eliminated due to poor results, others quitting at their own discretion.

I also applied to quit with Ry, but received no response, while her application was approved within three hours.

Something about it all seemed off. So, I decided to try my luck and run away tonight. The more I thought about it, the more excited I became.

I was just waiting for dinner, and once the lights went out, I would make my move.

Alone in my room, I pondered every option. Hurriedly, I got out of bed and began stuffing a small bag with items I would need in the coming days. I planned to sneak onto a staff boat and avoid getting caught.

The alarm rang, and I dashed toward the dining hall. Everything was going well today, but my heartbeat raced because of overthinking.

I took a few deep breaths to calm myself before entering. I filled my plate, ate quietly, then returned to my room.

I had been watching the guards for two weeks, so following their pattern was easy. I knew that after ten minutes when the lights turned off, they would change positions. There would be no guard at the kitchen’s back door.

This was my best chance to sneak onto the staff’s ship. I stuck to my plan and waited.

Soon, the area lights dimmed. I threw my small bag over my right shoulder and tiptoed to my door.

My room was on the fourth floor, and the darkness in the hallways made it easier to climb down the four flights of stairs. The guards were stationed at the building’s very corner, so I had to make quick, strategic moves to hide myself.

I finally reached my destination: the kitchen, which was quite large. The area was filled with stoves, ovens, grills, and sinks—looking like a five-star hotel kitchen, complete with all necessary equipment.

I didn’t have time to admire it, so I dashed toward the back door. After observing for two weeks, I knew there was a way to the garbage dump.

I hurried to the back door. It was easy to find in the dim light. I twisted the metal handle, and to my surprise, it opened. I looked around—complete silence. No one was there, so I seized the opportunity and stepped out.

The ocean’s fresh salty air hit my face as soon as my feet touched the sand. The first step of my mission was a success, and nervousness grew as I prepared for the next.

The lighthouse near the shore kept a watchful eye on the night. I moved cautiously. When I saw a private cruise near the lighthouse, my eyes lit up with hope.

I targeted it and carefully approached, hiding behind objects whenever light swept in my direction. I almost got caught once but ducked behind rocks in time.

I saw them loading the cruise with hard wooden boxes and some contestants wanting to leave. Somehow, I merged in with them, covering my face with my hair as I finally boarded.

The cruise was as luxurious as any other. I briefly explored to find a hiding spot and noticed staff emerging with a cleaning trolley.

It was a janitor’s cabin—the safest place to hide. I looked around cautiously, then entered and hid behind a large trolley near the window.

I took a deep breath as the cruise sailed through the vast, deep ocean. I could smell freedom’s fresh air for the first time in a while. But reality hit: there must be many guards on board, so I needed to stay quiet, careful, and hidden until the next stop.

I crossed my fingers, wishing for a new ray of hope.

Time passed as I hid behind the trolley. The jingling handle caught my attention—I knew staff had returned. I quickly hid to avoid detection.

Anxiety gripped me as they began pushing the trolley out of the cabin.

“Which room, Sir?” one crew member asked.

“President Suite... room no. 326,” came the authoritative reply as the trolley entered the elevator. Sitting there, I cursed my luck.

The trolley rolled through various hallways. I heard the clicking of crew members’ heels. I peeked through the curtain and tried escaping, but guards surrounded the area. I dared not take the risk.

Finally, the trolley stopped before a stunning glass door. The crew member rang the bell, and someone opened it. They pushed the trolley inside. I heard voices and soft music.

It seemed they were having a meeting. I couldn’t understand anything except the word ‘Master.’ The trolley paused, and I realized a guard was inspecting it.

My heart raced when he grabbed the curtain—he might reveal me. I broke out in a cold sweat.

“Let her in,” a voice commanded. The guards stepped back from the curtain. It was Daniel’s voice—Mr. King must be present. Fear overwhelmed me, and I buried my head in my knees.

Curiosity got the better of me again, and I peeked out. The crew member was cleaning the shower area in the bathroom, back turned. I quietly slipped out and snuck near the toilet side. My bladder was full—I needed to relieve myself.

I planned to return to the trolley afterward. But horror struck—the trolley was gone.

I heard footsteps near the door and quickly hid in a nearby wardrobe before anyone entered the washroom.

After a while, someone entered then exited, only the sound of running water filled the room. Silence followed. My legs went numb standing in the wardrobe, so I decided to leave.

I opened the bathroom door and peeked out. The suite was quiet. The meeting seemed to have ended long ago. Moonlight dimly lit the room enough to walk to the door.

I twisted the knob, but it was locked. I tried again several times but failed—it was secured with a card key.

“Are you lost, baby girl?”

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