(THIS CHAP IS BARELY EDITED!!)

ZINLESTER'S POINT OF VIEW

North End of the Water Stadium:
The Waiting Place of Team FUG

☂☂☂

"The Tournament has begun in the South, Viole."

Our Spear Bearer, Novick, called out to the Slayer Nominee, Viole aka Bam.

Today is the day of the so-called 'Growth Tournament'. Well, they call it a Tournament but it's more of like a Survival Game.

The Tournament is located in an Underwater Arena that is divided into two sides: the North and South.

South side, also known as the Loser's side, is where the eight Gamblers that had lost in the previous Tournament are participating. While us, Team Fug along with Team Mad Dog, are the ones that will have our fight on the North side.

To make it short, this is simply like a Semi-Final, there will be two winners for this Tournament. And the last two winners which will be the winner of the North and South side, will then compete on the Final match for the Grand Prize.

In which *ehem* the prize is Bam...

"We should go prepare now." Added Novick as he continued to call for Bam's attention.

After that unexpected encounter with Endorsi and Rak, I had finally decided to tell Novick everything. Well, not totally 'everything,' but only regarding the relationship between Bam and I. I haven't mentioned that I basically know what's going to happen starting from now. Ran on the other hand still doesn't know.

Speaking of Ran, where is Ran?

As of now, our part for the Tournament has also finally began. Every member of Team FUG are now walking out, as if we are the kings of the world.

We look so dumb.

Shifting to Novick who is by my side, I asked him about Ran's sudden absence. "Hey Novick, where's Ran?"

The Spear Bearer turned to me with a neutral expression while biting his nails as his habit. "He lost the last Tournament, so he's not allowed to participate in this one." He elaborated, blankly.

My mouth only formed into an 'O' as a sign of my understanding.

Turning back my head to face the front, I eyed this Masked bastard in a waring manner. Before the Tournament had started, Hwaryun had already spoke to me about the preparations and how everything was going as planned.

☂☂☂

"What?! You were the one who messaged me through Emily?!" I exclaimed in shock and disbelief as Hwaryun the Red Witch Guide told me that she was the culprit of the questioning message I received from the Emily App.

'But the question is, how was she able to do that?' This question popped up in my head as I waited for a response from Hwaryun as we communicated through the Pocket.

A sigh was then followed just right after on the other line. "It's not that hard to communicate through this device as long as we use the same key words." The creepily amazing Guide gestured her phone with the Emily App displayed, raising it in front of my eyes to see. "Through these, we can contact each other without looking suspicious. After all, you're not free to use your Pocket openly with FUG members surrounding you." The red head elaborated. "I will also be using this way of method in order to communicate with Khun." she added.

'Aguero?'

Sighing, an expression of regret painted my pale face as I took in her words. It's true that I can't really contact her through the Pocket since it would attract suspicion to our enemies, especially since I would have to use it regularly to talk with Hwaryun. But is it really needed when I probably won't encounter any FUG member? Besides, FUG already knows that we betrayed them right? So, what's the point.....

But what does Aguero have to contribute in this plan? She hasn't explained me that yet.

I took in a deep breath. "Alright. So, what's the plan then?"

My ears caught the sound of Hwaryun's smirk on the other line, just hearing that smirk already made me think that we are probably doing something insane. "Once FUG and Mad Dog's part of the Tournament begins, Bam will make up an excuse that he will be the one who will catch Mad Dog by himself and with us supporting him from behind the scenes."

"I already know that." Rolling my eyes, I sassed at the red haired Guide.

Of course I already know this, it was Bam himself who thought of this anyways. Novick, Bam, and I had discussed about our plan of him going to steal the prize of the Tournament, aka the Thorn, which FUG has been desperately trying to melt him with, and then once that's settled we will move on to our escape.

Very risky, but it's not like I can do anything to stop Bam. Even if I do manage to convince him, in the end his body will just do it 'magically' on his own. I swear, this man can be the most reckless person in the world if it's for the sake of the ones he cares for.

"Let me finish," Hwaryun scolded me, exasperatedly. She then continues on. "Bam will proceed to go and try to steal the prize....and he will fail."

O______O <------- Zin

"Huh?" Question marks popped up around me as I stared into the nothingness of the wind. I felt, bland all of a sudden.

"Khun is planning to summon Bam in order for them, of course have their desired reunion. That is also the only way in order for Bam to get the Thorn and escaping safely as well. Remember, helping Bam escape is top priority we must not engage into any fight." Hwaryun descriptively stated. "I will be communicating with Khun through Emily, he won't know who I am but I'm sure he'll respond to me despite that."

"I see." I nodded, showing that I understood.

☂☂☂

'The only concern is, will everything go as planned?' A frowned formed on my pale face as I stared at my feet, walking one after the other.

Hwaryun proceeded onto telling that betrayal that Mad Dog is going to fire at us. She also added about the fact that Mad Dog's Angel who is Rio, I think was basically ordered by Anaak to 'help' us since the lizard had already a suspicion who Viole really is. She just basically repeated all of the things she had already told me because she thinks I'm an immature person who'll probably disregard those.

So damn rude. I'm literally so disturbed of the fact that Bam's being set up to turn into a literal weapon by f*cking melting him with it! I couldn't get myself set straight for an amount of time because of that.

'Aguero's kiss made me forget all about those though...'

-/////- <------- Zin

'This is not the time, Zin. You need to focus. Focus.'

Okay maybe is right about me being a little immature and how my mind just suddenly wanders into absolutely nowhere.

*SIGH!*

It's not like I don't trust Hwaryun—oh who's kidding, of course I don't trust her at all for God's sake.

That woman is the reason this all happened after all, she's the one who guided Bam into this path because apparently it is for him to grow. Tsk. I get that Bam indeed needed growth, but I believe it's not necessarily needed for all of this to happen.

I sound like a whining child who still can't get over this shit.

'If this didn't happen, Bam will probably be happy with us. We'll be probably goofing around while climbing the Tower. Maybe Zon wouldn't have suddenly appeared and put his life at stake. Aguero and I then wouldn't be separated...'

Damn, it sucks so bad how I know exactly the things that are going to happen but can't do anything.

However, no matter how much regret I feel it won't change the situation. Regret, failure, are normal emotion's one can feel, and it's okay. What matters is how one will acknowledge it, and what one will do after.

In other words, I have to stop repeating all of these 'What ifs' because I myself is getting irritated of myself. It's time to actually do something to solve this big challenge we're facing, instead of wishing a much more better situation and atmosphere.

☂☂☂

Now standing beside Novick, I stuffed my hands inside my sweatpants' pockets before shutting my eyes close. Pairing my black sweatpants with plain white blouse and white sneakers, my hair tied into a bun with my medallion clipped onto it to stay still.

'Novick's so calm as always. I feel bad because I know how bad stuff will happen onward from this...'

>______< <------- Zin

'Argh!! I can't stop saying 'I feel bad' or 'I feel guilty' but in the end I just go with it akfuqhfoa—I hate myself. I literally said to myself earlier that I'll stop saying stuff like this-'

"You've been very off lately, Zin"

Novick's voice cut me out of me fighting myself in my thoughts.

"Hm?" With a hum and acting all calm, I shifted my head to face the Spear Bearer as he was leaning on a tree's branch and I standing beside him, a few spaces respectably between us.

Sheepishly smiling, I tilted my head and gave him a puzzled look, in order to emphasize that I have no idea what he's talking about. "What are you talking about, Novick?" I asked.

He then crossed his arms. "I meant you've been spacing out a little too much." He exposed.

'Well damn.'

I silently gulped at his statement. Still sharp as ever. "Well, you already know right? It just really frustrates me still how I just stand here while Bam is out there....." I trailed off as I looked down, already knowing that Novick understood what I implied.

Just then, Novick patted my back making me focus my gaze on him again. "Don't worry too much. I'm sure everything's going to be fine."

'If only he knew.'

Mustering up a smile, I was reassured to say the least by his words. We've planned this out thoroughly, and we have a Guide on our side, there's no need to feel troubled. "Yeah."

Disturbing our exchange of words, sounds of footsteps began to be heard by our ears. Slowly picking up the pace and the sound slowly rising.

Both of us swiftly turned our heads back to the source of the sound, and there revealed the one and only Iron Mask.

I only eyed him threateningly.

"Didn't Viole tell you to wait back there? Why are you here, Reflejo?" Mocked Novick. "It's a no passing zone from here." H even taunted.

I only showed an innocent smile as I didn't really know what I should say in this situation.

Reflejo only gazed at us with a frown. "You guys have joined hands with Mad Dog."

And that's where I finally speak up. "Yeah, no shit."

And so the battle began.

Iron Mask struck at us, slashing his weapon at us in which we easily dodged. However, the pressure in that swing caused for some damages in the area surrounding us.

"It was a suggestion beneficial to both parties!" The Ha Spear Bearer began taunting. "Team Mad Dog entered the Workshop Battle to defeat FUG, and Viole has already decided to leave FUG."

"Your Team will fail here and Viole will go back to his old teammates. After stealing...the Real Thorn that you desire so desperately."

"Shut up already Novick." I said in a mocking manner as I roll my eyes, a sly grin plastered on my face.

Reflejo once again swung his weapon as I summoned my Staff in order to block it. A clang sound was made caused of the two weapons' impact, Novick and I then safely landed on the ground with Reflejo standing before us, as Novick the nitwit continued with his monologue.

"Your plan is officially over." Novick mocked the opponent with a mocking expression, red eyes glint with cunningness. "The game is no longer in your hands, FUG."

Just then, Iron Mask then replied, causing for Novick to be shocked as I only squinted my brows.

"How dare you speak arrogantly? You don't even know what's in there you imbeciles." Causing my eyes to widen, a seemingly dark shadow appeared behind him.

"Novick stick to me." I immediately grabbed Novick's top, pulling him close to me, as I already know what's about to come.

☂☂☂

"The Thorn to kill the King?"

'He's revealing it to us?' I questioned to myself with my face scrunched up in confusion. Never expected for them to reveal it to us, but it's not unbeneficial either.

Iron Mask then continued. "What's inside is not just any ordinary weapon, but the key to realize FUG's long-desired dream."

"We've waited long for its completion, and we finally got the last material." I heard Novick mumble a soft puzzled 'What?' under his breath beside me.

Unknowingly, I clicked my tongue. 'And that last material he's implying is Bam.'

"The plan's been painstakingly in the making for longer than you can imgine, kid."

'Ran would've killed him in a second if he said that to him.' For some reason, I was still able to troll despite our situation.

Reflejo shot the two of us his menancing glare. "There isn't even the slightest error in our plan. My last job is to give this completed weapon to my master."

"What the hell is he talking about in a situation like this?" Novick spouted which caused me to be slightly irritated at his lack of understandment.

Letting out a short frustrated sigh, I shifted to him in order to only be cut off. "He means—"

"What he's trying to say is that this Workshop Battle is still under our control."

Foreign voices and presences appeared behind Novick and I causing the both of us to be caught off guard. We slowly looked back and there we met eyes with the members of Team Mad Dog that were 'supposed' to be on our side.

"You are the ones being set up, kid."

"You know, it would've been more epic if you actually look more threatening, Mr. Pussy Cat." Mockingly, I taunted our opponent which composed of like I said a cat, and a man with a blade on his hands.

However, there was this one man. A man that has a mask covering the half of his face. He was wearing a quite questionable attire, but not something out of the ordinary. It's just, not something very suitable or something you would call an attire to wear when you're in a battle.

He is a tall man with a large yet slouched frame. Hair the same color as mine and looked silky, it reached at least below his ears. Not to mention, he had a little piercing in his ear that I couldn't quite see.

The man's eyes were covered by his bangs so I couldn't really interpret who he really was. He was also wearing black plain trousers and a white cotton polo paired with a striped pattern white and blue neck tie. All his top only to be topped off with a greyish colored long sleeved vest that almost passes his fingers. Whilst, his hands were stuffed in his trousers' pockets, his head tilted down.

I squinted my eyes, analyzing him more.

'Oddly familiar—'

"Shut up, zombie."

"Wha—"

( ꒪Д꒪) <------- Zin

'Am I that pale to the point that I look like a.....zombie?!??'

".............."

A small period of silence engulfed all of us.

"....leave me alone." I muttered, feeling insecure as I looked away.

"You're seriously depressed by that? Especially at a moment like this?" Novick had a deadpanned look on his face whilst shaking his head in disappointment.

A soft yet infuriating chuckle then lingered in our ears, catching both Novick and I's attentions.

We once again focused on the matter that is rather important than my own insecure issues. Right in front of us walked down the Angel of Mad Dog.

"How naïve of you. You two....and Anaak." She ridiculed.

A frown then crept up to my face as she slowly revealed all of their real intentions. Novick and I just stood there helpless, as we were surrounded by these motherfuckers.

"What are you talking about?" My Spear Bearer friend demanded for an answer as he looked utterly agitated by the unfortunate situation we are in. "You said you hate FUG!"

"That was a lie..." Ron Mei 'innocently replied.

"They lied to us so we will fall for their trap, Novick. Get that through your thick skull already." I lowly grunted as I could hear the black haired man beside me curse under his breath.

Ron Mei gave as a sly gaze as she spoke with a sly tone. "Didn't I tell you? The help would be just for a short while."

"Kill him."

I immediately stood in front of Novick, preparing to create a crystal shield to protect the two of us as two of them attacked us, leaving the odd one—

*WHAM!!*

'It's about time he shows up!!' Mentally, I yelled in my head.

There appeared Mr. Big Man!!

.......I forgot his name okay. I think we didn't have any proper introduction actually.

"He's Horyang." Novick muttered beside me, somehow already knowing that I am in the dark regarding our savior's name.

My face lit up. "Right! Horyang!! Good shit dude!!" I beamed.

^o^ <------- Zin

(－‸ლ) <------- Novick

The Ha beside me only released a tired sigh before pulling me to approach Horyang's side which made me yelp.

"What the hell is going on here, Novick?!" Horyang questioned frantically.

"Run Horyang!! It's a trap!!" Novick immediately replied as he continued to drag me.

I looked back frantically only for my eyes to meet an upcoming attack coming from the bitchy Ron Mei. Fast. I shifted to the two and created a large platform of crystal that is capable of carrying the three of us. I immediately pulled Horyang and Novick as we flee.

"Duck down!"

*BANG!*

A loud 'bang' circulated in the area that almost broke my eardrums if I didn't covered my ears.

We then rode my crystal platform at a fast pace, me in the front acting as the driver and the two onyx haired males behind me. And as expected, Horyang naturally asked questions regarding the unfortunate situation we're currently in.

The winged man asked desperately. "What the hell is going on, Novick?! And where's Bam?!"

"We're trapped!!" The Ha Spear Bearer answered in an agitated manner. "They were on Mad Dog's side from the start!!"

"What?!"

"Well, look on the bright side. At least we're safe." Collected, I slightly eyed Horyang behind me and gave him a small arrogant smile. "We never really introduced each other, no? My name's Zin by the way."

"This isn't the time you're supposed to be doing introductions, Zin!!" Novick suddenly scolded me which caused me to flinch.

Slowly, I then turned to him with a deadpanned face. "Well damn. I'm sorry dad...."

"Tch!"

Returning my serious expression, I faced forward. 'Novick is right though. But since I am technically behind all this since I knew from the start, I am more composed than usual. The thing I really have to do, is to make sure that the path we're going is going to be the path that will lead us to victory.'

Just then, I finally caught of Hwaryun in sight. Of course, Novick and Horyang didn't know that Hwaryun is the real identity of Yuto, but seeing her made me crept a smile on my face seeing that everything is going as planned so far.

And as we came closer suddenly something triggered in me which caused me to suddenly take a halt, a meter apart from Hwaryun.

Everything went black until—

A vision came upon me.

F̴̢͓͕̻̻͉̥̪͂͛̒̇̽ͅl̶̦͒͒͂͒̄͐͌͘͠a̶̛̩͖̯̯̦̖͖͈̩̘͒̐͘͝͝ṡ̷͉̲͎̔̕͝͝͝h̶̭̦̠͍̣͑̓̆̓̐͝-̸͖̝̘̘̝̳̝̏̆̓ͅf̴̛̩̺̯̜̯͎͕͕͐̑̂o̷̰͙̍̃́͗̏͒̓͋̕r̸̝͓̩̓̉͒̈́̋̓̒͛͌̑w̵̙͇̬̞̻̹̲̦̾̐̓̕ͅą̷̛͉̳͕̥͈̭̼̣͂̔r̷̜̭̫̝͇̭̆͂̾̒̚ḋ̴͓̬͚̣͗̌͊̾̊̎͑

The sight of me battling someone.

Someone unknown and unnamed.

Someone mysterious and enigmatic.

S҉o҉m҉e҉o҉n҉e҉ ҉v҉e҉r҉y҉ ҉d҉e҉a҉r҉ ҉t҉o҉ ҉m҉e҉.҉

Then I saw myself fall down unconscious.

I had an expression of disbelief as I stared at the opponent who I battled with.

I҉ ҉f҉e҉l҉t҉ ҉b҉e҉t҉r҉a҉y҉e҉d҉

After that I saw myself go unconscious and then taken away, being carried by—

r̷͙̲̘͈̼̈́ͅĚ̷͕̦̤̗̲͇͊̾͋͌̾͌̚ą̷̺̼̩̝͛͌̅̓͘L̴̡̨̛̤͎͔͖̹̠̩̐̿̊̎͐̒̆i̶̛̦̽̓̈́̏̾͐͆t̵̤̺͈͖̝̺̊́̌͒̈́ỷ̸̗̘͇̀

>_______< <------- Zin

"Ugh..." With my hand clasping my forehead, I groggily opened my eyes with a groan escaping my lips. Blinking multiple times before I was able to full gain my consciousness.

Novick's voice then lingered in my ears. "Zin!! Zin? Are you alright?!" His voice filled with anxiety and worry for my well-being.

Shaking my head and pinching my cheeks, I slowly nodded at Novick. "Don't worry, I'm fine." I reassured him with a small weak smile.

"Are you sure?" The Spear Bearer again questioned as he grabbed both of my shoulders, examining me.

"Yes dad." I jokingly replied.

He then let out a sigh of what I can assume relief. Novick then slowly lift me up from the floor in which I'm guessing where I fell. I didn't even notice I was on the floor.

But the real question is....

'What the fuck did just happen to me?'

I ran my hand through my locks as I thought back about the 'vision' that has suddenly rolled in my mind.

It felt like I was watching a movie, wherein I was part of the casts.

Just then a soft pat was felt behind me. Looking back there I saw Horyang gazing down at me with a stoic expression. "Take care." He simply said.

Feeling still in the dark, I just performed a salute to him as an act of granting his order. "Yes sir."

"Follow me. I'll show you the way." Catching us off guard, Hwaryun suddenly spoke as if I just didn't go unconscious out of nowhere.

The two males were confused. "What...?"

Hwaryun eyed us, in seriousness. "There's something you must do."

"What are you talking about?!—" I cut off Horyang.

"Let's follow her." I suggested.

Both of them only looked at me like if I was insane. This caused me to click my tongue. "We shouldn't just be standing around here doing nothing when Bam is in trouble, right?? So, let's follow her."

Unable to reply, the two males then just agreed feeling a little reluctant by my sudden change of behavior.

I eyed Hwaryun in suspicion.

'Did she knew that I would also experience that questioning thing earlier?'

Then, out of nowhere an unable to recognize voice erupted behind us.

"......You're not going anywhere."

~END OF CHAPTER 19~

I APOLOGIZE FOR NOT UPLOADING FOR SO LONG AJBAUOHFOAFB SHIT HAS HAPPENED AND SOMETHING MORE HAS HAPPENED

But here we are I finally published a new chapter after like a month :') hooray for me ig lol

And I think I ranted on the last chap. My bad imma edit that real quick and act like it never happened-

Anyways, like the new theme? I worked hard on it lol

Pink is officially my new bestfriend (new fave color) friendship with blue is over~~

Btw happy Ber Months!! (It's already the start of Christmas season in the Philippines lmao)

-Ave