Ty stirred, lifting his head. "Hey, where is the old guy who's usually in the cell?"
"I can't divulge that information," the guard whispered into Ty's ear, a secretive tone to his voice. "But, thanks to your cooperation, I might be up for a promotion. I Heard through that he's snagged a sponsor and is about to outpace you for a spotlight in the media."
"Please, follow me to the reception hall, and let's keep things smooth, as always," the guard requested a hint of caution in his words.
Ty, understanding the delicacy of their situation, nodded. "Of course, but why is there a need for secrecy?"
"In a place like this, ears are everywhere. With you around, it seems everyone's looking to leave their mark," the guard explained as they moved toward the waiting area of the cafeteria.
He shared more as they walked, "The Arena of Life isn't just entertainment; it's a cornerstone of the kingdom's dominance. The allure of any wish being granted to the victor not only draws competitors but also floods the coffers with gold."
Ty's curiosity piqued as he raised the question, "I see, but does the King really grant such wishes? What if someone wished to be the new King?"
The guard's response came with a light chuckle, a glimpse of amusement in his tone. "That wish, while possible, is bound by the ancient rule that a king's mantle can only be passed with his demise."
He continued, revealing the depths of their lore, "As for wishes of boundless power or wealth, tales whisper of their fulfillment. Yet, those who seek such grandeur often vanish, their presence erased from this realm."
"This wisdom from our past cautions us to desire within the realm of possibility, should we wish to remain within this world's embrace," he imparted.
Stay updated through mvl
Ty, absorbing her words, responded with genuine concern. "I see. But then, shouldn't your focus be on securing your family's future rather than, and forgive my bluntness, spending your time here with me?"
Her response came with a light-hearted laugh, a momentary relief from her burdens. "My father's adviser, essentially his guardian, echoed your sentiment. Yet, finding someone who can offer a moment's joy, a reason to smile amidst the chaos, is invaluable. It grants me the clarity and strength needed to face the challenges ahead."
JJ shook her head, her voice carrying a blend of resignation and determination. "I used to work as a medical assistant, but after my parents passed away, I found myself at the helm of our family. Being the direct successor, I'm swamped with decisions on how to ensure our prosperity. It's all too common for a wealthy family to crumble after the loss of its patriarch or matriarch."
Ty, absorbed in her story, reflected aloud, "I see. Then, shouldn't your focus be on sorting out those affairs, rather than—forgive my bluntness—spending your time here with me?"
A chuckle escaped JJ. "My father's adviser, who practically ran things for him, said much the same. Yet, finding a moment's joy, someone who can draw a smile from me, feels crucial. It helps me stay balanced amid the chaos that awaits."
Ty leaned back, musing quietly before sharing, "You're much stronger than I realized, facing such trials yet still pushing forward. I wish I could offer support, though I'm hardly managing my own affairs."
Attempting a lighter note, he joked, "My financial state was a mess. I couldn't even afford transport; Jade, my girlfriend, often had to cover our bus fare. She was the sensible one, while I'd do anything for her."
"And where is she now?" JJ inquired, her interest piqued by the mention of someone important to Ty. "You mentioned needing to return to someone. Is she the one?"
Ty's hand found its way to his head, his voice tinged with concern. "It's a complicated tale, and she might be facing grave danger, considering some things I've been told."
Ty's thoughts momentarily drifted to Jade, his confidence in her cleverness a small comfort amidst chaos. "She's smart; I'm sure she'll navigate through whatever comes her way. As for me, I'll sort things out on my end, too. That string I passed to you, it was her last gift to me—a token of trust, though its purpose remains unclear to me."
Shifting focus, Ty's curiosity about their immediate circumstances surfaced. "So, when does the Arena of Life kick off? And with all that's been said and done, do you happen to know which Realm we're in?"