Rogue Wars Online

Chapter Twenty-Six: Let the Magus Match Continue

-chapter twenty-six-

FINN

"Finn! Sa-Sandali nga lang!"

Sinubukan akong patigilin ni Gavin pero hinigpitan ko lamang ang kapit sa kamay niya. Napapasulyap ang ibang manlalaro sa gawi namin. My steps were even more hurried, wanting to escape from their questioning looks.

It looks like I'm kidnapping someone in broad daylight and amidst public eye.

"Finn! Bakit ba hindi mo na ako pinakikinggan at ba't ang lakas mo dito sa laro?" pagrereklamo ni Gavin.

We rounded a corner, walking towards the left exit of the arena. The sun greeted us as we stepped outside. The place was quiet, as it was only a large grassy field in front of a small forest. May mga ibang manlalaro din dito pero malayo sila sa'min. I continued to drag Gavin, searching for a quiet and isolated place, when a pair of black boots appeared and made me stop.

Inangat ko ang tingin upang makita si Sebastian na nakasimangot sa'ming dalawa. I heard Gavin groan behind me.

"Finn." Baste said, voice in a scolding manner as he crossed his arms. "Where are you dragging him? Hindi ba't may laban kayo?"

I nodded. "Finished."

Sebastian's brow rose. "Oh? Sino nanalo?"

"I surrendered."

Gavin huffed as Sebastian fell into laughter. Itinuro niya ang kaibigan namin. "Ba't mo din kailangan sabihin sa kaniya 'yon, Finn? Oi, Baste, kaya kong manalo kung gugustuhin ko 'no!"

"Sure, sure." Baste responded, teasing. "Siyempre naman, Gavin. Kahit walang may nahi-hit na target ang dagger mo ay mananalo ka pa rin."

Gavin glared at Baste like he wants him dead right then. I sighed inwardly, seeing their childish banter. Mula sa labas hanggang dito, they still act the same.

There was a soft giggle from Sebastian's back. Natigilan ang pagbabangayan nila nang lumabas sa likuran ni Baste si Renèe. As usual, her hair was braided and a sweet smile was present in her lips. May dala-dala siyang pamaypay.

I smiled. "Ree."

Renèe's gaze flickered towards me. Kuminang ang mata niya nang lumawak ang ngiti. She ran towards me, arms wide open. Bago pa ako maka-react ay napapaloob na ako sa isang mahigpit na yakap.

The familiar warmth that spread around us made me succumb to the comfort. Sinagot ko ang yakap niya at itinago ang mukha sa leeg. This always brings back memories, both bitter and sweet. It's a behavior Ree and my mother both posses, hugging me whenever I feel down or alone, as if they were shielding me from the harsh world.

For the past few days, I can't help the growing fear in my mind. Kahit na anong pagiging kalmado at rasyonal ko, hindi ako komportable sa sitwasyon namin. We are being held prisoners inside a device that shows a different sense of reality. We are walking in a world that offers us death without any second thoughts.

No matter how people here follow their own arrogance or keeps up a strong facade, it doesn't erase the fact that we're not in our homes and we cannot easily escape. All we can do is fight and strive that we can survive.

All we can do is chase time and complete the burdensome cities.

All we can do is live.

Since we didn't come here just to beta the game, instead we're thrown in a game of survival.