Chapter 677

Chapter 677: THE BLACK SHEEP

The air in Anarkh was palpably electric.

Usually, the elites would remain steady and calm, regardless of the situation. It was undignified to give in to the urge to scream and cheer. If they showed a lack of composure, it would be a sign of weakness or a lack of class.

However, no one could deny the excitement that came with The Great Escape, the final tournament of deadly rooms with traps. Therefore, the drunk and high attendees were already screaming with excitement, even before the competitors arrived on stage.

The escape games crafted by the malevolent minds at Anarkh were different from the usual games that graced the normal halls of common clubs and resorts. The game required the contestants to sign a waiver freeing the company from the liability of injuries and death.

It was not unusual for one or two contestants around the world to lose their life during the games.

Under normal circumstances, the escape games were held independently in the various locales with the resorts or casinos connected to Anarkh. And The Great Escape was a special event designed to bring all the continents together.

Some enthusiasts had followed the entire tournament from the grassroots to the finals in Anarkh. The event was filled with people from different races and creeds, looking forward to the battle of strength and wits in the ultimate escape room competition.

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It was inevitable that the excitement would be off the hook.

The tournament was not held on the casino floor, which was filled with people gambling on poker and craps tables or older generations trying their luck on the slot machines.

The competition was held on the unlucky fourth floor. The floor was quite mysterious, and it technically encompassed the fourth and fifth floors. An arena was built on the fourth floor, but the best viewing seats were on the fifth-floor level.

The setup was somewhat like a Colosseum, an amphitheatre of violence. Both the fourth and fifth floors were unique entertainment centres that provided non-gambling activities, except for betting. However, at the centre, there was a stage with clear viewing seats.

In most cases, this stage was a place for poor people to fight while the rich watched for entertainment. The fights ranged from real gladiator-style battles to battles of wits, usually with a twist to keep the jaded elites entertained.

When Emi and Inei arrived, they were welcomed enthusiastically into the vibrant building by well-dressed hostesses. The two of them had just enjoyed a good steak dinner, so they were in a good mood. Moreover, they were already channelling their personas.

Hansel and Gretel were more than a simple gimmick.

When Emi and inei were Hansel and Gretel, they were the personification of powerful siblings who did not take bullsh!t. And they were always ready to kill the evil witch, who could be anybody, depending on their mood.

As they were led to their private booth on the fifth floor, Emi looked around the casino with interest. However, her face maintained a bored and disgusted fa?ade. Gretel would never show any excitement towards mortal things.

Inei did not even spare a glance at the surroundings.

Once they were in their private booth, Inei ordered drinks with the curt tone of someone who was seasoned in the entertainment scene. He had been at Anarkh numerous times, but it was the first time he had been at one of the large-scale events.

And the tournament was not something to scoff at because the nature of escape games was not just about the monetary reward. A lot of bosses from the underworld were watching to see if they could find good seedlings for their dirty work.

“This is fun, so far,” Emi said as she leaned back.

The change from her regular school life made her feel a little more normal, weirdly. It was like she was going back to a part of her life she had been shutting down for a while now. It reminded her of her childhood with Jiang Yinuo when they used to cause so much trouble.

“You should come back and work with me. It just might be fun.” Inei looked at Emi with his mysterious eyes. He could see the twinkle in Emi’s eyes.

“At least wait for me to have a drink before you attempt to trick me.” Emi laughed.

“I know you are enjoying your little experiment in that school, but you will soon get bored. Your brain is too brilliant to be wasted on teaching children.” Inei said.

Emi rolled her eyes. “You know children are the future, right?”

“With your intelligence, you could be teaching people who teach people who teach children.” Inei retorted. “I am just offering you a fun alternative.”

“I did work for you. It was fun, but I also remember the paperwork.” Emi snorted indignantly.

“You loved the paperwork!” Inei opposed.

Emi rolled her eyes again. She did love the paperwork. The fun thing about Inei’s company was that it focused on the human element as opposed to the numbers. It was not like their family corporation which was just about finances.

“If you don’t come to work with me, it is only a matter of time before you are roped in by your Sister Yasha. You have zero resistance towards her persuasion. You are lucky she thinks you are a baby.” Inei said.

“I would not need to worry about her if you were a better big brother. You are over one year older than her! How are you still afraid of her?” Emi refused to be outdone.

“Let us just agree we need to join forces against them. They will not stop until they absorb us into the hive mind.” Inei said.

“You are the black sheep of the family. Sister Yasha and Brother Hiro are keeping the family business thriving. They do not need me. Why do I have to follow you?” Emi grumbled.

“Do you think they will let you go before they get you into the family business?” Inei asked.

Emi was annoyed. “Fine! I will think about it. But for now, I am just a simple teacher.”

A waitress knocked lightly before coming in with their beverages. Both of them asked for colourful drinks. Inei’s was a blue cocktail topped with some fruit pieces, while Emi’s was a layered red and yellow drink with a small umbrella at the top.

The two picked their drinks and clinked them lightly.

“To an interesting evening!” Emi said.

“To an interesting evening,” Inei replied.