HideLand

🟠 chapter 10 :

The next day, during recess, I tried to approach Simon again. As expected, he still didn't want to talk. I suppose he's completely lost trust in people by now.

Right then, Ren showed up. I had forgotten to ask him about his skill I have a feeling I'll need it someday.

"So, you're still trying to get Simon to talk, huh?"

Ren chuckled.

"Ren, what's the skill you got before coming to Valoris?"

Hopefully, it's not something useless.

"My skill? Oh right, I didn't tell you, did I? It's called Adaptive Override. It allows me to adapt its effects based on my physical condition, mental state, and the amount of magic energy I have left. The skill gives me temporary boosts like enhanced speed, strength, or reflexes. I can also create a weak repulsion field or a basic defensive spell... even launch a destructive magic pulse if needed. Honestly, I don't know how it works exactly, but Nuul explained it to me. I can also temporarily cloak myself or climb more efficiently. The skill is constantly evolving."

Whoa. That's an amazing ability.

How does he know all this? Did he memorize it from a paper or something? Nuul never gave me such a detailed explanation about mine. Then again, mine seemed pretty straightforward... or so I thought.

But how does he even use his skill?

"So you only use it to win the weekly plate of chicken?" 

I asked, trying to hide my disbelief.

"Is there anything else worth using it for?" 

he replied with a straight face.

What a waste of talent.

Don't worry, Ren. I'll find a better use for your skill later.

Looking around, I spotted Raynar sitting all alone like usual. No one wants to go near him. And honestly, I can't blame them. He is the reason behind the toilet disaster.

Still, what he said about knowing the prison's layout caught my attention.

I said goodbye to Ren.

"Alright, I'll catch you later."

He looked surprised probably didn't expect me to willingly talk to Raynar. I must look suspicious now.

I walked up to Raynar and spoke.

"Hey, Raynar. Mind if I sit and talk?"

Even he looked shocked. Has it really come to this? Am I that suspicious now?

"Sure, go ahead. Let me remember... your name is Takero, right?"

At least he remembered me.

"Yeah. I wanted to have a chat."

"A chat about what?"

"About a possible escape from this prison."

He jumped up the moment I said that. Clearly, he didn't expect someone to share his crazy dream.

"Let's do it then, Takero! Let's make it happen!"

"Hold on, hold on! Not so fast. We're not there yet. First... how do you know the prison's layout so well?"

"Well... I've been in and out of this prison many times. So were my father and grandfather. We've attempted multiple escapes but they all failed."

...What?

So his whole family are... serial escape artists? Or just really bad at it?

"But listen"

 he continued. 

"There was a tunnel dug from the toilets my grandfather tried to escape through it, but he failed and the guards sealed it. Still, he managed to draw a map of the tunnels before he died. He passed it on to my father, who passed it on to me, hoping that someone in our bloodline would finally break free from this cursed place."

Wow.

Their whole family history revolves around failing to escape from prison.

If their life was a show, it'd be called Prison Freak.

He continued.

"I've spent 25 years in and around this prison. During that time, I built a new escape route from the guards' kitchen."

Finally, something useful a tunnel from the kitchen.

"Do you know where the tunnels lead? Do you understand the layout and what lies above them?"

"Kid, I've lived my entire life in this city. I know every inch of it. I even have a full map of the tunnels and what's above them."

"Perfect. The escape is happening soon."

I have one week. What I'm planning to do is risky but necessary. If I don't act, I might be stuck here for a lon

g time... and when I finally do get my freedom, who knows what they'll do to me