HideLand

🟠 chapter 08 :

So that's how it is... I wonder how many people have been affected because of that Boral.

It seems that only Ren and I, the ones from the real world, were tricked by him.

Maybe there are others people from outside this city who've also been deceived. But what's the point of it all?

It doesn't look like something he personally gains from. I mean, what did he get out of setting me up?

It's not like I had money I came to this world with empty pockets. The only cash I had was what I used to buy ice cream.

Breakfast ended, and everyone returned to their cells.

Ren was four cells away from mine.

The whole Boral situation was still spinning in my head.

That guy clearly smuggles contraband, counterfeits money, or does something shady like that.

Well, that's the best theory I could come up with.

Maybe I should try making friends with some of the other inmates.

There might be others who were tricked, just like Ren and me.

As I was lost in thought, I suddenly heard shouting.

"Please! Don't send me back there! I'll die this time, I can't take that place anymore!"

It was a prisoner screaming as the guards dragged him away by force. Then they came for another. And another.

Where are they taking these prisoners?

My legs started trembling like spaghetti. Is it a torture room? A forced labor zone?

Whatever it is... it's dangerous.

And my turn is bound to come.

Recess came a short break where inmates are let out into the yard to breathe some fresh air.

It usually comes right before lunch.

"There you are, Takero dono."

Ren approached me. He looked at me like someone seeing a long-lost relative.

Understandable he's been here for months.

I decided to ask him about what happened earlier.

"Hey, Ren… mind if I ask you something?"

"Sure, what's up, buddy?"

"A little while ago, some prisoners were taken away by the guards. They were screaming like crazy. Where do they go?"

Ren stared seriously at the sky, like those prisoners were being sent off to war for their country.

Then he looked at me and said, with a firm face

"They're taken to a place that tests their patience... and their ability to endure hardship."

So… either prison or being unfit for that place?

Patience? Endurance? What kind of place is that?

Honestly, I don't even want to know anymore.

I just hope they forget I exist.

Recess ended, and lunch time came.

But… something was off.

I remember the guard said this cafeteria only serves porridge.

Did I hear wrong?

Because what I saw was something else entirely a huge dish placed at the center.

All the prisoners looked ready to pounce on it.

Even Ren.

"Ren, what is that? Where's the porridge? Isn't that all they serve here?"

He looked at me cautiously and replied

"You're right. But that dish isn't served every day. It's a weekly special called… the Weekly Chicken Plate."

Wait, did he say chicken?

No way. They actually serve chicken here?

Whoa… that's not so bad after all.

"Don't misunderstand, Takero dono. The cook doesn't do this out of kindness. He just loves watching us fight over it. Even the guards come to watch."

Damn. I'm disappointed again.

This prison is full of scumbags.

But... I can't let that dish go. I need to get at least a piece.

The cook lifted the plate and shouted

"GO!"

Like it was the start of a marathon.

Everyone jumped in punches flying, kicks landing.

They were all fighting with everything they had over a single meal.

I saw an opening a small untouched spot.

As I rushed toward it, I got punched in the jaw like a horse kicked me.

Then one straight to the gut.

Blow after blow, but I finally reached it.

Unfortunately, others noticed it too.

I stretched out, grabbing what I could.

I kept trying… and finally got it!

Wait… this is just a bone?

I guess I'll give up.

I dragged myself to the bench and just watched the chaos unfold.

Ren was fighting hard too.

Honestly, he was amazing he moved better than those giant inmates.

Could it be because of a skill he got?

Maybe I'll ask him later.

Oh he's coming over. Looks like he got a good share.

"Ah, Takero dono. There you are. What's this? You only got a bone?"

"Here, take some of mine."

"What? Don't you want to eat it? Chicken only comes once a week!"

"Exactly. And that's why I want you to have some.

Trust me, you'll understand its value soon enough especially once you get used to the porridge.

Don't worry about me I can manage."

This guy…

He may act strange sometimes, but he's honestly a good person.

"Alright, since you insist, I won't say no. I'm not the kind of guy to turn down a good meal."

Night fell, and I found myself spending yet another day in this place… with an uncertain fate.

I still don't even know how long my

sentence is.

Aren't there trials in this world?

Or is being caught with counterfeit money enough for an automatic sentence?