Reborn in the Enemy's Embrace

"That’s not possible. I don’t recommend going down there either." Zion opened the door and shook his head. He didn’t want us to take the risk.

He continued, "Children and infants are all off the ship. Other than Yara, there aren’t anymore."

"But... There really were kids. There’s more than one too. I heard them laughing. They were even playing with a ball." Yara cried before pulling on my shirt. "Ms. Sofia, it’s true..."

I nodded in response. "I believe you."

"If you really want to go and take a look... We could." He looked around. "Let’s get something to eat first. Violette is still unconscious. I need to grab something nutritious for her to restore some energy."

"Keep your weapons close. Those lunatics will kill anyone," I reminded.

The group of us slowly made our way to the VIP dining area.

During the day, everything was calm. It was like yesterday’s slaughter never existed.

All the bodies had been thrown into the ocean, and the blood stains on the ship were cleaned by the staff as well. From the surface, nothing seemed out of place.

Many were casually conversing and enjoying the view as they ate.

They were probably oblivious to yesterday’s events.

"They started killing people from the 14th floor. Only that floor was cleared yesterday. They went into different rooms like they were playing roulette. Whoever was randomly picked, died..." Looking around fearfully, Maverick carefully said.

Upon entering the dining area, we were stopped and asked to show our room keys.

"Sorry, this man and the little girl aren’t registered under the VIP name list. From today onward, the dining areas are segregated. The VIP area is no longer open to the public. Only registered guests are allowed to dine here," the staff member said in a serious tone.

I raised an eyebrow and looked at Dexter.

"How can you section people off at a time like this? It’s just two people. Just let them in." Joel wanted to go inside, but the guard stopped him. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

None of the guards looked friendly. It was clear that they wanted us to adhere to the rules.

"Guests in the VIP section are free to use the dining area as they please. If you don’t wish to be separated, you’re welcome to have your meal elsewhere," the staff member said.

"Let’s go. We’ll eat elsewhere." I took Yara’s hand and walked outside.

"They gave everyone access to the VIP section at the start on purpose. Now that everyone onboard is aware of how much better the food is, there’s no way they’ll be satisfied with the meals provided in the regular section."

"If I were to guess... Soon, your identity wouldn’t matter. The staff will only let you in if you possess a room key. So the VIP guests will become everyone’s target."

Joel explained grimly.

This was a horrible realization.

Everyone’s faces fell.

The man behind all of this was a genius. He knew exactly how to bring out the worst of human nature.

We all headed downstairs for food, but the dining hall was full. They told us that food was limited, and we had to come earlier.

With no other choice, we could only continue heading down.

The lower we went, the worse the food was. It wasn’t until we reached the last deck that the staff begrudgingly let us in.

All we had was stale bread and jam. Although made from milk powder, they at least provided hot milk. "Ms. Sofia..." In the middle of our meal, Yara suddenly perked up. It seemed like she heard something. She tugged on my shirt anxiously and said, "Listen... Do you hear the sound of a bell ball below the cabin?" That was a child’s toy that made noise when rolled about.

I listened carefully. "What..."

I was just about to say that she misheard it when I heard a jingle... I actually heard the sound of a ball rolling from the stairway down to the bottom deck.

Then, I heard children laughing and playing.

I looked at Dexter cautiously.

Then, I turned toward the others. "Do you guys hear any children?"

Zion has already picked up some food and returned to his room.

Eason perked up to listen before shaking his head. "I don’t..."

Joel tried to listen as best as he could as well. "How did you manage to hear the sound of kids among all this commotion? Are you sure you’re not hallucinating?"

The dining area was packed with people. To be honest, it was quite difficult to hear.

Maverick also shook his head. "I don’t hear anything either."

I looked back at Dexter.

The man was eating his food quietly. He didn’t say that he heard anything, nor did he say he didn’t. Judging by the way he was behaving, he didn’t want me to risk my safety.

He didn’t allow me to go down there.

Without a choice, I rubbed Yara’s head and said, "Maybe we really misheard it. There are guards stationed at the bottom deck, so we can’t possibly go down there.

"Hurry up and eat. We’re heading back after everyone is done."

Yara lowered her head dejectedly. "When I was hiding in the cabin, I really heard them... There was someone who sent them food too."

I didn’t respond.

We had no idea what the situation down there was like. If it harbored secrets like the medical capsule had, we might really end up in danger.

At times like these, it was a wiser choice to keep yourself safe.

"Enjoy your meal, everyone. Do try to eat as much as possible... because soon, there won’t be enough food to go around."

The eerie voice rang out in the speakers yet again, "There isn’t much time left. The ship is heading further and further away... If you want to head back... you should find the CEO of Crowdstar Group as soon as you possibly can."

I frowned at the broadcast. I had started to suspect that locating the CEO was merely a front. The Rebels just wanted to bring out the worst in people and watch them turn on each other.

They seemed adamant on making that happen.

"From tomorrow onwards, meals are given according to your room key. One key gets you a meal for two. Everyone best be keeping their room keys safe-without a key, you’d unfortunately need to starve."

The voice was giving us rules and spreading fear.

Maverick looked at his room key nervously. Keys to regular rooms were white, only room keys in the VIP section were gold in color.

"Keys from the VIP section have access to food of premium quality and luxury wines. Even the rooms are the safest. The doors are made of reinforced, anti-burglary materials.

"That means... Joel was actually right. Those in possession of gold cards were going to become the hunted, "Eason said grimly.

The atmosphere became tense and awkward.

"From now onwards, do not leave your room unless you absolutely need to... Let’s go back, now." Dexter got up and took my hand.

The people from the dining hall were already eyeing us greedily.

"Tuck your cards away," I urged Eason to keep his card hidden.

Based on what was going on, the card was not replaceable if you happen to lose it.

I took Yara’s hand and anxiously started to take my leave.

However, Yara stopped at the exit to the bottom deck. She remained glued to the floor.

"Listen, Ms. Sofia... There really are kids down there..."

I immediately ran over and grabbed her. "Let’s head back first, Yara. It’s not safe outside..."

"Yara!"

She suddenly broke free from my grip and dashed downstairs.

I inhaled sharply and turned to look at Dexter.

We promised the police we’d bring her back safely...