Dumb Beauty & Genius

56. Stage three

" Let's not meet anymore." said Shane.
Anna stares at him.

Shane walks away.
' I guess I'm a coward.'

***

It's been a week.
I haven't seen Shane for a long time, and maybe never anymore.

Anna closes her book after the bell rings.
Anna turns to the empty seat.

Anna sighs.
" Ah !" Anna smiles suddenly.

***

Anna presses the bell.
But the door wouldn't even budge.

Anna presses the bell again.

...

The door is opened.
" Shane !" Anna shouts happily.

" Eh ?" muttered Anna.
" Who are you looking for ?" asked a woman.

" Um.. Mr. Shane ?"

" Oh. That man. He moved."

" Eeeh ?!"

***

Anna frowns and bangs her head on the table.
Ding-dong.

" Coming.." Anna rushes to the door.
Weird enough to find nobody.

The worse thing is..
" Hi." said Hiro.

" Mr. Hiro." exclaimed Anna, " I'm sorry. But I withdrew."
Anna pushes the door, but immediately stopped by Hiro.

" We're short of a player because most of you withdrew in the north palace." pouted Hiro.
" But I withdrew, right ?" asked Anna.

" Don't you want to help other players ?" asked Hiro.
Anna glances at Hiro.

" Help ?" asked Anna.
" You know, other than the north palace you were in, the other places had players who suffered ultimate defeat and some of them dominated and won a complete victory." said Hiro.

Hiro smirks, " if other players compete, I doubt they will be that kind to let everyone win together."
Anna's eyes widens, " then.. does it mean that I still have my 11 million to save them ?"

" Yes." said Hiro, " if you don't withdraw."
" But 11 million won't be enough.." said Anna.

" Don't you want to meet Shane ?" asked Hiro.
Anna glares at Hiro, " Shane is participating too ?! Oh.."

Anna remembered the conversation a week ago.
Anna bites her lips, " I'm going."

Hiro smiles, his gold tooth shining in a result.

Directions to third stage

***

Anna arrives in a big mansion.
The man bows, " welcome. Follow me."

Anna eventually arrives in a big room.
" We are going to play the game in this room." said the man.

" Game ?" asked Anna.
The man turns to Anna, " you will know soon."

" Well then." The man walks away.
Footsteps are heard.

" What are you doing here ?!" shouted Shane.
Anna turns to Shane, " Helloo !"

" Don't just Hello me ! Why are you here ?!" asked Shane concerned.
Anna smiles at Shane's face.

" I decided to come so more players can be saved." said Anna.
Shane rolls his eyes.

" ..nice to see you again." said Anna.
Shane glances at Anna.

" And why did you move ?!" asked Anna, " Shane ?" added Anna politely.

Shane turns away.
" None of your business."