Barette's eyes lit up as he smiled. "I've been the leader of the 9th district for two years now… I consider myself at the very least knowledgeable about the other nine leaders of the other districts. I am aware of some of their weaknesses."Although it won't be enough to secure a victory for you, I'm sure knowing about their weaknesses would still increase your chances of winning, Austin. Besides, I'm also friends with the fifth and the tenth district's Fenrir and Fallen Angel respectively…"He finished his explanation and just stared at Austin with anticipation.Austin greeted him with a casual smile. "I see. I'll allow you to stay by my side from now on."Being able to learn about the weaknesses of his opponents in advance would indeed increase his chances of winning.At the very least, Austin would not have to test the waters with the risk of injury like his deathmatch with Barette today.He also understood the implications behind Barette's words.It meant that he could even
"You can think of the 1st district's leader as… a special case even when it comes to our prison."Barette gradually lowered his voice as his eyes seemed to have lost their light. He chuckled and continued, "Austin, can you imagine an inmate being treated even better than the chief warden in this prison?"Austin felt as if a storm was raging within his heart.He tried his best to suppress his fear, but his fists were so tightly clenched that veins were popping out of his skin.Would an inmate still be considered an inmate if he was treated even better than the wardens?The self-mockery on Barette's face became even more apparent as he continued, "The leader of the 1st district has held onto the throne for two decades by overwhelming power alone. He had gained more authority than that of the chief warden over time. But then again, he could not freely enter and exit the prison."He's probably the only inmate that could achieve such a level of… 'Freedom.' And he's also basically the
The strong stench of disinfectant filled the room.Austin's face was rather pale, but he was already in stable condition as he was fortunately rescued in time.Right next to him was Cecily, whose appearance seemed haggard and exhausted.Further at the side were Dahlia, Ezra, Aldus, and Raquel.Everyone was staring at Austin with worried expressions.Austin smiled weakly with a hint of embarrassment. "What are you all staring at me for? The doctor already said I'm fine, didn't he?"Cecily tried her best to hold back her tears. "How can we not be worried? Do you know how much blood you lost? I've been so scared for the past few days…"She then threw herself into Austin's arms and started crying out loud.All of Cecily's suspicions about Austin had disappeared when he had blocked a knife for her.She now felt nothing but guilt and remorse for doubting Austin.Austin gently patted Cecily on the head and smiled. "I had to protect you, of course. I'd rather take the hit and bleed o
A satisfied smile appeared on Austin's face as he ended the phone call.He took a deep breath as he finally let out all of the pressure that he had accumulated within his mind and body. "As long as I make it to the 15th… I'll finally become Austin Campbell! All of the Pearson family's efforts will finally be worth it!"His soft murmur echoed across his hospital ward.Meanwhile, Cecily and the others had not yet left the hospital after leaving Austin's room.They had taken a detour to visit Vincent in another hospital ward.Cecily entered Vincent's ward to find an empty room with a messy desk. "You really hurt Yannis' feelings, you know?"Vincent had both his hands on the back of his head as he nonchalantly replied, "So what? Makes it easier for both of us, anyway. Guess it's karma for her being so nice to a murderer like me."Cecily was left speechless, while Dahlia and Aldus were both shaking their heads.Ezra smiled and scolded, "You brat, I know what's really on your mind."
Austin was standing still on the ring with a calm expression.He stared at the opponent lying on the ground who had a twisted left foot.Barette's intel had proved useful. The opponent's carelessness and arrogance had allowed Austin to secure his victory in just a few minutes."You… How did you know? You couldn't have possibly known!"The muscular man on the ground seemed to be under immense pain as sweat dripped down his face. The severe pain coming from his broken left foot caused him to grit his teeth.The pain, however, was less than that of the amount of shock his heart was going through at the moment.The injury on his left foot had originally developed from all the battles he had fought within the prison.Any injury could be fatal as he fought for his life within the Grave Prison.Everyone would try their best to hide their shortcomings in order to appear tougher than they really were.It was the same concept as how animals showing signs of fatigue in the wild would imm
The surveillance room felt as if it had frozen over.Everyone, including Brian, seemed extremely stern in the presence of the sudden visitor.In front of Brian was a man dressed in a black robe.A huge hood covered his face, revealing only his chin with a bit of stubble.Noticing the silence, the robed man prompted an answer. "Hmm?"Brian immediately responded, "I'm afraid it would be difficult for him to make it."He had lowered his head out of respect as he spoke.Brian could tell that Austin went into the fight with the 8th district's leader with the knowledge of his opponent's weaknesses beforehand.Austin had only won two matches at this moment, and defeating the rest of his seven opponents would not be as easy as simply learning about their weaknesses—let alone the final opponent who was standing in front of Brian right now.The first two deathmatches had been favorable for Austin after he realized his opponents' weaknesses.As the deathmatches went on, the rest of the
Austin's eyes were brightly burning with his fighting spirit as he shouted, "I'll fight on!"Barette helplessly let out a sigh, while Nashville and the other inmates stared at Austin in awe.Everyone had to fight to survive in The Grave Prison, where the weak were the prey of the strong.The inmates were all in awe of Austin's attitude toward his deathmatches after living a prolonged period of just surviving day by day.From their perspective, Austin seemed as if he was gleaming with hope.…The passage from day to night was unobservable from within The Grave Prison.With the prison surrounded by towering walls, the concept of time gradually became something the inmates had forgotten about.However, Austin counted every single second he was staying in the prison ever since he asked Brian for the time.He had no extra time to waste rotting inside the prison.To finish ten matches within ten days was the optimal rhythm that he had planned.Any longer, and his entire existence
Austin looked up at Brian with astonishment.He wondered why Brian would help him make it out of The Grave Prison.Brian smiled as he could tell what Austin was thinking about. "Don't be surprised. I just owe Aldus one, now we're even."Austin pursed his lips, still confused about the sudden interaction. He had always been curious about the relationship between Aldus and Brian.He could only wonder why Brian had complete knowledge about how Aldus fought, as well as why Brian had decided to help him cheat in the deathmatch."Thank you," Austin decided to think about such questions another day as he headed toward the 7th district.He took a look at the gift from Brian as he walked.He immediately frowned when he realized that Brian had given him a mirror.Austin was utterly confused as he stared at the mirror in his hand.It was something that was not allowed within the prison because it could easily be used as a lethal weapon."Is Brian telling me to kill Anaconda with this?"