---
I gave her the bandages and she started covering her wounds, although they weren't very serious. Still, leaving them like this could cause infection.
She had a cut on her back, but her hand couldn't reach it properly.
I said, "I'll clean your wounds,"—I think I said something I shouldn't have in this situation.
Shira hesitated. She wasn't comfortable with physical contact. After two years here, trusting someone was hard for her.
"If you don't want me to, it's okay. I shouldn't have said it," I said awkwardly.
Shira said, "No, it's fine. You can clean them."
As I carefully applied antiseptic on her back, she slightly winced but didn't complain. Her wounds hadn't properly healed; some were still bleeding lightly.
"Are... are you a doctor?" she asked quietly, trying to distract herself.
"No. … at home, Elena used to get injured, so I took care of her," I said with a sad smile.
"Elena… she was your…"
"Fiancée," I replied.
"Sorry," she said softly, with genuine sympathy. I still couldn't believe this was really Shira.
As I wrapped the bandages, I noticed Shira's breathing had calmed. Trust was slowly building.
"Have you lost someone?" I asked carefully.
Shira's face immediately closed off. "I… I can't talk about that right now."
"I understand. Tell me when you're ready. No pressure."
She gave me an appreciative look for understanding her.
For the next few hours, we worked on the escape plan in detail. Shira drew a map of the facility in the corner of the room using dust.
"The service entrance is here," she pointed. "Kitchen staff arrive at 5 AM, guards change at 6 AM. There's a 30–40 minute window in between."
"Without weapons, it's impossible," I said. "We'll have to handle Captain Morris."
"Morris is dangerous. He's also easily suspicious," Shira warned. "He always has 2–3 guards with him."
"We'll need a distraction," I said thoughtfully.
"I can create the distraction. I can cause a scene at the training ground. You can take the key then."
"Too risky. What if you get caught?"
"I'll handle it," she said confidently. "Trust me."
I admired her courage, but I was also worried.
"We'll need time to convince the other fighters," I said. "Viper and Iron Maiden—can we talk to them?"
"Viper is possible. She's smart and can understand. Iron Maiden… she's unpredictable. She might help or betray."
That evening, when we took a break from planning, Shira suddenly spoke.
"You're different, Garrett."
I looked at her.
"Other men… they only want one thing. You… you actually care. Like… like a real and kind person."
She looked vulnerable, like it was the first time she had said this to anyone.
"You're not just an object, Shira. You're a human. A strong human," I said seriously.
She blushed slightly, then quickly looked away. Shira looked down, twisting her fingers nervously. "I… I forgot how to… just talk. Normal things. But you… You didn't mind."
I said, "I gave her a small, steady smile. "Patience… everyone deserves it. And you… You've been brave, shown more courage than most could."
"Brave?" she asked, questioning. "I was just surviving."
"That's exactly why you're brave. You didn't give up. You kept fighting."
I saw a smile on her face. Looking at her, it seemed like she hadn't smiled in a long time. What had happened to her before this?
At night, when darkness settled, we whispered to each other.
"Observation starts tomorrow," I explained the plan. "We need to understand Morris' routine."
"We also need to note the kitchen delivery trucks' timing," Shira added.
"We'll need weapons, food, and water for the escape," I said. "Initially, we'll head to the desert. It will take 2–3 days to reach the city."
Suddenly, Shira became quiet.
"What are you thinking?" I asked.
"What if… what if we fail?" she asked hesitantly.
"We won't. We've planned everything carefully."
"But if we do… they'll send us back to that room. The experiments…"
I looked into her eyes and said, "Shira, look at me. We'll succeed. I promise you."
She nodded, though I could see she was scared.
"What do you think it will be like outside?" I changed the topic.
"I don't know. I've only seen this world for 2 years. I've forgotten what normal life is."
I said, "Even outside, life won't be easy for us. Shira, a war has started."
Shira asked, "Do you know how this WAR started?"
"I don't know much. An old man told me a little."
I told her that my only goal outside was to save my sister, and she might think it's selfish.
Shira said, "That's good. I don't really have any important work outside either. And since you're a bit forgetful, I'll go with you to find your sister."
I smiled at her and said, "Thank you, Shira." Her expression became slightly nervous; now only she knew why.
---
Day Three - Observation
The next day, I went to the doctor, but my real motive was to observe Morris.
Morris was at the training ground with three guards. Fat, ugly, typical bully type. His gold teeth shone as he laughed.
I carefully observed his routine:
I watched from the shadows. Morris moved predictably: morning drills at the training ground, a solitary lunch at noon, a weapon inventory in the afternoon, and by evening, he retreated to his quarters. Every step, every glance, noted.
Lunch break seemed like the best opportunity.
Back in the room, Shira was waiting eagerly.
"What did you see?" Shira asked.
I shared all the details. "Lunch time is perfect. He's alone in the mess hall."
"I'll create the distraction then," Shira said, planning.
"What will you do?"
"I'll collapse at the training ground. Medical emergency. All guards will rush there."
"Dangerous. What if you get seriously hurt?"
"I'm also an actress," she said, smiling slightly. "Trust me."
After that, we both went to sleep. I slept near the door again.
---
On the fourth evening, suddenly there was a knock at the door.
"Room service!" a guard shouted.
We became alert. The service was unexpected.
The guard entered with a food tray, but his eyes were suspicious.
"Everything alright here?" he casually asked, scanning the room.
"Yes, fine," I calmly replied.
He gave Shira a creepy look. "Enjoying your reward, champion?"
Shira tensed but stayed silent.
"Eat your food, maintain your strength," the guard laughed disgustingly and left.
As soon as he left, I locked the door.
"Suspicious," Shira said worriedly.
"Yeah. Maybe they're watching us."
"Should we change the plan?" Shira asked.
"No. We'll just be more careful."
---
Afterwards, when I went to the doctor, some fighters were whispering in the corridor.
"Look, look, our Silent King," one mocked.
"Used to fight so much for Elena, now enjoying private rooms," another added with a dirty laugh.
"With the Queen of Blades… lucky bastard. How long will he enjoy this?"
My jaw tightened, but I controlled myself.
"How's it going, champion?" someone boldly approached. "Enjoying your reward, huh?"
"Mind your own business," I replied coldly.
"Come on, sharing is caring. How's the Queen? Rumour says she's a wildcat in bed," he laughed disgustingly.
I suddenly stood up in an intimidating posture. He immediately backed off.
"Next time you say something like that, we'll meet in the arena. Understood?" I threatened.
Everyone went silent. The message was clear.
The doctor did a quick check-up and said something that didn't seem simple at all.
He told me, "When you get angry, your body's power suddenly increases, like during adrenaline moments, but this is a little different…" He fell silent and then said, "Forgive me, old age makes me say strange things."
I didn't ask any questions. I stormed back to the room, each step heavy with irritation. The doctor's words echoed in my mind—adrenaline, strength surging… Just like when they had Elena. My fists clenched.
When my heart was racing—but did it mean I became stronger? I reached the room. I was extremely irritated with those people.
When I returned, Shira immediately noticed my mood.
"What's wrong? You seem upset," Shira said.
"Nothing. Just… these people here."
"Did they say something about me?" Shira asked.
I hesitated. Should I tell the truth or not?
"They… they were making dirty comments about you and me," I honestly admitted. There was silence around.
Shira's expression hardened but she stayed surprisingly calm. "I used to be like that. Don't worry about it."
"But I'm not," I said firmly. "They should respect you."
She looked surprised. Surprise flickered across her face. "You… you'd really fight for me? For my honour?" You don't need to. Just ignore them."
"But I can't," I said.
She softly smiled, with genuine warmth. "Thank you, Garrett. In two years, no one has ever cared about me like this."
"You deserve respect. They don't understand anything," I said.
"You understand me. That's enough for me."
I was shocked by the things I heard from Shira that I never expected.
She looked at me and started stuttering while smiling. "Ah… ah, sorry. I said something w-w-wrong again."
I laughed at her words, and she laughed too. It felt like light was returning to my life.
Shira went to see the arena conditions. She went into a cage from where she could watch other fighters fighting. Only specific fighters could go there, like Shira.
To Be Continued