I was the first to leave the lunch table, and as I stood up, every other kid turned their attention to me. I felt quite uncomfortable under their heavy stare, but I tried to stay calm and positive. I planned on walking away just like that, but something else came to my mind, so I decided to speak.
"Guys, I don't know what this is about, but I think whatever this is, it has already begun," I said, my voice firm and clear. "Trust no one but your guardian. Don't rely on anyone else, because in this game, loyalty is a luxury we can't afford."
I walked out of the dining room, leaving the other kids to ponder my words. As I got to my room, Brock was already there, waiting for me. He was standing by the window, his eyes fixed on something outside, but as I entered, he turned to face me.
"Young Master Gabriel, I won't deny that I am curious right now," Brock said, his eyes shining bright with interest. "What made you say that in there? You seemed so sure of yourself, so confident."
I sat down on the bed, looking up at Brock. "You told me earlier that I am the only master you now serve," I replied. "I then believe you should as well be my only friend if I am going to live up to this upcoming challenge. I need someone I can trust, someone who will have my back no matter what."
Brock nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I see," he said. "You're thinking ahead, Young Master. I like that. You're realizing that in this game, alliances are fleeting, and loyalty is a weakness."
"I have to," I said. "I don't know what's going on, but I know I need to be careful. And I need someone I can trust. Someone who will tell me the truth, no matter how hard it is."
Brock smiled, a small, enigmatic smile. "You can trust me, Young Master," he said. "I will always have your back. But remember, even I have my limits. Don't push me too far."
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe, just maybe, I had found a true ally in this strange and treacherous world.
"But tell me, Brock," I said, my curiosity getting the better of me. "What do you know about this challenge? What's going on? What's the purpose of this game?"
Brock's smile grew wider, but his eyes seemed to cloud over, as if he was hiding something.
"I know as much as you do, Young Master," he said. "But I will say this: be careful who you trust. Not everyone is what they seem. There are those who will stop at nothing to win, to be the favorite son."
I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. What was going on? And who could I trust? I knew I had to be careful, but I also knew I couldn't do this alone. I needed Brock, and I needed to know more about this game.
Brock wanted to now be on his way, but he looked quite puzzled, like as if there's something he felt like sharing with me. He stood there, his eyes fixed on mine, his expression unreadable. It was as if he was trying to decipher a code, or unravel a mystery that had been bothering him for a while.
"Is there something I should know, Brock?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. "Something you're not telling me?" I pressed on, my voice laced with a hint of concern.
After staring at me for some seconds, he found his words. "I'm really surprised," he said, his voice low and thoughtful. "I'm surprised how you have gone from a kid trying to remain at the orphanage hours ago, to the kid ready to set his nest in his new environment." He paused, his eyes still fixed on mine. "It's like you've undergone a transformation, a metamorphosis of sorts."
I smiled, a hint of pride in my voice. "That's really a good observation from you, Brock," I said. "I've always been taught to adapt quickly to new situations. But I think it's more than that. I think it's about taking control of my life, and making the best of every situation."
Brock nodded, his eyes still fixed on mine. "Yes, but this is different," he said. "You're not just adapting, you're thriving. You're taking ownership of your new life, and that's impressive." He paused, his expression thoughtful. "I've seen many kids come and go, but I've never seen anyone like you. You're unique, Young Master."
I shrugged, feeling a sense of humility. "I was taught back in the orphanage that in every situation, praise the lord, everything happens for a reason," I said. "And from the situation where I possibly have no other choice but being here, I then believe that I have to set my territory and as well know who comes in and who goes out." I paused, my eyes locked on Brock's. "I have to make the best of this situation, and I will, with your help, Brock."
Brock nodded, a small smile on his face. "I see," he said. "You're taking ownership of your new life. That's good, Young Master. That's very good." He paused, his expression serious. "But remember, I'm not just your guardian, I'm also your friend. And as your friend, I will always tell you the truth, no matter how hard it is."
"The truth?" I asked, my voice laced with curiosity and a hint of skepticism. "Then you should tell me about the kids you mentioned earlier that has come and go," I questioned, really trying to manipulate him into spilling more information. I leaned forward, my eyes locked on Brock's, my expression intense and probing.
Brock's smile faltered, and he looked away, his eyes fixed on some point on the wall, as if searching for an escape route. "I shouldn't have said that," he muttered, his voice barely audible, his tone laced with regret.
"Come on, Brock," I pressed on, my voice firm but gentle, trying to coax the truth out of him. "You can trust me. What happened to those kids? What did they do wrong?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
Brock sighed, his shoulders sagging, as if the weight of the world was bearing down on him. "Fine," he said, his voice resigned, his tone laced with a hint of defeat. "But remember, you asked for this, Young Master. You're not going to like what I have to say."
I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation, my mind racing with possibilities. What could Brock possibly say that would be so bad?
"Now I see what you're doing, young master," Brock said, his eyes narrowing, his tone laced with a hint of accusation. "You're trying to get me to spill more information than I should. Well, let me tell you, some secrets are better left unspoken."
I leaned back, my expression disappointed, my eyes never leaving Brock's face. "I thought we were friends, Brock," I said, my voice laced with hurt, my tone laced with a hint of betrayal. "I thought we trusted each other."
Brock's expression softened, and he looked at me with a hint of regret, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "We are, Young Master," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But some things are beyond my control. Things that could put you in danger."