Obsession... What's That? I Just Wish Someone Would Help Me Escape - Chapter 25
“That’s laughable.”
Number 37, his face twisted in anger, grabbed my collar and growled.
“I could just kill you right here, and that’ll be the end of it.”
Indeed, in a place where even inmate crimes are overlooked, such a conclusion was inevitable.
I smiled leisurely and shrugged.
“I knew you’d say that.”
Then, I raised my knee and delivered a powerful blow to Number 37’s g***n.
Thwack!
It was a strike not even the strongest in the world could block.
Legends, martial arts skills, whatever—they all say that a well-placed hit there ends it, but it’s an unspoken sanctuary that not even the most evil of overlords dare attack.
As such, it was a very easy target for a casual attack.
“Argh!”
From below, going upwards, the precision of my g***n kick made Number 37’s eyes roll back as he soon crouched down on the ground, groaning.
I crumpled someone’s underwear and stuffed it in his mouth, whispering,
“Are you content being just Number 37?”
I confronted him with the fundamental issue that must be haunting his mind. Number 37 looked up at me, wheezing.
There must be an ambition in him to rise within his competitive group.
If it were an insurmountable wall, he wouldn’t even dare to look, but within the 30-40s, they’re all pretty much on the same level.
If he could gain the favor of higher-ranked inmates, he might secure a position where even higher numbers wouldn’t dare touch him.
“Gaining the trust of Number 7 could be your chance to overthrow the leader of the 30s and become the real boss.”
Number 37’s face, previously contorted in pain, returned to normal for a moment.
It was an offer tempting enough to make him forget his pain.
“Having been a major noble and active in high society, I know well the characteristics, tendencies, and weaknesses of the top-ranking prisoners. If you cooperate with me, no one below Number 7 would dare mess with you. If not, that’s fine; there are plenty of others who could take your place.”
Those who have lived their lives as nobles could never simply accept the absurdity of being subdued by numbers or obeying an irrational hierarchy simply because someone who was once beneath them has risen.
It means they all harbor ambition, however secretly.
They would seize whatever threads of opportunity they could.
“…So, what’s your plan?”
Number 37 spat out the underwear stuffed in his mouth and asked in a slightly intrigued tone.
He seemed to be recalling my past actions in high society.
“Just do as I say without question. You know what those who have helped me in the past have gained, right? They’ve secured major business rights, risen to power, and even taken seats as chairpersons in the noble council.”
I raised my chin triumphantly, and Number 37, slightly unsteady, stood up and extended his hand to me.
“If it’s something inevitable, let’s join hands.”
“What’s your name?”
“Jason.”
I’ll remember that for the time being.
I whispered my plan to him quietly, then patted him on the back.
“The action is set for tomorrow morning, Biden. You know what happens if you fail, right?”
“My name is Jason.”
* * *
The next morning at breakfast, I sat behind Clara in the cafeteria.
Prisoners from the 40s were busily serving trays and fetching water for the higher-ranked inmates.
“49! Why are you just sitting there doing nothing!”
Number 30, holding a tray for someone, nodded towards me, prompting Number 38 to come over and start scolding.
“Do I have to listen to the likes of you? Tell your boss directly.”
I crossed my legs and taunted Number 30, who started striding towards me with a menacing look.
“Last night you were all compliant, and suddenly you did something wrong…”
Crash—!
Number 38, who was standing next to me, suddenly tripped and grabbed Number 30, causing the tray Number 30 was holding to fly and spill over someone.
The atmosphere turned icy, and a frosty silence spread.
Soon, a heavy voice spoke.
“…Is this a challenge?”
Clara, covered in soup and shriveled vegetables, clenched a wooden spoon in her hand until it snapped.
Clara’s arm muscles twitched and her biceps bulged, causing Number 30’s face to turn pale.
“Number 7, this man did it!”
Clara’s mouth twisted ferociously as she dragged herself to her feet, dragging her chair with her as she pointed at 38, who had pushed her and fallen.
“Number 30, that’s not becoming of a leader. It’s not the time to blame your subordinates.”
Bang!
A tremendous burst sound followed, and air seemed to explode from Number 30’s mouth.
