NARES - Chapter 5

 CHAPTER 5 – One Hour

[10.00 p.m.]

An announcement could be heard everywhere in the mansion. The voice was, unmistakably, that of the owner of the mansion, Raka_Putra. It was playful, just like a child who was playing with his new toys.

“Attention, please. The time is now 10.00 p.m. It’s been little over one hour since the game began. Thus far, four contestants have lost their chance to win the prizes. In other words, each of you now has...please wait a sec...$111,764,705. Well, except for two lucky people, who each worth $211,764,705.
It is getting late, but I sincerely hope you’ll still enjoy the game. If you would like to rest, feel free to use any of the guest rooms or V.I.P. rooms we have.
...Oh, and I’d really appreciate it if you don’t mess up my room too much, I just had it cleaned this morning.
Thank you for your attention and good evening.”

===
[10:01 p.m. – Music Room]

The announcement was enough to divert both Nio’s and Edward’s attention. However, Edward, having faced real threats twice already, was quicker to seize his chance. He turned over the marimba next to him to make a makeshift obstacle between him and Nio. Nio caught on and began to sprint across the room, avoiding and leaping over the instruments; she jumped over the upside-down marimba with no problem. By the time she was at the chair Edward sat on, her prey had ran upstairs.

Not one to lose the target she had set her sights on, Nio followed Edward with surprising speed. But as she arrived at the Grand Foyer, Edward was nowhere to be seen. The Grand Foyer was a grand room with expensive-looking decorations: an exotic and rare potted plant with blood-red flowers, a well-sculpted bust of a woman with enchanting beauty, and a big painting of a blonde woman in a black dress. On the ceiling, an intricate chandelier adorned with gold was hanging.

Directly under the heavy chandelier was Nio, looking at the two doors in the room – one leading to the waiters’ quarters and the other leading to the parlour. There was also the set of stairs leading to the second floor. Which one did Edward take?

There was no wind in the Grand Foyer, but suddenly the chandelier began to swing as if it couldn’t hold its own weight. The chain keeping it suspended from the ceiling rattled. With a great force, just like a mighty hammer of the gods, the chandelier was released from its place and struck down with a thunderous roar.

===
[10.01 p.m. – Raka’s Room]

After the announcement ended, the room was basked in silence once more. Genesis was standing in front of the door leading to the security room, trying to push the buttons on the nametag reader, perhaps hoping it would open the door. XIII was next to her, humping his saucepan with such vigour. Machete and metalslugg were facing muddersmilk, their weapons firm in their grips throughout the announcement and their stares cold and unmoving.

Muddersmilk braced himself, put down the mop he was holding, and removed his nametag from his shirt. He spoke calmly.

Milk: No need for hostility, guys. Here, I’ll give it for you. Let’s team up, okay?

Milk extended his hand, offering the nametag as a token of friendship – or at least, safety.

Machete looked at him suspiciously.

Machete: Didn’t you team up with Nio? Where’s she?

Milk: Oh, we split up. She was looking for someone!

Machete: Split up, huh? That’s your best explanation?

Milk: That was what happened!

Sluggg cautiously got closer to Milk and took the nametag from his hand.

Sluggg: For now, I doth suggest that we let tis man stayeth here for now if he so chooseth – we art greater in number than him.

Machete: …sure, but I’ll keep my eyes on him.

Slugg gave the nametag to Genesis and it joined the rest of their nametags, along with jdizzy’s, which had been scavenged by XIII earlier. She proceeded to scan the nametags one by one, starting with the stacks of their group’s nametags first. The total was 60 just like before. Then Genesis held the nametag in front of the scanner…

Genesis: You’ve gotta be kidding me!

Muddersmilk’s nametag added [4] to the total number, bringing it up to [64] out of the [65] needed.

Genesis: I guess we must look for another nametag…

XIII: *gasp* Be careful, I sense Death!

Genesis: *sigh* Not now, XIII.

Yet suddenly, the door flung open with astounding force, hitting Milk who was still standing there and knocked him off his feet. The man known to them as Pirateking2000 stood there in the doorway, with a sick but satisfied grin on his face; his eyes scanned the room, moving from one surprised figure to another, and when he spoke, his voice was filled with bloodlust.

Pirate: Found you!

===
[9:58 – Computer Room]

After he shut down the computer, Jeffrey Raze looked around the Computer Room once again.

Jeffrey: But this room sure is impressive, I wouldn’t mind staying for a while.

Plum: …yeah.

Jeffrey: I guess I should get a weapon too. Hey, that’s a Wii. I used to play with mine all night and all day long.

Indeed, it was a Nintendo Wii, complete with four sets of Wiimotes complete with Nunchuks.

Plum: Be careful, it might be a trap.

Jeffrey: I know. I’m just reminded of how I didn’t get to play with my Wii a lot of times…back in my those days, I was too focused on my study. Well, no use reminiscing now. If I win this game, I’ll never have to work again.

Jeffrey took one of the Wiimote with the Nunchuk.

Jeffrey: I guess this should suffice until we find a better weapon. And I can put it inside my jacket’s pockets to conceal it.

He did so, stuffing the controller into his pockets. It made a small bulge, but it wasn’t really visible unless you looked closely. Plum looked at the outfit he was wearing and decided that it would be better if he didn’t try stuffing the cord he picked up into his jeans’ pocket.

Suddenly, a voice could be heard in the room, as clear as if the speaker was right there behind them. It was the manor owner enshrouded in mystery, Raka. He announced that four people had died. After the announcement ended, Plum and Jeffrey looked at each other.

Jeffrey: Do you think we…did it?

Plum: There’s really no way to know, really. Rather, where should we go now?

Jeffrey: I don’t know, you tell me. You are the one with a plan, right?

Plum: Well, uhh, if it’s not too much trouble, can we look for some food while we look for other people? I’m getting a bit hungry.

Jeffrey: Already? I’m still quite full.

Plum: Actually, I lived in Africa for two years…and…well, it’s a long story.

Jeffrey: I see. Okay, so let’s check the dining room then.

JeffreyRaze and masterplum left. The computer room was empty once again.
===
[10:07 – Hallway in front of Raka’s room]

Resistance opened the door to the hallway. His destination was the security room, where he hopefully could find something for his personal defense – a stun gun or a pepper spray, perhaps. Maybe even firearms if he was lucky.
However, it seemed like he was not the only one to thought so; a dead body was lying in the hallway, and two more people – who he recognized as Pirateking2000 and Emporer Kazbar – were standing just before the door leading to Raka’s room.

Pirate: You are sure they’re here, right?!

Kazbar: Yes, yes, it must be so.

Kazbar’s voice was shaking, but Pirate didn’t seem to notice it.

Pirate: Someone blew up Catastrophy, and now we found a body with a bullet hole through his head. People here are insane, I tell you! Enough talking, here I go!

Resistance watched in silence as Pirate kicked the door open with such force he was surprised it didn’t flew from its frame.

Pirate: Found you!

Pirate walked in to the room and the door closed. To his surprise, Kazbar didn’t follow Pirate inside but turned around instead. He looked surprised to see that there was Resistance in the hallway. He walked along the hallway, looking at Resistance cautiously. When he passed Resistance, he gave a small nod.

Resistance: Wait!

Kazbar turned around; he was a bit annoyed, as if he was in a hurry to leave.

Resistance: Why didn’t you go into the room with your friend?

Kazbar: …he’s a dangerous man. It would be much better for both of us if I stay away for awhile. I suggest you do the same.

Without another word, Kazbar continued along his way and left Resistance alone with Jdizzy’s body.
===
[10:10 – Waiters’ Quarters]

In one of the rooms of the quarters, Edward was lying on a bed. He had found a medicine box in the waiters’ middle room earlier. He felt much better after he treated his wounds properly.
	He was lucky to be able to run from Nio. He didn’t know what Nio was planning, but it couldn’t have been good. First it was B.B., and then Nio…it seemed like there was nobody he could trust in this mansion anymore.
	Then, he heard the door to the middle room opened. He froze. Was it Nio?
He got out of bed, picked up his sword, and hid himself behind the door. The footsteps were getting closer…
	The door opened suddenly and it hit Edward. Hiding behind the door was a bad idea. The person who just opened it must have noticed Edward as he went to look at him.

Mana: Oh my gosh, I did it again. Sorry, did I hurt you?! Why are you covered in bandages?

Edward: N-No, I’m okay…

Mana: Is that a sword…?

Edward looked at the sword he was holding. It did look rather intimidating, despite all the flashy decorations. Edward took a better look at Mana and realized something. Mana was also holding a weapon – a rather worn out leather whip.

Edward: That…

Mana: Oh, I found it at the torture chamber. There were some other torture devices there, but none of them was really practical other than this…

===
[10:07 – Wine Cellar]

Bigwig: There is nobody here either…

Cody: I wonder where everybody is.

They had learned more about the mansion they were in; therefore, they continued their previous plan – that was, looking for traps they could use. They had checked the guest rooms and the dining room, yet they found nothing. Perhaps Raka was not cruel enough to rig the place where they could rest and eat – after all, there were no traps in the waiter’s quarters either. So they moved to the basement.

Kirby: If I’m not mistaken, haven’t you been here already, Bigwig?

Bigwig: Indeed, it is a butler’s duty to provide the finest wine for the guests.

Cody: Did you notice anything strange back then?

Bigwig: Even though I didn’t check it thoroughly, there was nothing unusual when I browsed for the best wine.
Cody: I see.

Kirby: Well, but these wines are quite delicate indeed! Look at this one, this is from 1880. This could easily go for $500 or more. This whole wine cellar must be worth more than my savings.

Bigwig: Regardless of his motivations behind this game, I must agree that Sir Raka has quite a fine taste. Anyway, where should we check next/

Cody: Let me see…

Cody pulled out the map he had taken from one of the guest rooms.

Cody: From here, we can go to the Chapel Room, Storage Room, or to the dungeons. What do you think, everyone?

Kirby: If we’re looking for traps, the dungeons sound promising, don’t they?

Bigwig: Yes, quite, but the chapel usually holds something of interest too, or at least that’s what my experience with various forms of fictional media has taught me.

Cody: Huh…Well, even though it sounds a bit mundane, don’t you guys think the storage room may has something worthwhile? It would be full of various items, from the sound of it.

Before the three of them could reach an agreement, the door leading to the dungeons opened. From there, the waiter – the only household staff not in their group – entered. Natwaf looked rather surprised to find the bartender, cook, and butler together.

Natwaf: Why, if it isn’t you guys. Glad to see you’re alright.

Bigwig: Where have you been?

Cody: What’s wrong with your hand?

Kirby: Why are there snacks in your pockets?

===
[10:05 - Balcony]

Nio had just been in the gallery. Nio hadn’t visited many galleries, much less inside a personal mansion like this one, but she was quite sure the exhibits weren’t supposed to be smashed in pieces. But the most important thing was that Edward wasn’t there.

Nio: {Dammit, did I choose the wrong way? Aww, now I can’t make him have a bad hair day. Oh well, let’s check the balcony.}

The night wind was strong and cold, making Nio shiver. Thick clouds covered the moon, and although there were lamps on the balcony, the atmosphere was quite dark. It felt like a storm was coming.
Jeffrey: If it isn’t…Niorapth, right?

Nio: !

Jeffrey and Plum were also there. Plum was holding a roll of cord, but Jeffrey didn’t seem to carry any weapons.

Plum: I hadn’t introduced myself properly, right? Well, my name’s masterplum, but just call me Plum.

Jeffrey: I’m Jeffrey. So, Nio, what are you doing with a hairdryer and a letter opener?

Nio pretended to dry her hair with her hairdryer and cut it with the letter opener. Then, while touching her throat, she opened her mouth and closed it again.

Jeffrey: You can’t speak? Weird, I thought you were…

Plum: Jeff! Don’t be so inconsiderate!

Jeffrey: Oops, yeah, sorry. Didn’t mean to offend you.

Nio shrugged. It looked like they mistook her for a mute, but it would take longer to explain what really happened.

Jeffrey: Oh, that’s right. Nio, if you meet ImTheMacheteGuy and XIII_rocks, try to stay away from them. They’re not good.

Plum: True, that. And Jeffrey…?

Plum whispered to Jeffrey.

Plum: Don’t you think we can try to use her nametag to open the folder?

Jeffrey nodded. In his best harmless voice, he asked Nio.

Jeffrey: So Nio, if you’re not busy, would you mind coming with us?

Just then, the door from the hallway opened. A man with an eyepatch came into the scene. Kazbar looked at Nio, carrying a hairdryer in her right hand and a letter opener in the other hand, and the duo of Jeffrey and Plum. The sound of thunder could be heard from the dark clouds above.
===
 [10:08 – Raka’s Room]

Everyone looked at the bewildered Pirateking2000. Genesis readied her bottle and XIII even stopped humping and held his saucepan in a defensive manner. It seemed like this intruder wasn’t carrying a weapon, but it was better to be ready. Muddersmilk also got back on his feet and held his mop like a spear. Pirate smiled at their reactions.

Pirate: Yes! Now you’ve shown your true colors, murderers!

Sluggg: …What is ‘tis blasphemy about a murder?

Pirate: Don’t act innocent! Someone of you spiked Catastrophy’s drink and let him explode!

Nobody in that room had any idea what he meant, or at least they pretended to do so.

Genesis: I don’t know what you’re talking about!

Pirate: Shut up! So which one of you is it? Or should I choke the words out of your filthy mouth?

The tension in the room was steadily rising…
===
!Dead!:
21st: Catastrophy – Blown up from a bomb-book while being drunk.
20th: jdizzy – Shot in the forehead by a samurai
19th: bbbtime – Couldn’t bear being suffocated with a giant teddy bear
18th: Orochimaru_Fan – Got caught in a trap that flung him into a coffin and covered him in hot wax.

Status:
Niorapth – Recovering from poison, but lost her voice due to the poison burning her throat.
Edwardsdv – Abdominal hemorrhage from B.B.’s sword.
Pirateking – Is in a murderous rampage.

Healthy:
Everybody else.

Whereabouts:
Mega Mana, Edwardsdv: Waiters’ Quarters, 1F
Natwaf_akidna, Kirbydamasta, Bigwig_rah, codynumbers: Wine Cellar, B1
GenesisSaga, ImTheMacheteGuy, XII_rocks, metalsluggg, muddersmilk, Pirateking2000: Raka’s Room, 2F
Emporer_Kazbar , Niorapth, Jeffrey Raze, masterplum: Balcony, 2F
Resistance_pro: Hallway in front of Raka’s Room, 2F