A big screen separated into multiple sections showcases the whole arena. In a dimly lit, cozy room, the only thing lighting up the space is the horror unfolding on the big screen. Above the screen, the number of players reads: 398,002. The man rests his elbows on the desk, his head cradled in the back of his hands, which are clasped together. Soft music plays in the background as the steam from his coffee dances along.
A faint knock on the door jolts him back from the blood war happening in "his" arena. Helix doesn't like it when someone disturbs him from his favorite show. "Come in," he mumbles as he turns his chair to look at his guard – the only one who has access to his area.
"Sir, the board demands to see you," the guard states as he straightens up and places his hands behind his back to display his respect. Helix may look like the uncle who spoils him whenever he gets the chance, but he is far from that. Only a few people know that.
"Tell them to come by later; I'm busy," Helix says as he turns to proceed with watching the game.
"Too busy watching our kids and families die, huh?" a woman's voice unexpectedly responds. Helix turns his chair, his expression unreadable and unfazed, as usual.
"Ma'am, you're not allowed to be in here," the guard tries to push the woman out, but Helix stops him.
"Leave her, and close the door. Tell the rest of the board I'll join them as soon as possible," Helix commands. The guard becomes hesitant but eventually obliges, leaving the two people alone.
"I would've been convinced that you're genuinely concerned, but your attire says otherwise," Helix states as he analyzes her outfit and expensive accessories. His eyes linger on the expensive watch, an Upper-class exclusive. His gaze then returns to her face.
"You know, for a Middle-class individual to afford what you're wearing, let alone that watch, is rather... interesting. No salary can afford that, Mrs. Bynes," he says as he slowly gets up from his chair. Mrs. Bynes remains silent, fiddling with her watch, her face devoid of emotions.
"Let alone you shouldn't even be part of the board, and yet here you are... Mrs. Bynes," he says, walking towards her. His eyes fix on her face.
"I know you don't care for the blood war that's happening right now, Mrs. Bynes, so why are you really here?" He easily towers over Mrs. Bynes, who can feel the heat of his body. Mrs. Bynes can see that he's trying to intimidate her, but she doesn't flinch. Instead, she meets his stern gaze with a calm, knowing look.
Her eyes suggest she's dealt with tougher situations and people before. With a straightforward tone, she says, "You know why I'm here." She trails her fingers along his jaw.
"I have a type, Mrs. Bynes," Helix states, causing Mrs. Bynes to pause and comprehend what he just said. Then she bursts out laughing.
"I would never choose you any day, Helix," she says as she removes her hand from him and side-steps him, walking towards the big screen. Staring at it in awe, but looking for something specific or someone...
"Why are you here, then?" Helix asks as he stares back at the woman, confused and a bit intrigued but skeptical.
"I'm here because someone joined the games, and I don't want them there, but they insisted on joining. I never thought the games would involve death. I want them out," she gets straight to the point. She turns to stare at Helix.
"Now, you know I can't do that. Once you're in the game, the only way out is through winning," Helix states as he leans against the door.
"Helix, she's my only child... I'll do anything," Mrs. Bynes pleads, her voice sounding desperate.
"Let's just say I agree. What will you offer me that I already don't have?" Helix asks, his voice laced with amusement. A long silence follows.
"Some valuable information that you don't know," the voice that was once laced with desperation now sounds calm.
"What new information can you offer? I know everything, Elara. What could you tell me that I don't already know?" he questions rather confidently.
"It is connected to what happened years ago, the problem you tried to hide is alive..." Helix's expression changes as his brows furrow. He slowly walks towards Mrs. Bynes, standing right in front of her, keeping a space between them.
"What do you mean, Elara?" Helix's voice is now deep, slightly laced with venom, a contrast to how he usually sounds.
"Give me what I want, then I'll give you what you want," she states as she side-steps Helix and walks to the door. With her hand on the knob, she turns to stare at him.
"Also, Helix, there's a board of angry members waiting for you outside," she says, exiting the room. The sound of her heels clicking on the floor echoes as the door automatically closes.
Helix's eyes remain on the door, his mind filled with questions. He quickly goes to the door and enters his office, which is the next room outside of his secret room – only his trusted guard and he have access to it. He steps into his empty office to head to where the board members always meet.
The closer he gets, the louder it gets. Immediately, they realize he's standing at the doorway, and the room falls silent. His presence demands silence. His bodyguard, who is trying to calm them down, follows their stares and immediately places his hands behind his back and bows, then leaves the room. The door automatically closes shut after the bodyguard's departure.
Everyone in the room is now silent, staring at the man standing at the door. His shoulders are calm, and his face is unfazed by the holographic screen on the table displaying the war occurring in the arena – all children and family members dying.
Helix walks to his chair, which is at the other end of the long table. All eyes follow him, some alert and some scared. Helix finally arrives and sits down, resting his elbows on the desk as he lays his head in his palm, his whole hand covering his cheek.
Using his other free hand, he double-taps on the transparent table, revealing the settings, and taps a button to switch off the horrific scene displayed. The room falls silent.
"I have no control over what happens in the game. Just like any other citizen in this world, I also take orders from above. Why don't we just watch the game and see what happens? Who knows? Maybe the creators might change the game more and let it be more than one player win," he says, his voice calm.
As he stops talking, the room erupts into complaints, but Helix can't hear anything as his mind is somewhere else. He fiddles with his fingers as the voices shouting around him become distant.