At the center of the cruise ship sat a massive arena.
The rows of spectator seats spread outward in a square-shaped layout, surrounding an octagon cage forged from steel bars in the middle. These thick, rusted, and haphazardly arranged steel reinforcements radiated an incomparably wild aura. The mottled bloodstains upon them made it impossible to tell if the metallic stench in the air came from rust or blood.
Even though it was already night outside, the cruise ship remained brightly lit. The moment Chairman Sakamoto appeared holding a microphone, the venue erupted into an overwhelming wave of cheers.
"Welcome, distinguished guests, who have traveled from afar to reach Heaven on Earth!"
Sakamoto's gaze swept across everyone present. These people were the celebrities and elites of the Land of Rivers. They were also the foundation upon which he, as a businessman, could survive and thrive in this nation. Consequently, making them cast aside their worries and experience ultimate pleasure was his top priority. In a certain sense, it was even more important than defeating Gato.
"Next, we shall hold an unprecedented arena performance!"
"I believe everyone is tired of watching beasts bite each other or slaves fighting to the death. Therefore, this time, we have brought you a duel between mutants like you have never seen before!"
"Please look forward to it!"
As Sakamoto's voice faded, the lights in the spectator stands dimmed rapidly, and a spotlight hit the center of the rugged octagon cage.
At the entrance tunnel, the most trusted ninja, Abu, held a chain in one hand. At the other end of that chain was not a beast, but people.
It was Mori Shiraishi's parents.
They were Shiro Shiraishi and Keiko Yanagishima, who had just recently become Ghouls. They were dressed in rags, with heavy shackles binding their ankles, wrists, and necks, letting out a clanking metallic sound with every step.
Before they entered the ring, Abu spoke indifferently. "Remember, there is a one-hour time limit. Only one of you can survive. Otherwise, your son will also be taken for experiments."
Hearing the word 'experiments,' the couple's bodies trembled involuntarily. Clearly, they were still traumatized by the experience they had just endured. They could not imagine what would happen if that extreme agony were inflicted upon their son.
"If you don't die, he will," Abu said with a playful expression. He then released the chains and urged them forward.
Shiro Shiraishi clenched his fists tightly, his face full of resentment. He opened his dry, pale lips slowly. "I'm sorry, Keiko. This is all my fault."
Keiko shook her head gently, her brittle hair swaying with the movement. She gave a tragic but beautiful smile and said, "I don't blame you. Kill me after the hour is up."
Shiro Shiraishi shook his head. "No, if someone has to die, it should be me."
Looking at the nobles in the stands decked in gold and silver, Keiko slowly closed her eyes. "Shiro, you are stronger than me. You have a better chance of surviving and taking care of our son." She opened her eyes and stared fixedly at her husband. "Living on is the most painful thing. Don't make me endure that pain."
"Keiko..." Shiro Shiraishi opened his mouth, but he found he didn't know what to say.
In the short time they spent talking, the surrounding audience had already broken out in great dissatisfaction.
"Hurry up! What are you doing?"
"Didn't you say mutants? Where is the mutation?"
Seeing this, Abu lowered his voice and reminded them, "You two, start already."
Keiko bit her lip. In the next second, her pupils turned crimson, and eight slender legs shot out from her back. They stabbed toward Shiro Shiraishi like long, sharp swords.
Shiro Shiraishi gritted his teeth. A massive dark purple centipede grew from his waist, firmly blocking the incoming limbs! The collision erupted in sparks, instantly igniting the passion of the entire audience.
"My god, what is that thing!"
"As expected of Chairman Sakamoto! He actually found real mutants!"
"Are these things a type of ninjutsu? So cool!"
"Fight! Kill him!"
Amidst the surging excitement, waiters began weaving through the stands with trays, making it convenient for the nobles to place bets on the outcome. As for the origins or lives of the two people in the ring, no one cared. These nobles only cared about this fleeting moment of pleasure.
Under these agonizing conditions, Shiro Shiraishi and Keiko continued to launch fierce attacks at each other. They had considered using their new power to break through the Sakamoto Company's defenses to rescue their son and the other villagers. However, although they had gained some strength, the two of them alone were no match for the company. Furthermore, with the various torture instruments binding them, any failed resistance would likely lead their son to destruction as well.
Thus, this couple who had lived together for decades could only burn their own lives to please the audience in exchange for a slim chance of survival for their son.
While the arena was in full swing, Simu had already stepped into the dungeon. Mori Shiraishi was currently kneeling on the ground, his head buried in his hands in total despair.
"It seems you've given up?"
Simu stood before the cell, looking down at the boy. Hearing the voice, Mori Shiraishi immediately looked up.
"You are... the person who ate at my house tonight?"
"That necklace, you left it behind on purpose, didn't you? What was the goal? To lure me here?"
The youth stood up and fired off questions, his eyes flashing with anger. Facing this interrogation, Simu calmly adjusted his glasses. "The necklace was indeed left on purpose. As for whether you came here or not, that was your choice."
Hearing this, the youth grabbed his hair in frustration, his voice filled with regret. "If I hadn't come, maybe Mom and Dad would..."
Simu smiled. "Regardless of whether you came, their outcome would not have changed. Fortunately, they both survived the experiments."
Mori Shiraishi's eyes lit up, but he was immediately sent back to the depths of despair by Simu's next words.
"However, so that you can live, they are currently killing each other to entertain the audience."
"Killing each other..." Mori Shiraishi grabbed the bars, his whole body shaking violently. "Why... why are you doing this!"
He collapsed to his knees, punching the iron cage with all his might, but it was useless.
"There is no 'why.' To them, your parents are just two strangely shaped crickets—nothing more than toys for amusement."
Simu's tone remained as flat as water, as if nothing in the world could cause his emotions to fluctuate. Mori Shiraishi gripped the bars so hard his palms turned white.
After a few seconds, he asked hoarsely, "Then what about you?"
"Hmm?"
"What is your purpose for being here? To laugh at me?"
Hearing this question, Simu finally gave a satisfied smile.
"Me? I am here to help you."