204 - Cinderella’s Dream: Together Forever

Chapter 204 The three somewhat hesitant individuals eventually disembarked from the vehicle. Chen Wan took the invitation and, along with Qin Ke and Wei Si Yu, entered the main entrance of Qing Long Bar. A team of armed security guards immediately stopped them, scrutinizing incoming guests. Chen Wan and her group showed their invitation, gaining access inside. In the lounge, another security check awaited. The trio carried firearms, which the security scanner meticulously detected. The security personnel in identical black uniforms gestured to them and instructed, “Hand over any prohibited items. Firearms, ammunition, clubs, and blades are not allowed in Qing Long Bar. Deposit your guns in this box, write your name, and retrieve them upon exit by contacting our staff.” These men did not make things difficult for Chen Wan and her companions, seemingly accustomed to the routine. Chen Wan nodded, “Alright, thank you.” With those words, she tossed both her and her companions' guns into the small box, along with the ammunition. Seeing the trio relinquish their weapons, the security personnel allowed them to pass through the check once more and finally let them proceed. As they walked, Chen Wan cautioned Qin Ke and Wei Si Yu, “This place is quite cautious. They confiscated our weapons right away. Stay vigilant.” “Hmm, don’t worry,” Qin Ke responded with a nod. A waiter, recognizing their aimless wandering, noticed the invitation in Chen Wan’s hand and smiled, “Ah, you’re here to meet our leader. It’s a bit early for that. I recommend checking out the third underground floor. There will be an exciting match soon, and those interested can even place bets.” “Alright, let’s take a look at the third underground floor,” Chen Wan agreed. This bar spanned a vast area, with multiple levels above and below ground. Descending through the staircases, they found the bar bustling with activity. The first underground level was a dance floor thumping with deafening music and DJ announcements. Individuals twisted their bodies under pulsating lights, enveloped in a vibrant nightlife atmosphere. Reaching the third underground level left Chen Wan in awe. The space was much larger, featuring a giant sunken circular arena in the middle, surrounded by descending tiers of audience seating, all filled with spectators eagerly awaiting the upcoming match. The trio chose to stand at the back and observe. Chen Wan scanned the surroundings but did not spot the gang leader Qing Long had mentioned. Instead, she noticed an electronic screen displaying the betting odds for the current match, with many people placing bets. Qin Ke whispered to Chen Wan, “This place resembles an underground fight club, but the scale here is overdone, imitating a gladiator arena.” “Yes, this is certainly not a wholesome place,” Chen Wan replied softly. As they conversed, the arena below suddenly stirred. The spectators erupted in excitement, suggesting the match was about to begin. From a distance, Chen Wan observed several individuals in black uniforms enter the arena, guns aimed at a particular passage. Soon, a group of bedraggled civilians began to trickle out. The leading man in a black uniform ordered these civilians to line up, counting them meticulously. Chen Wan quietly counted along—there were about fifty. Once the count was complete, the black-uniformed personnel began to retreat down the passage. Some civilians, attempting to flee, were shot in the legs by the enforcers. Pools of blood quickly formed as any thoughts of escape were crushed by fear. Three axes were tossed onto the ground by the black-uniformed figures. Under the desperate gazes of the civilians, the entrance behind them was sealed shut. One civilian, clearly familiar with the game, scrambled to seize an axe and clutched it tightly. The rest belatedly realized and began to scuffle over the remaining axes, as iron weapons provided a significant sense of security in the absence of others. Soon, a brawl erupted over the axes. Huang Mao, the first to grab an axe, was surrounded by others, but he wasn’t easy prey. In a vicious act, he promptly killed one man attempting to take his axe. The man’s blood sprayed across the ground, silencing the arena. Others moved away from Huang Mao, while several Omegas burst into tears, traumatized by the incident. Huang Mao stood silently, too distant for Chen Wan to discern his expression. The audience, however, thrilled by the gore, buzzed with excitement, discussing their bets. Several voices floated from the seats in front of the trio. “Man, this Huang Mao is ruthless, turning on his own team before the match even started.” “Hah, you must be new. Huang Mao is a veteran; he’s survived the first stage of Qing Long Bar’s game for half a month. I bet on him surviving today.” “Crap, I should’ve bet on him too. I was tempted by the underdog odds. Sometimes the long shots pay off.” “This isn’t like sports betting, brother. Inside this arena, it’s a deadly game. You want your money on the toughest guy.” Chen Wan listened intently, trying to gather as much insight as possible about this place. Three minutes later, a door opened on the arena’s opposite side. The audience became even more feverish, shouting as if anticipating a thrilling show. With a grating creak of metal, a massive iron gate rose, revealing several shadowy figures. Upon spotting the humans across from them, the zombies within the passage grew animated, lunging forward like wolves long deprived of prey. Chen Wan quickly counted; there were twenty Level 2 zombies. Despite being outnumbered by humans, their ferocity was unmatched. People scrambled in all directions. A young Omega, tripping mid-flight, was pinned to the ground by a zombie. The creature tore savagely at her throat, blood drenching the yellow soil beneath. Soon, two more zombies joined to feast, the scene a gruesome display of torn flesh and blood. Yet, the circular audience cheered madly, as if this was their celebration. A man in a red shirt near Chen Wan, noticing their lack of excitement, sympathetically explained, “You’re new here, right? The first viewing can be hard to handle. Yet, it’s addictively thrilling. Without films or the internet in this post-apocalyptic world, this is the most exhilarating game. I came once with my friends and was hooked.” Chen Wan replied perfunctorily, uninterested in engaging further. Building pleasure on others’ suffering felt twisted and perverse to her. Such brutality only incited cheers from these people, proving a few points made by the mohawked man. Qin Ke, witnessing the scene, clenched her fists tightly. Powerlessness and fear in the arena mirrored experiences she once endured. If only she could, Qin Ke wished she could turn that supposed leader into a sieve. Wei Si Yu, too, watched the arena with furrowed brows. Chen Wan assessed the distance from the arena, attempting to activate her powers to control a Level 1 zombie within. Attempts proved unsuccessful; it wasn’t due to distance, but her abilities being suppressed once more. Using a hushed voice, Chen Wan informed Qin Ke and Wei Si Yu, “My powers seem to be blocked.” On hearing this, Wei Si Yu discreetly tested her abilities, replying softly, “Mine don’t work either. We seem to be suppressed.” Qin Ke, her gun confiscated, couldn’t exert her powers either. Chen Wan furrowed her brows, gazing coldly at the arena. Devoid of powers, they had to exercise utmost caution. Gesturing to Qin Ke and Wei Si Yu, Chen Wan directed them to follow her out. Even outside, the deafening cheers echoed from within. “Let’s see if we can locate where they’re holding the captives. We should plan an inside-out rescue with Yi Yi and the others. However, since this place has a suppression device, none of us can use our abilities. We might need Yi Yi and the others to go back for reinforcement,” Chen Wan suggested after contemplation. “Mhmm, let’s pinpoint the location first,” Qin Ke agreed with a nod. Chen Wan scanned the vicinity. Every few meters, a surveillance camera was mounted on the walls, implementing a security level even surpassing the first zone. Chen Wan knew that avoiding detection was not an option. Sneaking around would only draw more attention, so it was better to boldly wander the bar and pretend to be casual. If questioned, they could easily claim it was their first time here. The group continued heading downward, surprised to find the bar extended to a fourth underground level. However, midway, they were stopped by uniformed guards. Six armed men in uniforms aimed their guns at the trio. "What are you doing here? Don’t you know unauthorized persons aren’t allowed on the fourth underground level?" Spotting their array of weapons—two shotguns, two light machine guns, and two rifles—Chen Wan knew initiating a conflict at such close quarters might not end in their favor. She quickly explained, "Please, stay calm. It’s our first time at Qing Long Bar, and we were unaware of the rules. We’ll leave immediately." "Hold on," interrupted a man with a long scar across his face. He scrutinized Chen Wan and her companions as though trying to see through them. "What’s your business here?" "We’re here to see the gang leader. We have an invitation," Chen Wan replied, revealing the invitation tucked at her waist and handing it to the man to confirm their identity.