"Where are we going?"

  Scarlett asked hesitantly, her gaze instinctively dropping to the gym bag slung over Mauve's shoulder. Her eyes widened slightly. "A gym? That's fine—I work out every day."

  She could run ten kilometers straight.

  Grace, however, frowned. She had recently started running, influenced by Scarlett, but she could only manage three to five kilometers at most.

  She couldn't match Scarlett, and Mauve—judging by those defined leg muscles—was clearly on another level entirely.

  Was Mauve planning to drag her to the gym and run her into the ground?

  Grace's resolve wavered. "Um, Scarlett's the one who wants to get to know you. Why don't you take her?"

  Scarlett shot her a look of betrayal. "Seriously?!"

  "Relax, it's not the gym. And we have five minutes—I can't be late," Mauve said, glancing at her watch.

  Hearing it wasn't the gym, Grace exhaled in relief. She exchanged a glance with Scarlett and nodded.

  Mysterious.

  She was curious now—what kind of person was this fiercely independent Mauve Wiener?

  The three exited through the school's south gate and walked to a bus stop by the roadside.

  "The bus?"

  Scarlett looked astonished.

  Mauve nodded, expressionless. "I usually ride a shared bike. But since you're coming with me and it's hot out, we'll take the bus today."

  Grace studied Mauve. She could see Mauve wasn't selfish—she'd cleaned the entire dorm alone, and now she was choosing the bus with them in mind.

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  "Though you'll have to pay for yourselves," Mauve added.

  Grace suddenly smiled. In that moment, she caught a glimpse of Mauve's unique charm.

  She considered others unconsciously, yet held firm on matters of principle—like money.

  This wasn't pettiness. For someone short on cash, money was simply the most important thing. Grace had been there herself once, but she'd lacked Mauve's forthrightness, which had landed her in countless uncomfortable situations.

  Bus after bus. An hour and a half later, they arrived at what looked like the middle of nowhere.

  The sun was setting. Surrounding them was barren land, dotted with a signpost in the distance. Scarlett squinted at the rusted, mottled characters: West Well Wetland Park.

  Two bare sand dunes. Not a tree over two meters in sight. This qualified as a wetland park?

  In this desolate spot, a single minibus was parked by the roadside. Scarlett stared at it, her imagination running wild. She could already picture five or six burly men inside, holding photos of them, comparing faces. Tomorrow, the Aethelburg Legal Channel would run a headline: "Young Women Found Dead in Remote Wilderness."

  She shuddered and grabbed Grace's arm. "There's no one around! Why did she bring us here?"

  Grace laughed softly at her friend's blend of terror and curiosity. "Weren't you the one who wanted to come? We're probably not there yet. Don't be scared."

  Her calmness eased Scarlett's nerves. They followed Mauve to the minivan.

  The driver's window rolled down. A middle-aged man in sunglasses scanned Scarlett and Grace, frowning. "Who are they?"

  "With me. They wanted to see what goes on here," Mauve said.

  The man seemed unconvinced. Even through his sunglasses, Grace could feel his scrutiny. Finally, he said, "No spectators. Anyone who goes in has to participate." He looked at Mauve. "Rules are rules. You know that."

  Mauve nodded. "Don't worry. I'll talk to Patrick. You won't get in trouble."

  Only then did he nod. "Get in."

  Their exchange left Grace utterly bewildered. Scarlett was even more lost. Far from understanding Mauve better, they now found her even more mysterious.

  The minivan drove on for what felt like forever, finally stopping as darkness fell.

  Grace looked around as they stepped out. The area was packed with vehicles—including luxury cars worth over a hundred dollars.

  At the center of the sandy clearing stood a massive structure—an abandoned construction site, or perhaps a giant warehouse. Neon lights blazed everywhere, casting a kaleidoscope of colors that seemed wildly out of place.

  Scarlett was stunned. "What is this? A utopia?"

  Grace shook her head. People streamed in and out, but she had no idea what was happening.

  "Stop guessing. You'll find out inside." Mauve said, and strode toward the building.

  They hurried after her. The closer they got, the more their earlier unease faded, replaced by anticipation and excitement.

  "Mauve! You're here!"

  "Go get 'em, Mauve! We're rooting for you!"

  Near the entrance, people recognized Mauve and greeted her warmly. Mauve even smiled—a rare sight—and nodded back.

  Scarlett whispered, "So she can smile."

  The moment they stepped through the doors, a deafening wave of sound crashed over them, swallowing Grace and Scarlett whole.

  Music. Cheers. Shouts.

  Even drums and gongs.

  Outside, they'd heard nothing. This "abandoned" building must have been renovated with state-of-the-art soundproofing.

  A straight corridor stretched ahead, lined with closed doors on both sides. When they reached the end, they found themselves overlooking a sunken arena!

  Bleachers surrounded it on all sides, filled with spectators—men and women, young and old.

  Some dressed casually, others in suits. Above, they could see exclusive glass-enclosed boxes. The glass was special—impossible to see through from outside, but offering a commanding view of the entire scene below.

  Scarlett froze, mouth and eyes slightly agape. A sheltered rich girl, she'd never seen anything like this outside of movies.

  Grace was equally shocked. She scanned the arena, then turned to Mauve, her voice incredulous. "Mauve... you're not here to fight in an underground ring, are you?"