I froze when I heard my phone ring. I picked it up. I never expected that this number would call me… again. I had already forgotten about it, but now, here we go again—these unknown people using Lyca’s phone number.
I placed the phone against my ear and waited for the voice on the other line. Whoever you are, speak up. I’m sure I’ll recognize you once I hear your voice.
“Who are you? Huh? Where am I? Let me out of here! One!” My breath stopped when I heard Nica’s voice. Not a single word came out of my mouth. I couldn’t speak immediately because of shock.
“Who are you? Where did you take her?”
I heard an evil laugh from the other line. “You have that paper? Make it before noon or you’ll never see your friend again.”
“What paper?” I suddenly heard the call end. Holy cheese. What paper is that guy talking about?
I put my phone back in my pocket when I noticed something inside it.
Is this the paper he’s talking about?
The one that came from Marco’s hand?
H-how?
“…B4 C3 D4 B3 A5 C1 C4 A3 B5 A5 D2 D2 C4 C4 C2…”
I looked at what was written on the paper.
What’s with these letters and numbers?
I tried to focus on what was written, but I couldn’t—because I kept thinking my classmate was in danger because of me! Holy cheese!
I felt even more pressured because, honestly, I have no idea how to crack a code. And I believe this is a code with a hidden message that I need to understand—but how can I decode it if I don’t know how? I’ve never encountered anything like this in my life. This is new… and exciting. I never imagined my boring life would turn into something this mind-boggling. And it all started because of my seatmate who once mistakenly thought I was a detective. My seatmate who is now in danger… my seatmate who is angry at me for reasons I don’t even know.
All I need to do now is save her so I can understand her reason.
It seems I really have to live up to what she thinks of me. I need to decode this. If I have to study all codes, I will—just to solve this.
I looked at the time. It’s already 11 a.m., which means I only have an hour to crack this code.
I noticed something written on the back of the paper:
“…It has rules the same
This is similar to that game
Corner the king
It’ll bring you to your queen…”
I smirked when I finally got it.
“Checkmate.”
NICA
I flinched when a loud gunshot echoed throughout the gymnasium. I covered my ears while sitting because I didn’t expect it. I couldn’t stop myself from crying out of fear. My hands, knees, and breathing were all trembling and growing heavier.
These memories I’ve been trying to forget… they’re back again. I don’t want this anymore. I need to forget this. This already happened a long time ago. I need to face my fear.
I wiped my tears. And when I opened my eyes, I noticed a man holding a gun near the back door of the gym. Even though my knees were weak, I still managed to stand and chase him.
He can’t escape.
My eyes searched for him. Where did he go? I already went out of the gym but I still couldn’t see him. Where did he pass through? Was he really that fast to disappear from sight?
I didn’t notice a cloth covering my mouth, causing me to inhale something that made me drowsy.
“Hmmm…” I woke up in a dark place. I knew it wasn’t night because small holes in the roof let sunlight pass through. It was just dark because the door was completely closed, and even the small window above the wall was covered with cloth from the outside.
I coughed after inhaling dust. Where am I? Is this an empty school warehouse? A storage room for broken equipment?
I heard footsteps approaching. I felt nervous, especially when I realized my hands and feet were tied while I was sitting on a chair.
“So you’re awake. I thought you wouldn’t get to witness your own end.”
I shivered at his voice. It was low and terrifying, making the hairs on my body stand up.
“W-who are you? Why don’t you show yourself?” I asked with all my strength.
“Boss, it looks like Aedrian is already looking for that girl.” I heard quick footsteps again. They really know us. They’ve been watching our movements.
“I see. Everything is going according to plan. Where is my phone? I’ll call him.”
“Which phone, boss?”
“The real one.”
When I heard the call being connected, I screamed. Maybe this will help you find me, Aedrian. “Who are you? Huh? Where am I? Let me out of here!”
“Shut up!” I screamed when I felt a hard slap from one of the men. My cheek stung. I had never been slapped that hard in my life, so I didn’t know pain like this existed.
“You have that paper? Make it before noon or you’ll never see your friend again.”
What paper? What does it have to do with this? Does it contain the answer to where I am? Is it a puzzle or a code? Will he be able to save me?
A flood of thoughts entered my mind. What if he doesn’t know how to decode it? If only I had taught him. If only I had thought this would happen. Damn it.
“So, any suggestions? How do you want to die?”
“You’re insane! Why don’t you show yourself? If you’re really brave, show yourself!” I shouted, desperately searching the darkness for him. It felt like I was talking to Satan.
“Once I show myself to you, you’ll be under my control. What? Are you willing to become my slave and let me be your god? I’m about to show myself.”