The next stage of the competition (2)

Hong met with Sarah and Aiden and informed them about his talk with Zdravko while they walked back to their rooms. It was not lunchtime yet, and there was no need to linger next to the swimming pool or other areas where they are exposing themselves to being attacked.

Sarah was optimistic. "They will let us go because they won't dare to risk Aiden leaving the competition."

Hong was not so sure. "I asked around and we are not the only ones who want to leave. If they allow it, we will be first."

Aiden saw another problem. "You said that if we don't want to participate, we can leave. Can we?"

Hong shrugged. "Zdravko said yes, however… my instincts are telling me that leaving unscathed is not an easy feat. By now, they saw you and your potential, and I am confident they are greedy to reel you in. And you are not the only one. That is why they have the policy of not leaving."

Sarah snorted. "If he does not want to participate, what can they do?"