Chapter 22: A Desperate Gambit

Time dragged on in the cold, dimly lit cell. Six long, agonizing months had passed since Gavi's abrupt capture. The monotony of solitude had left him drained and desperate. His mind had become a battleground between hope and despair, a ceaseless cycle of questioning his circumstances.

Then, one fateful day, the routine changed. A plate of meager food was pushed through the narrow opening under the door. The feeble light filtering in was the only solace in the oppressive darkness. Gavi's senses were heightened as he clung to the promise of sustenance, yet even this morsel brought little relief to his torment.

As Gavi stared at the unappetizing meal, a glimmer of an idea surfaced. A reckless plan formed, fueled by his growing desperation. With a voice tinged with urgency, he began to cry out, "Snake! Snake! Help, I'm in danger! Save me!"

Gavi's cries echoed through the confined space, his heart pounding as he feigned terror. His ploy was a risky gamble, based on the notion that if his captors truly intended to kill him, they would have done so long ago. He had survived for nearly 200 days, leading him to suspect that his life was being spared for some ulterior motive.

His ruse was effective. The guard, undoubtedly irritated by the sudden commotion, approached the cell. Gavi's heart raced as he continued to cry out, his performance growing more convincing with each passing moment. The guard's footsteps grew louder, and then the gate creaked open.

[System Ping: New Title Unlocked - "A Desperate Gambit"]