Death Cast

1.28 | Grecia Bella Theatre

However, Jaerim is the one who likes thinking a lot.

The reasons for his actions were not simply that he did not want to perform, but rather that he wanted to ensure that they would survive. Ultimately, the goal of this simulation is to investigate them and collect data. The more they had to deal with, the more information they could get, and the more important they were. Jaerim had a decent knowledge of it because he was someone who had undertaken several experiments of his own.

Still, it's his first time around. The only way he could prove his worth was to participate.

On the other hand, Herman who has been wishing to get a high number was not able to pick one. Regrettably, the number presented in his paper is the smallest of all - [1]. After seeing the number, his eyes began to shake. Herman couldn't believe that, despite all of the opportunities presented to him, he hadn't been able to choose an escape route.

His hand trembled as he tried to keep his emotions in check and not break down in tears. He looked at his companion, who was waiting for him to say the number he had chosen, but he couldn't say anything because his voice seemed to have become caught in the middle of his throat. He is completely at a loss for what to do. His thoughts were interrupted by the jester's conversation with the group. The clown who never stopped taunting them called them out one by one. His face remains as colorful and obnoxious as ever.

"Immediately report your number to me. As I previously stated, our group will be represented by numbers one through three. The person who came in first will be placed in the center."

Elias marveled at the wonderful expressions of remorse and happiness on the faces of the actors and actresses on stage. He couldn't help but be a little pleased with himself. The type of person he is who enjoys seeing people suffer, particularly those who lack the ability to defend themselves. As he took a more positive view of the group in front of him, the annoyance he was feeling from the sudden change of plans began to subside.

With a smile on his face, Elias said, "Then, the one who picked number one, please step forward. Because you will be the star of this performance, do not be afraid. Everyone will count on you.

Those words brought a shiver to Herman's nerves. He felt like he was being glared at, despite the fact that no one was looking at him as everyone was focusing on the jester. He clenched the piece of paper into a fist and tried to think of something. Sweat began to seep out of his pores and onto his clothes, making his palms wet. The paper has been dampened by the sweat from his knuckles.

Nobody came forward when the jester called it out. It made his face turn a bright shade of red.

“Number one? Is number one here?” He inquired a second time.

Silence has descended on the area. In the presence of their boss, no one dared to speak or even whisper. Elias took another look around to see if anyone else could have picked the number one. In a strange coincidence, his gaze fell on Jaerim. The youth, who was wearing a large plaster cast over his face, appeared to be smiling, his black eyes shining like a deep well in the distance. He was baffled as to why the individual was displaying such an expression, so he asked.

"What's the matter with you?" Questioned the jester. “Did you get a good number?”

As Jaerim nodded, his smile became more genuine. It caused the sides of his eyes to wrinkle, making him appear much more charming than before. Jaerim has an average face that looks exceptionally attractive whenever he smiles or laughs. It gives people a positive impression, leading them to believe that he is enjoying the best years of his life.

It seemed to everyone in the room that he had selected the number [5]. If the props men are unable to obtain additional benches for the performance, numbers four and five will not be participating. Of course, the reason for this incident is Jaerim using his skill card to ensure that they will not be able to find a replacement. It has already been determined that he will not be participating in the play.

But he didn’t want that. 

Jaerim took a step forward and said, “I picked the number one.”

Hearing those words made Herman wince. He raised his head to look at Jaerim, who appeared to be quite assured while lying. As soon as he sensed someone's gaze on him, Jaerim tilted his head to the side to look at the person who was just out of his field of vision. For a brief moment, Herman and Jaerim locked eyes. It made Jaerim smile even more as he placed a finger in front of his lips.

Shush. He made a shushing gesture. Don’t tell anyone.

Herman could tell by Jaerim's stance that he was aware that he had selected the number one, but he continued to walk forward. The jester snorted and did not notice the exchange. He unleashed his nag-like personality once more, this time to chastise Jaerim for taking the time to step up.

"You have been summoned numerous times, but remain silent in the corner." Angry, the jester added: "You're just wasting my time. Find a quiet place and reflect on what you've done. Okay, let's move on. Number two!”

Although the other person looked at him, Jaerim turned back to the side of the grim reaper, completely ignoring him. The white-haired being gave the youngster a strange look. Jaerim was unwilling to look up since he didn't want to see the Barron making fun of him. He didn't tell the Grim Reaper about the change in plans. The Grim Reaper even cheered when he got a low score.

Barron chuckled and said, "I get it. I'm always amazed by the variety and complexity of human beings."

He chuckled even louder as he looked down at Jaerim's sweating neck, thinking to himself that this guy enjoys doing things for no apparent reason. Although Jaerim smiled and appeared confident as he took a step forward, he was actually afraid. The grim reaper was able to see his microexpression, which detected his trembling and shaking with pinpoint accuracy. Barron shook his head, unsure of what Jaerim desired.

“If you are that scared, you should’ve not done that.”

Don’t do something you don’t want to do. That’s an easy plan.

“But it won’t work like that,” Jaerim responded. 

Barron looked at the top of Jaerim’s head due to their height difference. He could see the double whorls on the top of his head. It was said that people who have two whorls are intelligent and gifted. Barron did not believe in superstitions despite being supernatural himself, but he somehow agreed to this statement right now. 

“What won’t work?” Barron asked further. 

Jaerim kept his eyes on the crowd as he spoke, “I won’t be important anymore.”

It only took him a few seconds to understand Jaerim’s words. He smiled as he turned his head to the front to watch the jester bicker with the staff. 

“It seems that you have understood everything very well.”

Jaerim accepted the compliment with a nod. 

The jester finished calling the numbers and everyone started moving again. Herman approached Jaerim as it ended but somehow got shy when they had come face to face. He looked at Jaerim’s expression that seems to be nonchalant then to the grim reaper standing on the side. Herman wiped his sweat-filled palms to his pants and spoke his courage out.

“Thank you,” he said with an emotion-filled voice. “I know you’ve picked the number five but you still walk forward. I am very grateful, thank you.”

Herman’s gratitude can be seen in his bloodshot eyes. Barron watched the two humans and wondered what will Jaerim do. Jaerim did not seem affected by his show of pleasantries, instead, he held his palms up as if he is asking for something. Herman looked at the open palms and wondered if Jaerim is indeed asking for money. 

Jaerim said, “Nothing is free in this world.”

Barron made a wow expression. Who would have thought that Jaerim will ask for compensation?

Herman got stumped by his words then nodded quickly. “Yes, yes, nothing is free in this world. You have to pay to live.”

That is easy to understand. Herman could understand it very well. 

“Then how much do you want? I didn’t bring money because you could not bring them but I am rich on Earth. Give me your bank details so I could hand out the money.”

Jaerim shook his head. What money? The moment he had been determined as an Autumn, the government had frozen his account. And if even he could survive in the end, he is sure that he would be taking a conservatorship agreement until he finishes the ten worlds. The money would become useless to him.  

“Then, if you don’t want money, what is it that you want?” Herman scratched his head. 

Jaerim looked at his eyes and said, “Life.”

“What?”

“I want your life.”