Death Cast

01.24 | Grecia Bella Theatre

The atmosphere had become less tense between the Autumns than it had been previously. More people are extending their hands to integrate an accomplice, whereas fewer people are conversing about insignificant matters. Jaerim watched the harmonious scene silently as he made his way to the table. He discovered Noel sitting on the corner with their fellow team members, Sandra (Noel's dance partner), and the two non-beginner players, Herman and Casey. They stand in stark contrast to the growing friendships that have developed among the other groups.

Jaerim had not seen Herman or Casey yesterday, and it was likely that he did not have the opportunity to see them because he and Noel had been wandering around looking for clues. He was aware that someone in their group had suffered a leg injury during the previous dance. Jaerim looked at the pale Herman, who was eating porridge with his head bowed and his eyes narrowed in concentration.

The person scowled when he realized Jaerim was staring at him. "What are you staring at?"

Such actions will not scare Jaerim, but he has chosen to withdraw his involvement. He should avoid making enemies because they will be reliant on one another in order to successfully complete their mission. Jaerim sat next to Noel, who appeared to have dark circles beneath his eyes. Jaerim's focus shifted away from Herman and toward this individual with whom he had a much closer relationship.

Jaerim commented, "You look like you haven't slept enough."

Not denying it, Noel nodded his head slowly. "Last night was intolerably noisy. This kept me up at night.

"Noisy?" Jaerim had no recollection of anything occurring the night before. Despite this, he clearly remembers Silvester waking him up.

He still gets the creeps thinking about that red-eyed grim reaper lurking over the edge of his bed. He rubbed his sweaty palms against his pants as he tried to forget that memory. Jaerim's abnormality went unnoticed by Noel as he continued to eat his meal.

"Uh-huh, someone was banging on doors last night," someone who wasn't in their group interrupted their conversation. Jaerim could see the person's listlessness in their eyes. "It's extremely loud. There was a lot of crying and pleading for help. I was only able to do so by putting my earplugs in and ignoring the commotion."

"Yes, it was a complete and total mess. We were up all night, and it didn't stop until early the next morning." Noel nodded his head. He turned his head to look at Jaerim, who appeared to be in good health and pondered. "Didn't you hear anything?"

"No?" Jaerim's brow furrowed in response.

He couldn't make out anything at all. There was no knocking nor asking for help. He had slept well last night. It's impossible for him to not wake up if such an incident occurs. He even woke up by just feeling Silvester's glare around him. What about people knocking on his door to look for help?

Whatever the case, they were relieved to be alive after what had happened to them the night before. Before leaving the breakfast table, everyone shared their experiences from the previous night's meal to bring the meal to a close. As a result, Jaerim and his party remained for a while longer while they awaited the arrival of the jester.

Speaking of the devil, the clown with the brightly colored outfit arrived on time. However, as Jaerim is observing the individual walk closer to him, he notices that the jester is limping a little. He inspected the person's leg, which appeared to be swollen. Noel, who was standing next to him, made the same observation as he did.

"Yeet, seems like accidents also happen to them," Noel whispered.

As Jaerim agreed, "In this world, they are still capable of being classified as "humans." At the very least."

Elias didn't seem to mind that his leg was limping as he called his troupe together and made his way to the rehearsal room. He will be introducing them to a new dance, which they have all been looking forward to for some time. Makisig and Marikit, the group's leaders, were still in charge of guiding them through the routine. When they arrived, they noticed that they were waiting in their station, dressed in the same clothes and grinning with a wide, teeth-showing smile.

Noel felt a chill run down his spine. "Wow, those smiles are incredible."

The forced smiles of the performers give off a stifling feeling. The day before yesterday, these two instructors were simply expressing themselves as professionals in the field of art and performance in a genuine manner. Today, they still appear professional, but there is a sense of urgency about them. It's as if they know what's going to happen in the future and are looking for someone to help them change it.

The Autumns were not oblivious to these gestures. They decided to remain silent as they looked at the two people in front of them. The jester talked to the two dancers before he showed them the routine. In the distance, Jaerim noticed two four-legged wooden benches. In total, there are six narrow benches: three on the ground, two above the three benches' centers, and one at the very top. It formed a ladder-like structure, a pyramid of seats.

Jaerim is struck by a sudden and terrifying feeling of dread.

"I've heard a lot of good things about your performance last time. It appears that you are all putting forth your best effort." Marikit expressed her appreciation with a small clap.

"Of course, they could only do their best because they had learned from the expert," the jester exclaimed with pride after the performance. With a smug grin, he added to the group: "In addition, I only pick the best of the best for my selection. It's not unusual for them to do well under my guidance."

Jaerim could only remain silent as he watched the clown become a circus himself. Did he really mean what he said? As far as he can remember, the jester was very angry when the audience didn't clap after they did their first act. Nobody would be cheering them on if it weren't for the blood and sweat that was literally turning the stage red.

Makisig's chuckle was audible. "It appears that you had already anticipated this."

The jester said, "Of course," without lowering his head. "I have a good sense of what people are like. I only accept people who have a lot of potentials."

Jaerim's stomach began to turn the longer the jester spoke. The same goes for Noel, as well. If the jester truly evaluated people in this manner, they would have hoped they were not chosen. They wished to not become the best or the most talented people in order to avoid this ticking time bomb.

Sadly, their hopes and dreams could not be realized. They had already descended into this state.

"Anyways, let's start the practice. We don't have enough time left!"

Makisig and Marikit assumed their respective positions. The same Rondalla music was composed but in a different arrangement. As they observed the two people who were standing beside the benches, the jolly music blared loudly in the background. Jaerim is familiar with this dance, and it was a tad more difficult than the first dance they performed.

Sayaw sa bangko is the name of the dance, which literally translates as "the dance on top of a wooden bench." It is a type of dance in which a couple, preferably male and female, dances while treading through the narrow benches without tripping or falling over them. In order for the couple to support each other, there will be a lot of hopping and shifting around. It was originally intended to be a dance for newlyweds during their wedding reception, in which they had to demonstrate how well they complemented one another.

The fact that they would not fall implies that they would support each other. Not falling indicates that they trust each other enough to give each other their lives.

Jaerim brushed his hair back as he watched the two dance professionals begin their routine. Unlike tinikling, sayaw sa bangko does not require a lot of complicated footwork. The reason for this is that they aren't required to be on the ground to be of use. In most cases, the dancers would be doing the exchange on benches that would begin at one level and continue to rise until all of the benches were piled up. They must also show it off easily.

It was the same feeling for Noel. He watched as the dancers performed a short skit depicting a man wooing a woman by extending his hand. Marikit took the hand offered to her and the two proceeded to climb the bench. The first step is a piece of cake. They were just making some well-coordinated hand and foot gestures until Makisig linked their arms together like they were building a bridge. In a split-second, Marikit performed a hop that allowed her to hop across the bench, barely passing by Makisig's side.

While clenching his fists, he let out a low, whiny cry. It's just something I'd like to know..."

Jaerim fixed his gaze on the wilting figure. "What is it?"

"Do we still play the role of women? As he sneaked a peek at his companion, Noel moaned. "I'm not sure the other person could support me if we did that."

The dance necessitates both physical and mental stamina. Noel is concerned about Sandra's ability to carry him. Noel was also concerned about the dance's 'additional features'. As if recalling something, he placed his hands on his calves.

"Do you think we'll be able to survive if the clown does the same thing he did before?" He inquired.

In the end, Jaerim could not give an answer. His gaze was drawn to Marikit and Makisig, who had made it to the second level of benches without incident. They performed a short skit on the wobbly benches in the same way as on the first level. He stood there and watched as the two people switched places, with Marikit doing most of the hopping. He then turned to Noel and made a comparison between Noel and Sandra in terms of physical stature.

There is a huge discrepancy between the two.

Aside from that, there are other people who could be a source of concern. Herman's leg was twisted. It is more difficult for him to jump around like this.

"It's getting more and more difficult," Jaerim said. They are in a precarious position.

The dance has now reached its pinnacle - a pyramid made up of six benches. They must raise their heads in order to see the dancers. The higher the benches, the more likely it is that someone will fall while sitting on them. These movements will not be able to be performed if the performers do not understand one another.

That's why it is a dance between married couples—only those who understand each other well enough can perform the dance without a problem.

"You've furrowed your brows low enough. Are you not worried about developing wrinkles?"

Jaerim was startled to hear a familiar voice behind him speak in a low, hushed tone. He turned around and found the white-haired, dark-skinned grim reaper. Barron is still dressed in his European-inspired attire. However, the clothing has been stripped of its vibrant frills and appears to be less opulent than usual. It took the Grim Reaper some time to get up close to Jaerim. Noel, across Jaerim, was taken aback by his appearance.

"What was it that caused you to be so worried?" Barron laughed heartily. "That's not you at all."

After hearing that, Jaerim asked, "What does it mean to be like me?"

Barron rolled his eyes and shrugged. "How could I possibly know?"

Jaerim nodded. Barron is only here to show him more nonsense. He decided to ignore Barron when the man suddenly whispered, "Someone here wanted to kill you. Be careful."