As they stood face to face, Fin spoke quietly. "Let's start the work."
Edrin nodded and signaled Mira, who began mopping nearby while staying close to him. Ren lingered near the others, stealing nervous glances.
As they worked, Edrin leaned closer. "What do you want to talk about?"
Fin's eyes scanned the room, and Edrin noticed the caution.
'He's going to say something confidential.'
Fin whispered, "It might sound absurd, but I need your help."
Edrin's voice was steady. "For what?"
"To escape this place."
Edrin froze, mop pausing mid-swipe. His eyes widened.
'The possibility I thought could never happen… It's real.'
A guard barked across the hall. "You little rats, stop wasting time! Clean the floor!"
Edrin quickly resumed his work. "So, Fin, what's the way?"
"The garbage trolley. It can hold two people our age."
Edrin's thoughts churned.
'This might be a chance. Freedom, a new life. But the risk… the risk is too great.'
Fin pressed, his voice barely audible. "So? Will you help?"
"I need to think about it. If you want me, you'll need my whole team."
Fin smiled faintly. "That's why I asked you. Mira is a good scout, Darik and Bran are strong, and your planning skills are unmatched."
Edrin gave a short nod. "I'll tell you my answer tomorrow at lunch."
Fin bowed slightly. "Thank you."
They continued to mop side by side.
Fin broke the silence. "I'm sorry… for that day."
Edrin gave a small smile. "It's fine. It was Darik's fault; he was childish back then."
"Yeah. I was already upset that day. When he tried to bully me, I just snapped."
Edrin chuckled softly. "It happens."
The bell rang, echoing through the chamber.
"Too soon. We got lost in the talk," Fin muttered.
Edrin nodded and walked back to his group while Ren rejoined Fin.
Ren whispered, "How did it go?"
Fin replied, "He'll tell us tomorrow."
Edrin, meanwhile, returned to Mira, Darik, and Bran with a serious look.
Mira asked, "What did he say?"
"I'll tell you in the cell," Edrin answered, and the four walked away together.
Later, as Ren and Fin returned to their cell, Ren asked, "Why did you choose those four?"
"They're the only ones who can make this work. Edrin is a planner, Bran and Darik have strength, and Mira can scout."
Ren frowned. "But why only them? There are so many others."
Fin's voice dropped. "Think, Ren. Who will suffer the most when sold?"
Ren shrugged. "I don't know… all of us?"
"No. The girls suffer most. That's why. I can't let Mira face that fate."
Ren gazed at him with respect. "You know how to plan things."
Fin stretched out on the floor. "Now we wait."
Meanwhile, in Edrin's cell, the four sat in a circle.
Bran scowled. "Can we even trust them not to betray us?"
Edrin's voice was firm. "We've got nothing to lose. We'll be sold to nobles anyway. Why not try for freedom?"
Mira leaned forward. "I think we should. If we escape, we can stay together forever."
Darik nodded. "I agree."
All three turned to Bran, who sighed. "Fine. Let's do it."
Edrin clapped once. "Good. Then I'll start planning."
He stood, grabbed a stone, and began scratching on the wall.
'I have to do this for my friends. They're the last loved ones I have left. I can't lose them.'
Hours passed. Morning light filtered in as Edrin finally stepped back. "This will work."
Mira, Bran, and Darik stared at the markings in awe.
Darik muttered, "This man is insane."
They left together for class.
At lunch, Edrin, Mira, Darik, Bran, Fin, and Ren sat at the same table.
Edrin broke the silence. "We'll do it. But only you and Ren go in the trolley. We won't risk the others."
Fin nodded. "Alright. So what's the plan?"
"We'll create a distraction. A blast in the kitchen. During the chaos, you'll slip inside the trolley."
Ren frowned. "A blast? How?"
Edrin looked him in the eye. "We'll replace the cooking oil with kerosene."
Fin grinned. "I knew you could pull this off."
He clenched his fists, his voice low but burning with resolve.
'We've suffered enough. We've lost too much. It's about time we break free from this cursed place. I don't want a life controlled by chains or orders. I want a life we can truly cherish. No more loss. No more pain. It ends here. Today. Now.'
Edrin felt a shiver.
'He always gives me goosebumps, like a hero from a story.'
Mira whispered, "Then let's do it."
The bell rang.
Edrin stood. "Fin, Ren, come with me. Mira, you know what to do."
As the hall cleared, he led Fin and Ren aside. "Stay here until you hear the explosion." Then he hurried off.
Darik glanced at Bran. "Let's begin."
Bran smirked. "Don't worry. I won't beat you too badly."
The two started trading blows, drawing the guard's attention.
Meanwhile, Mira slipped toward the kitchen, where a guard stood at the gate.
The guard spotted the scuffle. "Finally, some entertainment." He stepped away, leaving the gate unguarded.
Mira slipped inside and searched the barrels.
'Where is it? Where…'
She opened one and grinned.
'Found it. Kerosene.'
Outside, Bran punched Darik hard in the gut. Darik dropped to the floor, coughing.
Bran raised his fist again.
'Sorry, Darik. We need to sell this fight.'
But Mira rushed in, pushing Bran back. "Stop! We're family. Don't fight."
The guard clicked his tongue. "Tch. Ruined my fun."
The three walked off together, blending into the crowd.
Meanwhile, the chef entered the kitchen, humming.
He set a pan on the stove and poured from the oil jar.
His eyes widened. "Wait, this isn't—"
The droplet hit the pan. Fire roared to life.
A massive explosion shook the hall.
Edrin rushed back to Fin and Ren. "If this fails, we'll try again next month."
The blast rocked the ground, screams filling the hall. Guards sprinted toward the kitchen.
"Now!" Edrin hissed, pulling them into the shadows.
They spotted the trolley guard abandoning his post.
"Quick!" Edrin shoved open the lid.
Fin and Ren climbed inside.
Edrin gripped Fin's hand. "You'll be taken to the dumps. From there, find the military, anyone who can help. Come back for us."
Fin nodded. "I'll return. I swear it."
Edrin smiled. "I believe you." He closed the lid and slipped away into the panicked crowd.
Ren and Fin lay cramped in the dark, waiting.
Ren whispered, "Fin… we'll finally be free."
Fin nodded.
'Free. I'll see the sun again. Travel the world. Live a life without chains.'
Ren closed his eyes.
'I'll find a way to see my parents again. Feel family warmth once more.'
The trolley jerked forward.
Fin looked at Ren.
'I saved one friend. Now I must save the rest.'
But instead of open air, the trolley tipped and dumped them into a dark chamber.
They hit the stone floor, pain shooting through their bodies.
Ren groaned and looked up. His eyes widened in horror.
Fin staggered beside him. "What is it, Ren?"
Then he saw it too.
Skarith sat on a chair, smiling coldly. Beside him, Edrin, Mira, Bran, and Darik lay beaten and bound.
His voice rumbled through the silence. "Well played, kids."