Immortal In A Death Game

Chapter 255: Emptiness (2)

Dave continued to stare into Adam’s eyes. It was as if nothing reflected in them at all, even though he was right in front of him. Those green eyes looked hollow, detached from everything around them.

"I’m just going to remove your capacity to hurt anyone else." Adam’s grip tightened slightly around his neck. "Don’t worry. I know plenty of doctors who can put you back together."

"Wh—"

Before Dave could react, Adam vanished. Panic exploded through him, and he immediately tried to run—but Adam reappeared behind him almost instantly, one finger pressed lightly against his spine.

Then Adam inhaled softly.

And jabbed his finger into Dave’s back.

It lasted less than a millisecond. Adam pulled his hand away immediately afterward, casually shoving Dave forward and letting him collapse onto the ground.

The iron coating across Dave’s body faded completely, returning to normal skin. A weak whimper escaped his lips, but nothing else followed. He tried to move—tried to push himself up, even twitch a finger.

Nothing obeyed him. Only his eyes still worked.

"Don’t worry," Adam repeated as he crouched beside him, carefully turning Dave’s body to the side so he wouldn’t choke. "You’ll be able to talk again in a few hours. The rest of your body won’t recover, though."

Adam paused for a moment.

"But that’ll give you time to think about your actions. On the bright side, you’ll still be with your friend. A lot of people weren’t offered that privilege."

Dave stared at him in terror.

And for the first time, Adam’s eyes weren’t empty anymore.

They held pity, and that should’ve been comforting. So why... why did it terrify him even more?

"I’m going to explain what’s about to happen to you from now on," Adam whispered. "You’re going to be fed through tubes, and nurses are going to change your diapers. But if you want... your friend can do that for you instead. These are the consequences of your actions. Everything will be paid by me, so you don’t have to worry about all the bills if you come out."

With that, Adam reached into his pocket and pulled out a flare gun. He fired it into the sky, the bright streak cutting through the air before exploding overhead.

"Well, then..."

He dusted off his palms and looked toward Selene, then the quiet man, and finally Stifler. Clearing his throat slightly, he gestured for them to come closer.

Not even a second later, the three were standing in front of him with stiff backs like they were his students.

"...We can continue the run after the authorities take the criminals away," Adam said. "But I’d suggest doing it another day. Preferably with a bigger party."

"We’ll... follow your suggestion," Selene replied, lowering her head slightly in embarrassment. "Ugh... I’m sorry, Uncle."

"Hey." Adam shook his head. "I already told you not to apologize. It’s not your fault, okay?"

Selene slowly looked back up at him.

"How about this—how about we both just agree..." Adam lowered his voice slightly. "...not to tell your mother about this?"

"Yes!" Selene almost yelped in relief. "I—I agree. Let’s never mention this again."

"Hm."

Adam then extended his hand toward her, causing Selene to blink in confusion.

"On a side note," he said, "congratulations on becoming a Hero."

"That—" Selene nearly choked on her own breath as she quickly grabbed his hand.

"And good job surviving one of the most horrible things a human could suffer. The hard part’s over now. The Games are over." Adam lightly shook her hand before glancing toward the other two. "That goes for both of you as well. Good job."

Stifler froze for half a second before immediately reaching his hand out, too—but he was too slow. The quiet man had already beaten him to it.

Stifler glanced at him in annoyance, only to pause when he noticed the man shaking and blushing while Adam shook his hand.

"I..." the quiet man whispered nervously. "...I knew who you were the moment you showed up, Sir Endless. My name’s... Leon."

"Oh." Adam blinked. "Thank you for not... saying anything."

The moment Adam let go, Leon immediately stared at his own hand like something sacred had touched it, his shoulders trembling from excitement. Well, considering Adam’s unwanted position... his had was something sacred.

Adam then shook Stifler’s hand as well, and the young man instantly joined Leon in silently admiring the fact that they had just touched Adam Endless.

Selene could only stare at them for a moment before rolling her eyes.

"Seriously?" she hwispered.

Soon, the sound of drones soon filled the air as authorities descended around them, several people leaping down to secure the area and take Dave and Nica into custody.

While Adam spoke with them, Selene quietly watched from the side, still a little stunned herself.

She’d known Adam her entire life. She knew how famous he was, how absurdly respected his name had become—but somehow, she still underestimated it since he doesn’t show it at all.

Seeing grown men practically shaking from a handshake made that painfully clear.

"Uncle..." Selene approached Adam as soon as he finished speaking with the authorities. "...Is there any chance you’re actually my dad?"

Adam blinked slowly at the question.

"You’d be shorter if I was," he answered flatly. "And no. Your mother and I were never in that kind of relationship."

"Y-yeah. Of course." Selene laughed awkwardly. "You were with Aunt Mira."

Adam blinked again, though this time his gaze lingered downward for a moment longer.

"Mira and I..." His voice softened slightly. "...weren’t in that kind of relationship either. It—"

"Endless."

Before the conversation could continue, a man approached them. The officers escorting Dave and Nica immediately straightened and saluted, quickly stepping aside to clear a path for him.

"Mr. Secretary!" they called out in unison.

General Defense Secretary John walked past them without slowing.

"Endless," John repeated as he stopped in front of Adam.

Adam glanced at him and quietly sighed.

"Can you come with me?" John asked. "I just have a few questions about this situation."