I Was Born With A Bloodline That Ended The World-Chapter 110: The Second Prize

In his apartmentdom, Rhian sat on the edge of the sofa, looking down at the box resting in his lap.

"Come on, open it," Ash said from behind him, his tone light and curious.

Rhian sighed and rolled his eyes. "Well, I was about to," he said.

Aras was sitting on the couch, watching quietly. Both of his roommates were there.

Neither of them had said a word about his loss, or the way he lost, and he appreciated that. They seemed to understand he didn’t want to talk about it.

But now, both of them were leaning forward, their curiosity too strong to ignore. They wanted to see what Rhian had gotten for finishing second.

Rhian let out a small laugh and opened the box slowly. "Oh..." he murmured, surprised.

Inside was a card that read: 10000 Merit Points.

He reached in and took out the other contents. There was a key, an odd-looking one, bigger than most, its surface a dull silver.

Ash leaned over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing. "What’s that?"

Rhian held it up, turning it over in his fingers. It felt heavier than it looked.

"Not sure," he admitted.

Ash reached out, tapping the key with a finger. "Weird key... Keep it. Who knows? Might be useful in the future," he said, his voice half-joking, half-serious.

Rhian looked up at him. "It’s just a key... but fine. Feels like a scam, honestly."

Aras chuckled from the couch. "Maybe it’s a door to something important," he said, though he didn’t sound too sure.

Rhian tucked the key back into the box, the card with the merit points resting on top.

"Anyway," Ash said, stretching his arms above his head. "I guess after this tournament, they’ll probably open the portals again."

Rhian nodded. "Yeah... Maybe."

For now, he closed the box and set it aside. Whatever that key was for, he’d find out eventually.

He put the box down on the table and leaned back in his chair. "Have you guys seen Iris and Nia?" he asked casually.

Aras answered almost too quickly. "Iris is around," he said. His tone was calm, but his shoulders were a little stiff.

Ash looked over at Rhian, raising an eyebrow. "That’s an interesting way to put it."

Rhian glanced back. "You’re acting a bit jumpy, Aras."

Ash smirked and said, "Fucking?."

Rhian said at the same time, "Dating?."

They both paused and looked at each other for a second.

Then they said together, "Both?"

"Both."

Aras looked caught off guard. His shoulders tightened, and his expression turned defensive. "What? No," he said, but his voice sounded forced.

Rhian crossed his arms and leaned back. "Come on, Aras. We’re not blind. You’re not as subtle as you think."

Ash laughed and leaned forward. "You’re usually the calm one, but you’re getting a little flustered right now. That’s interesting to see."

Aras frowned and shifted his weight. "Drop it," he said firmly. His face was set, and his jaw was tight.

Rhian watched him for a moment, then shrugged. "Alright," he said, backing off. "Just curious, that’s all." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Ash let out a soft laugh. "Yeah, we’re not here to get in your business, Aras. Just seems like you’re finally getting some action."

Aras shot him a look, but he didn’t say anything else. He just crossed his arms and sat back, trying to act like it didn’t bother him.

Rhian glanced between the two of them and let a small smile slip. It was rare to see Aras off-balance, and it made the room feel a little less tense than it had been. Ash leaned back in his chair too, looking satisfied.

The silence that settled in the room was easier than before. They had pushed a little, but they knew when to let it go.

For now, at least, it was enough to see Aras rattled and realize that even the most composed of them had cracks.

"Again Nia?"

The two looked at Rhian this time. He rolled his eyes. "I’m just worried. I haven’t seen her since we got these boxes. I wanted to talk to her, but she seemed to be rushing somewhere."

Ash shrugged. "I don’t know. She looked like she needed to be alone."

Aras looked off to the side. "She probably just needs some space."

Rhian gave a small nod, not really satisfied with the answer but letting it go. "Alright."

Ash’s eyes flickered with mild boredom. "So what are you guys doing after this?"

Rhian leaned back in his chair. "Sleep."

Aras hesitated before speaking. "I’m going to visit the shops."

"Alone?" Ash’s tone was playful, but his raised eyebrow showed he was genuinely curious.

Aras paused a bit too long. "Yes. Alone."

Ash leaned forward. "I’ll join you then."

Aras’s tone turned sharp. "No, I’m good alone."

Rhian left them arguing, their voices fading as he walked down the hall. Ash’s playful voice carried after him, just as Aras’s sharp retorts answered back.

"Hey, I’m good company."

"Until you’re not."

"Oh, I see what it is, it must be a date with Iris."

"You know what? You can come."

"Oh, no. I’m not coming. I don’t want to be a third wheel between you two."

Rhian didn’t say anything. He just kept moving until he reached his room. He shut the door behind him and leaned back against it for a moment. The quiet felt heavy after the noise outside.

He kicked off his shoes and walked over to his bed, collapsing onto it.

The sheets were cool against his skin, and he let out a long breath, staring up at the ceiling.

For a few seconds, he let himself drift, his mind finally quiet for the first time in hours.

This was a learning moment. Rhian lay still for a moment, thinking about everything that had happened.

He knew he couldn’t let what Justin did go unpunished. Not just for Nia, but for himself.

He wanted to prove that no matter how strong Justin was, he wouldn’t be allowed to walk over people like that forever.

He hoped he would get the chance to grow and get his revenge. And he would take it when it came.