Chapter 108. Capture the Flag.

As the game is about to begin, I glance around the room, searching for a familiar face. But Chris isn't here.

I scan the crowd again, searching for any sign of the other boy.

But he's nowhere to be seen, and a pang of guilt twists in my gut. I pull a nearby student aside, and my grip was tight on their arm.

"Where's Chris?" I demand, my voice low and menacing.

The student's eyes widen, and they stammer, "H-he's still in the hospital. He couldn't play today."

I feel a surge of relief and regret. Relief that Chris is safe, for now, but regret that I was the one who put him there in the first place. Without him here, I don't know how much he has in points, and I can't risk him being eliminated.

I can't just let that happen.

Steeling my resolve, I approach the instructor, the chip still hidden under my tongue. "I want to use some of my points to help Chris pass this round without being eliminated."

The instructor raises an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flickering across his face. "Are you