"I'm envious," Javohir remarked, settling beside Bruno on the chilly sand, both catching their breath after a grueling run around the expansive training grounds.

The other slaves continued their training, their bodies in ceaseless motion. Seasoned veterans showcased remarkable endurance, pushing their limits far beyond the novices. The flickering shadows cast by the dancing flames provided a mesmerizing display, a rhythmic symphony of light that seemed to hypnotize all who watched.

Amidst the training, the air resonated with groans and short bursts of exclamation from the gladiators as they pushed their bodies to the brink. The pungent scent of sweat and smoke lingered, assaulting the nostrils of those who had yet to acclimate. Bruno belonged to that group.

"I can't believe you managed to attract a sponsor after just two fights," Javohir confessed, his voice tinged with a mixture of admiration and envy. He remained captivated by the swirling shadows before them.

"I have another fight coming up, so my focus is on that rather than the sponsors," Bruno replied, tearing his gaze away from the mesmerizing display to meet his friend's eyes.

"In that case, how about I meet them in your place?" Javohir jested, playfully nudging the young alchemist's shoulder with his elbow.

"No," Bruno responded firmly, shifting his attention back to the shadows. "I will meet them myself. But if things go well, maybe I can arrange something for you too. Only time will tell."

Javohir's smile broadened as visions of better food tantalized his thoughts. The young alchemist caught the glimmer of delight in his friend's eyes, prompting a reciprocal smile. However, their momentary happiness was short-lived as they noticed Mamadou making his way toward them. Sensing the teacher's mysterious intent, they both rose to their feet.

"You, with me," Mamadou declared, drawing closer and gesturing toward Bruno. "You have a guest."

Javohir enthusiastically patted Bruno on the back, a gesture of encouragement. "Good luck. Be nice."

"I'll try," the boy replied, already trailing behind Mamadou, who showed little patience as he forged a path toward the stairs that ascended to their unknown destination.

They slowly ascended the steps, both enveloped in silence. The teacher showed no inclination to offer advice or explanations, and the student saw no point in seeking them. The Mamadou's reticence matched Bruno's expectations; he knew that his remarkable skills displayed during the fight with Hasan would draw attention. The uncharted territory of his hyper sense, triggered by moments of danger, remained a tantalizing mystery—a newfound advantage of his mind. It was an experience he had never encountered before, amplified by the perils he endured in "The Hole," a significant contributing factor.

However, delving deeper into the intricacies of his newfound abilities would have to wait. His current circumstances left him unable to conduct a thorough investigation. Side by side, Bruno and Mamadou traversed the path until they reached the main chamber, typically teeming with guests. Although fewer people populated the space compared to the frenetic atmosphere of the fights, a few figures lingered at the periphery of his vision.

Leading him unerringly, Mamadou guided Bruno toward one of the alcoves reserved for VIPs. As they approached, the boy's gaze caught a familiar face in the distance—Nirav, the elderly man who had sold him to Uncle Said. The old man stood surreptitiously, observing from the shadows. The unexpected encounter caused Bruno to hesitate, a flicker of uncertainty casting its shadow over him. Yet, his teacher brooked no delay, seizing the young alchemist's hand and pulling him forward, defying Bruno's reservations as they entered the secluded space.

"It's him," Mamadou informed the man occupying the alcove.

Seated on a bench adorned with dark velvets and polished wood, was a man clutching a mug with both hands. His elbows rested on his knees, and his dark hair partially formed a ponytail while the rest cascaded loosely. Towering in stature, his brawny frame was only partially concealed by a vest. A small table beside him held a generous bowl brimming with an assortment of fruits.

In an instant, Bruno recognized the man as the one who had nearly repurchased him, back when he only arrived in the mysterious dungeons hidden under the city. The puzzle pieces clicked into place with undeniable clarity. This meeting was not about sponsorship; it was about shifting ownership.

The man rose unhurriedly, his mug finding its place on the table, carelessly nudging the bowl and pushing it enough to almost fall off. The subtle disturbance went unnoticed by him, a testament that he didn’t care. Extending a hand to Mamadou, they locked forearms without uttering a single word. Bruno observed the scene unfolding before him, rapidly surmising that their familiarity extended far beyond mere acquaintanceship.

"Good. I already paid for him," the man stated with an air of finality.

Mamadou nodded in acknowledgment before redirecting his attention to Bruno.

"You will be going with him," the teacher declared.

"Do I have a choice?" The young alchemist inquired, a tinge of resignation evident in his voice.

The boy's words caught hit instructor off guard, his features contorting with a mix of confusion and surprise.

"No, you don't," Mamadou confirmed after a brief silence. "Follow the man, and let me offer you one last piece of advice: Don't try to run away."

With a sigh, Bruno accepted his fate. However, his acquiescence did not signify an abandonment of hope. He vowed to seek opportunities for escape or find a way to send a message to the pirates, praying it would reach Billy.

Vere brushed past him, briefly touching his shoulder. The gesture spoke volumes, and Bruno understood its meaning as he trailed behind his new owner. They swiftly departed from the bustling establishment, navigating through the gathering crowd that congregated outside the building.

As the day slowly waned, the sky adorned itself in hues of orange, serving as a breathtaking backdrop to the local architecture. Despite their proximity to the impoverished regions of Meshek, the city's beauty persisted.

It was only after some time had passed in silence that the man finally broke his quietude, his voice tinged with concern.

"Do you know how to defend yourself?" he inquired.

Bruno detected a hint of genuine worry in his words, yet uncertainty gnawed at him. He responded, a trace of confusion coloring his voice.

"Yes... I think I can," he replied, hoping for further elaboration.

But none came. The man continued walking without uttering another word. This enigmatic silence only heightened Bruno's anxiety, as he couldn't help but associate this man, the very person he was nearly sold to upon arriving in Meshek, with his own demise.

Amidst the chaos in his mind, the boy resolved to confront reality and voiced his fears.

"Am I going to die?" he asked, his words hanging in the air.

Vere halted in his tracks, surprise etching itself across his once impassive face. He turned to face Bruno, seeking an explanation.

"Why do you think this way?" he inquired.

"The man who brought me here desired my death but lacked the courage to end my life himself. Instead, he sold me, ensuring that I would end up in the hands of an owner who would eventually take my life," the young alchemist explained. "He intended for me to die under your care."

Vere nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of Bruno's revelation, but he remained silent, failing to provide an answer to the pivotal question that initiated their conversation.

"So, am I going to die?" The boy persisted, feeling the weight of anticipation for a response.

"With some luck and a clear mind, you won't," Vere finally replied. He then turned on his heel and resumed their journey.

For Bruno, those words offered a glimmer of reassurance. He resolved to bide his time, patiently waiting for an opportunity to escape or make contact with the pirates, armed with hope and a cool-headed determination.