NOVEL NEXT Chapter 358: Questions and Answers
"Well, I have a list of 10 questions that will help the audience better understand who you are and what you are fighting for. I don't know what a demon could be fighting for, but just do your best to answer the questions," Ya-Mi explained, her tone suggesting she found the notion somewhat perplexing.
Confused by the premise, Ty couldn't help but ask, "Why? What's the point if almost everyone will be dying once the arena starts?" His confusion was evident, struggling to see the logic behind the endeavor.
Taking a drag from her cigarette, Ya-Mi replied with a hint of cynicism, "It's because people like a good story. They like to follow an underdog or some BS like that." Her words were dismissive, yet they revealed a truth about the audience's cravings for narratives of hope and resilience.
Just then, an announcement cut through the room, "1 minute till we are live!" signaling the imminent start of their broadcast.
"Well, you ready to answer these questions? Your window slot is 10 minutes—that's 5 more than everyone else, so be grateful, Demon Boy," Ya-Mi said, half-teasing, half-serious, as she prepped Ty for what was to come.
"Yeah, let's get this over with," Ty responded, resigning himself to the inevitable as he attempted to mentally prepare for the interview.
A few seconds of awkward silence ensued before Ty heard from behind Ya-Mi, "Action! Cameras are rolling, and we are broadcasting to the nations right now!" The moment had arrived, and the reality of their situation settled in.
As Ty adjusted himself, he couldn't help but notice his outfit was a bit messy. However, considering everything, his attire contrasted nicely against the red carpet and the dark blue chairs, lending an unexpected aesthetic to the scene.
Ty watched, momentarily distracted, as Ya-Mi discarded the cigarette he hadn't even noticed her holding earlier. Her attention had shifted to a flying drone that Ty hadn't initially observed. It hovered nearby, an unobtrusive observer ready to broadcast their exchange to the world.
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"Good Day everyone, and welcome to the final 48 hours until the start of the Arena of Life and the first Arena! Today we have a special broadcast where we get to know a little more about the prisoners today and see if what they have done is really that bad, or if they are worth getting your love and support!"
"Today, we will be starting off with a bang as we interview the notorious Demon! Brought to you by our very own Rusuf Goldire," she continued, her words drawing attention to Rusuf.
As the camera panned over to him, still engaged in a phone conversation, Ty couldn't help but speculate, "It's probably hard to explain what happened, I suppose." His thoughts reflected a blend of curiosity and concern, wondering about the complexities Rusuf was navigating behind the scenes.
The camera shifted to Ty, zooming in on his blue eyes and slightly dirtied face.
"Okay, Mr. Demon, are you ready to answer some questions for the kingdom?"
Ty nodded. "Sure, sounds like this might be a good opportunity to get some stuff off my chest." He offered a smile, which Ya-Mi returned with a smile of her own.
"Okay, first question," she began. "What did you do to be locked up?"
Ty sat up in the chair, the light noise of the drone buzzing around him. "Well, I would say I am here because I have killed people in the past. I have let other emotions get the better of me for one reason or another," Ty thought. 'I don't just want to say it's because I'm a demon. I need to try and connect with these people.'
"Well, also being a demon plays a part, but in some way, maybe I'm paying for a past crime. But regardless, I am aimed at the future," Ty concluded.
"Perfect," Ya-Mi noted, then posed another question, "Who exactly are you, the Demon?"
Ty pondered for a moment before responding, "A person, like anyone else."
"Why do you fight?" she inquired next.
After a brief pause, Ty answered, "To get back to the one I love."
"Oh," Ya-Mi reacted, interest piqued. "And who do you love?"
"Her name is Jade, and I will get back to her. She is not from this place."
"I see," Ya-Mi nodded, then asked, "Well, do you mind explaining this?" As she spoke, she clicked a remote, and a screen flared to life between them, projecting an image into the air.
Ty's face turned a shade of red, embarrassment clear as the screen showed a clip of JJ leaning in to give Ty a kiss.
"How do you explain this if you say you have a loved one you are fighting for?" Ya-Mi questioned, a slight smirk playing on her lips.
Ty took a deep breath, gathering his composure before answering, "She is someone special to me, but she is also my sponsor and has helped me out greatly. It was a friendly kiss above all else. She deserves nothing but the best from everyone, and after seeing how she was treated at the fighting show, I wanted to protect her.
She reminded me a lot of my Jade when I first saw her, and seeing the tears flow really hit me."
Ya-Mi's expression briefly morphed into shock before settling into a lewd smile. She looked directly at the camera and announced, "You heard it here, folks, Demons can feel love! Love blossoming during times of war is a never-ending tradition!"
Regaining her composure, she continued, "Okay, okay, sorry, let me catch myself. Love just gets me all frazzled. Looks like we only have time for two more questions."
"Do you have a name you would like people to call you? Just saying 'Demon' becomes a bit redundant after a while, don't you think?" Ty pondered for a moment—'Yeah, like the demon king over and over again, haha.' He thought further, "Something flashy..."
"Yes, I would like my title to be known as Ty Hockenson, The Greatest Skeleton ever!"
Ya-Mi tilted her head in confusion. "The what...?"
"I promise it will all make sense eventually, but until then, you can just call me Ty," he responded with a smile.
"Very well, final question before the next time the world sees you is in the pit of war. Is there anything else you would like to tell everyone?"
Ty contemplated for a moment—'It would be really flashy to say "I know who killed Realdo!" but that might screw over Yui-Jin, so I should refrain from that for now.'
"Don't wait until your life is turned upside down to do everything you wanted to do in life," he finally said.
"I know the culture here is heavy on war, but also take a moment to love and cherish the life around you," Ty advised.
"Thank you, Ty Hockenson, the Greatest Skeleton ever, The Demon. Long title, I think I will just stick with Ty the Demon until further notice," Ya-Mi remarked, her tone playful yet acknowledging the weight of his words.
"Well, folks, that is everything for now. We will pick back up the broadcast for a cycle shot soon, so stay tuned and start filling out your brackets and have them submitted before the Arena starts!" With that, she stared into the camera, offering a brimming smile until she heard the cue, "Cut!"
Her smile quickly faded to a look of exhaustion as she confessed, "Ugh, it's going to be a long day."
"Thanks, demon, for a good opening act, though. Really good comeback on that flirting thing. I thought for sure you would crack under the pressure or something. Looks like from the clip, Jedo was the one really wanting that kiss also," she remarked with a sly smile, teasing yet showing a hint of respect for how Ty handled the situation.
Before Ty could respond, Rusuf approached, thanking Ya-Mi, "Thank you, Aunt Ya-Mi, for watching him. I will go ahead and take him to the holding area now and will send word to get the next 10 prisoners ready."