In the stands, Burl turned his attention to Josh Fudge. Impatient by nature, he was direct. "Mr. Fudge, what''s this exciting game you''ve mentioned? It''s a perfect day, the sun is out. If we don''t start soon, we''ll lose the light. Are we ying some kind of horror game?"


    Josh Fudge, having just received an update from his team, reassured Burl, "There''s no intention to dy. With the sunlight as it is, now''s the best time for the game. Nighttime would only add unnecessary gore and danger." Sylvester''s interest was piqued at the mention of danger. "Gory and dangerous? Sounds intriguing."


    Noticing Sylvester''s reaction, Josh Fudge became more animated. "I''ve heard Mr. Gomez is an excellent shot. It''ll be interesting to see if hees out on top."


    Sylvester raised an eyebrow. "Are we talking about using guns?"


    Josh Fudge hinted at a challenge. "Without guns, we''d be nothing more than sitting ducks."


    He then addressed Trenton, "The firearms were purchased legally, all fitted with safety mechanisms. I''m licensed to own them. No objections, right?"


    Trenton, with the air of a military man, chuckled and replied with a sidelong nce at Josh Fudge, "As long as everything''s legal, I see no issue. You haven''t broken anyws or hurt anyone, after all."


    A collective gasp rose from the crowd.


    Heads turned to view the scene below the stands.


    The tform was nked by metal railings, overlooking a vast grasnd with a winding stream, designed to resemble a savannah.


    The isted area in front of the stands, edged by a man-made forest, suddenly became the stage for a dramatic entrance.


    Trucks, their metal bodies glinting, emerged from the trees, each followed by a parade of wild animals-wolves, tigers, leopards, bears, lions. Wolves were the most numerous, forming a formidable group. As the trucks halted, the animals pounced on the live bait, their roars and the prey''s cries merging into a chilling chorus. The stream ran red, the scent of blood thick in the air, leaving the onlookers in shock. The women, unustomed to such brutality, recoiled. The more sensitive among them soughtfort in thepany of men.


    The men felt a primal thrill, their excitement kindled by the spectacle.


    Sylvester quickly shielded L''s eyes from the carnage.


    She had been nervous at the sound of the beasts; this sight would be too much.


    His expression darkened. Josh Fudge had gone too far.


    But L resisted, insisting, "I''m not scared."


    "Really?" He was skeptical.


    With a firm nod, L pushed his hands away.


    Seeing her bravery, Sylvester couldn''t help but smile, albeit wryly.


    Burl, intrigued, asked, "What''s the meaning of this, Mr. Fudge?"


    Josh Fudge replied with a smile and a respectful nod to Sylvester before standing to address the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, as your host, I present a game more thrilling than any horseback ride. Today, we hunt. Here are the guns. The one who takes down the most game will win a Purple Gold mine I own in country E."


    His eyes met Sylvester''s, revealing the true intent behind the spectacle to curry favor with him.


    The young, spirited heirs were captivated by the novelty, their eyes alight with the prospect of the prize. After all, no one ever thinks they have enough wealth.


    --


    Author''s note:


    A key character has been introduced. Thank you for your patience on this journey. I bow to you all, with love (^ (^0^c).