SURVIVAL 5: STEEL CASTLE

We have been investigating every corner of this castle for some time. We are divided like this:

Girls: 02, 04, 06, 08, 10, 12 – ground floor
14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 - 2nd floor

Boys: 01, 03, 05, 07 - 3rd floor
09, 15, 17, - 4th floor
19, 21, 23 - 5th floor

I thought this castle had 8 floors. The ceiling height is too high, but it only consists of 5 floors. A few hours later, the leaders gathered us in the living area on the ground floor to report everything we saw.

“Now that everyone is here, all the first numbers ordered on each floor will report,” Firstwen instructed.

And since I’m 02 and my number is first on the girls’ list, I’m the first one to speak.

“The six of us scanned the ground floor, and we discovered the place we’re gathering right now is a typical living area with lavish interiors. Sofas and a coffee table are sitting at the center.” I pointed at my left hand’s index finger. “On the left side is another type of lounge area with different types of chairs.” This time, I pointed out my right hand’s index finger. “On our right side is a kitchen and dining area. The kitchen has four stoves, 2 large refrigerators that work well. There’s a clean kitchen sink, furnished kitchen cabinets, and fully-equipped cooking tools and utensils. There are also supplies of food like bread, vegetables, fruits, spices and potable water.” We all walked towards the dining area. “The dining area has a long rectangular table and 24 wooden chairs. We checked the stove, and it is an electric one. Apart from no plug, there are also no outlets, so there is no electricity around here.”

Everyone thought for a moment and reported what followed.

"Forzen, reporting. We were assigned to the 2nd floor. There were only rooms, 12 of it. Those rooms had numbers on the door. We tried entering the rooms one by one, but we found out that only the owner of the room can enter their respective rooms according to their ordinal number names. There is a bed, a clothing cabinet and drawer, a lampshade, and a small table next to the bed. Each room also has a comfort room. We checked the cabinets and found two women's uniforms, five women's underwear, a pair of pink nightgowns, and a pair of slippers.”

Next, my classmate reported, or shall I say, First. "We investigated the 3rd floor and just like what she said, it was fully occupied with 12 rooms with numbers written on the doors. The owner must be the one to enter his/her own room. Each room has a comfort room, one single-size bed, a table beside it with a lampshade, and one drawer cabinet. Inside the cabinets are: 2 male uniforms, a pair of blue nightwear, 5 male personal wear, and a pair of slippers.”

The next one to speak is the boy with shiny silver hair. "Ninth here. On the 4th floor, there is a room full of books, a library. There is another room with mirrors like a dance studio, with a piano, drums, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and microphones. One room has art supplies, a paintbrush, canvas, pencil, pastel, paint, and more. Next to it is a fully equipped gym.”

I’m amazed by how much space this castle can be accommodated!

And the last one to report is the red-haired boy. "Yo! Ninezen, or you can call me Nineteenth!" He adjusted his voice and spoke. "Ahem! Okay, on the 5th floor, we didn't see much stuff worth mentioning there. It's kinda boring. Just an empty space like underground parking. And yup, no rooftop for escape.”

We are all done with reporting.

Third had already spoken while adjusting his eyeglasses. "To Second, as she said earlier," he turned slightly as he was referring to me. "We also checked the whole castle, but there is no single outlet or any source of energy. There is also no plug that should have powered the appliances that use electricity. But how can that chandelier lit?”

We looked up at the chandelier as Third pointed it out as it illuminates the living area.

"We also inspected the windows, but they weren't windows. We intended to drill holes in each room that was supposed to be a window, but what’s surprising is why it was covered with something thick and durable metal material." Added by the other leader, Firstwen.

***

We had a great chat after eating our lunch. Eleventh and Thirzen's seats were vacant because there are only 22 of us remaining.

The boys are now washing the dishes. I also became close with Tenth and Forzen because Fourth, Aeith, and I approached them.

"Are you from a private school, Forzen?" I asked her and she nodded.

"Why?" Forzen questioned me.

“Oh, nothing," I thought for a moment after she answered. I didn't notice her uniform immediately, so I probably didn't know she attends a private school.

I noticed the pattern of our numbers. First mentioned to me that the school we attend appears to be a public school. Forzen goes to a private one, so I realized the pattern of our number names. Those from public schools are numbered from 01-12, and those from private schools are 13-24.

***

I estimate that we have been together and living in this castle for five days. I am now in my bedroom and writing in my journal notebook. I write all the things going on inside the castle, our activities, how many days we've been here, and who I am.

I went up to the 4th floor. Upon approaching the art room, I heard a sound of the piano. I stopped walking and stood briefly in front of the door that was slightly open. I don’t have much idea when it comes to music, but I can feel the emotions of the one who plays. After a few minutes, the mysterious musician behind the door had finished playing.

"Second," he called to me. I'm surprised. "I know you've been there. Why don't you accompany me?" Hearing his deep yet gentle voice, I already know who he is.

I pushed open the door and saw the lone boy sitting in the middle of the vast music room. His hands rest on a shiny black grand piano.

"C'mere," he called me and smiled.

I don’t want to disturb him, but here we are.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Playing piano... perhaps," he replied, slightly amused, and so did I.

"You’re good at it"

"I waited for everyone to sleep before going here. But someone discovered it," he chuckled.

So, I did interrupt him.

"I'm sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop."

"You're really funny.” He tapped his seat. “Sit with me." he moved back to the left of the piano stool to give me space.

"Oh, I'll just sit here." I made hand gestures that I refused to and was about to take an extra chair when he extended his right hand.

"It's okay, I like the way like this.”

As he insisted, I sat down next to him.

He gazed at me. "What song do you like?”

His question made me think. "Well, I can’t remember… yet.”

"You're right.” He nodded gently in agreement. “Then I think, this classical music would work." He then pressed a key, I don’t know what you call that specific key, on the piano and played.

I closed my eyes as I could feel every note that he pressed. How I wish I could listen to more of this.

A few minutes passed, and I applauded him. "Wow, what a show!”

He gave me a shy smile. "Pleasure. Want me to teach you?”

I felt embarrassed. "Ah, no-”

"Whaaa!"

We were both startled by the scream we heard.