After they stepped onto the deck, people started to group with each other. Amphi observed the crowd as they gradually split into smaller, organized groups led by one or two individuals. Everyone was walking closely knit with each other, seeking the comfort of company in the face of the unknown.
Amphi, however, stood alone. Not a single glance his way, nor did he bother with making connections with others.
"It looks like they're all grouping.." Suddenly, a voice spoke from behind him, making him glance back at the red haired that had just bumped into him.
"Then you should make your time worth and start running that mouth." He said dismissively as he walked away from the guy who looked flustered at the disrespect.
"What's up with him.." Amphi heard the guy's grumble, but the further he walked, the less he heard. Once he was far enough, he sighed, and tried to regain his focus after it was disturbed.
Although his memory had returned, it still felt somewhat unclear. The scene was like a stage, a performance, a crime playing out right before him. Had he experienced this before? A detective should be used to this.
However.. No matter what dangers he was used to, none could quite compare to this.
The malnourished intelligent man (That Amphi had found a personal vendetta against) stood in the center of the largest group of people. Everyone's eyes were glued to him. Beside him was a woman who had an equally large group.
Her voice was clear, and she carried herself with confidence. She appeared reliable, keeping a watchful eye on the people surrounding her like a hawk with her fledglings. Her eyes burned with a fire, her face full of determination, she looked ready to protect the people around her at a moment's notice.
Interestingly, however, even the 'aware' crowd (which comprised the faceless 'NPCs') had divided into three subgroups. Many of them were unfamiliar to Amphi, except for the smallest of the three. The distinguishable leader of this group was none other than the rich kid, the NPC who had been running his mouth on the cruise.
"Now, it's time for my investigation," Amphi muttered as he scanned the dock for any signs. He looked for a piece of paper or a board sign—anything that might indicate which country they were in or the nearest city.
The ocean stretched out endlessly, with no land or even bumps visible on the horizon. It was simply a vast expanse of blue. Even if Amphi grabbed the ship's steering wheel and tried to run away, escaping would be nearly impossible.
As he looked around the island, he noticed it was bordered by beautiful beaches adorned with luxurious items like high-quality grills and benches. The owner of this place must either be extremely wealthy or was being heavily funded by a group of affluent investors.
"Well, to host this big of a mass kidnapping and survival game, you'd need to be this rich at the very least…" Amphi muttered.
Amphi paused, dubious by the distinct sound of heels clicking sharply against the wooden floor, drawing nearer and nearer.
"Aren't you coming?" A sharp voice spoke, "You'll be left behind."
"It's you again," Amphi said listlessly, turning towards the red head with furrowed brows, "This is the second time you've disturbed my focus."
"I was just reminding ya'." The guy said awkwardly as he scratched his neck, looking uncomfortable at the exchange.
Upon closer inspection, the man wore a light see-through black shirt that had a cut at almost every place it could. It drew attention to his body in a way that didn't leave much to the attention. However, the man in question looked uncomfortable in the clothes, shuddering as the wind hit his semi-exposed body.
Looking at his sorry state, Amphi couldn't help but feel slightly pity. Feeling a bit generous, he took off his coat and threw it at the man. "Think fast!"
"Oh–!!" The guy shouted confused as the coat fell on his face.
"You have awful reflexes." Amphi snickered as he adjusted to the cold wind hitting his now buttoned shirt. It had certainly gotten colder, but he could handle it.
"Hey-! I just didn't expect that?!" The man refuted as he took the coat from his face and held it in his hands.
"Are you going to wear it or should I give it to the fishes?" Amphi asked as he shifted his weight onto his other leg.
"I would but.." He uncomfortably chuckled, rubbing his cheek as he thought of the right words. "It just feels 'bit awkward to get a coat from a kid. Kinda like I'm stealin' candy from a kid."
"Kid?" Amphi paused, looking even more annoyed suddenly.
"Hm?" The man smiled awkwardly, feeling like he said something wrong but not sure which part was wrong.
"I'm probably older than you!"
"But I'm 18.."
"And I'm 21!"
"What!?" He shouted, utterly flabbergasted. The sudden loud noises drew the attention of others, their gazes fixed on the unfolding commotion with curiosity.
"Forget it." Amphi turned away, his pout making him appear even more childlike. Yes, he did look particularly young, but being mistaken for a kid was too far of a stretch.
"I apologize for assuming…" The man said, his back hunching down to Amphi's height. A guilt stricken look on his face, Amphi could practically see the thought process behind his expressive eyes.
Suddenly he reached into his pocket and took out a handful of something colorful,"Will you accept candy as an apology...?"
Amphi stared at him, utterly shocked by his audacity. What was he? A child? Would candy solve all the problems in the world?
"Forgiven!" Amphi exclaimed, snatching the candy and quickly popping it into his mouth before the man could even react.
"Yuck, I can't stand watermelon," he said, all while continuing to eat the candy.
"I have other flavors..." He whispered, his fingers diving into his pockets as he searched eagerly. With a triumphant smile, he revealed a handful of options. Each wrapper held a new flavor, some which Amphi had never even known existed.
"What kind of sweet freak…" Amphi murmured, eyeing the array of treats before decisively choosing every coffee-flavored candy.
"Do you like coffee?" He asked, popping a strawberry candy into his mouth as he did.
"Yeah, I'm not a fan of sweets," he said, walking alongside him with a relaxed posture.
"Then why would you accept them?"
"Are you stupid? Who would refuse free things?"
"Oh... I guess you're right." He muttered.
Amphi glanced at him for a moment, absorbing every detail and checking if he had missed anything, when suddenly something captured his attention. "What's that?" he inquired, curiosity evident in his voice.
"Wha?" He asked, a look of confusion crossing his face as he noticed Amphi pointing directly at his face.
"What do those numbers mean?" Amphi asked, glancing at the number 178, written in black ink beneath his left eye, which was partially obscured by strands of his bangs. He had seen faint images of a similar marking on others before and had initially dismissed it. However, it didn't seem like a coincidence anymore...
"Huh? Um, I don't recall…" He began, but then his eyes lit up. "Wait! You have it too!"
"What? Where?!" Amphi gasped, his eyes widening as he scanned his body.
"Look right here on your neck—it reads 501," He said, gently tracing a spot on Amphi's neck that he couldn't see without a mirror.
"501…" Amphi murmured, his fingers instinctively reaching into his pockets. With a sense of urgency, he pulled out his notebook and began jotting it down, determined not to let the information slip away.
"What are you doing?" The man asked curiously.
"Writing, if you can see," he said quietly, tucking the notebook back into his pocket. "I need to have everything essential right at my fingertips."
"I see..." He said, quietly stepping aside to let him think whatever he theories he was crafting.
"Ladies, and gentlemen!" The captain suddenly roared, his voice loud and clear even with the commotion in the crowd.
"Welcome to La Isle! We hope you have a wonderful vacation. Tonight, you'll indulge in a delightful dinner served indoors, where a charming butler awaits to cater to your every need at the sound of a bell. Enjoy your stay!"
His delivery felt overly rehearsed, revealing a background of vast experience. It made Amphi wonder if this was his first time conducting the survival scenarios. But– upon remembering his face disappearing, he (once again) stopped applying human logic to its actions,
"Welcome, esteemed guests, allow me the pleasure of escorting you to your luxurious accommodations," Said the man who suddenly appeared from the shadows. He was elegantly dressed in a sharp black and white suit, embodying the quintessential butler.
Without delay or question, the group of NPCs followed after the butler with confident ease as they chatted amongst each other without a worry in sight. The people, on the other hand, exchanged nervous glances with raised shoulders and bloodshot eyes.
However, as the leaders made the first step to follow after the NPCs, everyone else followed suit.
"By the way, I never got your name," The red haired man said, fiddling with candy wrappers in his hand as he eyed Amphi with guarded curiosity.
"Amphi Dementyev, what about you?"
"Ambrose, Ambrose Willowmere."