Chapter 11: Ruller of Beach
The main hall of the Seaside Paradise Tokyo Resort was a sensory overload. Chandeliers dripped crystals like frozen tears, casting prismatic light over the throngs of people in swimwear. The air was thick with the smell of chlorine, sweat, and expensive champagne.
Arisu Ryohei felt small. He stood with Karube, Chota, and Shibuki near the entrance, clutching a wristband with the number #204.
"This place..." Chota whispered, looking around at the laughing, drinking crowd. "It's insane this People are dying outside, and they're having a party?"
"It's a cult," Karube grunted, his eyes scanning the room for threats. "Look at their eyes close you see desperate in their eyes and they're drinking to forget there sin they have committed."
"Attention!" a voice boomed over the speakers.
The crowd fell silent instantly. It was a practiced, terrified obedience.
On the grand staircase, the executives descended. The Hatter led the way, wearing his robe and sunglasses, waving like a rock star. Behind him walked Aguni, Niragi (sporting a bruised throat and a distinct limp), Mira, and Ann.
And Renji.
Renji Kurosaki walked slightly apart from the others, He still wore his navy suit, a stark contrast to the flesh on display. He had one hand in his pocket, the other holding a crystal flute of sparkling water. He didn't wave or smile but looked down at the crowd with an expression of mild curiosity, like a zookeeper observing a new exhibit.
"It's him," Arisu breathed. "He's really up there."
"He looks like he owns the place," Shibuki muttered, a mix of jealousy and fear in her voice.
Renji stopped halfway down the stairs. He leaned against the railing. The space around him seemed to warp, the other executives unconsciously giving him a wide berth. Even the Hatter, in all his mania, glanced at Renji before starting his speech.
"My beloved citizens!" Hatter shouted, throwing his arms wide. "Welcome to another day of survival! Tonight, we have new family members! Let's welcome them!"
The spotlight swung to Arisu's group. They squinted in the glare.
"Numbers 204 through 207!" Hatter announced. "Work hard! Collect cards! And one day, you too can ascend!"
Renji's gaze drifted to the spotlight. He locked eyes with Arisu.
He didn't nod. He didn't acknowledge their friendship. He simply raised his glass in a mock toast, then took a sip.
The message was clear: You are down there. I am up here. Climb if you can.
___________
The Executive Lounge
Later that night, Arisu and his friends were summoned. Not to the Hatter's throne room, but to a private suite on the top floor.
The door was opened by a trembling maid. Inside, the room was cool and quiet, soundproofed against the thumping bass of the party downstairs.
Renji sat on a leather sofa, reviewing a stack of playing cards spread out on the coffee table.
"Sit," Renji said without looking up.
Karube marched in first. "You got a nice setup here, 'Executive', meanwhile, we're sleeping in a bunk room with six other guys."
"Comfort is a reward for capability," Renji replied, flipping a Seven of Spades card. "I brought two Face cards and a Seven to the table. You brought nothing. The economy of the Beach is meritocratic."
"We survived because of you!" Chota said. "Doesn't that count?"
Renji finally looked up. His blue eyes were cold.
"No. Survival is the baseline It's expected as his value is what you generate after you survive."
He pointed to a map of Tokyo on the wall. It was covered in red markers.
"This is the distribution of game venues," Renji explained, shifting into lecture mode. "The Hatter believes that by collecting all the cards, then a deck will be complete, and one person can leave , It's a pyramid scheme built on hope."
"Is it a lie?" Arisu asked sharply.
"It's a hypothesis," Renji corrected. "But a flawed one because the Face cards haven't appeared yet and Hatter is collecting trash while waiting for gold."
Renji stood up and walked over to Arisu and he towered over the boy.
"Listen closely, Arisu this Beach is a powder keg and Hatter is losing his grip on reality because Aguni is a rabid dog on a leash that is fraying and soon this place will burn and turn into a genoside ground so leave this place as soon as possible"
"Then why are you here?" Arisu asked. "Why become an Executive?"
Renji smiled, It was the smile of a man holding all his hidden cards that he yet to show.
"Because when the fire starts, I want to be the one holding the gasoline."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a keycard and He tossed it to Karube.
"Access to the weapons locker , Level 2 clearance also Don't let Niragi see you with it."
"Why give us this?" Karube asked, suspicious.
"Because I need you alive," Renji said, walking back to the window. "You're my investments and I hate losing money."
He turned his back on them.
"Get out and Arisu? Don't trust the Hatter's hope, remember Trust your own despair because It's the only thing that's real."
As they left, Arisu looked back and Renji was staring out at the dark ocean, a solitary figure in a tower of glass. He looked powerful, yes but he also looked incredibly lonely.
Or perhaps, Arisu thought, shivering, he just looks bored.
(To be Continued)