Sunlight filtered through the trees, dappling the rustic cabin as we arrived. A savory aroma of roasted meat and sweet pastries lingers in the cabin, a welcome scent that led us to a buffet table loaded with delicious food. But even more captivating than the feast was the conversation already in full swing. A small crowd was gathered around one of the tables, their voices a low murmur as they discussed the local myths surrounding Mount Artinicus.
The guy from the astral team was leading the discussion, his eyes wide as he spoke. "They also say that the goddess Korenani and Inertia, the lord of the sloths, fought for this mountain because it's where the king of all dragons made his lair," he said, and a collective gasp went through the group. The fantastical story hung in the air, adding an extra layer of magic to the already enchanting day.
After lunch, we had free time to explore. The organizers wanted us to bond, to understand that even if we were competitors, we were still all on the same team in the end. As I ate my fill of our food, I found myself laughing and talking with people I had just met, and a true sense of camaraderie began to form. I was so full from lunch and the treats that I knew I'd have to wait until tomorrow's recreational games to burn off the calories.
—
The following morning, a man with a hollow gaze stood before us. His name was Mr. Yabo, but his face was an unreadable mask of exhaustion, etched with dark circles that spoke of countless sleepless nights. His voice was a flat, deadened monotone as he announced the day's first trial.
"The game you will be playing today is called the Running Man," he declared, the words devoid of any excitement.
"Thank you, Mr. Yabo! Will you please explain the game mechanics?" Miss Samantha said.
He took a step forward, his lack of enthusiasm making the mechanics he was about to reveal sound more like a grim omen than an intriguing challenge. "It's an obstacle course, but with a twist," he said, his eyes scanning the crowd with an almost robotic detachment.
[Game Mechanics: The Running Man]
The winning team will be determined by who completes the course in the fastest time. Each of the first three obstacles is timed, and groups must be divided so that every member can participate.
Obstacle 1: The Duo-Legged Race - Two members of each team must tie their legs together and race against other pairs. Six players are required for this obstacle.
Obstacle 2: The Extreme Relay - Five players per group are needed for this challenge. The first player must carry a lit torch and pass it to the next player without the flame extinguishing.
Obstacle 3: Trap the Mouse - Four players from each group must navigate a treacherous path filled with traps. If a single player is hit by a trap, the entire group is automatically eliminated.
Final Obstacle: Victors of Achromatic - Eight players per group will face off in a high-stakes showdown. Players must eliminate their opponents by hitting them with spherical, colored orbs that shatter on impact. Each player is given three orbs and has 15 minutes to complete the game.
"Who wants to participate in the first game?" Athena's question hung in the air, a stark contrast to Mr. Yabo's somber tone. We all eagerly volunteered at our team, our hands shooting up in a flurry of shared determination. With a focused gaze, she carefully selected the participants, choosing those of similar height and with abilities that would be useful for the course.
"Stephen and Marco, Elip and I, and finally..." she paused, her eyes landing on me. "Sari, would you mind standing next to Cloud?"
A jolt of surprise went through me, but I immediately moved to stand beside him, a flicker of curiosity about her choice crossing my mind. "Okay," she said, nodding to herself, "I think this will do."
The first pair to run was Cloud and me. I had volunteered us, explaining that my ability would give us a quick start. As we prepared to begin, a sense of realization washed over me. My partner was about to discover the truth about my ability, that it was not teleportation as everyone assumed, but the power to stop time itself. But as I looked at Cloud, I figured it was already obvious, and I felt strangely at peace with it.
"So, what's your ability?" Cloud asked, his voice a low hum filled with curiosity. No, he still had no idea about my magic.
A mischievous glint sparkled in my eyes as I responded, "Don't you have any idea?"
He thought for a moment, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. "I do, but I think it's similar to Prince Stephen's."
Just then, a voice, deep and commanding, cut through our conversation. "Hey, Cloud," Marco called out.
"Yes, my Lord?" Cloud responded with a hint of sarcasm, a hint of confusion in his tone.
"I would like to switch places with you."
Cloud's eyebrows shot up. "Why so?"
Marco's demeanor shifted, his gaze hardening into a piercing stare. "Are you questioning my decision?" he asserted, the words like a physical weight that made Cloud flinch. He instantly agreed to the switch, his usual confident posture shrinking slightly.
As Cloud walked past me, he leaned in, his mouth just inches from my ear. "Remember my dare," he whispered, a sly wink accompanying the words.
"Yeah..." I snickered, the memory of our playful challenge fresh in my mind.
"What is it?" Marco asked, turning his attention to me, his eyes scanning my face for any hint of a secret.
"Nothing," I said, clearing my throat and quickly tying the enchanted strings around our ankles. The delicate threads, infused with magic, glowed faintly as they connected us.
A powerful voice boomed across the field, "Sari! Cloud! Come on here and get ready!" Athena yelled, a mix of excitement and authority in her voice. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Marco standing beside me.
"I've switched places with Cloud," Marco said, his voice smooth and steady as he answered Athena's unspoken question.
"Roger that," she chuckled, a knowing smile on her face as she pulled us toward the starting line.
Marco's eyes met mine, a serious intensity. "Your ability is safe with me," he said just before the administrator's voice echoed through the air.
"On your mark, get set, go!"
I paused time, the world around us freezing in place. The wind stopped its rustling, the cheers of the crowd became a silent wave, and even the administrator was suspended mid-motion. "Uhh, thanks," I said, the words feeling strange in the sudden stillness.
A small, knowing smile played on his lips. "You're welcome."
My curiosity got the better of me. "Would you mind if I ask, how did you know about my ability?"
"Well, it's obvious," he said, his voice a soft murmur in the quiet world. "And your ability is so rare that almost all of the Zeraschian people don't have any idea about it. But be careful... I'm sure the elders know about that."
"Ah— yeah, Stephen already told me about it," I said, a faint blush of embarrassment rising on my cheeks as I recalled our conversation.
"He did?" he murmured, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"Yep! The night before the elimination test."
"So he already knew..." Marco whispered to himself, a faraway look in his eyes.
"Hmm?"
He shook his head, returning his focus to me. "Nothing, just be careful."
Time flowed once again, and then it was Athena and Elip's turn. They launched forward, a blur of motion. Athena, with a seemingly effortless grace, scooped Elip into her arms. She moved with a blurred speed. Cloud and Stephen are waiting at the other end of the course. Just as they reached them, a sudden, bright flash of light engulfed them, a telltale sign of Stephen's teleportation ability. In a single, breathtaking instant, the group vanished from sight and reappeared at the finish line.
"Group 4 won the first game!" Ms. Samantha's voice boomed across the field, her cheers echoing our own as she handed out cool, refreshing drinks.
Our triumph, however, was short-lived. The second game brought new challengers from our party, who are from Athena's team. The remaining members of our party, those who had yet to compete, took their places. Despite their best efforts and a display of impressive teamwork, they secured a respectable second place. The third round was equally challenging, featuring Tyler, Shade, Clydelle, and Frank. They fought valiantly, but again, we finished in second.
The final game loomed before us, a true test of our endurance and a final chance for victory. Only a few of us remained, our faces streaked with sweat and dirt from the day's events: Cloud, Clydelle, Athena, Marco, Stephen, Elip, Elios, and I. The competition was fierce, with the Holy Knights and other powerful teams joining the fray.
We moved as a single, coordinated unit, our individual skills weaving together into a formidable force. We managed to outmaneuver our opponents and execute our plan, but the Holy Knights had a perfect counterattack for every move we made. Their teamwork and abilities are a perfect match for our own. In the end, we couldn't secure the win, but we held our heads high. We had given it our all, and for the last time that day, we took a hard-fought second place.