Twelve players.
Their faces told a story — exhaustion, fear, and something colder: acceptance. They knew now this wasn't a test of strength. It was a game of control, lies, and survival.
Aaron sat silently. Lia was beside him, staring at the floor. No one dared speak anymore.
Then the screen lit up again.
*"Final Game. No more teams. No more rules."*
A metal door creaked open, revealing a dark arena. The floor was circular, surrounded by spotlights and cameras.
Each player was handed a dull steel rod — not sharp, not deadly on its own.
*Voice echoed again:*
*"One player leaves. The rest must fall. If no decision is made in 30 minutes… all will be eliminated."*
Silence.
Then chaos.
One player screamed and ran—only to be struck down by another.
*Player 07*, a man who had been silent since day one, went wild. Two fell by his hand in seconds.
Aaron pulled Lia aside. "We don't have to do this. We can trick them. Hide. Wait it out."
Lia shook her head. "They'll find us."
Bodies fell. Six… then eight.
It was just Aaron, Lia, and Player 07 left.
07 turned toward them, blood on his hands, laughing.
"This is it," he growled. "Let's end it."
He lunged at Aaron. They fought — fists, rods, rage.
Lia grabbed a broken light pole and struck 07 from behind. He collapsed, unconscious.
They were both breathing hard.
The clock: *00:20 left.*
*"One must fall."*
Aaron looked at Lia. "We could do nothing. Let time run out."
She shook her head, eyes full of pain. "We've come too far."
Suddenly — she stepped back… and threw her rod away.
"I'm done," she whispered. "You win."
Aaron shouted, "No—!"
The lights went out.
A gunshot echoed.
Then silence.
A single spotlight turned on — Aaron stood alone.
*"Winner: Player 14."*
Money poured from the ceiling in gold envelopes. A door opened to the outside.
Aaron stepped out… the sun hitting his face for the first time in days.
But he didn't smile.
Behind him, the doors closed. Forever.
---
*Want an epilogue where Aaron learns who created the game?*
Read... ASHEN DAWN...
Any Questions? Ask me in comments
What about S2 I think it's necessary....