[Sierra's Pov]
I knew the answer to the riddle ten seconds before the naked guy raised his hand. Death. Of course, it would be death; this is the sacred Death Game I have trained for all eighteen years of my life.
However, why would I raise my hand when the first round hasn't started yet? This naked guy is either brick-headed or gutsy… and cute.
I dig my nails into my palm.
"Sierra, focus!"
What would Master Kael think if he found me gawking at some boy who happens to have a nice smile? I didn't train for a romance.
"Correct! Death is always the answer!" the clown squeals.
Then he gives the naked boy a long look.
"Why do you have no clothes on?"
"Couldn't tell ya."
Poof!
In a cloud of pink dust, the clown vanishes from his platform, appearing right next to the naked guy. Naked Guy—bless his soul—jumps back and nearly falls into the abyss. Luckily, the clown catches him by the arm.
"You answered the riddle correctly, yet you seek death so earnestly! You are interesting! Here—I'm going to invest in you!"
With a flick of the clown's finger, a motley coat and pants wrap around Naked Guy… or Junior Clown Guy now.
Ugh. Now I'd better avoid him.
Getting close to an Ascender's apprentice is dangerous. In the future, Junior Clown Guy will have to make many decisions in a short period, and now his choices will be influenced by that psycho clown.
Having an Ascender and a God on his side will make him a troublesome foe.
Look at you, thinking with your head and not your bits for once.
I sigh.
'Oh, will you shut up, Athena?'
Fine, fine—so you don't want to know Junior Clown Guy's god, then?
"What! Will you tell me? What's the catch? You're usually not this helpful."
Knowing another contestant's God is very important. I'll be able to form strategies and plans based on what powers they'll inherit, so this is information I can't pass up.
No catch this time. I don't really like that conniving prick. His god is Ophion the Serpent.
Shit. Yeah, I'll definitely stay away.
After the clown poofs back to his platform, many of the contestants erase their expressions of horror and shout,
"Hey, you owe us an explanation!"
The clown giggles, basking in their confusion for a moment. Then, after taking in more curses, he speaks.
"I guess I do. Many of you were promised something before you found yourself a slave—a chance at immortality. Whether you were tricked, swindled, or simply followed instructions, you were taken to this place."
Many nod. Disgusting. I can only imagine the atrocities these people committed for the chance of immortality. Unless they came from a great Clan as I did, the odds of anyone willingly or knowingly choosing to enter the games are slim. Usually, they're convinced to commit acts of violence and then abducted.
A dose of the memory-erasing serum makes them forget that part.
I wonder which side Junior falls on.
The clown continues.
"You have entered the Death Game. In short, we are at level 1.3 of a tower with thirty levels. The first from this batch to reach the top will claim their ultimate gift of immortality."
"How do we climb?" I turn to my left and see an eager middle-aged man with a stubby frame clenching his fist and smiling widely. He's way too happy to be in a death game—definitely a lunatic.
In contrast, other contestants are trembling in fear.
I should stay clear of that one.
"I was getting to that," the clown frowns. "Hmmm, I ought to kill you for interrupting… just kidding!"
He struts around the platform, waving his strangely long finger.
"You will compete in a series of games to climb each level of the tower. These games will all be death-oriented. Don't be afraid, though, my little lambs. On each level of the tower are particle balls. Absorb these balls, and you will awaken one of your god's abilities. And if you don't find a ball, well, there's always hiding!"
His smile stretches demonically, and a second passes where the dome feels still. No one says a word, trembling with anticipation.
Then the clown shatters any resolve they've built.
"Only one makes it to the top. Only one gains immortality."
"WHAT!"
"THAT isn't fair!"
"Let us out of here! Where is the exit!"
Many yell. However, some sit or stand with reverence—not surprised or shocked by the world they've climbed into.
I am one of these people. I've long known the cruelty of this world, and I am ready to accept the challenge. I will bring honor back to my clan. I will win the Death Game.
"Let the Death Games begin!"
The clown poofs away, leaving everyone stunned. The first game begins, and we have nothing to go on.
This is what I was hoping for.
Fun.
***
[Damien POV]
The clown poofs away, and I'm lost. The confidence I built with my correct answer is shattered, and I don't know what to do. He gave us no instructions other than the game's broad hierarchy and its internal systems, which make little sense on their own.
Now, I'm just sitting on my platform, hoping something will happen.
And what the fuck is this coat!
He put it on me without even asking. It's so itchy.
With nothing to go on, I scan my surroundings. There are tons of people standing on their platforms, pacing back and forth like lost puppies.
So I keep searching.
And on a platform not too far away, I see a girl. She isn't pacing or sweating, but sitting stoically. She has curly black hair that falls to her almond-skinned waist… pretty.
I slap myself.
'Focus.'
After a long time of observing her, someone else gains everyone's attention. He stands tall on a platform, speaking grandly so everyone can hear.
"Listen, guys. Like you, I do not know where we are or what to do. This is supposed to be a death game. They're using us as entertainment, so let's not give it to them. Let's sit on our platforms and not move."
Not flawed logic, but I don't trust it. Others seem hesitant, too. After all, we just witnessed a man get murdered for messing up a damned riddle.
However, I see something move from the corner of my eye.
The girl fell!
No—she didn't fall, but purposely slid off the platform without making a sound! Is she crazy? Suicidal?
That must be it.
After an hour passes, many agree with the tall man. However, I'm panicking. I know this isn't going to end well.
I have to do something, or else they will kill me.
I know it.
That girl flashes through my mind. The look on her face as she fell was so calm, but it wasn't the look of someone who had given up on life.
'Didn't the clown say we're on level 1.3 earlier?'
Shit.
I crawl to the edge of my platform. Below, the abyss looms—dark and endless.
Hehehe, the little pup is scared? Didn't know you were such a pussy.
I bite my cheek, drawing blood. Truth is, I am afraid—scared that I won't find out who I am or why I came here.
But this?
Nah.
"Confidence is key."
I mutter, then jump into the abyss.
And as I fall, gunshots sound above me like a scene from a nightmare, followed by haunting screams.
I made the right choice.