Aron emerged first, legs stiff and his back sore, shoulders slumped from exhaustion. His chest heaved as he drew in air, tasting the morning like salvation. He squinted at the sight of the clearing, at the scattered figures of other students, some sitting on logs, others pacing nervously.
Aron: "…They're still alive. At least a few."
Then he spotted movement near the bushes next to him. Lya's figure emerged, careful steps over roots and uneven ground. Her head lowered at first, scanning the area, but when her eyes fell upon Aron, relief shone across her face.
Lya:" Aron… you're—"
She stopped mid-step, disbelief freezing her words. Aron didn't wait. He ran, ignoring the ache in his knees and bruises along his arms.
Aron: "Lya!"
Their bodies collided in a tight embrace, laughter breaking through the tension as she buried her face in his chest.
Lya: "I was so worried.."
Aron, smiled, "Me too."
Before either of them could speak further, a tall figure emerged behind Aron. Lazarus, his clothes ripped and mud streaked, broke into a run towards them.
Lazarus: "You two! I was worried sick!"
Aron let go of Lya, turning to greet him with open arms.
Aron: "Lazarus you sly dog! You made it!"
Lazarus laughed, exhaustion hidden beneath relief, and embraced them both.
Lazarus: "Barely, but yeah… I'm here." He paused, "But where's Zephyr?"
From the other side, Zephyr appeared, his gait slower, more measured. His clothes were torn, his body smeared with grime and dried blood. He didn't run. He didn't smile. But when his gaze met the three of them, his eyes softened, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.
Zephyr: "You're all here…"
Aron: "Zephyr!"
Lya: "You.. you made it!"
Lazarus: "Damnit, you scared us half to death!"
Zephyr offered a faint nod, his lips twitching into the shadow of a smile.
Lya: "But… what happened to you Zeph? You're all bloody and bruised.."
Zephyr: "I'm fine… just ran into some trouble that's all." He paused, "What matters is that we're all here."
The four of them stood there for a moment, taking in each other's battered, exhausted forms. Words weren't needed. The relief was palpable, as if the forest itself was exhaling alongside them.
A servant moved briskly through the group, a satchel of bandages and salves in hand. She knelt besides Lya first, cleaning her wounds with practiced efficiency, her hands gentle despite the rush of the morning.
Servant: "These cuts aren't that deep, you're lucky. But I still have to apply ointment to prevent infection."
Lya: "Thank you… so much."
Aron had his own wounds tended to, winces escaping only occasionally as the servant's fingers pressed over bruises and scrapes.
Aron: "Thank you."
Zephyr was silent and composed, letting the servant work silently on the bruises and bloodstains across his torso and arms.
Slowly, more students began emerging from the forest, some limped, others stumbled, eyes wide with shock and relief. A few collapsed onto the grass immediately, clutching each other as the adrenaline finally faded. Murmurs spread quickly throughout the crowd.
Student 1: "I… I made it…"
Student 2: "Did everyone else survive?"
Student 3: "I can't believe so few of us are left."
By the time all the remaining participants had arrived, Sixteen survivors in total, the air had thickened with exhaustion, disbelief and tension that none could fully shake. The servants moved efficiently, handing out water and towels, guiding participants to designated resting areas.
A lone servant climbed the platform at the front of the clearing. She raised her hand, and silence fell instantly. Every student's gaze snapped to her, curiosity and fear mingling in equal measure.
Servant: "Congratulation to all of you! You survived the first event, although I expected more of you. This will not change our plans. Now please direct your attention to the screen as we begin revealing the kill counts!"
She gestured elegantly to the giant screen behind her. A murmur rippled through the crowd, anxious eyes tracking the digital display.
The screen flickered, displaying the first image:
Toa Mundo — 15 Points
Servant: "First, we have Toa Mundo! The highest ranking hunter who gathered the most points! Fifteen in total! Impressive!"
Gasps echoed across the clearing. Some students whispered in awe, others in disbelief.
Student 4: "Fifteen… That's insane!"
Student 5: "He.. he killed fifteen participants?"
The next image appeared:
Ashur Graves — 14 points.
Servant: "In second place. Ashur Graves! Fourteen points earned! Truly formidable."
A few more gasps, a few wide eyes stares, and then the screen shifted.
A familiar face appeared.
Zephyr — 13 points.
The air seemed to still.
Lya froze, her hands over her mouth.
Lya: "Zephyr… how? He… he was prey!"
Aron's fists clenched, brows drawn tight.
Aron: "How did you… how is your name on there?!"
Lazarus' voice cracked slightly, "Thirteen points…"
Zephyr's eyes flickered to the three of them. His gaze was calm, but something unreadable lingered beneath the surface.
Zephyr: "I did it so all of you could live. So, we could survive. I couldn't let any of you die unnecessarily. But I only hunted a few down, the others near me all heard the commotion and came running. I know it was selfish of me but I did what I had to do. For our sakes."
Lya's hands shook, tears forming in her eyes, "You had to carry that burden on your shoulders alone..?"
Zephyr gave no response. His silence was enough of an answer, an answer words couldn't provide.
The servant continued, "Although Zephyr was designated as prey, the rules never mentioned that prey couldn't fight back, therefore, his kills were counted as points! And that concludes the top 3 contestants!"
The servants then began guiding the remaining participants back to the compound.
Once they had arrived back at the compound, a short man, wearing a lavish blue coat with golden rings and gems garnishing his hands and neck, was standing in front of the doors waiting to greet them.
???: "Congratulations dear contestants! You survived the first event! Although I expected more of you to be here and so due to your low count we're going to have to skip to the final event." He paused for a moment, "Oh dear, where are my manners!" he said before bowing slightly, "My name is Maurice Lowenhall and I am the one who has orchestrated this tournament!"
Lazarus's eyes widened, "That's the game master?!"
Aron: "He looks like a suck up."
Lya covered Aron's mouth with her hand, "Shut up before he hears you Aron!"
The students were herded back to their dorms, many questions rose, voices attempting to speak up, but hands firmly guiding them along.
Maurice, with a flamboyant gesture, added:
Maurice: "Make sure you rest well today! Tomorrow the one-on-one matches begin! Powerful individuals will be attending… do not embarrass me, and do try to impress them!"
Once the students had been taken back to their dorms, they each collapsed one by one on their beds.
Zephyr lay on his bed last, staring up at the ceiling. His thoughts were a storm of exhaustion. Slowly, he exhaled, eyelids closing as he allowed sleep to finally pull him under.