Betray

第1話 Chapter 0: Luar meet`s A new friend.

I never thought a single day could change my life so completely. It all started when I saw some money lying on the street. I didn’t think—it was just there. I picked it up. Big mistake.

Three men suddenly appeared, their shadows stretching across the alley. One, tall and broad with a scar running down his cheek, pointed at me. “Hey! That’s ours!”

“I—I didn’t take anything!” I stammered, my heart hammering against my ribs.

But they didn’t believe me. Another, shorter, with a nervous twitch in his left eye, grabbed my wrist. The boss, Tarc—or maybe that was his name—snatched a small, shiny cutter from his pocket.

“Let’s see if he’s lying,” Tarc said, his voice cold and sharp.

Before I could react, one of his men, who I later numbered as #001, held my hand, and the cutter sliced into his own finger by accident. He yelped, more startled than in pain.

“Stop! He didn’t steal anything!” another man shouted.

Tarc cursed under his breath, realizing they had gone too far. His anger was brief, replaced by frustration. They muttered among themselves, grumbling about grabbing food instead. I sank to the ground, trembling, covered in dirt, and with blood staining my hands. Fear, confusion, and a strange adrenaline rush washed over me at the same time.

I couldn’t breathe properly, my chest tight, mind spinning. Why did this happen to me? I thought. Why did I even touch the money?

Later, Mateo appeared. Calm, collected, with eyes that seemed to see everything clearly, he knelt beside me. “You’ll need to be stronger if you want to survive in this world,” he said, his hands moving carefully to bandage my finger.

“Thanks,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

He nodded. “But first, you need to understand it.”

I watched him, still shaken, and realized he wasn’t just helping me with a cut—he was showing me a path forward. A way to survive, to fight, and to face challenges I hadn’t even imagined.

And that was the start of everything—the start of me learning how to answer questions, to train my mind and body, and to prepare for a world where abilities were rare, but deadly.

I couldn’t have imagined that day would lead to exams, battles, and challenges I couldn’t even dream of. But here I was, standing on the edge of a new life, with Mateo guiding me, ready to face what came next. Chapter 1: Mateo’s Lesson

It had been hours since the alley incident, but my finger still throbbed. Mateo didn’t say much on the way back to his small apartment, but his silence wasn’t uncomfortable. It was… steady, like a calm before a storm.

“Why didn’t they believe me?” I finally asked, breaking the quiet.

Mateo looked at me, his eyes sharp but patient. “Because most people don’t think. They react. And in a world like this, reacting without understanding is dangerous.”

I frowned. “So… I should have just left the money?”

“Maybe. Or maybe you should have been ready for what came after.” He tightened the bandage around my finger, checking my pulse without asking. “That’s why you need to train—not just your body, but your mind.”

I watched him. Mateo had a strange ability, though he never explained it fully. He seemed to know things I didn’t, see things I couldn’t. It was… unsettling, but reassuring at the same time.

We sat in silence for a while. I tried to imagine the alley again—the shadows, the fear, the sudden rush of adrenaline. It wasn’t just a lesson about thieves or gangs. It was a lesson about life itself.

“Tomorrow,” Mateo said finally, breaking the silence, “we start small. I’ll teach you to answer questions faster, to think clearly under pressure. That’s the first step.”

I nodded. My hands itched to do something, anything, to feel useful again. “I’m ready.”

He gave a small smile, almost imperceptible. “Good. But understand this, Luar. Abilities aren’t common. Most people never see them. And those who do… they aren’t always friendly.”

I shivered. Not from fear, but from anticipation. I didn’t know what lay ahead, but I knew I had to face it. And with Mateo’s guidance, maybe I could.

The night dragged on slowly. I replayed the alley incident in my head a thousand times. Each replay made me think differently—what I could have done, what I should have done, how I would act next time.

By the time I finally fell asleep, I felt… determined.

Determined to survive. Determined to learn. Determined to never feel powerless again.

Chapter 2: The Training Begins

The next morning, Mateo woke me before the sun even rose. The city was still shrouded in mist, the streets quiet except for the distant sound of carts and the occasional shout. I rubbed my eyes, still sore from yesterday, but Mateo’s presence made me feel alert instantly.

“Time to start,” he said. His tone wasn’t harsh, but it carried weight. I nodded, unsure of what to expect.

We started with something simple—mental exercises. Mateo handed me a small notebook and a pencil. “Answer these questions as fast as you can. Don’t overthink, just write what comes to mind.”

The first few were easy: numbers, simple logic puzzles, things I could handle. But then he started mixing them with abstract questions: patterns, codes, hypothetical situations. My hand cramped from writing, my mind spun trying to keep up.

“You’re rushing,” Mateo said calmly. “Speed isn’t everything. You need precision too. Focus.”

I took a deep breath, letting the pain in my finger fade into the background. With every question, I forced myself to slow down and think clearly. Mateo watched silently, noting every mistake, every hesitation.

Hours passed like this. I didn’t realize when hunger hit or when my body started to ache. I was completely absorbed in the work. And somewhere deep inside, I felt a spark—an understanding that maybe, just maybe, I could do this.

At midday, Mateo finally allowed a break. He handed me a small loaf of bread and a flask of water. I ate in silence, too tired to speak. Mateo sat across from me, calm as ever.

“You’re improving,” he said finally. “Not because of your ability, but because of your effort. That’s what matters most.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Inside, though, a small fire burned. I wanted to learn. I wanted to be strong. I wanted to survive the exams, the challenges, the dangerous people that waited for me outside this small room.

When the training resumed, Mateo added something new: observation exercises. I had to notice tiny details around the room—shifts in shadows, patterns in the cracks of the wall, even the subtle sounds of the city outside. My senses stretched, my focus sharpened.

By the time evening came, I was exhausted, sore, but… different. More alert. More aware. More ready.

Mateo finally leaned back, letting me catch my breath. “Tomorrow, we’ll take the next step. Fighting. But first, remember this: thinking clearly under pressure is more important than strength alone. Never forget that.”

I nodded, swallowing my fatigue with determination. I didn’t know what challenges lay ahead, but I knew this was the beginning. The beginning of becoming someone who could survive… and maybe even thrive.

That night, as I lay down to sleep, I replayed every question, every observation, every word Mateo said. And for the first time, I felt like I was on the right path.

I was ready to take the next step.

Chapter 3: The First Challenge

The next morning, Mateo woke me earlier than usual. My body protested, stiff and sore from yesterday’s exercises, but I couldn’t complain. Not when I knew today would be different.

“Today, you’ll learn how to fight,” Mateo said, his calm tone hiding the intensity in his eyes. “Not just with your fists, but with your mind. Fighting isn’t just strength—it’s awareness, timing, and control.”

He led me to a small training yard, empty except for a few worn mats and a wooden dummy. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting long shadows across the ground. I shivered, partly from the chill, partly from anticipation.

“Start with the basics,” Mateo instructed. “Blocks, strikes, movement. Keep your eyes on me, always.”

I followed his movements, trying to mimic him exactly. Every punch, every step felt awkward. My body was stiff, my hands still sore from the cutter incident. But Mateo’s gaze never wavered.

“Don’t just move your body,” he said after a moment. “Move your mind too. Predict. Feel. React.”

Hours passed in a blur of motion. Sweat poured down my face, my arms ached, my legs trembled. But gradually, something clicked. I wasn’t just copying Mateo anymore—I was anticipating him, predicting his next move, feeling the rhythm of the fight.

Finally, he stopped and gestured for me to kneel. My chest heaved as I gasped for air.

“Good,” he said simply. “You’re starting to understand. But this is only the beginning. There’s more you need to know before the real challenges.”

He handed me a small piece of paper with strange symbols. “Memorize these. They’re codes. You’ll need them to pass the exams.”

I frowned. Codes? “Exams?”

Mateo nodded. “Yes. But not ordinary exams. These will test your mind, your body, and your will. And failing is not an option.”

I swallowed hard, feeling a knot of fear in my stomach. But underneath it, a spark of determination burned. I had survived the finger incident, I had learned to focus, and now I would learn to fight.

Mateo gave me one last instruction before leaving the yard. “Practice until your body moves before your mind even thinks. That is when you’ll truly be ready.”

Alone, I traced the symbols again and again, repeating them until they burned into my memory. I didn’t notice the sun setting, the shadows stretching long across the mats. I only knew one thing: I couldn’t stop.

Not if I wanted to survive. Not if I wanted to succeed. Not if I wanted to make Mateo proud.

Chapter 4: Shadows of the Past

The next day started quietly. Too quietly, I thought. Mateo had left early, claiming he had errands, leaving me to train alone. But as I practiced my movements, I couldn’t shake a feeling that someone—or something—was watching.

I stopped mid-step, my ears straining for even the faintest sound. Only the wind, rustling through the trees. I shook my head. My imagination was running wild.

But then I saw him—Ofurd. I had met him briefly before, a boy older than me, calm but confident. He didn’t say anything at first. He just observed, his sharp eyes following every movement I made.

“You’re slow,” he said finally, his voice quiet but cutting. “Your mind hesitates. Your body responds late.”

I clenched my fists. “I’m learning,” I said.

Ofurd stepped closer, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Learning isn’t enough. You need instinct. And to get that, you need to see what others can’t. Watch.”

Before I could ask, he moved—a blur of motion that I struggled to follow. Every strike, every step seemed impossible. My eyes burned trying to track him.

“Do it again,” he said. “Copy me, but don’t think. Feel.”

I mirrored his movements, stumbling at first, then slowly catching rhythm. My body began to move before I even realized what I was doing.

“You have potential,” Ofurd said. “But potential isn’t enough. You’ll be tested soon. The exam won’t wait for you to be ready.”

His words sent a chill down my spine. Exam. The word echoed in my mind, reminding me of the codes Mateo had given me, the strange trials I hadn’t yet seen.

Suddenly, my thoughts drifted—flashbacks of the finger incident, of blood and fear, of uncertainty. I shook my head, forcing the memories away. I couldn’t dwell there. Not now.

Ofurd watched me, unblinking. “Control your past, or it will control you. Remember that.”

I nodded, swallowing hard. Every word sank in like a weight pressing on my chest. I had survived so much already, and yet I knew the worst was still to come.

“You’ll need allies,” Ofurd said as he finally walked away. “And enemies will appear where you least expect them. Remember—trust no one completely.”

Alone again, I trained until my limbs ached and the sky had turned from blue to the deep orange of sunset. I repeated the codes in my mind, running scenarios, imagining the exams, imagining what could happen.

I had come a long way since picking up that money. But I knew this was only the beginning.

Chapter 5: The First Trial

The morning of the exam arrived faster than I expected. My stomach was a knot of nerves and anticipation. Mateo was beside me, calm as always, but I could feel his tension too.

“This is it, Luar,” he said softly, “the first trial. Stay focused.”

I nodded, swallowing hard. The hall where the exam would take place was massive—columns stretching high above, banners fluttering, and the sound of footsteps echoing through the vast space. I could see hundreds of others like me, all waiting, all tense.

Ofurd appeared beside me, giving a small nod. “Remember what I told you. Move instinctively. Don’t overthink.”

We were herded into the starting area, and an examiner’s voice boomed across the hall. “All candidates, prepare for the Shadow Boxing Trial. Only the fastest and most precise will survive.”

I felt my heart pound. Shadow Boxing. It was a test of speed, reflexes, and perception. I didn’t fully understand the rules, but I had to try.

The first round began. I ran, my hands raised as Ofurd had taught me, muttering the code in my mind: GIMOGMERZNS. The world became a blur around me. Shadows stretched and shifted, moving faster than I expected.

A competitor lunged at me, but my reflexes kicked in, just as Ofurd had said. I dodged, barely. Another attack came, and then another. I could feel my body moving on its own, instincts guiding me. Mateo’s lessons, my own practice—all of it combined into a flow I hadn’t known I had.

I crossed the finish line, gasping for breath. The examiner’s eyes widened. “Candidate Luar… you have passed the first round.”

I barely had time to process before the next round began—mental questions. One by one, numbers, logic, and riddles flashed before me. I wrote, calculated, and answered as quickly as I could, my mind straining. I could hear Mateo behind me, whispering encouragements, and Ofurd’s quiet nods gave me confidence.

Hours passed—or maybe minutes. Time felt strange. But by the end, I collapsed, exhausted, covered in sweat and dirt, my mind buzzing. I had made it through the first trial.

Mateo smiled down at me. “You did well, Luar. But this is only the beginning. The real challenges are yet to come.”

I looked up at the towering walls of the hall, at the competitors still standing, and felt a mixture of pride and fear. I was growing stronger, but I knew I was still just a beginner in a game far larger than I had imagined.

Chapter 6: Visible Third Eye

It had been ten hours since Mateo had given me the timetable for the exams. I stared at it over and over, trying to memorize every detail, every possible challenge. Mateo, calm as always, went back to his room, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how his ability worked.

He called it the “Visible Third Eye”—the ability to see events happening around him while he slept. It only worked for an hour at a time, and the range was incredible: ten meters to ten kilometers. I couldn’t even begin to comprehend it, but it made me feel less alone.

“Maybe I have an ability too,” I thought aloud. But abilities were rare in this world; most people hadn’t even heard of them. Mateo had taught me how to answer questions more efficiently, but now I needed to know how to defend myself, how to fight back if something went wrong.

Days passed, then months. Seven months since Mateo and I had started training, I had finally learned to respond without hesitation. Even so, I still struggled with understanding complex situations face-to-face. Mateo told me that my strength was in writing—if it was on paper, I could understand.

One day, we went to buy food together. I had just turned fourteen. I was determined. I told Mateo, “I will get better and better, no matter what it takes.” He smiled, proud but cautious.

The day of the exam finally arrived. Mateo and I stepped into the registration hall, and I realized that the challenges ahead were unlike anything I had imagined. There were rules, IDs, procedures, and people from every corner of the world. It was chaotic, but I felt ready. Almost.

Chapter 7: The Registration Hall

Ofurd, my guide through this chaos, explained the basics. “There are ten months in a year here. One day has sixty hours. One month has 365 days. Each month is named after great or notorious people from history. This month is Yamd, named after someone dangerous, not great.”

I tried to absorb everything, but my brain felt like it might explode. My mind went back and forth between the strange calendar and the coming exams.

“Luar, hurry,” Ofurd said. “If you’re late, you’ll be disqualified.”

I hesitated. “But I came with Mateo…”

Ofurd shrugged. “Then go. I’ve tried ten times before, and I failed each one. Learn from me, but don’t expect miracles.”

I nodded and followed him, realizing that in this world, knowledge was survival. This exam was no ordinary test; it was a battle of minds, reflexes, and instincts.

Chapter 8: Shadow Boxing

We entered the first trial: Shadow Boxing. The rules were simple but cruel—run, dodge, fight, and finish first. The hall was massive, with over two hundred candidates. I took my position, recalling the hand movements Ofurd had taught me.

When the race started, I lifted my right hand, then my left, chanting the secret code: GIMOGMERZNS. Everyone laughed, but the technique worked. The referee came to me, explaining that I only had to run one hundred meters instead of the full course.

I ran as fast as I could, dodging competitors and obstacles. When I crossed the finish line, I was exhausted, but I had qualified for the next rounds. I looked around and saw Mateo winning in his group. My friend was strong, but I felt I had earned my place too.

Chapter 9: The Knowledge Test

After the physical challenge, the remaining candidates were gathered for the knowledge test. One thousand questions, divided among teams of four. Mateo, Ofurd, Kamil, and I formed Team 11.

The questions were brutal. I had to work with my team to distribute tasks. Mateo handled calculations, Ofurd memorized codes, Kamil and I handled logic and reasoning. Every answer counted. Every mistake could cost someone their chance at victory.

By the end, I felt my brain burning, but there was a strange thrill in solving problems with my friends. Each of us had our strengths, and together, we were unstoppable.

Chapter 10: Unexpected Changes

Just when we thought the exams were settled, a man in a suit arrived, announcing changes. The 1,000-question exam had become 100,000 questions. The time limit was extended to twenty-five days. Food and shelter were provided, but we could not leave.

I felt my stomach twist. Twenty-five days of continuous testing? But Mateo, Ofurd, and Kamil looked determined. We would adapt. We had to.

The examiner handed us new devices to answer questions, each team had to work together, and the rules were stricter than ever. My heart pounded, but I felt strangely confident. I had survived everything so far, and I wasn’t going to give up now.

Chapter 11: The Narrow Bone

Finally, the last trial began. The examiner revealed the “Narrow Bone,” a legendary weapon made from the bones of a nearly invincible man named Yar. It was a terrifying reminder of the stakes.

Timothy, a young seventeen-year-old, almost got punished for missing his ID. Mateo, Ofurd, Kamil, and I chose to protect him, showing that teamwork and trust were as important as strength.

We were escorted to our new quarters, a vast hotel with two thousand floors. Keycards gave us access to every room. Every detail was controlled, from food to safety. I felt the weight of responsibility on my shoulders, but I also felt ready.

This was only the beginning. Our journey, our challenges, and our growth were far from over. But for the first time, I truly believed in myself—and in my friends. Together, we would face whatever came next.

Chapter 12: The Void Encounter

In the previous chapter, you, Mateo, Luar, Ofurd, and Kamil were taken to a hotel. You meet a man named Gramwaer, who escorts you to your selected floor. Gramwaer gives each of you key cards to access your rooms and then leaves.

You turn to Mateo. “Hey, Mateo,” you say, “I’m feeling a little sleepy. I should rest for a bit.”

Ofurd and Kamil agree. “Yeah, we should take some rest for now, at least.”

You think, Well, if they’re sleeping, I might as well sleep too. Time drifts on, long and slow.

Then, suddenly, you wake up. You get up and walk to the bathroom to wash your face. When you try to use the faucet, nothing comes out. Uhh, dammit… whatever, you mutter. Then you remember something—this happened to you once before, ten years ago. Shaking it off, you go back to your bed and try to sleep again.

But sleep doesn’t come. You think, Maybe I should go to Luar’s room… he probably wouldn’t mind.

You open the door, only to freeze. “Wha…t? Not again. No. Why is he here?”

There’s nothing. Just a void. The hotel carpet stretches infinitely. There are no windows. Rocks float in the sky as if there’s no gravity. The emptiness is overwhelming.

Then, a voice echoes, laughing. “Welcome back, my good sir.”

You call out, “Who summoned me here? Why have I been summoned?”

A man appears, clad in black. He looks imposing.

“Welcome, The Traitor King,” he says.

You tense. “What do you want? Have you come to take my abilities, Void King?”

The man laughs. “Hahaha. Don’t call me the Void King.”

“But you just called me the Traitor King,” you argue. “Don’t ever call me that name again.”

“Fine,” he replies. “What do you want… Erevos?”

Erevos raises an eyebrow. “What name are you using?”

“I am using a weird name, but it’s none of your business,” you answer.

“I have been told to take your abilities from you,” Erevos says. “It is very dangerous. The chief warned that you might do the same as you did many years ago.”

You respond firmly, “Only on one condition—I will still keep my immortality.”

Erevos laughs, harsh and bitter. “You say this planet has become what it is, and yet you still seek life? That is… sad.”

“My friend,” you tell Erevos, “I am going to put an end to all of this. I have prepared… someone who looks like me, or perhaps my inaction has created this. You mean to say that you want life in this void?”

“How long will that take?” Erevos asks.

“It will take time,” you reply.

Erevos smirks. “If that day had come, you would have had the full clan as your chance to live like this.” He sighs. “Mateo… remember when we used to go hunting together?”

“Okay… now go on, and do what you brought me here for,” you command.

Erevos disappears, only to return a second later. “I made some changes,” he says.

“What changes?” you ask.

“You will continue living forever. But if you get killed, or if you age, you will die,” he explains.

You open your eyes slowly. “Tell me everything in detail.”

Erevos hesitates. “I… I don’t know too much either…”

“Stop calling him ‘he.’ Why not say his name, huh, Erevos?”

Erevos looks nervous. “Why do you want me to say his name? You know when I say it, I lose part of my memory.”

“Fine,” you say. “I will say it. You can only call him whatever you want—Mal’dureth.”

Erevos screams, pain evident. “Say it again, please! The pain will go away if you say it.”

You say slowly, “Mal’dureth.”

“How does that feel?” you ask.

Erevos shudders. “I found out how to give this curse to someone else.”

You frown. “Never mind that. Tell me everything I need to know before I leave.”

He continues. “I can give you these powers. But before that, I will take all of your abilities and your immortality, and they will be passed to someone else—the one who takes your life, or… the one who…”

You feel a chill run down your spine. This is only the beginning, you think.

Chapter 14:“Ivore’s Victory” Chapter 14

Mateo, Ofurd, Kamil, and Luar take out the cards and walk toward the wall. The examiner says, “You can hold your cards to the wall. If you do it correctly, a weird-looking object will come out. If you insert the card, you will get something with space in it. You put the cards in and then turn the cards to the left side.”

Every player does that, and then four bad-looking things come out. The examiner continues, “You have to put a locket and a ring on at all times.”

Everyone speaks to each other, asking, “What are these bads for? What is even going on here?”

The examiner says, “That thing you call a 'bad'—its real name is Animus. It can take you from one place to another, but your body will still be here.”

He explains further, “Let me explain. You sit inside this thing. When you wear the ring and the chain around your neck, you will not be disqualified from this exam. There are about 100,000 questions. It will be like a quest. All of you will have to do a certain type of thing, then you will get the question and everything. Let me give an example: if you are inside this thing, your soul will go to another body. It can feel pain, but your body will be weak. You will grow up fast, like a flashback. Every one of you will be the age of 25—not a day younger or older.”

“Now, see that button on the side? If you click it, you will immediately sleep, get a flashback, and then your adventure starts.”

Every player starts wearing the ring and the chain.

The examiner says one more thing: “If you lose one of these, nothing will happen. But if you lose the second item, you die and come back here. In this place, you will have the ability to find stuff to use as life. It will be called magic items. Even though magic is not real, this is like a game.”

Every player lies down in the Animus. The examiner tells them to close their eyes. Every player does as instructed.

Suddenly, all the players see a flashback: villages being burned down, soldiers screaming and crying in the name of this land. You see what they did to your people. Somewhere else in the world, Tacrc is thrown against a wall. Enam, Oen’r, and Haare shout, “What did we even do to you? Why are you doing this to us?”

A man standing there laughs. “Ha ha, you damned fools. All of you have potential. Join me.”

Enam says, “We will never follow the likes of you. I am going to kill you to hell with that!”

Tacrc says, “Enam, stop!” Then he tells the man, “We will follow you.”

Haare thinks, We will never surrender to anyone. Damn you to hell with that. No matter what it takes, we will end all of this.

The man fighting the enemy is named Ivore. He is said to be one of the strongest men that ever lived. Ivore says, “There were over 200 of us strong, but you have killed a lot of us, yet there are only four of you. It was 1v50, but if I let the boss live, if he tries to kill us, then his men will follow him.”

Ivore takes a pocket knife and cuts off the head of the former boss of the Tacrc Gol Party. In this battle among the Tacrc Gol Party versus the Finger Lease Gang, we win.

When Tacrc’s head is cut off, three of the flowers look in shock and go down on their knees. Enam has tears in his eyes, his mouth open crying. He looks in rage at Ivore. Ivore smiles and says to Enam, “I was bored. That is why I killed him.”

Somewhere else in the world, people are sitting on horses. The commander says, “Our peace treaty is officially over today.”

Civilians look at the commander in fear. Behind him stands an army of 10,000 fully armed men. A soldier tells him, “Mr. Arthen Vail, one of the 17th Royal Guard of the Thalven Dominion, the hundredth country in the world, commands these 10,000 men. Commander Arthen Vail is one of the most ruthless men to ever walk this world’s soil.”

Chapter 15:

Every player was shown a device called an Animus. If they lay inside it, it would take their soul to a game , and every player’s age would be twenty‑five. Somewhere in the world, Tacrc and his gang were fighting Ivore. From the start it was clear the battle would end badly for Tacrc: his gang was overwhelmed and Tacrc was killed by Ivore. Elsewhere, Arthen Vail, one of the sixteenth royal commanders, declared war on a neighboring country. “Burn them all,” Arthen screamed. “I want everyone dead. Let no one escape. Kill them all.” Soldier 90244 stepped forward. “Commander, there are only fifty‑nine soldiers left. Over two thousand civilians were with them: five hundred ninety children, one thousand women. We have four thousand one hundred forty‑five prisoners.” Warden Malrec’s voice came from behind. Malrec laughed softly to himself. He didn’t understand why Arthen had declared war on their allied neighbor. “We were only walking on foot,” Malrec thought. “We’ve been marching for four days through the desert. We sent one man to ask for food. They offered a little because we are allies. But the commander wanted more.” The city chief had slapped Arthen in the face hard enough to leave a mark. Arthen said he would take the city by force. It was impressive that the commander declared war over that insult; the people who’d fed them were now at their mercy. Malrec tried to reason with Arthen. “Sir, don’t you think this is too much? The chief only slapped you, going after an entire country for that… it’s excessive.” Arthen put a hand on Malrec’s shoulder. “Have you ever felt true disrespect?” he asked. “I have,” Malrec admitted. “It happened to my family once.” “This isn’t for pleasure,” Arthen said. “It’s to put people in their proper place. If you let one person take action and you do nothing, others will do the same. You understand that, right?” “But they were one of our allied countries,” Malrec said. “When the royal family hears about this, who knows what they’ll do to you? Aside from that… what are my orders?” Arthen sat on a rock. “You want an order? You want the glory? Fine. I want you to take the head of the royal family, every royal member. Bring them to us. We will torture them to death.” Soldier 04223 whispered to soldier 95824, “It’s astonishing we took down a whole country with only ten thousand men.” Soldier 95824 nodded. “Credit to Warden Malrec, he made that thing called The Flier of Allusion.” “We were up against 399,000 soldiers and millions of civilians,” 04223 continued. “Now we’re down to three to five thousand people total, kids, men, women, soldiers, and the royal family.” “Begin the bombardment of the Flier of Allusion,” Arthen ordered. Arrows and other projectiles flew out of the device. “It’s like walking in the park,” Arthen said, smiling cruelly. “Warden Malrec,” Arthen added, “go after the royal family.” Soldier 90252 hesitated. “Captain, there are over two hundred children here. What shall we do with them?” “Let me see,” Arthen replied. A child, 93233, fell to his knees. “Sir, please don’t kill us. We did nothing wrong. We are just children.” Arthen laughed. “Hahaha. Kids, do you want to know what we did? We killed everyone else. You and the royal family are the only ones left.” Arthen waved a hand and called a soldier closer. “You may keep your life on one condition: every child here must tell us where their family is. If anyone lies, we will sell them as slaves. The nobles of other countries will pay good money for them.” Malrec and twenty‑five soldiers went to find the royal family. Malrec addressed them: “Your country has fallen. One hundredth nations have ended. We will take you with us. Don’t worry, we will keep you safe.” One princess spoke up. “Our brother is only ten. He went outside. Can you help us find him?” Malrec raised an eyebrow. “If you have a little brother, tell me where he is.” “Go,” Malrec said. “We can take you. He might be nearby.”

Chapter 16: THE IF STORY BEGINS.

Mateo, Luar, Ofurd, Kamil, and forty-two other players were told they had to complete over one hundred thousand questions and 250,000 points each. Every player lay down inside an Animus that would take their soul into a new world. Inside this game, they would have twenty-five days to finish their quests.

Mateo opened his eyes to darkness. Nothing around him, no sound, no ground, no light.

He thought to himself, Why does this place look like the void itself?

Then, one by one, flashes of red light appeared, bringing other players into view.

A tall figure appeared to the examiner.

“All of you,” he said, his voice echoing through the black, “will be sent to different villages. Each team will stay together. In this world, you can feel pain, taste food, smell, hear, and remember everything. Time flows differently; one hour here equals one year there. You will all receive random abilities. Tap the side of your head with two fingers to open your status tablet.”

The players did as told. A tablet-like screen appeared before each of them, glowing faintly.

It read:

LEVEL: 1

Player 42, Ohre, saw the word “Copy.”

Mateo’s tablet displayed Dest – Level 1.

Luar saw Intelligence – Level 1.

Ofurd saw Multiply – Level 1,

and Kamil’s screen showed Stealth – Level 1.

A message blinked:

DO YOU WANT TO START?

Everyone pressed Next.

The ground split open. Wind howled, dragging them downward.

When Mateo regained consciousness, he found himself lying on something that felt like soft threads, a bed made of grass and vines.

A voice called, “Mateo, wake up!”

He groaned. “I don’t want to go to school…”

The voice laughed. “Wake up, you idiot!”

Mateo sat up suddenly but no one was there. Then, in front of him, stood a tiny creature, a small, perfect version of himself.

Mateo jumped back. “What the?!” He slapped the little version of himself. “What in the world is this?”

Ofurd arrived, chuckling. “Relax, Mateo. That’s your IF your Imaginary Friend. Everyone has one here. They whisper thoughts in your mind, answer questions, and guide you when you’re lost.”

Mateo frowned. “How do you know so much?”

Ofurd smirked. “Because I’m smart, obviously.”

Mateo sighed. “So… can I see yours?”

“You can’t,” Ofurd said. “You can only see your own IF. But we can hear each other’s if they speak aloud.”

“Why ‘IF’?” Mateo asked.

Ofurd smiled. “Ask yours.”

Mateo tapped his temple. “Player 41 come out.”

The small creature appeared.

Mateo asked, “What does IF stand for?”

The tiny version of him replied, “It stands for Imaginary Friend.”

Mateo muttered, “What a ridiculous name…”

He turned back to Ofurd. “So how long have I been asleep?”

“Three years,” Ofurd said seriously.

Mateo’s eyes widened until Ofurd grinned. “Just kidding.”

They both laughed.

Then Ofurd’s tone shifted. “We learned something while you were out. This place it looks like the past of our world. Maybe even before Yar was born.”

Mateo’s expression hardened. “Then one of our quests must be to find him.”

Ofurd nodded. “Remember, one hour in the real world is one year here. We have twenty-five days that’s about 1,550 years in here. We can’t leave until all quests are complete or the time runs out.”

Mateo exhaled slowly. “Then we’d better be careful. If the people here discover we’re not real, what happens?”

Elsewhere in the Animus world, Players 45 and 46 walked into a nearby settlement.

“We’re the strongest,” one of them bragged. “We’re kings!”

The townsfolk stared silently until one man’s eyes darkened.

“Gangsters,” he hissed.

Before they could react, the crowd attacked. Player 45’s IF shouted, Say it!

Player 45 screamed, “We’re from the real world!”

Instantly, all six of the attackers exploded into nothing but blood and dust.

Player 46 staggered back, horrified.

His IF said coldly, “Never reveal you’re from the real world. If you do, every non-player around you will explode. That’s the rule of this world.”

Player 45 trembled. “If you weren’t here, I’d be dead.”

His IF replied, “You’ll be here for 1,550 years. Each of you has an IF only you can see yours. But we can see one another.”

Player 46 reached out, grabbing his IF. “Then you can see each other, huh?”

The little creature struggled. “Let go! I can feel pain too!”

Player 45 shouted, “Stop! He saved us!”

Player 46 laughed. “Fine. But now I know my ability is unseen. I can see everything, even the invisible. If I level it up, I’ll hear what no one else can.”

His IF appeared at last, bowing politely. “Hello there, my friend.”

Chapter 17

Somewhere else in the real world, Arthen Vail saw Malrec.

Arthen Vail said to Malrec, “Bring the royal family.”

When one of the soldiers saw the princess, he threw up.

Then another soldier threw up.

Then another soldier came and said, “What is going on?”

When he saw what they saw, he threw up as well.

One of the soldiers that threw up said, “Oh, I can’t believe a female can be this ugly.”

Then Arthen Vail, the commander, said, “Bring a bag to cover her face. If she tries to fight, all 10,000 of us will lose.”

Soldier 4824 brought a bag and put it on top of the princess.

The princess started screaming and yelling, “I am the most beautiful person on this planet!”

Malrec said, “Yeah, so like, you must be the only person on this planet of yours, is that right?”

A soldier walking beside Malrec told Malrec, “We killed kids, women, and men. All women were a lot better looking than this thing.”

Malrec said, “It is whatever; we have to head to our home.”

Somewhere else inside the Animes, Mateo and the team got together.

Kamil said, “We are almost there to the Elude.”

Luar said, “Why are we even here in the first place?”

Ofurd said, “It has been 25 hours since we came to this place. We got very hungry. I thought that we don’t get hungry, but he did say we feel the taste.”

Mateo said, “Guys, we are almost there to Elude.”

Mateo, holding a map in his hand, said, “It is not here.”

Then he took his tiny number.

“Hey IF, can you tell me what we are supposed to do?”

IF-41 said, “I can’t say that. I can only tell you when your lives are in danger.”

“Okay, so what can I do about it?” Mateo said.

Then IF-41 said, “You can actually call something. Every player has a different ability. So, yeah, you can tap on your head twice.”

Then a tablet showed up in front of Mateo’s eyes.

Then Mateo said, “Okay.”

And then the IF said, “Click Infuser.”

Then Mateo did that and saw four hearts.

Mateo said, “What’s that all about?”

IF said, “Oh, it’s like if you die four times, one of your items will get broken. Then you can get four more lives if you die again and again, and if you find something that can give more lives.”

Then Mateo said, “Something called No Jumping for 1 minute per day every time till the end.”

Mateo said, “Okay, it’s fine. I am not a rabbit that I will need to jump every day. Okay, so I offer up this one.”

Then IF-41 said, “All four of you jumped together to bring the door up.”

Then Mateo told everyone to jump.

When Mateo tried to jump, he couldn’t.

Then IF-41 said, “Were you even listening to what I just said to you?”

Then IF-41 said, “Okay, so if you want to see how much time is left, tap on your head, then see Jump per Day. Click on that; then you get a timer.”

Mateo did that and then he saw the countdown: 5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1.

Mateo told the others to jump as well.

All of them jumped and then saw a tree come out of the ground.

All four Kamil, Mateo, Luar, and Ofurd all got a message:

“Say this word: GPF I AM FOR THE REAL WORLD.”

Everyone did this and then saw a door show up.

Luar tried to move the handle to open the door.

Then he got a message: NOT APPROVED.

Then Kamil tried to open it, but it didn’t work either.

Then Ofurd tried to open it, but it didn’t work either.

IF-41 told Mateo, “You were the one who found out how to find this door; that’s why you have to do it.”

Then Mateo stepped up, smiling.

He said, “I am the chosen one.”

Then Mateo tried to open the door.

It was NOT APPROVED.

Mateo told IF-41, “Hey, what is the meaning of this? I thought it would get unlocked.”

IF-41 said, “Now you tap everyone one by one.”

When Mateo tapped everyone, IF-41 told him, “Tell your friend to try to open the door whoever you touch first.”

Mateo forgot who he touched first, then asked everyone, “Who did I touch first?”

Luar said, “First was Ofurd, second was me, and third one was Kamil.”

Then Mateo said, “Okay, Ofurd, you go first, then Luar, and then you, Kamil.”

All of them did that, then they got another message: STEP ONE COMPLETED.

Then Mateo tried to open it, but it didn’t work.

Another message appeared to Mateo: TRY AGAIN INCORRECT PASSWORD.

Then Mateo punched the door.

IF-41 told Mateo, “Do it again. You have to wait for 10 seconds every time you give the wrong password. The timer will be longer every time. With every wrong password, it gets higher and higher even for mutual years.”

Mateo said, “Not this time. I don’t have time for that.”

Then Mateo said, “Okay, listen up, guys. I am going to do everything again. I think it works like: first I open the door, then everyone I touch goes and tries to open the door.”

Luar said, “What if you only touch one person? Would that”

Then Mateo said, “No, it will not work; four people are needed.”

Then Luar said, “Okay, tap me first, then Ofurd after him, tap Kamil.”

Kamil said, “Why me at last every time?”

Ofurd said, “Maybe you got the worst luck ever; that’s why maybe.”

Then Mateo said, “Enough talking; let’s get to work.”

Then Mateo tried to open the door, then he tapped Luar, then Ofurd, and then Kamil.

All of them did it.

Then Mateo said, “Okay, so I think I am supposed to touch the door handle first; then after whoever touches it, it might work.”

Then Luar held the handle.

After him Ofurd held it at the same time, and Kamil.

All of them got a message: APPROVED.

Chapter 18: The Offering

The Animus had given them a cruel bargain: finish 1,550 years of challenges inside and it would be only twenty‑five days in the real world. For them, that meant one desperate sprint through time and trial.

“About time you opened up,” Mateo murmured, pushing aside a curtain of living bark. The four of them Mateo, Luar, Ofurd, and Kamil stood inside the hollow of a towering tree. Sunlight braided through leaves; the air smelled of wet earth. Yet there was no sign of people, no village, nothing but grass into the horizon.

“So what are we waiting for, then?” Ofurd asked. “Elude has to offer something.”

“Where is the Elude?” Luar frowned. “I thought there’d be people. A gate. Something.”

Kamil shrugged. “Maybe we’re in the wrong place.” He started to turn away.

“Stop talking. Don’t move,” Ofurd snapped, but his warning came too late. Kamil reached for what looked like a door in the bark and the world answered.

A great hole yawned open beneath them. Time stretched; motion slowed. Luar screamed. Mateo grabbed Kamil, both struggling as gravity itself seemed to bend and slide them downward.

They tumbled into another clearing. Another massive tree rose from the ground, its trunk scored with strange symbols. Mateo pressed his palm to the wood. The message that bloomed under his fingers read, IF YOU ARE THE YOU CAN BE THE FIRST.

“Guys look.” Mateo pointed. “It’s a message. Help me figure it out.”

Luar and Kamil exchanged looks. Before they could puzzle it out, a voice like wind and circuits spoke: IF 41. A faceless glyph glowed in the bark.

“It means if you came last, you can come first,” IF 41 said. “Or perhaps: the last who tried may let another open. Try in order.”

Mateo shrugged. “I think Kamil was the last to touch it. Kamil your turn.”

Kamil’s face tightened. He stepped forward and gripped the handle. The wood shifted under his fingers and the door swung wide. When they stepped through, they found themselves in a wide plain of grass again. But this place pulsed differently, as if judging them.

“No people. Just more tests,” Ofurd muttered.

IF 41 hummed. “This place measures intent.”

Mateo read aloud, “We must bring an offering.” He swallowed. “An offering… someone?”

Ofurd’s smile was too quick. “Then we kill someone. That’s the offer.”

Luar’s face paled. “You mean… a person?”

“If you all work together,” IF 41 said, “destroy four villages together and you will gain favor. If you do not work together, each of you may take only four lives individually but killing civilians brings negative points. Negative points stack when the life taken is of a civilian.”

“I’m bored,” IF 41 added, then dimmed. “I'm sleeping now. Do not wake me.”

“Alright,” Mateo said, tense. “Luar, use your IF. While it’s awake, maybe it can guide us.”

Luar closed his eyes and reached inward. A soft shape answered: his IF manifested like a small constellation at his palm. “Where do we go?” Luar asked.

“Walk 2.1 kilometers,” the IF answered. “You will reach a village. It has been traversed.”

Mateo’s jaw set. “We should join the ones burning those villages. With them we can take at least four villages quickly.” He hesitated at the thought of betrayal. “There’s a quest to destroy your own friends, it says.”

“So we join the NPCs and reach the Elude?” Ofurd asked.

“That’s how it works,” IF 41 had said before fading. “Cooperation speeds passage. Choice defines cost.”

Kamil cracked his knuckles. “Then let’s go.”

Fifteen minutes later they marched. The walk dragged with an unnatural weight. Luar complained like a child: “Are we there yet?”

Ofurd’s patience snapped. “Why do we have a kid in our team? We all have bodies of twenty‑five than act like it.”

“Silence,” Mateo said sharply. “He’s my brother. Don’t pick on him.”

Kamil rolled his eyes. “Whatever. Just keep him out of trouble.”

Luar bowed his head. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

They kept walking. Behind them the grass whispered secrets. Ahead, a smoke plume darkened the sky, the first sign that choice had already begun.

Chapter 19 (edited)

“Enemies spotted,” Mateo whispered.

Ofurd’s hand went to his chin. “What’s the plan?”

Kamil shrugged. “We could try to find someone who looks friendly, maybe they’ll let us inside the fort.”

Mateo looked at them slowly. “Do you see that guard at seven o’clock?” He nodded toward a lone sentry on the parapet. “We’ll throw a rock over to him to draw his attention.”

Ofurd grinned. “Just like in the movies you throw something, he checks it out, and then you take him down.” He laughed, half proud, half nervous.

“I’m good at throwing,” Kamil said. “I’ll do it.”

“Go on,” Ofurd said. “Remember what the examiner said everyone should have roughly the same age and energy. Give it a try.”

Kamil found a rock and flung it toward the base of the wall. It clattered loudly against a loose stone. The guard on the parapet turned, squinted, and called down, “Hey! You four! You do know I can see you, right? Be careful what you do.”

Then another guard hurried up the stairs, then another. Within moments three of them had surrounded the four friends.

The taller of the three his armor stamped with the number 948245 spoke first. “What’s that noise about?”

“One of them threw something,” another guard answered. “Should we arrest them?”

“Good,” 948245 said with a smile that wasn’t friendly. “More folk. Take them to the Grand Star.”

A younger soldier gulped. “Sir… maybe we should take him to the vice overseer instead?”

“First, tie them up so they don’t run like rats.” 948245 barked. “And move!”

“On it, sir,” replied a guard whose armor read 92256. He stepped forward and began searching for rope. “Oi where’s the rope?”

“Not necessary,” 948245 who introduced himself with a bow that was more posture than politeness said. “They’ll walk with us.”

“Name’s Lorfer,” he added, looking them over. “What are your names?”

“Mateo,” Mateo said. “Luar,” Luar answered. “Ofurd,” Ofurd said, and Kamil finished, “Kamil.”

“Are you… a party?” Lorfer asked.

Mateo glanced at his friends. “You mean, are we from this country? No we aren’t.”

Lorfer laughed. “Good. Not from this country. Our boss has a problem with this place.” He leaned in. “Which one of you is the boss of your group?”

“That would be me,” Mateo answered.

“You’ll see him, then alone,” Lorfer said, and waved them forward. Mateo’s heart thudded in his chest as they were led into a low hut that smelled of smoke and old wood.

Inside, in the half-dark, a man sat behind a crude table. He didn’t move at first; his face was a shadow until he spoke. “Why have you come here?”

“We” Mateo started. He swallowed and gave a practiced reply. “We were passing through. We only noticed one of your guards, that’s all.”

The boss studied him. “How many of you?”

“Four.”

He smiled, showing more teeth than warmth. “I have a small band nine of us. Good. I’m gathering the strongest people so we can work together.”

Mateo kept his story steady. “We come from a place that was happy until outsiders destroyed our nation. There were five of us once, but some died long ago. We were on watch when one of us was killed. The others… they left.”

The boss nodded slowly. “Name’s Asual.” He paused, then asked, “Are you beyond the Great Wall trees?”

Mateo blinked. “I’m sorry, sir. I don’t understand. What do you mean?”

“How long have you been walking?” the boss pressed.

“Only a few minutes,” Mateo lied. The examiner’s voice from their earlier trials echoed in his head: no progress, hurry show worth. Mateo kept his face calm.

A slip of paper slid through a narrow crack in the hut’s wall. The boss took it, frowned, then tossed it toward Mateo as if the news were nothing. His face changed when he read it. He muttered, then threw the paper onto the table.

The hut fell silent. Outside, the howl of a distant horn cut through the afternoon.

“What’s wrong?” Mateo asked.

Asual’s pupils tightened. “Arthen Vail the 16th,” he said slowly. “Commander Arthen Vail and his ten thousand marchers… they’ve destroyed a neighboring country.”

Mateo felt the world tilt. “Why would he,what for?”

Asual ran a hand over his face. “I don’t know his reasons. All I know is this: if he comes our way, we’ll either join him or be crushed. We need to decide who we owe our allegiance to and the right people to recruit.”

Outside the hut the guards shifted. The sky darkened with the shadow of something not yet seen, and Mateo realized that whatever had begun in the distance would soon reach them all.

He had to be ready for answers, for choices, and for the war that might follow.

This story is my original creation. © 2025 Ahmadyaar Durrani. All rights reserved. Thank you for not copying my work.