A large holographic display hovered in the air, flashing a countdown:
LEVEL 1 OBJECTIVE: FIND THE CARD
TEAM REQUIREMENT: 8 PLAYERS
TIME LIMIT: 10 MINUTES
CARDS AVAILABLE: 10 ONLY
Suddenly, the alien voice returned, colder than before.
"Listen carefully, Players."
"In this level, Hunters roam the area. They are armed with powerful guns. If they see you, they will shoot. Stay alert, stay alive."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"You are not one hundred… not one thousand..."** the alien voice mocked. "You are tens of thousands. Yet, there are only 10 cards available. The cards each contain points. If you fail to obtain a card, you are eliminated."
The crowd erupted in panic. Players shouted, cursed, some already running in random directions.
Sofia gritted her teeth. "What the hell is this game?!" she shouted.
The alien voice only chuckled. "You have 10 minutes. How you plan your moves… is up to you. Find the cards. Survive the Hunters. May the best team win."
The countdown began.
10:00
9:59
9:58
The countdown echoed across the city.
9:45
9:44
Ayaan and his team sprinted toward a massive, crumbling building ahead — an old abandoned factory.
As they reached the entrance, a dark, metallic game tunnel stretched before them. Cold air swept from within.
"It's so dark in there," Abdul whispered.
"It's the only way forward," Ayaan replied firmly.
They entered the tunnel.
Inside, shadows danced across the cracked walls. The only sound was the distant clank of metal and the soft thump of their footsteps.
Hunters patrolled the building — tall figures in black armor, carrying sleek, deadly guns. Their glowing visors scanned the area.
Every few steps, a strip of sand appeared along the footpath, lit by small spotlights embedded in the ground.
Rosy narrowed her eyes. "Look — the sand paths. That's how the Hunters track players. They'll follow the footsteps. Stay off the sand!"
Everyone nodded in silence.
Suddenly, loud footsteps echoed through the tunnel.
Another team approached — five bulky men, armed with makeshift weapons. Their leader sneered at Ayaan's group.
"We are stronger," the man growled. "If you find a card, you will give it to us. If not... we fight. And believe me — you'll feel pain."
Abdul's face turned pale. "They're powerful... maybe we should just—"
Ayaan stepped forward. "No. We won't give it. Go find it yourself."
The rival team scowled. Tension crackled in the air.
But before anyone could react, the game display flashed once more.
LEVEL 1: GAME STARTED.
9:30
A loud siren blared through the building.
The Hunters began to move.
"Now!" Ayaan shouted. "Stick to the shadows — and stay off the sand!"
The real game had begun.
TO BE CONTINUE!!