Timer: 00:05:37
The forest had grown eerily quiet—no more collapsing trees, no more screams. Just the hum of invisible drones circling above and the ever-present glow of the fake sky dimming to a deep crimson.
"We need to move," Rena said, blade still slick from the last encounter. "The beacon's about to activate. If we're not close to a safe zone when it does…"
"You think we'll get eliminated?" Aiden asked.
"No," she replied. "We'll get hunted."
The group trekked uphill toward a faint, pulsing light in the distance—the beacon.
Takumi helped Lila, who limped but kept moving, her jaw tight with pain. Amara walked rear guard, dagger in hand. Aiden stayed near the front, nerves sharpened by every sound, every shift in shadow.
Suddenly, their wrist devices vibrated.
PHASE ONE FINAL MINUTE – BEACON ACTIVATION IMMINENT
Remaining Players: 76
Safe Zones: 3 Available in Current Sector
Warning: Zone Collapse Begins in 01:00
Rena cursed under her breath. "Only three zones. There are five of us."
"What happens if one of us doesn't get in?" Amara asked.
Aiden hesitated. "We use the Safezone Token I found. It can protect someone for 3 minutes."
"No." Rena stepped forward. "We fight for the zone. If someone's left out… they better run fast."
"No," Aiden said, stepping in front of her. "We don't do that. Not to Lila. Not to each other."
The group went silent. Even the wind seemed to pause.
Takumi spoke first. "Let's split into two groups. Check both sides of the hill—maximize chances of finding zones."
Rena stared, then gave a single nod.
"Fine. You and Amara go west. Aiden, Lila, you're with me. Let's move."
The teams split, sprinting toward opposite ends of the hill.
Aiden's group reached a cave entrance glowing blue—a safe zone. But only two wristbands were scanning green.
"Only two can enter," Rena said coldly.
Aiden looked at Lila. "You're going in."
"What? No, I can't—"
He shoved her forward. "You will."
She stumbled inside, the shield activating instantly around her.
Rena stepped up to the entrance. Her band blinked green.
"Aiden," she said. "Use your token."
Aiden hesitated.
"I'll run with you," she offered, "but you won't survive. Your call."
He pulled the token from his bag, held it in his hand—
USE SAFEZONE TOKEN? YES / NO
DURATION: 03:00 (IMMUNITY ACTIVE)
He clicked YES.
A silver shimmer wrapped around his body like armor.
"Then let's run," he said.
Rena smirked. "Try to keep up."
They dashed into the collapsing zone as the countdown hit zero.
---
PHASE ONE COMPLETE
Survivors: 58
Top Performers: Player #021 (Rena), Player #010 (Amara), Player #013 (Aiden)
Player Bonus: Protective Instinct – Awarded to Player #013
New Phase Begins in 12 Hours. Rest. Adapt. Prepare.
Aiden collapsed under a tree, lungs burning.
He was still alive.
But this was just the beginning.
---