ROUND: 3
MISSION: SURVIVE
DIFFICULTY: NIGHTMARE
REWARD: ???
FAILURE: DEATH
TIME LIMIT: NONE
LOCATION: BLOOD WORLD
---
"It's so hard. How is this normal mode?!" Sorex yelled, chewing on a tough piece of meat. "Surviving on this island is hell. No people. Just cunning plant monsters and annoying insects."
His mission seemed simple: survive on an island as long as possible. But every day tested his nerves. He had meat from the first round's hunt and edible plants scavenged from defeated plant-type monsters.
---
In another area, Biraz faced a similar struggle. Like Sorex, he'd chosen normal difficulty. Nearly half the contestants had done the same, while those lacking confidence went for easy mode. Only a handful dared hard mode.
And only one in the entire world—perhaps in the entire universe—chose Nightmare.
Rio.
---
A distant world. A crimson sky.
Rio dashed through a forest, chasing a strange creature—a rabbit-like animal with hardened, armor-like skin. It looked like some twisted hybrid of a rabbit and an armadillo.
"Fuck, why is it so hard to catch? I've been at this for over half an hour…" he growled. "This won't do. Time to use a skill."
Black smoke curled from his feet, growing thicker like embers catching on dry grass.
Woosh!
Rio shot forward in a burst of speed. The creature panicked, bolting faster, but it was too late. Rio's dagger flashed, stabbing into the creature's armored head. It thrashed wildly, but Rio slammed his weight onto it, pinning it down. Only when it stopped moving completely did he finally rise.
"Finally. Damn thing."
He stored the kill in his inventory.
"It's almost time for the Blood Moon. I need to get back to camp."
After half an hour of cautious travel, Rio reached a massive stone wall—a natural barrier built, perhaps, to keep monsters in… or out. He approached a large rock, lifted it with effort, and slipped into a hidden cave. Once inside, he sealed the entrance and lit a fire with a flick of his hand.
The cave showed signs of long occupation: makeshift furniture, supplies, and a faint lingering scent of cooked meat. Rio washed his face at a small pond in the corner, then sat heavily on his camping bed.
"Agh… it's so hard." He rubbed his face. "The horned rabbit meat's running low. Water will last me a few more weeks, but… it's not enough. Been here 45 days now. Should I jus—"
A familiar chime interrupted.
> [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
WARNING
THE BLOOD MOON IS HERE. PLAYER, PLEASE REMAIN IN A SHADED AREA.
"It's here again… Blood Moon."
Despite the name, it was really just night—except far deadlier. As the ground quaked violently, Rio didn't panic. He was used to it now. Outside, monstrous howls echoed, growing closer. Then a deep, guttural roar reverberated across the land.
Rio's calm mask faltered for just a moment.
"…Argus."
The hundred-eyed ancient monster.
An hour later, silence returned. As if nothing had happened.
Rio heated a piece of horned rabbit meat and ate in silence.
"This is really good… Tomorrow I'll move camp and start searching for the hidden piece. Time to sleep."
He closed his eyes.
Far away, deep in the jungle, the massive form of Argus stood still under the blood-red moon. Its hundred eyes shimmered like stars.
"I…ns…ec…ts… co…me… ki…ll…" it whispered in a voice like grinding stone.
---
The next morning
Unlike in the waiting room, Rio could tell when it was morning. He ate, packed his supplies, and stepped outside.
Every movement was deliberate, like a predator testing the wind. He pressed his ear to the ground, listening intently.
"Good. Argus isn't nearby. I'll head north. The legendary skill should be there."
Rio ran lightly, covering miles in hours. His stamina wasn't endless, though; even with his boosted stats, his breathing became heavier.
"Agh… I need a break. Pushing too hard isn't smart here."
He leaned against a massive boulder, drinking from his waterskin.
But the moment his guard dropped—
A dark blur lunged from the treeline.
The killing intent slammed into him like a physical blow. His body reacted on pure instinct—rolling aside as claws scraped against stone where he'd been sitting.
Rio sprang up, dagger in hand.
The attacker revealed itself: an App-like creature, twisted beyond recognition. It stood nearly 5'7", with long, sinewy arms, matted crimson fur, and glowing red eyes. Thick saliva dripped from its maw as it hissed.
Rio's face stayed calm, but inside, dread coiled tight in his stomach. His stamina was low. His chances slim.
"Fuck! I let my guard down for one damn second, and now a Blood App wants my head… What a shitty situation."
---