"W-what… what do you mean?" Rose's voice cracked, her eyes widening in disbelief.
The Masked Man's voice was calm, almost amused.
"So, the two teams will play the dartboard game. In each team, one throws the dart, and one takes the punishment. If a team throws the dart and misses the target, or hits the wrong place, then the opposite team's punishment-bearer will take the consequence."
A cold silence fell. Everyone felt the weight of his words pressing on their chests.
"So," he continued smoothly, "are we ready?"
Ethen's fists clenched. "This… this is complete madness!"
Annie's voice trembled with anger. "You're trying to make us turn against each other, to create conflict!"
The Masked Man shook his head slowly, the edge of a smile hidden in his tone.
"No. This time, I am giving you the chance to save one another. But every chance has its cost."
Jinni's voice was low but steady. "So who's going to throw the dart, and who takes the punishment?"
"That decision," the Masked Man replied, "was already made. Those who previously accepted the role of punishment-bearer will continue to carry that weight in this game."
Everyone's eyes darted to one another, shock rippling through the group. The room felt heavier, suffocating.
Zoya's lips trembled as she whispered, "If they take any more punishment… they'll die…"
The Masked Man's reply was ice.
"I don't care. Survival was never meant to be easy. Pain reveals truth. And truth is what I seek."
He spread his arms slightly, his presence dominating the space.
"I'll decide who will be your opponents."
He paused, savoring their unease before announcing:
"Kai's team vs. Sara's team.
Ethen's team vs. Finn's team."
Then his gaze shifted deliberately, sharp as a blade.
"And as for you, Rose… and you, Logan. The two of you are left alone. What should I do with you?" His voice lingered like a knife pressing against their skin. "I will decide later. For now… you will watch."
Rose's breath caught in her throat. Logan swallowed hard, the chill in his spine making his knees weak.
The Masked Man's tone sharpened, cutting through the tension.
"You have twenty minutes to prepare yourselves. If you want to fix the match… if you want to conspire, to betray, to sacrifice… do it now. Because once the game begins, your lives will hang not only in your own hands… but in the hands of your so-called friends."
He leaned forward, voice dropping to a whisper that crawled beneath their skin.
"Remember this: the dart will not just decide the punishment. It will reveal who among you is willing to bleed… and who is willing to let others die in their place."