The morning light streamed into the room as all the participants gathered, their faces filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Rizky, who had spent the night training tirelessly, looked slightly fatigued but determined.
"You look healthy, Rizky," Alex teased with a grin, giving his twin brother a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"Yeah," Rizky replied with a protective older brother's air about him. "Didn't sleep at all. I trained all night to prepare for this competition."
Amelia, dressed in a stunning ensemble, couldn't help but smile at the banter. She wore a beautiful outfit that exuded elegance and sophistication. Her attire was a testament to her refined taste and style.
"What a beautiful lady," Alex teased her playfully, raising an eyebrow as he admired her choice of clothing.
Amelia chuckled, try to ignore this man
"As expected from a scumbag," Suki chimed in, dressed in a smart police uniform that emphasized her dedication to duty.
Behind Suki, Rizka looked adorable in her cute dress, a striking contrast to her sister's more formal attire. The twins had their unique styles that reflected their personalities.
"You're on duty, sir," Alex teased Suki, pointing to her uniform. "Gotta uphold the law and all that."
Suki rolled her eyes and playfully swatted at Alex. "You're one to talk."
in front of them
Before the participants, a massive maze sprawled out, its exterior presenting a captivating yet ominous sight. The maze was enclosed within a colossal, ornate structure made of dark, ancient stone that seemed to blend seamlessly with the shadows. Elaborate carvings adorned the outer walls, depicting scenes of enigmatic creatures and intricate patterns that gave off an air of mystique.
Tall, towering pillars framed the entrance, their surfaces etched with intricate runes that seemed to shimmer faintly as if infused with magic. Torches mounted on the walls cast flickering, eerie shadows, illuminating the foreboding atmosphere.
The entrance itself was a grand archway adorned with archaic symbols and guarded by imposing statues that resembled mythical beings. As participants approached, they couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding, as if the maze held countless secrets and challenges waiting to be uncovered within its labyrinthine paths.
As they observed the massive maze before them, Rizky couldn't help but comment on its sheer size. "That's sure is big," he remarked, awe evident in his voice.
Alex nodded in agreement. "Indeed," he replied, his gaze fixed on the imposing structure.
Around them, other groups of participants had also gathered, preparing themselves for the upcoming challenge. Alex noticed that Adriana's group was in a separate pool. "If I'm not mistaken, we'll meet in the labyrinth," he mused aloud, thinking of their earlier encounter.
Bush, always ready to tease, couldn't resist a playful jab. "What, you're not patient to meet your lover?" he teased, a mischievous grin on his face.
Alex rolled his eyes. "Can you stop teasing me, Bush?" he retorted with a smirk.
The clown made a dramatic entrance, stepping out onto a raised platform with a flourish. He had a red carpet laid out before him, and as he walked, confetti rained down from above, creating a colorful and whimsical atmosphere.
"Hello, everyone!" he announced, his voice amplified and filled with theatrical flair. He struck a pose, making a sweeping gesture with his arms.
"What about your sleep last night?" he inquired, a mischievous glint in his eye. His question earned him some eye rolls and exasperated looks from the participants. Sleep had been a rare commodity, considering their intense training.
"Hehehe, don't be mad," he chuckled, seemingly unfazed by their reactions. "It's still morning, you know. We'll start the games in 10 minutes, but before that, please, lend me your ears," he continued, his tone shifting to a more serious one.
As the participants settled in, they turned their attention to the clown, eager to hear what he had to say.
The clown continued to explain the rules, his tone serious and unforgiving. "The rules are the same as before – this is a game of survival," he reiterated, reminding them of the dire circumstances they were in.
But then, he paused, as if he had forgotten something important. A sly grin crossed his face as he revealed the missing piece of information. "Oh, how careless of me," he said with mock surprise. "I forgot to tell you something very important. In your bracelet, there is a button that can save your life once. But, hehehe, the price for pressing that button is quite steep."
As the participants listened intently, their curiosity turning into concern, the clown continued with a sinister tone. "You see, to use that button, you must be willing to expose your love life or your deepest secret to everyone here. It's a choice you'll have to make when the time comes."
The revelation sent shockwaves through the crowd, and some groups erupted into protests. "What? You forgot to tell us this? Why didn't you inform your grandpa?" they shouted, their anger and frustration palpable.
The weight of this information was suffocating. To save their own lives, they might have to sacrifice their loved ones or reveal their most guarded secrets. It was a cruel choice, and the participants couldn't help but feel trapped in a nightmarish game.
The clown, noticing the shock and dismay on the participants' faces, tried to offer some consolation. "To compensate for not informing you earlier, I'll make you a promise," he announced, his tone slightly more benevolent. "For those who survive this competition, I will grant you one wish. Of course, it has to be a reasonably achievable wish."
The participants exchanged glances, their minds racing with possibilities. The idea of having one wish granted was incredibly enticing, and they couldn't help but wonder about the limits of that wish. Power, wealth, or even bringing back loved ones—all seemed within reach.
In one corner of the maze, a man with a determined look on his face turned to a middle-aged man standing beside him. The middle-aged man had an air of wisdom and experience about him. The man's voice quivered as he asked, "What if my wish is to revive my lover?" His thoughts were consumed by memories of the one he had lost.
Then there are a whispered,
'If that's truly what you wish for, my friend..." His words were filled with an understanding and a spark of hope, reenergizing the man's resolve.