As the radiant light dissolved, Alex and his fellow participants found themselves standing at the entrance of a colossal labyrinth. Stretching before them was an intricate network of intertwining pathways that snaked through the maze, forming a mesmerizing pattern of daunting complexity. The labyrinth was a seemingly endless expanse of towering stone walls adorned with cryptic, faded symbols from ages past.
The central thoroughfare of this labyrinth was like a grand boulevard, an imposing roadway flanked by magnificent structures on either side. These towering edifices displayed the wear and tear of countless years, with weathered stone facades and eerie carvings that hinted at the mysteries concealed within. Along the boulevard, remnants of ancient architecture created an otherworldly atmosphere, their once-great halls and chambers now reduced to haunting shells.
----
As the group ventured deeper into the labyrinth, they noticed something unusual. Strange echoes filled the air, distorted laughter that sounded both eerie and whimsical, like a circus of clowns gone awry.
"Did you hear that?" Alex asked, a perplexed look on his face.
Suki, Rizky, and Amelia nodded, their senses on high alert. The laughter continued, growing louder and more unsettling as they moved further into the maze. Soon, they stumbled upon a curious clearing within the labyrinth.
In the center of this clearing, a bizarre and surreal sight unfolded. A group of clowns, their faces painted with exaggerated, colorful smiles, and costumes that were a mix of vibrant patterns, danced and frolicked with manic glee. They seemed to appear out of thin air, materializing from the shadows.
"Are these... clowns?" Amelia whispered, her voice quivering.
The clowns continued their absurd performance, their laughter echoing through the labyrinth. It was a strange juxtaposition against the labyrinth's eerie backdrop.
Alex decided to approach the clowns, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Excuse me", he said tentatively, "We seem to be lost in this maze. Can you help us find our way out?"
The clowns abruptly stopped their antics and turned to Alex, their painted faces conveying a mixture of amusement and malevolence. One of them, with a shock of fiery orange hair, stepped forward.
"Lost, are we?" the clown asked, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "You've entered our domain now, and only through laughter can you proceed. Tell us a joke, make us laugh, and we shall show you the way."
Alex, a bit taken aback by the strange request, quickly thought of a joke and shared it with the clowns. They burst into exaggerated, maniacal laughter, their painted mouths stretching impossibly wide.
----
They faced a dire challenge with their lives on the line. The enigmatic voice continued to lay out the rules, and the group exchanged nervous glances as they grasped the severity of the situation.
The menacing challenge was further accentuated by a laser perimeter encircling them, resembling the crosshairs of a sniper's rifle. The ominous presence of these laser sights made the group keenly aware of the imminent danger that lurked. Rizka couldn't contain her fear and began to tremble, seeking refuge by hiding behind Rizky.
Rizky, ever protective, offered her solace. "It's okay, dear," he whispered softly, providing her with comfort amidst the palpable tension of the situation.
Rizky couldn't help but voice his concerns. "Hard from the start, right?"
A sinister chuckle emanated from the clown. "Of course," he said with a wicked grin.
Suki decided to inquire about the possibility of rejecting the games. "What if we refuse to participate?"
The clown's eyes glinted with amusement. "Hmm, that's a new one." He then noticed the bracelets they wore. "If you refuse, you'll need to hand over your bracelets."
This request sent shivers down their spines. The bracelets contained their survival skills and abilities, making them vital for their journey through the labyrinth. Losing them would mean losing a significant advantage in this perilous world. The group was faced with a harsh ultimatum, knowing that their decisions had life-and-death consequences.
"We in", Amelia say
"Let's Start the game then", The Clown Grinned
As the clown clapped his hands, the environment transformed around Alex and his group, morphing into a nightmarish miniature coliseum. They found themselves in an otherworldly arena, encircled by bizarre and sinister spectators. The stands were packed with a raucous crowd of clowns, their laughter and cheers echoing through the air. These onlookers, in their outlandish costumes and painted faces, observed the group as if they were exotic creatures on display.
The coliseum itself was a twisted circus of chaos and despair. The ground was an uneven mixture of dirt and patchy grass, strewn with grotesque symbols and odd objects. In the center of the arena stood an imposing and elaborate podium where the clown, their host, presided.
They erupted into a cacophony of laughter and chatter, exchanging jests and comments among themselves, amplifying the already eerie ambiance of the place.
"I bet they won't last long!"
"Look at their faces – they're so lost!"
"Come on, tell us a joke!".
"Look at them squirm! These newbies don't stand a chance!"
"I wonder who'll be the first to fail. Place your bets, folks!"
"This is the most entertaining show in the labyrinth so far!"
"You think they can make the clown laugh? Ha!"
"The clown's tests just get weirder and weirder."
The raucous laughter of the clownish audience filled the colosseum as they exchanged comments
"Everybody, stop clapping! We are in serious business here," he proclaimed, a hint of amusement in his voice. "These five young folks want to complete our games. Such brave souls."
Rizky, unable to contain his anger, retorted, "You're the one who dragged us into this. Who even wants to compete in your twisted games? Shameless."
The clown in the red mask chuckled and conceded, "Whoops, fine, fine. Let the joke inside."
"So the rules is simple", the clown start to explained
"I will Give you 5 questions in total, and if you fail 2 times, one of you will loss their live. But if you success, answer At least 3 Question?. I give you a safe talisman,"
Upon hearing the word "talisman," Amelia couldn't help but break into a smile, her curiosity piqued. The promise of the talisman added a glimmer of hope to the enigmatic ordeal.
"Let's start the Question one shall we, a big screen comes and display a Question 1"
With the rules clarified, the surreal challenge commenced. A colossal screen illuminated the chamber, displaying the first enigmatic question:
Question: In a world where the rich own luxurious yachts and the poor have rowboats, who can walk on water?