Round 1 – New York City:
The streets of New York buzz as the contestants gather in Times Square. Sixteen players, each with their own dreams and reasons to be here, stand ready to face the first challenge of World's Edge: The Global Challenge. Among them, Jiyan scans the area, his mind already racing. He's here for one reason—to win. He's smart, capable, and more than willing to take calculated risks to ensure his future at Harvard.
A booming voice crackles over the loudspeakers. "Welcome, challengers! Your journey begins here. To survive Round 1, you'll need to solve a series of clues hidden around New York City. The dead zone has spawned and will expand in approximately one hour. Stay alert and keep moving!"
Challenge 1: Find the First Clue A large screen in Times Square flashes with the first riddle:
"To find the answer you seek, look where knowledge sleeps. Behind the lions lies your next step."
Jiyan immediately knows: the New York Public Library, guarded by its famous stone lions.
As he takes off down Fifth Avenue, he hears footsteps close behind. Azmir matches his pace, glancing over at Jiyan with a determined smile.
Azmir: "I can't lose in Round 1. Grandma's counting on me!"
(Challenge 1: Find the First Clue A large screen in Times Square flashes with the first riddle:
"To find the answer you seek, look where knowledge sleeps. Behind the lions lies your next step.")
Jiyan nods at Azmir but keeps his focus ahead, pushing his pace. As much as he respects Azmir's resolve, he knows that in a game like this, too many alliances can slow him down. He's here to win, not to make friends.
Reaching the New York Public Library, Jiyan dashes up the steps and slips into the quiet of the grand building. He scans for anything out of place and spots a small envelope taped behind the left lion statue. Inside, there's a slip of paper with the next clue:
"You've seen the lights; now find the stars. Look where Broadway begins but ends with a journey."
Jiyan puzzles over the words, realizing it could mean only one thing: the crossroads of Broadway and the nearby Hudson River. He races back outside, heading west, dodging the other players weaving through the city.
(Jiyan puzzles over the words, realizing it could mean only one thing: the crossroads of Broadway and the nearby Hudson River. He races back outside, heading west, dodging the other players weaving through the city.)
As he moves, his earpiece crackles with a game update:
"Attention players: The dead zone has spawned! Currently expanding from the Bronx, 100-mile radius."
Jiyan's heart skips. The Bronx isn't far. He needs to pick up his pace. He can see a few players, including Graham and Loran, already heading toward the Hudson as well. The dead zone's movement adds tension, pushing each player to think on their feet.
Jiyan veers off the main road and darts into Central Park, his feet crunching on the gravel paths as he navigates the park's winding trails. The canopy of trees overhead offers brief moments of quiet amidst the city's chaos, but he can't shake the thought of the dead zone creeping closer from the Bronx. Every second counts.
As he pushes deeper into the park, he spots movement up ahead—Khungha, crouched by a statue, eyeing him warily.
Khungha: "Jiyan, this shortcut's risky. You sure you want to take it?"
Jiyan doesn't break his stride, throwing a quick reply over his shoulder.
Jiyan: "No risk, no reward!"
The clock is ticking, and he's getting closer to the Hudson River. He slips around a bend, suddenly facing a small group of NPCs handing out items. One of them, a grizzled man with a stern face, meets his gaze.
NPC (Joe): "You seem quick on your feet, kid. Here's a token—immunity from the dead zone, but only for this round."
Jiyan quickly accepts the item, pocketing the immunity token. This could be his lifeline if he miscalculates, especially with the dead zone so close. Now, he's almost out of Central Park, but he notices an alert on his game map: two players, Franco and Evan, are closing in on the Hudson checkpoint too. They're all aiming for the same destination.
Jiyan grips the immunity token in his pocket, but he decides to hold onto it. This is only Round 1, and he has no intention of burning through his advantages so soon. He'll need every edge he can get as the game intensifies.
Emerging from Central Park, he can see the Hudson River ahead, shimmering under the afternoon sun. Franco and Evan are a few strides away, but Jiyan's shortcut paid off—he's closing in on the checkpoint fast. His mind sharp, he pushes himself harder, reaching the Hudson first.
At the checkpoint, a game screen lights up:
"Congratulations, player! Your next destination is revealed: London. You're safe from elimination this round."
Jiyan feels a wave of relief. He glances back and sees Franco and Evan approaching. Just as they reach the checkpoint, the game announces:
"Dead zone expanding. The Bronx is now consumed, pushing southward toward Central Park."
Moments later, the loudspeakers crackle again:
"Round 1 Eliminations: Loran and Phillip—both within the dead zone range."
A murmur ripples through the players nearby. The gravity of the game hits hard—Loran and Phillip had both lingered too long near the Bronx, and now they're out.
Azmir, catching up, shoots Jiyan a grateful nod. "Guess we made it through the first round."
Jiyan meets his gaze briefly, nodding but staying focused. One round down, but there are many more to go. With London up next, he knows that each round will push his skills and strategy even harder.
As the players regroup and board a private jet bound for London, Jiyan's mind sharpens, reviewing his next steps and calculating every possible move.
End of Round 1
Round 2 – London, England
As the jet descends over London, Jiyan gazes out the window, taking in the city's sprawling rooftops, winding Thames River, and historic landmarks. It's Round 2, and with Loran and Phillip gone, fourteen players remain. He's made it this far, but he knows that with each round, the pressure will only mount.
A voice cuts through the cabin's intercom, filled with that familiar edge of anticipation: "Welcome to Round 2 in London! Today's challenge is a race across some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Your goal is to locate three hidden flags in three different spots: the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Big Ben. Collect all three to secure your safety."
The intercom continues, "And remember, the dead zone has moved. It now spans from the southeast, expanding with a 150-mile radius. Anyone left within that area after one hour will be eliminated."
Challenge Objective:
Players must retrieve all three flags and return to the starting point at Trafalgar Square within the hour to avoid elimination.
Jiyan tightens his backpack, mentally mapping out the city. Three landmarks—three opportunities to prove his skill. His plan: hit the Tower of London first, loop toward Big Ben, and finish with the London Eye, hoping to outpace his competitors along the way.
The players spill out of the jet, hitting the ground running.
Jiyan makes a quick decision to start with Big Ben. It's closer to Trafalgar Square, and if he can secure the first flag quickly, he'll have an advantage over those heading straight for the Tower of London.
Darting down Whitehall toward Big Ben, Jiyan dodges past pedestrians and keeps an eye out for his competitors. He catches a glimpse of Graham and Khungha splitting off toward the Tower, likely hoping to grab the eastern flag first. Good, he thinks—fewer people competing for the flag at Big Ben.
As he nears Westminster, he spots the glowing beacon of the flag, positioned halfway up Big Ben's staircase. Sprinting toward the entrance, Jiyan takes the narrow, winding staircase two steps at a time, heart pounding in sync with the rhythmic chime of the clock above.
He reaches the flag, yanks it down, and stuffs it into his backpack. First one down. As he makes his way back down, he catches sight of Eric entering the base of the staircase, clearly aiming for the same flag.
(He reaches the flag, yanks it down, and stuffs it into his backpack. First one down. As he makes his way back down, he catches sight of Eric entering the base of the staircase, clearly aiming for the same flag.)
Eric: "Ah, Jiyan! You got here fast. Guess I'll be playing catch-up."
Jiyan gives him a quick nod, already planning his next move. He needs to stay ahead.
The game's intercom suddenly crackles to life:
"Dead zone expanding from the southeast, now covering parts of South London. Stay alert, players!"
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Jiyan doesn't hesitate. Without a backward glance, he turns and bolts north, leaving Azmir and Sidd to figure out the danger on their own. This is a competition, and every second he spends helping others is a second he loses on the clock. He races along the Thames, the looming threat of the dead zone pushing him faster.
Navigating through crowded streets and past the iconic Tower Bridge, Jiyan spots the Tower of London up ahead. The Tower's ancient stone walls are imposing, but he focuses on the task. Just inside, positioned near the Tower's Bloody Tower entrance, he sees the third flag fluttering in the breeze, signaling the final piece he needs to secure his safety for this round.
Breathing heavily, Jiyan sprints through the courtyard and snatches the flag, feeling a surge of relief and victory. He's secured all three flags. Now he just needs to return to Trafalgar Square before the dead zone overtakes more of the city.
(Breathing heavily, Jiyan sprints through the courtyard and snatches the flag, feeling a surge of relief and victory. He's secured all three flags. Now he just needs to return to Trafalgar Square before the dead zone overtakes more of the city.)
As he exits the Tower, his earpiece buzzes with another announcement:
"Dead zone now encompasses the entire south bank and is moving northward."
Glancing behind him, he sees players still scrambling to reach the flags. He can make out Azmir and Sidd in the distance, both sprinting toward the Tower of London, eyes wide with panic as they realize the dead zone is closing in fast.
Without a second to lose, Jiyan heads back toward Trafalgar Square, every muscle tensed and ready to push through the final stretch. He knows that reaching the safe zone now is crucial—not just to win this round but to show everyone else he's here to go all the way.
Jiyan decides on a detour. Sticking to the main route back to Trafalgar Square might be faster, but it's also likely where other players are headed. He's not interested in tangling with anyone who might try to slow him down—or worse, force him into the dead zone.
Ducking down a side street, he weaves through narrow alleyways, blending in with the flow of locals and tourists. He keeps his head low and his pace steady, letting the chaos of the crowd mask his movements. The air is tense, the kind of quiet before a storm, as he hears scattered footsteps echoing behind him.
Finally, as he rounds the last corner, Trafalgar Square opens up before him. The familiar energy of the game's start point floods back, reminding him of his determination to win. He crosses the square with a calm, focused stride, mentally replaying his route to double-check that he's evaded any close competitors.
At last, Jiyan reaches the game checkpoint in the square, watching as a few other players stagger in behind him, some visibly shaken from near-misses with the dead zone. The game's loudspeaker blares out:
"Round 2 completed! All players with three flags are now safe."
The tension breaks as he hears the official tally:
"Round 2 Eliminations: Evan and Franco—both overtaken by the dead zone."
Jiyan's pulse steadies as he catches his breath. He glances at the other remaining players, their expressions a mix of relief and steely determination. As the sun dips below the London skyline, the intercom announces their next destination: Bangkok.
With only twelve players left, Jiyan's focus sharpens. The next round will be even tougher, and Bangkok's bustling markets and narrow streets promise a whole new set of challenges. He knows he's ready.
(With only twelve players left, Jiyan's focus sharpens. The next round will be even tougher, and Bangkok's bustling markets and narrow streets promise a whole new set of challenges. He knows he's ready.)
End of Round 2
Round 3:
Round 3 – Bangkok, Thailand
As the jet touches down in Bangkok, the players step into the thick, humid air, instantly aware of the shift in atmosphere. The city is alive with energy, its narrow streets brimming with vendors, neon lights, and the smell of street food. Only twelve players remain, and everyone is on edge. Bangkok's maze-like markets and chaotic streets will test every ounce of their stamina and strategy.
The loudspeaker crackles to life, the familiar voice cutting through the din of the bustling airport:
"Welcome to Round 3 in Bangkok! In this round, your challenge is to retrieve a hidden item from the famous Chatuchak Market. But beware—the item will be disguised among thousands of others. You'll need a keen eye and sharp instincts to spot it. Once you've secured the item, race to the Golden Mount temple to complete the challenge and secure your safety."
The voice pauses, then adds a sinister reminder:
"The dead zone is active once more, originating just north of the city and expanding with a radius of 250 miles. Any player still within range after one hour will be eliminated."
Jiyan studies the map on his game device, quickly plotting a course through the winding alleys of Chatuchak Market to reach the item's approximate location. He knows that the maze of market stalls will make it easy to get lost—or worse, ambushed by other players hoping to buy time by slowing him down.
(Jiyan studies the map on his game device, quickly plotting a course through the winding alleys of Chatuchak Market to reach the item's approximate location. He knows that the maze of market stalls will make it easy to get lost—or worse, ambushed by other players hoping to buy time by slowing him down.)
As he navigates the crowded streets, the scents and sounds are almost overwhelming. Vendors shout out prices, tourists haggle, and locals weave through the throng. The hidden item could be anywhere, blending into the stacks of trinkets and stalls selling everything from silk scarves to street food.
Jiyan decides to dive straight into the heart of Chatuchak Market, weaving through the dense crowd toward the center. He knows it's risky—the market's center is chaotic, and if the dead zone expands faster than expected, he'll be deep in the middle. But the reward of getting in and out quickly outweighs the risk.
As he arrives at the market's core, Jiyan scans the stalls. The hidden item is supposed to resemble a traditional Thai amulet, blending seamlessly with the countless trinkets and souvenirs. His eyes dart over each stand, carefully analyzing the wares displayed.
Suddenly, he catches a glimpse of something distinctive: a small amulet with intricate, golden patterns and a red gemstone embedded at its center. It's unlike any of the other amulets he's seen so far, and his gut tells him this might be the one. Just as he reaches out to grab it, he hears someone approach—a familiar voice.
(Suddenly, he catches a glimpse of something distinctive: a small amulet with intricate, golden patterns and a red gemstone embedded at its center. It's unlike any of the other amulets he's seen so far, and his gut tells him this might be the one. Just as he reaches out to grab it, he hears someone approach—a familiar voice.)
Azmir: "So, you found it too, huh?"
Jiyan's grip tightens around the amulet as he turns to face Azmir, who stands a few feet away, his eyes locked on the prize. Jiyan's fingers brush the amulet's cool, intricate surface, his heartbeat steady yet alert. He can sense Azmir's eyes on him, evaluating, maybe even calculating his next move. The amulet is smaller than he expected but heavier, as if weighted with the importance of the game itself.
Azmir: "So, are we doing this the hard way?"
Jiyan glances at him, sizing him up. Azmir's no amateur, and there's a shrewdness in his gaze that suggests he'd be willing to do whatever it takes to survive. But Jiyan can't afford to linger—he needs to reach the Golden Mount temple with the amulet to complete this challenge.
Jiyan tightens his grip on the amulet and responds with a calm, unblinking stare.
Jiyan: "I'm not here to waste time."
Azmir smirks, taking a small step back, his hand raised in a mock gesture of surrender.
Azmir: "Suit yourself. But I won't forget this."
Without waiting for Azmir's next move, Jiyan tucks the amulet into his pocket and darts through the narrow aisles of Chatuchak Market. The sounds of haggling and clinking trinkets fill the air as he navigates past stalls, keeping an eye out for any sign of pursuit. He's almost out of the market when an alert flashes on his game device:
Dead Zone Expansion Imminent: Northern Bangkok now within range.
(Without waiting for Azmir's next move, Jiyan tucks the amulet into his pocket and darts through the narrow aisles of Chatuchak Market. The sounds of haggling and clinking trinkets fill the air as he navigates past stalls, keeping an eye out for any sign of pursuit. He's almost out of the market when an alert flashes on his game device:
Dead Zone Expansion Imminent: Northern Bangkok now within range.)
A shiver runs through him. The dead zone is closing in faster than expected, and he's running out of time to reach the temple.
Jiyan sticks to the cover of the market's twisting alleys, blending into the narrow walkways and busy stalls. He can almost feel the pulse of the game closing in on him as he ducks between shadowed corners and thick crowds. Though it's the longer route, he knows the winding paths will give him an edge in avoiding any players lurking for an easy target.
The Golden Mount temple looms in the distance, its gleaming spires just visible over the rooftops. Every few moments, he glances back, half-expecting Azmir or another competitor to emerge from the crowd. But it's just him and the locals now, all moving along with an intensity matching his own pace.
As he approaches a quiet side street, he notices a shortcut leading directly toward the temple's southern entrance. It's narrow and empty, likely overlooked by anyone unfamiliar with Bangkok's maze of alleys. But the sound of footsteps and chatter nearby reminds him that he's not entirely alone—someone else has taken this route, too.
In the alley ahead, Jiyan spots Eric, standing casually, leaning against the wall. He's waiting, as if he expected Jiyan to come this way. Eric's eyes meet his, a glint of amusement and challenge in them.
(In the alley ahead, Jiyan spots Eric, standing casually, leaning against the wall. He's waiting, as if he expected Jiyan to come this way. Eric's eyes meet his, a glint of amusement and challenge in them.)
Eric: "Going somewhere in a hurry, Jiyan?"
Jiyan doesn't stop moving but slows, assessing his options. He knows that Eric has a reputation for bluffing but also won't hesitate if he thinks he can secure an advantage.
Jiyan steadies his pace, moving toward Eric with a calculated calm. He knows he can't afford a full-on confrontation, but maybe he can talk his way through—or at least buy enough time to get past.
Jiyan: "Look, Eric. We both know how this goes. You can waste time trying to slow me down, or you can focus on getting to the temple yourself. Only one of us has the amulet right now, and holding me up only puts you closer to the dead zone."
Eric's smirk falters, his confidence flickering as he considers Jiyan's words. Jiyan holds his gaze, hoping that Eric's pragmatism will win out over his competitiveness.
Eric: "You know, Jiyan, you talk a good game. But do you really think I'll just let you walk away?"
Jiyan: "You don't have to let me do anything. I'm already winning this round. All you'd be doing is putting yourself at risk."
For a moment, the tension hangs thick in the air. Jiyan can see Eric weighing his options. The dead zone is already encroaching on Bangkok, and every second counts. Finally, Eric lets out a frustrated sigh and steps aside.
Eric: "Fine. But remember this, Jiyan. Next time, I won't be so generous."
Jiyan nods, offering a quick, acknowledging glance before slipping past him. He doesn't look back, keeping his focus on the path ahead and the distant spires of the Golden Mount.
As he nears the temple's entrance, an announcement crackles over his earpiece:
"Warning: Dead zone expansion imminent. Players near the Golden Mount have ten minutes to complete the challenge."
Pushing himself for the final stretch, Jiyan ascends the steep staircase leading up to the Golden Mount. The air grows cooler, and he can hear the faint hum of chanting monks within the temple, a surreal contrast to the frantic game he's playing. With a final burst of energy, he steps into the designated checkpoint area at the temple's base, gripping the amulet tightly.
"Round 3 completed! All players who reached the Golden Mount with the item are now safe."
The official tally comes through:
"Round 3 Eliminations: Graham and Franco, overtaken by the dead zone."
Jiyan exhales, a mix of relief and resolve settling over him. The next destination flashes on his game device: Athens. With only ten players left, the stakes are higher than ever.
Round 4
The flight to Athens is tense. The remaining ten players barely make eye contact, each focused on the next challenge. They all know that every round brings them closer to the final prize—and the tension is palpable as they realize the competition has been whittled down to the best of the best.
As they disembark and arrive at the Acropolis in Athens, the setting sun casts long shadows over the ancient ruins. The loudspeaker crackles to life:
"Welcome to Round 4 in Athens! In this round, players will compete in a series of challenges inspired by ancient Greek mythology. First, you must locate three hidden artifacts around the Acropolis: a golden olive branch, a miniature bronze statue of Athena, and a silver feather. Only those who retrieve all three items and reach the top of Mount Lycabettus will be safe."
The voice pauses ominously.
"The dead zone is now active and expanding from the Piraeus port area with a radius of 300 miles. You have just under an hour to retrieve the artifacts and reach the summit."
Jiyan reviews the map of the Acropolis displayed on his game device, noting the possible hiding spots for each artifact. He realizes that the layout is designed to separate players and increase the difficulty—every twist and turn could either bring him closer to an artifact or to another competitor looking for an advantage.
(Jiyan reviews the map of the Acropolis displayed on his game device, noting the possible hiding spots for each artifact. He realizes that the layout is designed to separate players and increase the difficulty—every twist and turn could either bring him closer to an artifact or to another competitor looking for an advantage.)
Jiyan opts for the Temple of Athena Nike, a smaller, more compact area that offers some cover. He slips through the crowd of tourists and locals, staying low as he approaches the ancient temple. The atmosphere around him is charged with the history of the place, adding a sense of gravity to the task.
The Temple of Athena Nike is bustling with activity, its marble columns and stone steps partially hidden by modern visitors snapping photos and talking in hushed tones. Jiyan scans the area carefully, his eyes trained on anything that might conceal a bronze statue of Athena. The statue could be small, easily overlooked among the temple's stone features, but he knows it will have a unique gleam to set it apart.
After a few tense minutes of searching, Jiyan spots something tucked into the shadows of a column base—a small bronze statue, no more than six inches tall, depicting the goddess Athena in full armor, spear raised. He reaches out, fingertips brushing the cold metal. Just as he grasps it, he hears footsteps behind him.
Turning, he finds Liam, another player, staring intently at the statue in Jiyan's hand.
Liam: "Found one already, huh? You're quick."
Jiyan tenses, knowing Liam's competitive streak. He doesn't want to risk a confrontation, but he can't afford to lose the statue either.
(Jiyan tenses, knowing Liam's competitive streak. He doesn't want to risk a confrontation, but he can't afford to lose the statue either.)
Without a word, Jiyan tucks the statue of Athena into his bag and quickly steps into the crowd, keeping his head down and blending in with the flow of tourists. He moves swiftly, slipping between clusters of visitors, using the noise and bustle to cover his retreat. Liam's frustrated gaze follows him for a moment, but he's soon lost in the crowd.
Jiyan glances at his game device, which marks the next likely location for an artifact: the golden olive branch. It's rumored to be hidden near the Parthenon ruins—a much more exposed area, but he knows he doesn't have much time left.
Navigating through the ancient pathways, he finally reaches the Parthenon, which looms over him with its towering columns and sunlit marble. The dead zone alert flashes on his device again, a reminder of the expanding danger. He estimates he has about thirty minutes left to gather the remaining artifacts and make it to Mount Lycabettus.
As he scans the Parthenon's base, he spots a glimmer tucked among the cracks in the ancient stonework. Moving closer, he realizes it's the golden olive branch, wedged just out of reach in a crevice. He reaches out, fingers stretching toward the shimmering metal, when a sudden voice from behind startles him.
Azmir: "Looks like you're finding all the good stuff today."
Azmir stands a few feet away, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, watching Jiyan closely.
(Azmir: "Looks like you're finding all the good stuff today."
Azmir stands a few feet away, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, watching Jiyan closely.)
Jiyan keeps his face calm, weighing his options. Azmir is watching him too intently; any sudden move could lead to a confrontation he can't afford right now. With the golden olive branch just out of reach, Jiyan decides to play it cool.
Jiyan: "Parthenon's a big place. Plenty of relics for both of us."
Azmir raises an eyebrow, smirking as if he's in on a private joke. But he seems to relax slightly, shifting his gaze to scan the ancient columns nearby.
Azmir: "Fair enough. But you know, sometimes the best prizes aren't hidden. They're just in the right hands."
Jiyan uses the distraction to subtly shift his weight, positioning himself closer to the crevice where the olive branch is wedged. He hopes to grab it while Azmir is still distracted, but he'll have to be quick. He glances toward the path leading to Mount Lycabettus—the end goal looming just beyond the Acropolis grounds.
(Jiyan uses the distraction to subtly shift his weight, positioning himself closer to the crevice where the olive branch is wedged. He hopes to grab it while Azmir is still distracted, but he'll have to be quick. He glances toward the path leading to Mount Lycabettus—the end goal looming just beyond the Acropolis grounds.)
Taking a deep breath, he decides to go for it.
Jiyan doesn't hesitate. With a swift motion, he reaches into the crevice, snatching the golden olive branch and tucking it securely into his bag. Without looking back, he bolts toward the path that leads to Mount Lycabettus, his heart pounding as he hears Azmir shout from behind.
Azmir: "Running already, Jiyan? This isn't over!"
Jiyan doesn't waste breath on a reply, focusing all his energy on navigating the narrow, winding paths around the Acropolis. Every footstep echoes in his ears, a constant reminder of the urgency. The dead zone is expanding, and if he doesn't reach the mount in time, all his effort will be for nothing.
He sprints up the winding path, which becomes steeper as he climbs toward the peak of Mount Lycabettus. The ancient stones beneath his feet give way to gravel, and the city of Athens stretches out beneath him, glowing under the evening sun. Despite the breathtaking view, he keeps his eyes ahead, pushing himself harder with each step.
Finally, the summit is in sight. The checkpoint banner flutters in the breeze, and he knows he's almost there. As he crosses the final marker, a sense of triumph washes over him.
Round 4 Completed! All players who reached Mount Lycabettus with the artifacts are now safe.
The scoreboard updates, showing two more names faded out: Phillip and Evan. The dead zone claimed them both.
Jiyan catches his breath as the new destination appears on his screen: Round 5 – Cairo, Egypt. Only eight players remain, and the competition is becoming more intense by the minute.
Only two players remain: Jiyan and Azmir. The journey has been grueling, with each round demanding more strategy, speed, and resilience. The dead zone has shrunk to a small area surrounding the iconic Great Pyramid of Giza, where the final showdown will take place.
A voice crackles through their earpieces, setting the stage for the last challenge:
"Welcome to the final round, players. In front of you lies the Great Pyramid. Somewhere inside is the 'Eye of Horus,' a hidden relic granting victory to the first player to retrieve it. But beware: traps and dead ends await. Retrieve the Eye and make it out before the dead zone consumes the pyramid. The game ends here—and only one of you can emerge victorious."
Jiyan steadies himself, eyes on the pyramid's entrance. He knows Azmir is no ordinary opponent. Their encounters throughout the game have been charged with rivalry, each pushing the other closer to their limits. Now, they stand face-to-face, knowing that one final decision could win or lose the game.
Azmir: "Ready to settle this, Jiyan? Winner takes all?"
Jiyan: "You sound confident. Sure you can keep up?"
Azmir gives a sly grin, then dashes into the pyramid entrance, with Jiyan right on his heels. The interior is dark and labyrinthine, every corner feeling like it could hide a trap or an illusion. Ancient hieroglyphs line the walls, casting eerie shadows in the faint torchlight.
As they delve deeper into the pyramid, Jiyan comes to a crossroads: a series of passageways split off in different directions. He knows that the Eye of Horus could be hidden anywhere within the maze-like chambers, and time is running out.
Trusting his instincts, Jiyan veers down an alternate passageway, separating himself from Azmir. The air grows cooler and still, the distant sounds of Azmir's footsteps fading as he delves deeper into the labyrinth. Shadows stretch along the stone walls, and the faint scent of dust and history fills the space, reminding him of the stakes—this is the final push.
He advances cautiously, scanning for any signs of traps or clues. Just as he rounds a corner, his flashlight catches a glint of gold ahead. In the center of a small chamber, resting on a stone pedestal, sits an ornate amulet shaped like the Eye of Horus, glimmering faintly as if waiting for him.
But Jiyan hesitates. It feels too easy—no obstacles, no complex traps guarding it. Years of studying ancient architecture and symbols come flooding back, and he recalls that the Egyptians often used false idols to mislead grave robbers and protect their treasures.
He examines the room, spotting several pressure plates embedded in the floor, hidden beneath a thin layer of sand. It's a classic defense, meant to deter those who blindly rush forward.
Jiyan decides to search the walls, trusting his instincts that the Egyptians would use hidden mechanisms to protect their treasures. Moving cautiously along the perimeter of the chamber, he runs his fingers over the ancient stone, feeling for anything out of place—a subtle groove, a disguised button, or a small lever.
Near the far corner, he finds it: a barely perceptible indentation in the wall, shaped like a small symbol of Horus. Taking a deep breath, he presses it. The wall rumbles, and a hidden panel slides open on the opposite side of the chamber, revealing a narrow passageway. At the end of this hidden corridor, he catches a glint of something even more brilliant than the amulet he saw on the pedestal.
Jiyan steps into the passage, finding the true Eye of Horus resting on a golden stand. Unlike the replica in the main room, this one is larger, with a flawless emerald gemstone at its center, radiating an otherworldly green glow.
Grabbing the relic carefully, he turns to leave, but suddenly he hears a faint noise—the unmistakable sound of footsteps. Azmir must have doubled back and found the hidden passage.
Azmir: "Impressive, Jiyan. You're as clever as they say."
Azmir's voice echoes through the corridor, and Jiyan realizes he has only seconds to escape before Azmir catches up. The walls begin to shake as the dead zone expands, threatening to consume the entire pyramid.
Clutching the Eye of Horus tightly, Jiyan sprints toward the exit, adrenaline surging through him as the tremors grow stronger and louder, shaking the ancient walls around him. Behind him, he hears Azmir's footsteps quicken, and he knows his rival is closing in.
The corridor narrows, forcing Jiyan to twist and turn through the tight spaces. He can feel the air getting hotter, the walls seeming to close in as the dead zone creeps nearer. His legs burn with exhaustion, but he pushes on, driven by the thought of victory—and the life he's fought for all this time.
As he reaches the main chamber, sunlight pierces through cracks in the pyramid walls, guiding him toward the exit. With a final burst of speed, he throws himself forward, just as the stone ceiling begins to crumble, debris crashing down behind him. He doesn't look back.
Outside, he stumbles into the open air, breathing hard, the weight of the Eye of Horus heavy in his hand. A loud rumble echoes as the dead zone consumes the last of the pyramid, sealing Azmir's fate.
The sound of cheering fills the air, and Jiyan looks up to see the game officials approaching, cameras capturing his every exhausted breath. The host's voice booms over the speakers:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have our champion—Jiyan, the winner of the World's Edge Global Challenge and the new owner of $2 million!"
Jiyan raises the Eye of Horus, feeling the weight of his journey settle in. After weeks of strategy, survival, and sacrifice, he's made it.
As the crowd roars, he glances at the ruins of the pyramid, his thoughts momentarily drifting to Azmir. Despite everything, Jiyan feels a quiet respect for his competitor—a fellow strategist, a worthy rival.
But now, he has his prize, and his future awaits. Harvard is no longer a dream; it's within reach.
End of the Game