Chapter 3: The Island Shows Its Face
Dawn brought silence, but not peace. Tavypib, Vavi, and Dywewihu had decided to set up a small camp near a rocky outcrop that offered some protection from the wind and possible attacks. They took turns keeping watch, but the hostile environment of the island seemed to conspire against rest.
When the sun finally began to rise on the horizon, the tranquility was interrupted by a deafening sound of drums echoing throughout the island. Tavypib and the others stood up quickly, alert.
"It seems the game has begun," Vavi said, grabbing a piece of wood he had improvised as a weapon.
The three followed the sound until they found the other participants gathered in a clearing. In the center, the ghosts had returned, this time bringing with them something new: an immense carved totem, with grotesque faces and glowing eyes that seemed to stare at them.
The ghost leader stepped forward, his voice echoing cold and inhuman. "Welcome to your first challenge. Here, every decision you make will define your fate." He raised a hand, and a metal platform emerged from the ground, revealing rudimentary weapons: spears, bows, machetes, and other improvised tools. "Trial 1: Hunt. You have three hours to find and capture prey in the forest. They are dangerous and lethal, but necessary for your survival. Those who do not bring something back by sunset will be eliminated. Literally. Good luck." Silence fell heavily as the competitors absorbed the words. Then, without warning, the ground began to shake, and doors opened around the clearing, releasing a host of exotic and dangerous creatures—part animal, part unexplainable. "This is insane," Dywewihu muttered. "Welcome to the game," Vavi replied, grabbing a bow and quiver of arrows. — We better run before we become the prey.
Tavypib picked up a spear and faced the dense forest ahead. He knew that the real danger was not only the released creatures, but also the other competitors.
"Stay alert," he told the two. "Trust no one but ourselves."
Wasting no more time, the trio advanced into the forest, where battle cries and the sound of frantic footsteps already announced that chaos was in full swing.
With each step, Tavypib felt the tension increase. The vegetation was treacherous, with hidden thorns and uneven terrain. The stifling heat made sweat drip down his forehead as he held the spear steady in his hands.
Suddenly, a roar echoed through the forest. Something was approaching quickly. The three stopped, alert, as the nearby bushes shook violently.
"It's coming," Vavi whispered, nocking an arrow.
Tavypib steadied his feet, ready to face whatever it was. The jungle seemed to hold its breath as it waited for the inevitable confrontation.