Chapter Four: "Rules of the Game"
The room was charged with a strange presence. The shadows that cloaked the faces of the figures around the table seemed to pulse with life, moving slowly like a snake waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Azar stood at the entrance, his eyes scanning the faces hidden behind those black masses. He didn't know whether to be afraid... or to attack.
"Sit down," the first voice said, its deep tone seeming to speak directly to the depths of Azar's soul.
There was an empty chair, positioned at the end of the table. Azar's steps were heavy, as though the shadows surrounding him were trying to deter him from moving forward. But he sat, his back straight, his eyes glowing with a new determination.
"Who are you?" Azar asked, his voice sharp, yet holding a mix of caution and curiosity.
"We are the Guardians," another voice answered. Its tone was calm, but filled with an authority that couldn't be ignored. "We observe, we decide who deserves to remain... and who must vanish."
"And what do I have to do with this?"
"You've entered the game, whether you wanted to or not. Every step you take, every decision you make, will be watched. And you will be judged."
Azar felt a strange pressure on his chest, as though the entire room was trying to crush him. But he refused to show any weakness.
"What is this game?"
The first figure leaned forward, the shadows around him shrinking slightly to reveal a fleeting glimpse of his face. He was terrifying beyond description, a half-human, half-creature being, his eyes glowing with a dark silver hue.
"The game is survival. The game is control. You either become a master... or become fuel. There are no other options."
The walls surrounding the room began to shift, transforming into massive screens displaying bizarre images. Burning worlds, huge battles, faces of people screaming... then it stopped at one scene: an image of Azar himself, standing amidst a sea of shadows.
"This is your potential future," said another Guardian. "But it's not guaranteed. Everything depends on your choices."
"My choices?"
"Yes. As you progress, you will face greater tests. Some will require strength, some will require intelligence, and others... sacrifice."
One of the other Guardians, who had remained silent up until now, raised his hand toward the shadows surrounding the table. Suddenly, three black orbs appeared, each pulsing with a different energy.
"This is your next stop. Three choices, three paths. Choose one, but remember: each path carries a different risk."
Azar stood up, slowly walking toward the orbs. Each one emitted its own distinct pulse:
The first orb was cold, emitting a faint humming sound as if it carried within it a frosty energy. The second orb glowed, burning with a soft flame, though it didn't burn. The third orb was perfectly still, pure black, like an abyss with no bottom.
"Choose carefully, Azar. No one survives a wrong choice."
Azar slowly reached out, his eyes fixed on the third orb. He felt an odd pull towards it, as though it was calling to him.
Before he could touch it, the shadow inside him erupted in anger:
"Think carefully, Azar. This is not just a test. This is a decision that will change everything."
"And what do you suggest?"
"Nothing. This time, the decision is yours."
Azar hesitated no more. He gripped the third orb. The moment his hand touched its surface, an overwhelming pain flooded his body. The room vanished around him, and darkness consumed everything.
When he regained consciousness, he found himself in a new place. A towering fortress stood in the middle of a destroyed city. Winds howled through the wreckage of buildings, and screams filled the air.
"Welcome to the next stage," the shadow inside him said. "You chose the hardest path... let's see if you can survive."
The ending is thrilling, leaving the reader questioning what the next challenge will be and what Azar's fate is in this new world.