Ultimate Countdown

ried the scent of fresh leaves and distant flowers. Around him, more and more people were regaining consciousness. Some were rubbing t

ill, quiet and reserved, eyes darting nervously across the trees and bushes. Some looked at their arms, staring at the glowing cou

deep breaths, trying to keep calm. His heart beat steadily, not from fear but from urgency. Suddenly, a soft humming noise filled the air. Everyone around froze. The ground seemed to vibrate slightly, like something massive had just powered on. Then, glowing letters appeared

frowned. "That felt real." "Games don't feel like this," someone muttered from behind. "Pain, touch, smell-it's too real. This can't be just a simulation." A tension hung in the air. Confusion tu

t watched as he disappeared into the trees like a wild animal, laughter echoing behind him. People started moving soon after that. Some walked in pairs, some in groups, othe

noticed patterns. The way certain people stuck together, how others kept glancing around like they were alread

f them were stunning, with sharp features and curvy frames that didn't match the survival setting at all. Their suits we

be safer if we stick together. We're good at surviving." The third simply placed a hand on his arm and smiled without saying

ve confidence replaced by a thin veil of irritation. Kyle had seen people like them before. Parasites. Clingers. They'd slo

s cool, but something about it felt off-like the air was holding its breath. He sighed deeply. "This is it," he muttered. The life-changing opportunity. His boots crunched against the dirt as he stepped past the last open

e to find artifacts. Desperate to win. Desperate to live. Suddenly, someone shouted. "I FOUND ONE! HAHAHA!" It was a young man's voice, loud and arrogant. "IF ANY FUCKING BODY DARES

ted and stupid. Why would you announce your location like that? Kyle simply wanted to see what the artifacts

t the base of the trunk. It shimmered slightly like it was pulsing with some strange energy. It looked more like an egg than anything else. Even Kyle had to admit, he d

it at the nearest person like a sword. "Don't come any closer! I swear, I'll rip anyone apart!" Kyle didn't say anything. Nobody did. But their faces said everything. Sho

as enough to freeze the entire group in place. Its skin was leathery, almost metallic, and its body was sleek like a predator

ght. It didn't growl. It didn't roar. It just crept forward slowly, on

Be scared. You should be. I'll smash anyone who tries to-" He didn't