Chapter 32:

Yes, I won't deny it, I'm scared out of my wits right now.

But do I have a choice?
Nope, I don't, it's either live or die, and I'm not prepared to die yet.

The torches illuminating the walls didn't help me get rid of my fear either, it just made it even creepier.

''T-This is t-the worst g-game ever.'' I stuttered out.

''Not really, it's more like a 3-D rpg horror game, only there's no save button and you only have one life, plus this is only round one, the tamest level.''

Those words did not help me, I was now very cautious of my surroundings, what if there was a booby tra--

My eyes widened, booby traps, a common trap in areas like this.

I was now walking like a slow turtle.

''What are you doing? Ah, I thought you'd be more entertaining than this.''

''Well, as you can see, I'm a normal human being with emotions, I'm not one of those people that are reckless and think that they could survive everything.'' I said while still looking around, I won't let my guard down, even for just a little second.

''Fine, if you won't play like I want you to, seems like I have to force it out.''

I suddenly heard a button click, then lights went on, I thought it would've been safe.

But nope, I saw knives darting my way, I immediately ducked, but I wasn't fast enough, three knives scratched me, suddenly I felt excruciating pain in the places I got hit.

''W-What t-the---'' I coughed out blood and stared at in horror.

I looked at the knives and saw that the tip had some sort of purple liquid.
''Y-You're really trying to kill me.''

''Of course I am, no one is an exception, although I expect you to be different from the rest, if you die you'd trouble me by finding another person to play with.''

''Is this seriously just a game to you!? playing with people's lives!?'' I yelled out, while wincing because of the pain.

''Why of course, all of you are just pawns to my game, and when I get bored of you, I get rid of you.''

I smirked, while slowly standing up, slightly limping on one leg.
''Then this is like a game of chess, right?''

''You are correct.''

''Then I believe that you've forgotten that even a mere pawn could turn into a queen.''

I took one step forward.
''And if I'm a pawn, no matter how many pieces you throw at me, I will continue to reach my goal, I will overcome them, I will find a way to avoid death.'' I glared at the place in front of me.

''And this will go on until..... I finally get you in checkmate.''

There was silence, a nice silence, although it only lasted for a few seconds.

''Hehe..hahaha...hehehehe..HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA.''

I covered my ears when the speakers started to make a screeching sound.

''You really are something else Mikazuki!''

I took a few steps forward, this pain is nothing, I could..handle this, I won't give up.

''Fine then, let's spice things up shall we? Let's see if you're all just bark and no bite!''

I halfheartedly smiled.
''B-Bring it on, you d-don't scare me.''

Lies, he scared the hell out of me, or is it a he? it doesn't sound like a boy or a girl, almost like the voice is being edited out to make it sound different.

I saw a door in front of me when I walked far enough, I opened it.

''Welcome to stage one.''

I looked at the hooded person in front of me.
''Who are you?''

''Dearie, Don't you remember me? I thought I made sure to carve my existence in your brain forever.''

''Hihi, won't this be interesting? Let's see how 'strong' you are.''

I glared at the hooded one.
''Stop acting as if you know me and reveal your face c-coward!''

The person laughed, clutching their stomach.
''Dearie, the only coward here is you.''

''Meet my rook, let's see how you 'overcome' it.''

I clenched my fists, the metallic taste of blood still lingered in my mouth since I coughed it up, since I had no magical healing powers I still felt the pain.

But this person, this person right in front of me is calm, this person had a stance ready to kill me at any second but is just waiting for orders.

I was shaking, I was afraid, and it was practically impossible to hide it.

This hooded person laughed once again.
''Ah, how pathetic, you didn't really change that much over the years to be honest, you're still the same old Ayano, a weak pathetic coward.''

''Y-You d-don't know anything abut me!'' I yelled.

''Hm? but I know everything about you, dearie, and unless you beat me, you can't get tot he second round.''

My eyes widened.
''Y-You mean--I have to fight more people? without any time to heal?''

''Mhm, that's the main reason why we don't have any survivors, quite boring, they don't survive.''

''Okay, enough, move.''

My eyes widened when the hooded person didn't hesitate to charge  and attack me.

This is the tamest level!? If it is then I don't even want to know what's on the boss level!

The hooded guy aimed a dagger at me, miraculously, I dodged.

''Pft, you won't be lucky this time.'' The person said as it  charged at me with a dagger.

I panicked, I don't know what to do in situations like these, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a vase and grabbed it, hitting the person on the head right when I was about to get stabbed, shattering the vase in the process.

I quickly distanced myself, a sharp shattered part of the vase in my hands.

Hooded guy groaned, the hood fell off, revealing..long hair? He...no, she, turned to look at me.

My eyes widened in realization.
''N-No way!''

''Glad to see you didn't forget me.''

One of my nightmare's is standing in the same room I'm in, dead set on killing me.

''But, it's been a long time Ayano, don't ya think?''

I stayed silent.

''Oh come on, I know you're not mute, speak up dearie, if you don't want me to force you.''

I was finally able to speak, but only her name escaped my lips.
''M-Mio.''

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................TO BE CONTINUED
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