NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Chapter 10
The hum of machinery reverberated through the dimly lit observation room, a stark contrast to the chaos on the island below. Holographic monitors projected the actions of the remaining participants, their movements mapped out on a glowing, interactive map. Flickers of red occasionally marked where a student had fallen, each disappearance from the screen met with clinical indifference.
Ariancie, a woman in a sharp gray suit stood at the center, her eyes darting between the screens. "Mortality rates are slowing," she reported, tapping on a floating data stream. "Only one elimination in the past week."
Ulysses, the man seated at the head of the room smirked, his face partially obscured by the shadows. "They're finding balance. We can't have that. Order doesn't serve the experiment. Chaos does."
With a flick of his hand, he brought up the profile of Nazuyami, her vitals steady, her stress levels unnervingly low. "This one intrigues me. A snake among wolves. Her actions are deliberate, calculated."
"She hasn't secured any gems recently," another administrator pointed out. "If she doesn't act soon, she'll be disqualified."
"She will," Ulysses replied confidently. "When the time is right."
The room fell silent, save for the rhythmic hum of machinery and the occasional beep from a monitor. The leader leaned forward, his voice slicing through the air like a blade. "Increase the stakes, Ms. Ariancie. Announce the next rule. Let's see who cracks first."
The sky over the island was a canvas of deep purples and blacks, the stars above offering a faint glimmer of hope that contrasted with the darkness below. Yuki, Asahi, and Mikayla sat in silence near their makeshift camp. The fire between them crackled softly, but its warmth did little to ease the chill that had settled into their hearts.
The mechanical voice, cold and emotionless, shattered the quiet:
"Attention participants. A new rule is now in effect. Each participant must possess 10 gems by the next supply drop. Failure to comply will result in disqualification."
The words echoed through the night, carried by the wind to every corner of the island.
Asahi's jaw tightened. "10 gems?! That's insane! Most of us barely have two."
Mikayla's eyes narrowed, her grip on her bracelet tightening. "It's not insane-it's deliberate. They're forcing us to kill each other."
Yuki said nothing, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames. Inside, a storm brewed. Rainne's face flashed in his mind, her soft smile, her unwavering kindness. She had refused to take a life-and the game had taken hers.
"We have three days," he finally said, his voice cold and detached. "We either survive or we don't."
Asahi looked at him, a flicker of worry crossing his face. "Yuki, don't let this game take what's left of your humanity."
Yuki didn't respond.
Back in the observation room, the administrators watched as the announcement took effect. Panic spread among the participants like wildfire, alliances fraying under the weight of suspicion and desperation.
"Subject Yuki," one of them noted, pointing to a screen where the trio sat in silence. "He's nearing a breaking point. His psychological profile indicates he's suppressing his rage, but the cracks are showing."
The leader's smirk widened. "Good. A leader consumed by anger makes for excellent data."
The younger administrator shifted uncomfortably. "Sir, if I may-don't you think this is too far? The participants are-"
"Volunteers," the leader interrupted sharply. "And every death, every decision they make, serves a purpose. Progress requires sacrifice."
"But they're just-"
The leader's glare silenced him. "This conversation is over."
On the other side of the island, Nazuyami crouched low in the shadows, her eyes glinting in the moonlight. The announcement had reached her group too, and she felt the shift in the air.
Angel stirred in her sleep, muttering softly, while Ryu sat against a tree, his gaze distant. Marielle lay close by, her breathing steady, her form almost blending into the foliage around her.
Nazuyami's mind raced. Five gems. They had two among them, not nearly enough to survive. And the others-they were liabilities now.
Her gaze lingered on Ryu, his calm demeanor masking a strength she envied. If she could control him...
But as she plotted, a quiet sound broke her concentration. Marielle stirred, her eyes half-open, watching Nazuyami with a subtle intensity. The orchid mantis-hidden, observant, and dangerously aware.
Nazuyami forced a smile, retreating into the shadows. She'd act soon. But not yet.
In the observation room, a faint ripple of amusement spread through the administrators. Beneath the surface of their clinical actions and sharp commands, they carried an insidious truth: these students weren't here by accident. Each was chosen-plucked from their lives for qualities deemed suitable for this macabre experiment.
Some showed strength, others intelligence, and a few, proved adept at manipulation and survival. The bracelets were more than monitors-they were the culmination of years of research, the final piece in an intricate puzzle to test human limits.
-----
Four students moved within the camp, including Crystal, their leader. Her presence was commanding, her calm demeanor masking an underlying edge of cunning.
Axel's childish grin played on his lips, though his voice was a whisper of seriousness. "Four of them, Yuri. Think they all have gems, or is Crystal hoarding?"
Yuri's sharp eyes didn't waver from the scene. "Doesn't matter. She's the key. Take her, and the rest will crumble."
Axel adjusted his position, his curiosity piqued as he observed Crystal speaking with another student, a lanky boy with nervous energy. "What do you think her ability is? She looks... calculated."
Yuri's lips curled into a faint smirk. "We'll find out soon enough."
As they watched, the students began to settle in. Two of Takuto's goon, including including Takuto, took watch while the others retreated to their makeshift shelters. Crystal sat near the fire, her gaze distant, as if lost in thought.
Axel tilted his head, his tone mischievous. "She's thinking about something. Plans, maybe? Or regrets?"
Yuri ignored the comment, his focus unwavering. He was studying every detail-the layout of the camp, the patterns of movement, and the way Crystal's presence dominated the group without a word.
"We need her alive," Yuri finally said.
Axel blinked in surprise, leaning closer. "Alive? That's not like you."
"She knows something," Yuri replied. "No one rises to that kind of power in this game without a reason. We take her, and we make her talk."
Axel's grin widened. "You're playing the long game. I like it."
The two fell silent again as Ricalus, one of the boy, moved closer to the edge of the camp, his head swiveling nervously. Axel's hand twitched, sparks of electricity crackling faintly at his fingertips.
"Patience," Yuri murmured.
Hours passed, the camp slowly quieting as exhaustion took its toll. The fire burned low, casting flickering shadows across the clearing. Yuri and Axel remained still, their predatory instincts keeping them hidden and alert.
Finally, Yuri spoke, his voice barely audible. "We wait for the right moment. Crystal's guard will slip. When it does, we strike."
Axel nodded, his grin returning. "This is going to be fun."
The night stretched on, tension thick in the air. Crystal's camp remained unaware of the predators lurking just beyond the shadows, their next move calculated, their patience a deadly weapon.
-----
Yuri and Axel crouched in the shadows of dense foliage, their sharp eyes locked on Crystal's camp. The place was unnervingly organized-a stark contrast to the chaos of the island. A fire crackled softly at the center, illuminating the faces of three boys who sat in an almost dazed state, their expressions blank and obedient. Crystal sat cross-legged on a makeshift throne of crates, her posture relaxed but commanding, the firelight reflecting off her piercing eyes.
"She's got them completely wrapped around her finger," Axel murmured, his tone a mix of awe and disgust.
Yuri's lips curled into a smirk. "She's not just leading them; she's controlling them."
Axel tilted his head. "So, what's the plan? Rush in, guns blazing?"
Yuri shot him a sharp glance. "No. We don't know the full extent of her ability or how many gems she has. We play this smart. Let's introduce ourselves, see what happens."
Axel grinned. "Love it when you're devious."
Yuri stepped into the clearing first, his imposing presence immediately drawing attention. Axel followed, his playful demeanor masking his readiness for a fight. Crystal's eyes flicked toward them, her calm expression betraying a flicker of interest.
"Yuri," she said smoothly, her voice carrying a hypnotic edge. "I wondered when you'd show up."
"And yet, here I am," Yuri replied, his tone as sharp as ever. "Seems you've been busy." He gestured toward the boys, who remained motionless.
Crystal leaned forward, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Everyone needs allies in this game, don't they? Or are you here to join me?"
Axel chuckled. "Tempting, but I like my free will."
Crystal's smile widened, but her eyes remained cold. "Free will is overrated."
Yuri's hand twitched toward the blade at his side. "Cut the act, Crystal. We're here for gems. Hand them over, and maybe we'll let you and your little hive live."
Crystal laughed, a melodic sound that sent a shiver down Axel's spine. "You think you can intimidate me? Boys!"
The three boys sprang to their feet, their movements unnervingly synchronized as they formed a barrier between Crystal and the intruders.
Axel surged forward, electricity crackling in his palms. He darted toward the first boy, releasing a shock that sent him sprawling. The other two advanced, their attacks unrelenting despite Axel's overwhelming speed.
Meanwhile, Yuri faced Crystal directly. She remained seated, her confidence unshaken. "You can't win, Yuri," she said, her voice dripping with superiority.
"You think your tricks scare me?" Yuri lunged, aiming a precise strike at her.
Crystal exhaled sharply, releasing a subtle pheromone mist that clouded the air. Crystal's ability is pheromone manipulation. She emits pheromones that subtly influence others' emotions or actions-sowing distrust, calming someone, or forcing temporary cooperation. Yuri staggered, his vision blurring for a moment. He growled, shaking off the haze. "That all you've got?"
"You're strong," Crystal admitted, rising from her throne. "But strength alone isn't enough."
Axel, having dispatched the other boys, joined Yuri. "This is getting annoying," he muttered, his hands sparking.
Crystal, now fully standing, tilted her head. "You think you're the predators here, but you're just flies caught in my web."
Yuri grinned darkly. "Then I guess we'll have to break the web."
With a sudden burst of energy, Axel unleashed a bolt of electricity toward Crystal. She dodged gracefully, but the attack disrupted her concentration. The boys around her faltered, their movements growing sluggish.
Seizing the moment, Yuri charged. His blade struck true, slashing across her arm. Crystal hissed, retreating a few steps.
Realizing her control was slipping, Crystal released another burst of pheromones, but Axel countered with a charged blast that dissipated the mist.
The hypnotized boys faltered, and Yuri moved swiftly, dispatching them one by one with calculated precision. Takuto was first, then Ricalus and finally the lanky boy Wynno.
Crystal hissed under her breath, clutching her wounded arm. She glared at Yuri and Axel, her composure cracking. "This isn't over," she snapped before turning and disappearing into the forest.
Yuri scowled, inspecting the camp for any gems. Each of the boys carried two, making a total of six.
Axel crouched beside one of the fallen boys, shaking his head. "What a waste. But at least we've got what we need."
Yuri pocketed the gems, his expression cold. "Crystal's the real threat. This was just a warm-up."
As they left the clearing, Yuri's mind churned with thoughts of their next move. Crystal was dangerous, but her overconfidence might be her undoing. For now, their focus was survival-and the clock was ticking.
------
Asahi sat near the dying embers of their campfire, his broad shoulders hunched in thought. His gaze flickered toward Yuki, who sat silently on the other side of the fire, sharpening a crude blade with slow, deliberate strokes. The silence between them had grown heavier with each passing day, the weight of their decisions and the dwindling time gnawing at Asahi's resolve.
"You're pushing yourself too far, Yuki," Asahi finally said, his voice firm but tinged with concern.
Yuki didn't look up, his focus remaining on the blade. "We don't have a choice. Time's running out, and we still need more gems."
"But at what cost?" Asahi snapped, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "Rainne wouldn't have wanted this. She wouldn't want you to throw away everything just to survive!"
Yuki's hands froze for a moment before resuming their task. His voice was low, almost a growl. "Rainne is dead. What she wanted doesn't matter anymore."
Asahi stood abruptly, his fists clenched. "That's exactly why it matters! You're losing yourself, Yuki. You're letting this game turn you into one of them."
Yuki finally looked up, his eyes burning with an intensity that made Asahi take a step back. "And what would you have me do? Sit here and wait for the poison to kill us? Rainne is gone, Asahi. If you're too scared to do what it takes to survive, then stay out of my way."
The words hit Asahi like a blow, and for a moment, he was speechless. Yuki stood, slipping his blade into his belt. "I need some air," he muttered, walking off into the darkness without another glance.
Yuki wandered through the forest, his mind swirling with anger and frustration. The memories of Rainne's gentle smile and her unwavering hope clashed with the harsh reality of the island. His grip tightened on the hilt of his blade, his jaw clenched.
Suddenly, he heard the sound of frantic footsteps. Turning sharply, he saw Crystal stumbling through the trees, her once-composed demeanor now replaced with sheer panic.
She froze when she saw him, her eyes narrowing. Quickly, she composed herself, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Yuki," she said smoothly, her voice carrying an unnatural allure. "You look like you could use a friend."
Yuki's gaze hardened, his body tensing. "What do you want?"
Crystal took a cautious step forward, her tone soft and persuasive. "I've heard about you, Yuki. Strong, determined... but lost. I can help you. We can survive together."
As she spoke, an almost imperceptible mist began to waft from her skin, the faint scent of her pheromones filling the air. Yuki's expression faltered for a moment, his grip loosening on his blade.
But then, an image of Rainne flashed in his mind-the warmth of her smile, the way she had believed in him even in their darkest moments. A surge of anger and determination coursed through him, cutting through the haze.
"You think you can control me?" Yuki said, his voice cold and deadly.
Crystal's eyes widened in shock as Yuki raised his hand, a faint glow emanating from his palm. Before she could react, an explosion erupted from Yuki's hand, the force slamming into Crystal with brutal precision. The blast was powerful enough to send her crashing into a tree, her skull shattering from the impact.
Yuki stood over Crystal's lifeless body, his chest heaving. The forest was eerily silent, the acrid scent of burnt wood lingering in the air. Slowly, he crouched and removed the gems from her bracelet, adding them to his own.
As he rose, Yuki's gaze turned to the stars visible through the canopy. His grip tightened on the gems, his jaw set with determination.
"Rainne," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'll finish this. No matter what it takes."
He turned and disappeared into the forest, leaving Crystal's body behind as a grim reminder of the choices this game demanded.
----
Gem Collected Dashboard
Yuri - 8 (↑)
C̶r̶y̶s̶t̶a̶l̶ -̶ 4̶
Axel - 8 (↑)
Yuki -5 (↑)
Nazuyami - 3
T̶a̶k̶u̶t̶o̶ -̶ 2̶
R̶i̶c̶a̶l̶u̶s̶ -̶ 2̶
W̶y̶n̶n̶o̶ -̶ 2̶.
Ryu - 2
No Gems
Asahi
Mikayla
U̶n̶k̶n̶o̶w̶n̶ (Killed by Wynno)
U̶n̶k̶n̶o̶w̶n̶ (Killed by Wynno)