NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6: Chapter 6
A week had passed since the nightmare began, and the students had changed. Survival had forced them to adapt quickly, to harness the strange abilities they had each discovered. The rapid decline in their numbers had slowed, with only one student dying over the past seven days. The game seemed to be settling into a dark, twisted routine, each participant watching and waiting, assessing their strengths and their threats.
The students' powers, though seeming fantastical, had a disturbing basis in science a twisted result of genetic modification inspired by nature's most formidable creatures. These abilities had not been randomly assigned, instead, each student had been deliberately altered to mirror specific, remarkable traits from the animal kingdom.
Axel, with his ability to harness electricity, was modeled after the oriental wasp. Just as this wasp absorbs sunlight to generate electrical energy, Axel could draw power from his environment and release it in controlled bursts. It was a nerve-wracking power—fierce, unstable, and highly dangerous. Axel had spent days learning to handle the electric charges his body generated, feeling the terrifying thrill of his own strength.
Yuri's power was even deadlier. His genetic modifications were based on the deathstalker scorpion, one of the most venomous creatures on Earth. Like the scorpion, Yuri could secrete a potent, paralyzing poison. A small scratch from his touch could be enough to immobilize someone, or worse. His presence became a source of fear among the students, and for good reason—he wielded his poison with precise, almost ruthless control, keeping everyone at a cautious distance.
Yuki's explosive ability came from the bombardier beetle. Instead of releasing an acidic spray, Yuki's modified biology allowed him to trigger controlled chemical reactions that resulted in real explosions. He learned that his body could handle only a few of these blasts before fatigue set in—a limitation likely put in place by those who engineered him. He wielded his power with restraint, knowing each explosion had to be timed precisely.
Rainne, meanwhile, had the heightened perception of a damselfly, known for its keen senses and delicate connection to water. Her modifications gave her acute sensory awareness. She could detect movement, sounds, and even shifts in air currents that most would miss. In addition, like a damselfly drawn to clean water, Rainne found herself feeling deeply connected to aquatic environments. Her abilities made her the group's scout and guardian, a vital guide through the island's treacherous terrain.
Finally, Asahi's modifications took inspiration from the rhinoceros beetle. Just as the beetle was known for its remarkable strength relative to its size, Asahi had received enhancements that made him nearly superhuman in power. His strength was unassuming but immense-capable of lifting several times his own body weight. He quickly became the team's anchor, often responsible for moving supplies and providing a physical barrier against attacks.
The students didn't speak much about their transformations, but each felt the underlying horror of it. They hadn't just gained abilities; they had been altered to embody traits from nature's most powerful organisms, whether they wanted to or not. The technology was beyond their understanding, a cruel manipulation of biology that granted them the means to survive in a twisted, deadly game.
Today, a new supply crate dropped from the sky, its descent marked by the distant hum of an aircraft. The sound had already drawn attention, but Yuki, Rainne, and Asahi were determined to reach it first. Rainne led the way, her heightened damselfly senses scanning the surroundings as she guided the group with swift, silent gestures.
"We're almost there," Rainne whispered, tilting her head slightly to listen. "I don't sense anyone close by…yet."
Soon enough, they spotted the supply crate partially concealed in the underbrush, its metal sides glinting in the sparse light. They approached cautiously, knowing it was both a blessing and a trap, it offered life-sustaining resources, but it was also a magnet for danger.
Asahi moved forward with his usual confidence, his face set as he gripped the crate's edges. With his rhinoceros beetle strength, he lifted it with ease, hoisting the heavy box over one shoulder as if it were weightless.
"Let's move quickly," he said, his voice low and determined.
Yuki glanced around, his gaze sharp. They needed to discourage anyone else who might be watching from coming after them. A plan formed in his mind, a risky one, but it could work. Without saying a word, he focused on the energy gathering in his palms, feeling the now-familiar warmth building. Then, with a sharp breath, he released it.
A powerful explosion burst from his hands, lighting up the clearing with a fiery blast. The sound echoed across the island, rolling through the trees like a thunderclap. It was a deliberate signal, one meant to keep others away.
"Nice work," Rainne murmured, her eyes darting around as she adjusted to the sudden quiet that followed the explosion. "But that's going to attract attention, too. Let's get out of here."
With Rainne in the lead, her senses tuned to every subtle shift in sound and scent, they moved through the forest quickly and quietly. Each step was purposeful, Rainne listening intently, her heightened perception picking up faint sounds or movements far beyond what Yuki and Asahi could sense.
They zigzagged through the forest, avoiding paths that felt exposed. Rainne's senses served as their silent radar, guiding them through thick underbrush and around potential hazards until they reached a more secluded area.
"We should be safe here," Rainne said, scanning their surroundings one last time before nodding in satisfaction. They set down the crate in their newly chosen spot, the tension in their shoulders finally easing a bit.
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Ryu, Marielle, and Angel moved cautiously through the forest, tracking the new supply drop. The dense trees cast long shadows as they approached the clearing, and each step was taken with deliberate care. Ryu signaled for them to stop when they saw the crate just a short distance away. He narrowed his eyes, scanning the surrounding area for any signs of danger.
Marielle glanced around nervously. "Do you think it's safe? What if someone else is waiting nearby?"
"That's exactly what I'm worried about," Ryu muttered, not taking his eyes off the crate. "But we'll have to take the risk. Supplies are getting low."
Angel kept her distance, her expression tense and wary. "There could be traps," she pointed out. "We can't let our guard down, even for a second."
Just then, they noticed movement on the other side of the crate. A girl stumbled into view, looking disheveled and vulnerable. Her hair was matted, and her eyes seemed dull, as if she hadn't slept in days. It was Nazuyami. She appeared frail, her shoulders slumped, and her expression looked more desperate than dangerous.
Ryu's expression softened at the sight of her. "It's Nazuyami… she's alone."
Angel immediately tensed, a sense of mistrust prickling at her. She had learned not to take anyone at face value on this island. But Ryu and Marielle exchanged glances, sympathy clear on their faces. They'd seen the toll this game was taking on everyone, and Nazuyami seemed just another victim caught up in its brutality.
Nazuyami, sensing their hesitation, put on an act, her voice quivering. "Please… I'm so hungry, and I haven't been able to find any shelter. I saw the crate and thought maybe… maybe there'd be something left for me." Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper, as if she was afraid to even ask.
Marielle's eyes filled with pity as she took a step forward. "You… you've been alone all this time?" she asked, her voice gentle, her heart moved by Nazuyami's apparent suffering.
Nazuyami nodded, her gaze lowering as if too ashamed to meet their eyes. "It's been horrible," she said, a slight tremble in her voice. "I thought… I thought I could survive, but everyone I came across has been so cruel." She clutched her arms, her whole body seeming to shiver. "I just don't want to be alone anymore…"
Ryu's guard lowered, his natural kindness taking over. He gestured for her to come closer. "It's okay. You can stick with us. We'll figure out how to share the supplies."
Angel shot him a sharp look. "Ryu, are you sure? I mean, we don't even know if she—"
"She's one of us, Angel," Ryu interrupted, his tone firm. "We can't just turn our backs on her."
Marielle nodded, moving closer to Nazuyami and offering her a reassuring smile. "You'll be safe with us," she said softly, her hand resting on Nazuyami's shoulder. "No one here is going to hurt you."
Nazuyami met Marielle's gaze, her eyes flickering with something darker for a split second before returning to their pitiable softness. She nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. "Thank you," she whispered.
Angel stayed back, still skeptical. There was something about Nazuyami's demeanor that didn't sit right with her. But for now, she was outvoted, and with a sigh, she reluctantly fell into step with them, keeping her distance as they made their way toward the crate.
Unknown to Ryu and Marielle, Nazuyami's mind was already racing, planning.
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(SOMEWHERE IN THE ISLAND)
A soft hum filled the darkened room, where rows of holographic screens floated in mid-air, casting an eerie blue glow. Each monitor displayed real-time footage of the island, capturing every student, every movement, every heartbeat. A faint whirring noise accompanied each change in view, like the turning of an invisible dial. The air was cold, sterile, almost clinical, yet electric with an undercurrent of unseen energy.
One screen zoomed in on a group huddled near a makeshift shelter; another followed a lone student moving through the trees. Tiny data readouts flickered beside each image: heart rates, vital signs, gem counts all monitored in excruciating detail. Lines of code danced across certain screens, shifting and adjusting with each heartbeat as if watching for any hint of rebellion.
In the center of the control room, a figure sat surrounded by the floating displays, studying the footage with a mixture of boredom and frustration. He leaned back, eyes half-closed, as if willing something more interesting to happen. He pressed his fingers together, his voice a low murmur that barely masked his irritation. "It's slowing down… only one elimination in an entire week?"
He tapped a command, and the footage shifted, bringing up the last supply drop and the students huddled around it. His lip curled slightly. "We gave them powers to test their limits, to spark desperation," he muttered to no one in particular, "but they're actually helping each other? Where's the thrill in that?"
The administrator's gaze hardened, and with a flick of his wrist, he brought up a command console. His fingers danced over the floating keys, entering a series of directives that made the holograms pulse with a subtle red light.
"Time to raise the stakes a little," he murmured, his voice laced with a dark satisfaction. "If they're not going to play the game as intended… then we'll give them some incentive."
He pressed one final key, and the room filled with a faint, mechanical chime.
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Far away on the island, Yuki, Asahi, and Rainne were resting under the cover of their makeshift shelter, the gentle rhythm of waves breaking on the beach lulling them into a rare moment of calm. The last week had been tense but relatively quiet, allowing them time to strategize and gather resources without immediate threats looming over them.
Then, out of nowhere, a loud, metallic voice echoed through the island. It was the same voice they had heard on their first day here. The detached, indifferent tone of the game's system.
"Attention, all participants," it droned, sending an uncomfortable shiver through each of them. Yuki looked up, his jaw tightening, his instincts already on edge. Asahi straightened, exchanging a wary glance with Rainne, who had gone completely still, her heightened senses prickling with a sense of foreboding.
"The next supply drop is imminent," the voice continued, its tone cold and unfeeling. "All participants are required to possess at least three gem units prior to the drop-off."
Yuki's expression darkened, realizing what this meant. They each had no gems collected, and many other students hadn't been as fortunate. His mind raced, anticipating what might come next.
"Failure to meet the required gem quota will result in automatic disqualification," the voice intoned, each word weighed with chilling finality. "Participants with insufficient gem units will have their bracelets activated."
The trio sat in silence, processing the grim announcement. The voice continued after a brief pause, now taking on an even more unsettling tone.
"Remember, disqualification is permanent. No exceptions."
The voice faded away, leaving only the quiet hum of the forest and the distant crash of the waves. Asahi clenched his fists, his usually relaxed expression now tense with frustration. "So, this is their way of pushing us," he muttered bitterly.
Yuki looked down at the bracelet on his wrist, studying its cold metal surface as if it held answers. "They're trying to force our hand," he said, his voice calm but steely. "It's not enough for us to survive… we have to take."
Rainne's gaze turned towards the forest, her senses on high alert. "Then we'll have to be ready," she said softly, her voice steady, though there was a hint of something unyielding in her tone.
The rules of the game had just changed, and every student on the island knew that hesitation would be the difference between life and death.
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[Died - 20]
[Remaining Students -20]
Gem Collected Dashboard
Yuri - 4
Unknown - 4 (↑)
Axel - 3
Nazuyami - 3
Unknown - 2
Unknown - 2
Unknown - 2