image [https://i.imgur.com/xcQhW8Y.jpg]
There were five of them...
Heather moved through the dungeon’s twisted corridors, her steps quick and silent, driven by nervous energy. With sharp, wary eyes, she evaded the penetrating gazes of the four champion candidates trailing behind. Their collective breaths whispered in the oppressive silence—a silence laden with the weight of unspoken conspiracies. Each cautious step they took was a delicate maneuver on the precipice of betrayal, their alliance as tenuous as a spider’s web.
Shadows clung to Heather as if they were alive, mirroring the turmoil churning inside her. She wasn’t meant to be a fighter; her dreams had been about nursing school, not battling nightmarish creatures in a body that wasn’t hers. It was all a twisted game, and the prize was becoming a Dark Champion—a title she didn’t even want. After all, she had been a pacifist, or at least she had been before life forced her hand. It’s funny how quickly one’s morals can shift when every day is a matter of life or death.
It didn’t help that Yua, one of the candidates, watched over Heather constantly, like a mother hen, hoping for reciprocated feelings Heather couldn’t afford to harbor. With the rules dictating that only one could leave alive, their fragile alliance was a ticking time bomb. Heather suppressed any budding emotions, too fearful of the inevitable betrayal. But until the moment to turn on each other arrived, they had no choice but to band together against the dungeon’s horrors.
As days blurred into weeks, their encounters grew only grimmer. They found only lifeless bodies, untouched and eerily perfect in their death. Now that the monsters had all but vanished—save for a few mimic chests ablaze with strange green flames tipped with purple, the creatures inside screaming as if doomed to eternal suffering—the dungeon felt more sinister than ever.
The dungeon had grown eerily quiet, the silence so thick it seemed to thrive on their growing fears. Monsters had begun dying on their own, collapsing silently in the darkness without a struggle. Yet, every so often, they encountered signs that a corpse had been consumed, marked only by lingering bloodstains, with no other remains left behind. Once teeming with grotesque figures ready to pounce, the shadows were now nerve-wrackingly empty. It was like walking through an art exhibit of death, each scene frozen at its climax. This wasn’t just creepy—it was terrifying, especially since they needed these monsters alive to level up for another attempt at the toad boss’s chamber.
Heather’s spells, once her shield and sword, hung redundant in the air. The lack of live prey left a gaping hole in their strategy, fueling suspicion and paranoia among them. With no monsters to fend off, how soon would it be before she needed to turn those spells against her own allies? Heather’s mind buzzed with relentless doubts about loyalty. With no external threats to keep them united, the tension was palpable—it wasn’t a matter of if things would fall apart, but when and who would strike first.
Heather felt utterly alone among allies. Her slender, dark elf appearance, highlighted by her flowing white hair, belied the storm of turmoil inside her. What had once seemed a fantastical journey into a Realm of Magic had morphed into a harsh survival game where only the toughest could make it—and she knew she wasn’t tough.
As they approached the boss chamber, the massive doors loomed ominously, standing like judgmental giants, reminding her of the looming confrontation. Heather’s heart raced, pounding loud against the quiet, each beat screaming of imminent danger. She took deep breaths trying to calm her nerves, but her pulse raced uncontrollably, and her hands shook. That fear poured from her in droplets as she noticed Jason eyeing her like prey, but there was something else at play she couldn’t explain.
~
Yua’s arrival was marked by a visible trembling of her hands, a telltale sign of the inner turmoil beneath her enigmatic and composed demeanor. Despite her attempts at stoic outward calmness, doubt and fear clawed at her, threatening to undermine her resolve as she faced the boss’s chamber.
Standing tall and commanding, Yua’s transformation into the body of a high elf had endowed her with an aura of confidence, even if it was somewhat feigned at the moment. Gifted with inherent intelligence and wisdom, she was renowned among her peers for her swift decision-making and sound judgment in the most challenging situations, even before her arrival in this magical place. Yet now, she found herself grappling with internal fears, as if some external force was deliberately stoking the flames of her apprehension.
As Yua approached the imposing doors, darkness seemed to seep into her very being, suffusing her mind and spirit with a heavy sense of oppression. A malevolent presence lurked on the other side, poised to strike at a moment’s notice.
She quickly checked her system page to verify that she wasn’t under any status ailments, specifically looking for Fear, but it showed nothing. This was not entirely reassuring, however. When Jason had killed Sophia, he had used an area debuff that hadn’t shown up either.
It appeared they could surprise each other with spells that didn’t register on the system sheets—a rule that, thankfully, did not apply to the monsters they faced. The sensation of being watched intensified, engulfing Yua in an overwhelming wave of dread that clung to her like a shroud, impossible to shake off.
The weight of responsibility bore down on her as she stood before the entrance to the boss’s chamber. She knew that the outcome of the impending battle rested not only on her shoulders but also on the collective actions of her fellow candidates—individuals who would soon become her enemies.
The gravity of the situation was daunting, with the fate of their shared conflict hanging in the balance. Taking a deep breath, Yua clung to the hope that her resolve and fearlessness would ignite a spark within Heather, propelling them forward as a unified force to escape together—though deep down, she knew this was a lie, a beautiful but unattainable dream. Still, she held onto it regardless.
Yua steeled herself, ready to confront her fears head-on and, if necessary, to eliminate the other candidates at the first hint of betrayal. Together, she and Heather would seize their chance to escape, leaving behind the trial altogether. That was the dream, at least—the delusional outcome she desperately craved.
~
Jason approached the door, outwardly calm but internally seething with dark intent. He scanned the others, not as mere opponents in a game, but as prey, assessing their vulnerabilities with the cold detachment of a hunter. His sense of superiority wasn’t just a delusion; he was genuinely confident that his cunning and ruthlessness would ensure his survival. Oh yes, he was fully intent on betraying every last one of them.
His unsettling grin, complete with sharp, needle-like teeth, sent shivers down the spines of the other four whenever they met his gaze. He fancied himself a dark, video game-esque warrior from some Kombat game, with his wild, Scissorhands-esque hair only adding to his nightmarish appearance. Fully transformed into a dark fae, he had embraced his new form’s cruel and sinister nature, finding himself perfectly at home in this twisted wonderland.
The awkward and nervous tension among the un—or rather—suspecting group only fueled Jason’s sadistic pleasure. Each passing moment brought him closer to the thrill of the hunt. Despite having scouted the toad boss just a few days ago, a new, uneasy sensation tugged at his instincts—something was different this time. Dismissing it as pre-hunt excitement, Jason relished the anticipation of dispatching his companions and savoring their hearts.
Aware of the whispered plots and fleeting alliances around him—whether real or imagined—Jason remained aloof, confident in his ability to outmaneuver them all. The upcoming boss battle presented the perfect opportunity, and he was fully poised to exploit it. As the others mentally prepared for the fight, he lingered nearby, ever watchful, waiting for the perfect moment to strike, whether it be before, during, or after the boss fight.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
In Jason’s mind, the choice was simple: either collaborate with the others to face the boss or eliminate each candidate one by one, claiming their hearts as trophies. By doing so, he could confront the boss alone, bolstered by the new levels and skills acquired from their hearts.
Standing among them, feigning camaraderie as they gathered their courage, Jason’s thoughts lingered on the sinister joy of the hunt. The idea of executing his plan, turning each of his fellow candidates into prey, filled him with a perverse excitement. He was poised to prove himself as the ultimate predator, the Dark Champion of this nightmarish realm.
For Jason, the forthcoming battle was not merely about victory—it was about asserting his dominance and ensuring he was the sole survivor, reveling in the carnage he anticipated.
~
Rob shuffled in, a bundle of nerves wrapped in overwhelming fear and uncertainty. At just fifteen, the youngest member of the shaky alliance, he felt completely out of his depth in this strange new world. The idea of betraying his companions weighed heavily on him. He wasn’t naïve, but he simply didn’t have it in him to be the one to do it—the very thought of having to shed blood and kill his party members froze him up inside. He was just a kid, after all! Deep down, he was begging—no, pleading!—for some kind of miracle, anything to get through this nightmare dungeon alive, without any blood on his hands.
He had awoken in the body of a half-orc, surrounded by a world steeped in death. Despite his orcish physique, strong enough to bench press a small horse, Rob also exhibited a certain slenderness, perhaps elvish, in his other half. Yet, his entire demeanor contradicted the typical orcish confidence one might expect, with his shoulders slouched in doubt. His brow was perpetually furrowed, reflecting a seriousness and intensity that seemed too mature for his young age, as if the expression had been permanently etched into the wrinkles of his new face.
In his previous life, Rob was an avid gamer, often daydreaming of becoming a paladin—a paragon of justice and a master of divine powers. However, fate had cruelly twisted his path, casting him as a necromancer, a role that deeply clashed with his aspirations and left him grappling with his true purpose in this harsh new reality. To make matters worse, the constant stench of the undead was not just unsettling; it constantly turned his stomach upside down.
Huuurk!
Noticing Jason’s glare, Rob decided it was best to edge a few steps to the side, inching closer to the doors. He wasn’t oblivious to Jason’s sinister ambitions; the memory of what Jason had done to Sophia stirred a profound sense of revulsion within him. More than anything, Rob wanted to follow his moral compass—and that meant running! Running far away from this horrible place!
As Rob lingered near the entrance, he was uncomfortably accompanied by two undead goblins. Despite his efforts to shuffle away from Jason and maintain some distance, he hadn’t quite managed to escape the foul stench of his goblins. Every attempt to move away proved futile; they seemed almost tethered to him, serving as a constant, decaying reminder of his unwanted necromancer role.
Huuurk!
“Shit man, I swear if you dry heave one more time...” Jason started, biting back the rest of his sentence.
Gulping down the bile that rose in his throat, Rob’s mind churned with a storm of unsettling thoughts. The massive doors before him served as a grim reminder of the weighty consequences they faced. Failing to overcome the imminent challenge would unravel the tenuous truce holding them together and unleash a spiral of betrayal and violence.
What disturbed Rob even more was the uncharacteristic silence that cloaked Jason—well, apart from the not-so-subtle threat that accompanied his complaints about Rob’s dry heaving. It felt as if a cloud of unease had settled upon the group, and Rob couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss, as if the truce would shatter after this next fight. Despite his fear, he clung steadfastly to his sense of justice and morality, hoping they would guide him through the encroaching darkness.
Sensing his fear, Rob’s two undead goblins became particularly clingy—Huuurk—seemingly ready to protect him. However, Rob had a different task planned for them: to serve as a diversion against Jason, giving him the chance to run. His primary objective was survival, demanding unwavering determination and resourcefulness. The instinct to flee surged within him, tempting him with the promise of safety, but Rob understood that fleeing now would only invite Jason’s swift and ruthless pursuit. Moreover, he was uncertain how the others would react.
With great reluctance, he steeled himself as best as any fifteen-year-old trapped within a grown man’s—or rather, an orc’s—body could. He prepared for the impending battle, drawing upon his wits as his most potent weapon. Though he had once dreamed of the paladin’s path, he clung to that distant ideal—ah, who was he kidding? Right now, he only cared about surviving!
~
Jeremy found himself in the body of a formidable beastkin, complete with broad shoulders, canine traits—including fur and a wolfish muzzle—and a resonant, booming voice. Though he would never admit it, being a furry in his past life made him quite pleased with this transformation. His inherent potential as a fearsome warrior was unmistakable, making him a formidable presence within the group of five. Driven by a naturally protective nature, Jeremy was constantly working to maintain harmony and peace among his companions.
Their next challenge was a colossal red toad, a dangerous adversary that demanded collective teamwork to overcome.
Despite his reservations, Jeremy’s resolve remained unshaken. He understood the gravity of their situation: their survival depended on their ability to confront the boss together, otherwise their fragile truce might dissolve into chaos. Taking a deep breath, he mentally steeled himself for whatever lay ahead.
The massive doors of the boss’s chamber stood before him, serving as a daunting reminder of the difficult task awaiting them. Yet, Jeremy’s determination appeared unshaken. Despite his outward composure, he readied himself for the impending battle, committed to persevering at any cost—or so he tried to convince himself. In truth, utter Fear had gripped his heart, sending a chill through his veins that belied his confident facade.
~
As Heather and the other candidates ventured further into the boss’s chamber, anticipation burned within them, fueled not by eagerness for the impending battle but by anxiety about what would come after. Their expectations shattered upon witnessing an unexpected sight. Instead of the anticipated toad, they beheld the presence of a stunning woman—flawless white skin, cascading raven hair, and elegant attire akin to a gothic summer dress. She exuded an aura of otherworldly beauty and power, standing confidently with one hand on her hip.
“Hey, doesn’t she look like…” Jason said, his hand shaking as if trying to catch the name from the air.
“Blake Lively?” Yua suggested with a quiver.
“No!” Jason shook his head, seemingly immune to the same Fear that gripped the rest. “But now that you mention it, I can sort of see it… No! You know, that chick from that crazy split personality movie—what was it?”
“P-Princess Peaches! Peach?” Rob blurted out with a gasp, as if he’d been holding his breath the whole time.
Jason and the rest gave him an odd look before shaking their heads.
The woman’s mesmerizing gaze, bathed in a molten iron hue, held an unsettling quality, yet she watched them, seemingly entertained by their conversation. It was as if the radiance of an angelic being was juxtaposed with the hunger of a ravenous demon, her porcelain doll-like appearance belying the presence of unimaginable horrors lurking within her. As her lips curved into a smile, revealing porcelain white teeth contrasted against black gums, the air thickened with an unmistakably terrifying aura, sending shivers down the spines of all who stood before her.
“Are you with the vampires?” Jeremy asked, unable to hide the tremor in his voice.
Her burning eyes shifted toward him, their eerie glow intensifying her presence.
She smiled with cruel delight and breathed out, “No.”
An overwhelming feeling of discomfort permeated the air, as if they were inhaling a dense fog. The candidates—except for Jason—exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions reflecting the fear and uncertainty they felt while standing before the strange woman, all under the full force of her ominous aura.
Suddenly, she began muttering to herself, her words so hushed they were barely audible, yet they stirred a sense of unease and madness within them. “Ugh, am I sure about this? I mean, seriously, why wouldn’t I? But still, I can’t help but question it. Am I second-guessing myself?”
Abruptly, her attention shifted from them, her demonic orange eyes disinterestedly fixating on her own black nail polish. It was as though she deemed their presence beneath her, fueling their growing discomfort and trepidation. Her murmurs persisted, seemingly oblivious to their existence, intensifying their dread and confirming that the unsettling aura they had felt upon entering emanated solely from her.
“No, I’m not second-guessing myself! Yeah, yeah, I need their skills! Stronger! It’s all about the skills! No more bosses means death to the users!”
A smile spread across her face as her haunting eyes roamed over them. “I bet you’ll each taste amazing,” she said, licking her lips with a creepy black tongue.
Jason scoffed, “I’d like to see your crazy ass try.”
However, none of the others shared his bravado; they looked nervous, as if Fear still had a firm grip on them.
Heather took a nervous gulp and whispered, “Appraisal!”
The air grew heavy as she braced herself for the revelation that awaited her. Horror washed over her as the screen materialized in her vision, freezing her in place.
“We—we can’t take her,” Heather gasped, her voice so low that none of the others heard.