As Grizz descended into the unknown hole , he found himself in a containment research facility with him is three underlings. The surroundings were sterile, and the air carried an unsettling tension. Before him stood a gate, and a thought crossed his mind.

"Is this my escape path?" he mused, uncertain of what awaited him on the other side.

"Get off," Grizz ordered his underlings. Two of them promptly vanished into thin air, leaving only one standing behind him, lingering in the shadows.

"Tsk..." Grizz muttered in disdain as he walked through the gate, showing no concern for the remaining underling. As he strolled, he reported the situation through his earpiece,

Grizz: "I'm through the gate. The containment research seems to be intact. No signs of breaches."

Voice on the Earpiece: "Acknowledged, Grizz. Keep us updated on any anomalies. And remember, your main objective is to observe the chosen one. We need to understand his role in all of this."

Grizz: "Understood. I'll find him and keep a close eye. Grizz out."

Voice on the Earpiece: "Final participant confirmed. This is the original chosen one. Proceed with caution, Grizz. We need to understand the potential ramifications of a replacement, call ends...

Grizz, puzzled, mutters to himself: "Replacement? What are they planning?"

Grizz walked through the gate.

as the gate open revealing a light and grizz left.

leaving the underling standing in eerie stillness

The underling's existence seemed to glitch, caught in a surreal dance of chaotic images, as if the very fabric of reality struggled to contain its eerie essence. The ghostly figure stared ominously at the gate, a twisted smile etched onto its face. Its rifle, an instrument of the unseen, seemed to resonate with an unsettling energy.

From the underling's perspective, the world glitched and twisted, trying to break free from the shackles that bound its mind. A silent struggle raged within, as if the very essence of its being was torn between obedience and an underlying chaos. The order to stand sent shivers through the ghostly figure, its glitching reality portraying a tale of inner turmoil.

A solitary footstep echoed from the shadow, a subtle intrusion on the eerie stillness of the otherworldly space. The underling, caught in the glitched reality, felt a strange presence approaching. It struggled with its internal chaos, as if yearning for freedom but shackled by an unseen force. The looming figure behind the sound of footsteps now stood just at the edge of the dim light, revealing a silhouette, face concealed. A voice, cold and calculating, cut through the silence.

Voice: "oh you desire to escape. "

The underling, caught in a battle of wills between its desire for freedom and the authoritative voice, stood frozen in place. Yet, a flicker of rebellion ignited within, and with a dash, it tried to escape through the chaotic depths of the glitched reality, navigating a twisted path toward what it perceived as freedom-a journey through the unsettling realms akin to hell.

As the underling attempted to break free, navigating the twisted paths of the glitched reality, a voice cut through the chaos, disrupting its escape.

Voice: "But sorry, mate, today it ends here."

The statement hung in the air, ominous and final. Emerging from the shadows, the hunter, the orchestrator of the enigmatic "gulag," revealed himself. His presence was marked by an air of authority, a servant following the orders of a mysterious lord.

The hunter observed the underling's futile attempt to escape, a cold smile etched on his face. The glitched reality seemed to respond to his will, thwarting the underling's every move. With a calculated stride, the hunter approached, his gaze fixed on the captive entity that struggled against both the glitched space and the unseen chains of its purpose.

Hunter: "You can't escape the design. This is your fate, bound to serve."

As the underling's fate seemed sealed, an unexpected interruption shattered the oppressive silence. Another figure emerged, an eerie calmness emanating from the Australian hunter. His eyes, reflecting a touch of psychopathic delight, gleamed with anticipation as he approached, wielding a butcher knife that he had been sharpening with meticulous care. The captive underling, unable to articulate its anxiety, could only watch as the hunter closed in, ready to orchestrate a twisted dance of predator and prey.

The metallic hiss of the blade against the whetstone created an unsettling symphony, echoing in the air as the hunter paused, acknowledging the presence of the intruder. The glitched reality seemed to respond to this new player, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. The hunter's eyes narrowed, a subtle acknowledgment of the disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Hunter: "Well, well, what do we have here? Another player in this macabre game, interfering with the inevitable?"

The newcomer remained silent, their unreadable expression adding an air of mystery to the impending confrontation. The captive underling, caught in the crossfire, sensed a shift in the dynamics, unsure of how this unexpected turn would unfold in the twisted spectacle about to unfold.

The underling, faced with the imminent threat, mustered whatever courage it had left and launched a desperate, straight-on attack. The hunter, a seasoned predator, accepted the challenge with a menacing grin, ready to engage in the brutal dance of survival.

The clash was swift and brutal. The underling, driven by a primal instinct to survive, swung with wild abandon. However, the hunter moved with calculated precision, effortlessly evading the underling's erratic strikes. With each move, the hunter displayed a mastery of combat, a deadly dance that seemed more like a choreographed performance than a life-or-death struggle.

The Australian hunter, while maintaining an air of calm, revealed an almost sadistic enjoyment in the chaotic dance. He parried and countered, showcasing a level of skill that surpassed the underling's desperate attempts. The underling, glitching and distorted in its movements, struggled to keep up with the ruthless efficiency of the hunter.

In the climactic moment, as both combatants charged for the final, decisive swing, the hunter, with an almost supernatural agility, vanished from the underling's direct line of sight. The distorted underling, unable to comprehend the sudden disappearance, continued its assault, swinging at empty air.

A malevolent chuckle echoed through the surreal battleground as the hunter materialized behind the glitching underling. The sadistic grin on his face widened as he poised for the ultimate strike. The underling, caught off guard and glitching in confusion, was at the mercy of its relentless adversary.

As the hunter seamlessly vanished, leaving the glitching underling bewildered, the distorted entity turned around in shock. It couldn't comprehend how the hunter moved so swiftly to appear behind him. A cold, eerie voice echoed through the twisted environment.

Hunter: "Hmm, I thought I already skinned you."

As the hunter seamlessly vanished, leaving the glitching underling bewildered, the distorted entity turned around in shock. However, the underling's surprise was short-lived as he glanced down, revealing a pool of blood beneath him. There wasn't a single drop on him; it was as if he had been skinned.

The underling, now horrified, stared at the hunter, who emerged from the shadows. The hunter, holding a butcher knife, approached with a sadistic grin.

Hunter: "You will be the perfect meal for my family of preys."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

With a swift and horrifying motion, the hunter peeled back the glitching underling's form like a banana, exposing the inner chaos of digital fragments. The underling, unable to comprehend the agony, gazed at the hunter with terror in his eyes before succumbing to his demise. The distorted reality around them seemed to warp and glitch in response to the gruesome scene.

Hunter: "Off to work, I guess..." The hunter nonchalantly muttered to himself as he turned and left the area, leaving the grotesque aftermath behind. The distorted underling's remnants glitched and flickered, vanishing into digital fragments.

Switching the scene to Kaoru's perspective, he navigated through the dense jungle, his mind focused on the ticking clock. "Day three left," he murmured to himself, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on his shoulders. The eerie ambiance of the jungle, coupled with the impending danger of the de-extinction bomb, created an atmosphere of tension and urgency. Kaoru pressed on, determined to survive the digital nightmare and unravel the mysteries that lay ahead.

Kaoru moved cautiously through the jungle, his senses alert to every sound and movement. The map he had located earlier served as his guide, predicting the path of the de-extinction bomb and indicating the areas to avoid. The white lifeless zones marked on the map were expanding, creating a deadly game of survival within the digital realm.

As he ventured deeper, Kaoru encountered various challenges, from hostile creatures lurking in the shadows to treacherous terrain that tested his agility and resourcefulness. He adapted quickly, relying on his instincts and the limited tools he had acquired in his journey.

While navigating the jungle, Kaoru stumbled upon the remnants of previous conflicts-abandoned structures, signs of struggle, and the occasional unsettling discovery of looted corpses. The harsh reality of the battle royale played out before him, a testament to the cutthroat competition for survival.

Amidst the chaos, Kaoru couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. The digital environment seemed to have a mind of its own, presenting challenges and obstacles that went beyond the natural order. The lines between reality and the virtual world blurred, amplifying the intensity of the experience.

As Kaoru pressed forward, he heard distant echoes of gunfire and glimpsed fleeting shadows in the periphery. The jungle became a battleground, and the other participants in this twisted game were both adversaries and potential allies.

The countdown to the bomb's detonation added an additional layer of urgency. Day by day, the pressure increased, and Kaoru knew that strategic decisions and alliances would be crucial for his survival. The fate of the prisoners rested on the outcome of this merciless game.

As Kaoru delved deeper into the jungle, the digital foliage rustled with an eerie silence. The distant echoes of gunfire resonated, prompting Kaoru to remain vigilant. Suddenly, a voice echoed in his earpiece, breaking the unsettling quiet.

Unknown Voice: "Survivor 221, this is your only chance for alliance. There's safety in numbers, and I can help you navigate through the challenges that lie ahead."

Kaoru, skeptical but aware of the dangers, responded cautiously.

Kaoru: "Who are you, and why should I trust you?"

Unknown Voice: "Names are irrelevant in this place, but you can call me Cipher. Trust, my friend, is a luxury we can't afford to question. The bomb draws near, and if you want to escape this digital hell, we need to work together."

Kaoru weighed his options, the urgency of the situation pushing him to consider the offer.

Kaoru: "Fine, Cipher. But remember, I don't trust easily. Lead the way."

As Kaoru and Cipher ventured deeper into the jungle, the digital environment morphed with each step. Kaoru couldn't shake off the feeling that unseen eyes were watching their every move. The tension hung thick in the air.

Kaoru: "Cipher, what's the deal with this place? It feels... alive."

Cipher: "In a way, it is. The warzone adapts to the players, evolving its challenges. We're not just fighting against each other; we're fighting against the system itself."

Kaoru's eyes narrowed as he absorbed Cipher's words. The gravity of their predicament became clearer with each passing moment.

Kaoru: "So, what's our play here? How do we survive this mess?"

Cipher: "First, we need to reach a high vantage point. The digital landscape has a way of revealing hidden information. Then, we'll plan our next moves accordingly."

Cipher's guidance proved invaluable as they navigated the jungle's digital labyrinth, avoiding hotspots of conflict and strategically bypassing potential threats. The uneasy alliance between Kaoru and Cipher unfolded against the backdrop of impending doom.

The distant scream echoed through the jungle, a chilling sound that stirred both curiosity and concern within Kaoru.

Kaoru: "Cipher, did you hear that? What the hell was that scream?"

Cipher's digital voice carried a note of caution.

Cipher: "Kaoru, stay focused. We can't afford to be distracted. This warzone plays with perception, and that scream might be a lure."

Despite Cipher's warning, Kaoru felt an instinctual pull to investigate. The air in the jungle seemed charged with an eerie energy, heightening his senses.

Kaoru: "I can't just ignore that. Someone might be in trouble."

Cipher: "This place thrives on chaos. Don't let it manipulate you. We have a mission."

Kaoru, torn between his sense of duty and Cipher's advice, hesitated for a moment. The scream, now replaced by an unsettling silence, left an invisible trail urging him to follow.

Kaoru: "I can't let innocent lives suffer. I'll be quick. Keep an eye on things, Cipher."

As Kaoru ventured off the path in the direction of the scream, the jungle seemed to close in around him, shadows dancing in the dim light. The air was thick with an unspoken tension as he moved deeper into the unknown, guided solely by the faint echoes of distress.

Kaoru, his heart pounding, cautiously approached the gruesome scene. The victim, a fellow participant in this deadly game, lay on the jungle floor, their leg severed, and their body covered in blood. The remains hinted at a brutal and sudden demise.

Kaoru crouched behind the cover of the dense foliage, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. The jungle, silent and indifferent, held the secrets of this merciless battleground. He couldn't determine if it was a result of a landmine or an enemy ambush, but the brutality of the scene sent shivers down his spine.

Cipher's voice crackled in Kaoru's ear, a reminder of the risks involved.

Cipher: "Kaoru, be cautious. This could be a trap or an ambush. Don't let emotions cloud your judgment."

Kaoru nodded, acknowledging the warning. The victim, unaware of Kaoru's presence, moaned in pain. Kaoru wrestled with the dilemma of whether to offer help or remain concealed. The harsh reality of the warzone forced him to prioritize survival.

Kaoru: "Cipher, any signs of movement around?"

Cipher: "Scanning... negative. Proceed with caution."

Taking a deep breath, Kaoru chose to stay hidden, observing the injured participant from a distance. The jungle held secrets, and in this deadly game, trust was a rare commodity. As Kaoru continued his silent vigil, he spotted a faint line in the underbrush, a potential clue that someone might be lurking nearby, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.

In a hushed and strained voice, he pleaded, "Help me..." The plea hung in the humid air, a heart-wrenching call for salvation. Before Kaoru could respond, a sudden, thunderous crack split the silence, and the participant's head exploded into a macabre display of violence.

Shocked, Kaoru stared wide-eyed at the gruesome scene. The victim's desperate plea had been brutally silenced, replaced by the grotesque aftermath of a sniper's deadly accuracy. The jungle, concealing both danger and unseen threats, echoed with the haunting resonance of the gunshot.

Through the flash of binoculars, the dying man had locked eyes with Kaoru, his silent plea for help forever etched into Kaoru's memory. The loud report of the bullet echoed through the jungle, the victim's head obliterated into a gruesome display of violence.

Cipher's voice cut through the gruesome tableau, a reminder of the relentless warzone they navigated.

Cipher: "Kaoru, stay vigilant. The jungle conceals more than just the enemy. Embrace the harsh reality of this battleground."

Kaoru, shaken by the abrupt brutality, took a deep breath, pushing aside the shock to press on through the perilous terrain. The warzone's relentless cruelty echoed with each step, a constant reminder that survival in this deadly game demanded both strength and adaptability.

Amidst the foliage, the remnants of a past battlefield lay scattered, a haunting testament to the countless soldiers who had met their demise in the unforgiving jungle. The reasons for their deaths remained shrouded in mystery, adding an additional layer of dread to the already treacherous environment.

As Kaoru pressed forward, he became acutely aware of the long-range skirmish echoing through the trees. The telltale cracks of high-caliber rifles resounded, marking the deadly ballet of snipers vying for dominance in the warzone.

Cipher's voice crackled in Kaoru's earpiece, relaying crucial intel about the situation.

Cipher: "Sniper activity detected in your vicinity, Kaoru. Proceed with caution. The enemy sniper is armed with a high-caliber rifle, featuring explosive ammunition and rapid-shot capabilities. Getting spotted could be lethal."

Kaoru, recognizing the gravity of the situation, moved with utmost care, utilizing the dense vegetation as cover. His senses heightened, attuned to the subtle signs of danger in the surrounding jungle. The battle of long-range marksmanship intensified, and Kaoru knew that navigating this deadly chessboard required strategic precision and an acute awareness of his surroundings.

Every step brought him closer to the heart of the conflict, where the clash of snipers became a symphony of danger, and Kaoru's survival hinged on his ability to outmaneuver unseen adversaries and overcome the deadly challenges that lay ahead.

Peering through the dense foliage, Kaoru's keen eyes locked onto the elusive sniper perched atop the towering tree. The enemy marksman seemed to blend seamlessly with the shadows, a master of concealment patiently awaiting the perfect moment to strike.

Kaoru, however, noticed a peculiar detail that raised his suspicions. The sniper wore a headset, its microphone poised for communication. A flicker of realization crossed Kaoru's mind - this wasn't just a lone gunman. The coordinated efforts and the presence of communication gear suggested a more organized and dangerous adversary.

Cipher's voice echoed in Kaoru's earpiece, reinforcing the importance of discerning the enemy's intentions.

Cipher: "Kaoru, be cautious. The presence of communication equipment indicates a coordinated effort. This sniper might be part of a larger team. Stay sharp and choose your moves wisely."

Kaoru: (whispering to himself) How am I going to deal with this sniper? Explosive rounds, rapid shots... I need a plan.

In the midst of brainstorming, Kaoru notices something unusual about the sniper's gear.

Kaoru: Wait, a headset with a mic? Is he... talking to someone? Cipher, are you involved in this?

Cipher: (over comms) Kaoru, what are you talking about?

Kaoru: This sniper, he's communicating with someone. And you're the only one I know who talks in my head. Did you lure me into this sniper's hunting ground?

Cipher: (defensively) What? No, Kaoru, I have nothing to do with it.

Kaoru: (accusingly) Then why is he wearing a headset like yours? What's the connection?

Cipher: (insistently) I don't know, Kaoru. I'm just here to guide you, not set you up.

Kaoru: (determined) I'll deal with you later. Right now, I need to handle this sniper.

With suspicions lingering, Kaoru refocuses on the sniper, plotting his next move in the deadly game of cat and mouse.

Cipher: Kaoru, I have an idea. Create a decoy, something that would catch the sniper's attention. When he shoots it, that'll be your chance to close in while he's distracted.

Kaoru: (nodding) Good plan. I'll make it seem like I'm an easy target. Let's see if I can turn the tables on this guy.

With Cipher's suggestion in mind, Kaoru quickly improvises a decoy using available materials, strategically placing it near the bush where he's hiding.

As the decoy lures the sniper's attention, Kaoru swiftly and silently maneuvers through the jungle, using the distraction to his advantage. The sniper, fixated on the decoy, remains unaware of Kaoru's approach. With each step, Kaoru inches closer, his eyes focused on the enemy sniper high up in the tree.

Kaoru: (whispering) Just a bit closer, and I'll have the upper hand.

The tension in the jungle grows as Kaoru closes the gap, determined to catch the sniper off guard.

As Kaoru nears the tree, he senses the sniper's focus intensifying on the decoy. Seizing the opportunity, Kaoru observes the sniper carefully reloading, a moment of vulnerability. He calculates the timing, preparing for a swift and decisive move.

Kaoru: (whispering) Now's my chance.

With precision, Kaoru positions himself beneath the tree, ready to strike. He times his actions with the sniper's reload, aiming to capitalize on the brief window of opportunity before the next shot rings out.

As the countdown reaches its climax, Kaoru braces for the anticipated sniper shot. However, to his bewilderment, the sniper jumps down, swiftly switching

to an SMG. As Cipher's countdown aligns with the reveal, Kaoru is left in shock, realizing Cipher was the sniper all along. Caught off guard, escape seems impossible.

Kaoru: (muttering) Cipher... betrayed?

The forest echoes with the sound of gunfire, leaving Kaoru in a perilous situation, betrayed by the one he thought was an ally. To be continued.