Against the canvas of the ink-black sky, a rupture unfolded, birthing a portal that disgorged a myriad of energy bubbles. Within a specific shimmering sphere, Luke and the Guardians found themselves, encased by its ethereal walls. As they cast their eyes downward, a mesmerizing tableau revealed itself.

The profound darkness failed to conceal a medieval town nestled atop a sloping hill. The town pulsated with a mysterious aura, its brilliance maintained by the radiant glow emanating from each grandiose house. Each structure, colossal and immaculate, resembled opulent mansions that stood as a testament to an otherworldly elegance.

Luke and his comrades, ensnared by the spectacle, stood agape, absorbing the enchanting cityscape.

In a hushed tone, Lisa's eyes widened as she murmured, "How can this be!? Is it possible that people truly inhabit this extraordinary place?"

Lucas, his countenance a canvas of bewilderment, responded, "This is the only conceivable explanation."

A pallor overcame Aslin's face as she questioned, "But how can this exist?"

"We're about to uncover the truth," Luke declared with determination, as the energy bubbles gracefully descended toward the luminous streets of the enigmatic town.

As the Guardians and the assembled warriors descended onto the illuminated streets, bathed in the gentle glow of magical lamps, a surreal stillness enveloped the town. The grandeur of the mansions loomed larger than anticipated, each housing a multitude of structures and buildings outside their imposing exteriors.

Luke, awestruck by the size of the houses lining the streets, remarked, "They're even grander than the royal palace of the Niram Empire."

Mya chimed in, "They're like small neighbourhoods condensed into a single residence. Just how wealthy are the owners of these houses?"

As the Guardians marvelled at their surroundings, Lisa found herself drawn to a peculiar symbol adorning one of the magical lamp poles. Fixated on the faintly glowing emblem, she approached it, prompting Aslin to inquire, "Lisa, what's this?"

"I'm not sure, but I can feel something special about the energy in it," Lisa mumbled, her hand reaching out to touch the symbol.

Suddenly, the enchanting moment was shattered by murmurs echoing through the gathering of warriors. Voices carried excitement and awe.

"The Merciless Clan!"

"Look, it's the Merciless Clan, the ones who achieved an S score in the previous mission!"

The Guardians and the other warriors turned to see six figures clad in dark inky armor, landing gracefully amidst the warriors. Luke clenched his fists upon recognizing them.

Fray and the rest, though aware of the expected town, couldn't help but gaze around the structures in astonishment.

As Fray's eyes lingered on the symbols adorning the lamp poles, the mission window abruptly appeared, demanding the attention of everyone present.

[The Third Challenge:

Avoiding the darkness, for within it, death is inevitable is your goal, as the mission is your survival. The only way to escape the darkness is to hide inside the houses. Be aware that trust is a luxury; you can't afford it with those who with you will hide, as the only way to live is to kill.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Make your choice swiftly, for the darkness approaches, and each house can accommodate only ten competitors, and you cannot change what you will choose.]

"You can't trust those in your house, and the only way to survive is to kill. This only means one thing we will be forced to face each other in the challenge," Lisa stated with a pensive expression.

"What? Do you mean we will kill each other? This is nonsense!" Ron exclaimed, his anger evident.

"It doesn't make sense. The system is designed for clans to act as a unified competitor," Mya added, her confusion apparent.

"No, we don't have to fight each other," Lisa declared, capturing not only her team's attention but also the surrounding warriors. "It said those in the same house will face each other. If we spread into different houses, we won't have to confront each other."

"That makes sense," Lucas pondered.

The warriors grappled with uncertainty, contemplating whether Lisa's suggestion could work. Amidst the deliberation, the Merciless Clan once again seized their attention.

Fray, leading the way, moved towards his group, and turning to them, calmly asked, "Do you all remember the plan?"

"Yes," the group responded firmly.

Without further words, the group split into duos, with Fray and Elisa, Adam and Sina, and Casper coupled with Rin. Their armour wings extended, and each duo launched in a specific direction, heading toward designated houses. The enormity of each structure meant that on foot, traversing it would take considerable time. Recognizing the importance of speed, Fray and the group utilized their fastest means of movement.

Lisa observed their departure until they vanished into the dark unknown. Turning to the remaining members, she pondered aloud, "The mission emphasized that time isn't on our side. So, what's our strategy?"

The group exchanged uncertain glances, grappling with the challenge ahead.

Upon landing, Fray and Elisa found themselves in front of the towering door of a colossal mansion. Elisa, eyeing the massive entrance, inquired, "Are you sure this is it!?"

Fray, glancing above the door where the number 103 was inscribed, affirmed, "Yes, it is."

With a powerful punch, Fray swung the door open, revealing an alleyway connecting the mansion to twelve inner buildings. Navigating through the intricate layout, they reached another door, which was the inner gate of the main building. Beyond it awaited a lavish, immaculate mansion adorned with opulent furniture and decorations.

Surveying the empty expanse, Elisa felt a sense of discomfort from its sheer size. Turning to Fray, she found him studying the closed door adorned with numerous symbols and writings, each emanating an unusual energy.

"Is this what you talked about?" Elisa questioned.

Fray, running his fingers over the mystical inscriptions, replied, "Yes, this is the rune science."

As Lisa and Mya roamed the streets, warriors dashed towards houses in haste. Observing the scene, Mya expressed her concern, "I have a feeling that we are missing something. I think we should just enter this one," pointing towards a nearby house.

Amidst their contemplation, a faint scream pierced the air. Mya swiftly turned towards the source, discovering Lisa holding her head in agony, screams escaping her lips.

"Lisa!! What's going on!? Are you okay?" Mya, both concerned and confused, placed a reassuring hand on Lisa's shoulder.

"I-I'm fine," Lisa struggled to speak through the pain, her gaze fixated on a specific direction.

"You don't seem okay! Let's enter the house," Mya suggested, her worry evident.

"No, no, we should go to 103. We have to find it quickly," Lisa insisted, her voice firm.

"103? Do you mean the house number?" Mya looked at the closest mansion with "94" written on it. "I think we're close, but why do you want to go there?"

"I-I'm not sure. Something there is calling me," Lisa mumbled, attempting to control the unexplained pain.

(Calling her!? What is she talking about!?) Mya thought, bewildered. Without further argument, she simply replied, "All right, but we should be fast. I feel like something is going to happen!"

Lisa and Mya continued their journey through the streets, eventually standing in front of the door that Fray had entered just minutes ago.

Upon entering, they traversed the inner gate, opening it they found several individuals scattered throughout the expansive space—two women and three men, each exploring different areas with masks concealing their faces and diverse weapons in hand.

However, it was the two figures adorned in the Merciless Clan armours that drew Lisa and Mya's attention. A towering figure with a hatchet on his back meticulously studied strange writings on a specific wall, while a woman with a sword at her waist stood beside him.

"Merciless Clan!" Mya muttered, her discomfort evident. "What are the chances of meeting two of them here?"

Undeterred, Lisa and Mya silently made their way inside, opting not to engage with anyone. As they settled separately, the nine individuals within the mansion maintained a tense silence, each eyeing the others cautiously. Suddenly, a mysterious sound echoed through the space, capturing their collective attention.

Ding-Dong-Ding-Dong-Ding-Dong

The eerie resonance, akin to a deafening bell toll, sent shivers down the spines of Lisa and Mya. A cryptic unease hung in the air as they exchanged bewildered glances.

Fray and Elisa, attuned to the unsettling sound, approached the windows with an air of grim anticipation. Intrigued, Lisa and Mya joined them, and soon, the remaining individuals in the hall gravitated towards the windows.

As they peered outside, the echoing sound-induced panic among the warriors who had yet to secure shelter. Frantically, they sprinted through the streets, desperately attempting to breach the gates and find refuge. A particular group dashed towards their chosen house, driven by urgency. Abruptly, the disquieting sound ceased, and in tandem, the lamps lining the streets extinguished. A pitch-black darkness engulfed the surroundings.

In the unsettling silence, a guttural roar erupted, reverberating through the space.

"ROOAAR!" The haunting cry cut through the void, instilling fear in the hearts of those within the mansion.