AI GAMES

13

After the blinding light faded, I found myself alone, with Emily and Amelia nowhere in sight.

I was in a vast expanse of white. Nothing else was around. Looking down, I was still dressed in my white shirt and black trousers.

Deciding to conserve my energy and calm my frayed nerves, I sat down cross-legged and closed my eyes.

This game was bizarre.

The first round was filled with bloodshed, competition for resources, and battles for survival.

It was like a survival game.

You either died tragically or fought desperately to live.

Sometime later, feeling as if an entire century had passed, I was awakened by a strange melody.

It was a chilling, deep female voice, evoking images of "night," "crows," and "barren trees."

Following the eerie tune, that unsettling electronic voice returned: "Congratulations on passing the first round of the game. You may choose whether to continue."

I couldn't even bother to open my eyes as I asked, "And if I choose not to continue?"

"You will die."

I sighed internally, "Then what's the point of your question?"

Was it just a waste of words accumulated over centuries?

The electronic voice responded, "Stating the facts and providing you with a choice."

I pursed my lips, "Continue the game."

"Very well. Participant Number 32, Jack Harper, the second round will now begin."

Wait, Number 32? Like Number 37's designation?

And who's behind all this, manipulating everything from the setting to the transport of people?

Before I could voice my questions, I was abruptly hurled forward.

I maintained a smile.

And in my heart, I cursed the electronic voice and the hidden orchestrators behind this game.