Outside, the sounds of chaos grew louder as forces shed, throwing the situation further into disorder.


    Peterson, theres still a chance, Hannah urged, a plea in her voice.


    None of this has to end like this.


    But Peterson shook his head, his gaze hardening, a manic intensity flickering in his eyes.


    Its toote! A dark smile crossed his face.


    Lets y a game.


    If you win, Ill let you go.


    Seeing the madness in his eyes, Hannah cautiously asked, And if we lose? He smirked, his voice a chilling whisper.


    Then youll all meet your end here. Petersonughed before speaking.


    The game is simple.


    Were going to y a round of survival game.


    There are many hidden passages beneath the arena.


    As long as you can survive for an hour without being devoured by the beasts, whether you confront them or hide, as long as youre alive, youre free to leave! Remingtons face twisted in shock upon hearing this.


    He stared at Peterson, incredulous.


    Are you out of your mind?! You just want us to die! Bryson stepped in front of Hannah protectively.


    His voice was firm and resolute as he dered, We ept this challenge, but you must honor your word once its finished.


    Of course, Peterson replied, nodding with a chilling grin.


    Then, I wish you all good luck. They were led to the arenas entrance amid a heavy, tense silence.


    The door creaked open slowly, letting in a bone-chilling draft.


    The flickering Lights overhead only added to the growing sense of dread.


    The man in the tiger mask watched impassively from the sidelines, though he harbored aplex mix of feelings.


    Despite everything, he didnt wish for Bryson to meet his end here.


    A voice from beside the man in the tiger maskmented, This time, the three of them wont survive.


    With so many beasts unleashed, no matter their skill, they wont emerge unscathed.


    The man in the tiger mask sighed and remained silent, but a fleeting look of sympathy crossed his eyes.


    As the door swung openpletely, Hannah and the others stepped into the arena. It was pitch ck inside, punctuated only by the menacing growls of beasts and the eerie clink of chains, sending shivers down their spines.


    Its started, Bryson whispered to Hannah and Remington.


    We must stay vignt and protect each other.


    Remington pressed his lips together, casting a brief nce at the duo who were now perfectly in sync, and chose to remain silent.


    The trio moved cautiously into the darkness, backs together.


    Look, whats that?! Suddenly, the screen in the bar flickered to life, disying Hannah and the others in midbat.


    The crowd began to murmur and specte.


    Is there an arena show today? a burly man shouted, pointing at the screen.


    This… This seems different from the usual games! All the dungeon gates are open, and so many beasts have been released at once! Theyre doomed! a frail man responded, his voice tinged with disbelief and shock.