Chapter 37: "Revelations of Freed,"───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 18 - 2027 ║║ Monday║ Class Day║"Just what vivace strings you all pulled to help me succeed in my grisly dare?"My voice echoed through the room as I glared at Killian, Leo, and Maeve in front of me.The shadows danced in the warm light of the day, casting their ominous forms across the room. I stared at their faces, searching for any sign of emotions, but found only blank innocence staring back. Their expressions remained neutral, yet a slight tension hung in the air. My hands curled into fists as questions swirled in my mind. What dark secrets had they kept from me all this time? What vile tricks and manipulations had they employed to aid my sinister cause?Those question burned within me, demanding an answer that they remained reluctant to provide. Suspicion crept into my thoughts, dimming the warmth of our friendship and filling the silence with unease.Damn, I knew they
Chapter 38: "The Olympia's Cup,"───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 20 - 2027 ║║ Wednesday║ Class Day║"Attention to all students of Rozbite Lustro Institution, this is your headmistress Miss Rose, speaking. I request that you all proceed immediately in an orderly manner to the school's front yard. Teachers are to accompany their classes and ensure that all students are accounted for. Those of you still within the school buildings are to make your way in silence to the nearest exit and join your classmates outside. Do not dawdle, do not stop to collect belongings, and do not stray from your teachers. Any student who fails to report to the front yard in the next five minutes will face severe consequences..."I was immediately heightened and alerted when the headmistress's voice boomed from the speakers, an uncharacteristic stern edge now lacing her usually calm tone. The hairs on my neck stood up as her words reverberated through the empty corridor
Chapter 39: Tear It Down───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 20 - 2027 ║║ Wednesday║ Class Day║The headmistress's words about the Olympia's sports cup echoed in my mind as I walked back to the dormitory. A warm adrenaline ran down my spine at the thought of what lay ahead. The competition seemed innocent enough on the surface, but I had learned by now that nothing was ever as it seemed within these ivy-covered walls.It was insane how I had just arrived at this strange school a few weeks ago, unaware of the sinister secrets it held. Pretty crazy how it had been mere weeks since I arrived at this strange institution, an outsider among its ancient halls and crooked classrooms. The truth or dare games were strange enough, testing my resolve with bizarre dares and probing personal questions. But now this Olympia's Cup sounded downright malevolent. It was as if the truth or dare games we had played just weeks ago now seemed just a silly prelude to t
Chapter 40: "The Price of Victory,"───── ❝ K I L L I A N W I L D E' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 22 - 2027 ║║ Friday║ Olympia's Cup 1st Training Day║The ear-piercing sound of the siren tears through the still morning air, jolting me awake. With the realization sinking in, I figured out that today is the day — the first day of training for the Olympia's Cup.Through the morning silence it's loud noise pierced its shrill cry, signaling the start of another day at the Academy. I groaned and pulled my pillow over my head, hoping to drown out the noise. But who the fuck am I kidding? It was still no use — the siren continued its relentless wailing until every student was out of bed."Damn it," I cursed as I plucked my eyes awake, widely aware that another routine of mine would be put up this day. Every morning in here was oddly the same, awoken by that ear-splitting siren before the sun had even risen, then we will shuffle like zombies to the cafeteria for a tasteless br
───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 22 - 2027 ║║ Friday║ Olympia's Cup 1st Training Day║The courtyard fills up with students from the different houses, their chatter and laughter grating on my nerves. Each one of their words drips and seemed to be filled with both anticipation and expectation. But that's not the case for me. Buzzing with activity as students milled about, I stand alone, separate from the crowd, dreading the start of training for the Olympia's Cup. Every muscle in my body tenses at the thought of the rigorous exercises and drills that lie ahead. I have no desire to face the brutal challenges designed to weed out the weak from the competition. Damn this, but honestly... I would rather retreat to the shadows than join the throng of hopefuls vying for a chance for winning.I watch as they pair off, chattering excitedly about tactics and glory. But to me, their eagerness feels misplaced, and naïve. For me, it feels as though they don
Chapter 42: "Archer's League,"───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 22 - 2027 ║║ Friday║ Olympia's Cup 1st Training Day║The moment the blonde girl walks away, laughing cruelly after dropping the card she so threateningly made me read in the mud, I stared down at it hopelessly, hesitating to even pick it up. Great. Now it was ruined, just like my day, my week, and maybe my entire year at this school. My eyes begin to sting with the familiar prick of angry tears as embarrassment wash over me once again. Her cruel words echo inside my head, repeating over and over, mocking me. I want to scream, to throw something, to make her feel even an ounce of the humiliation and hurt she so easily inflicts on me. But I stay frozen, unable to move, unable to react.I can feel the eyes of the other students staring and hear their snickers, yet I cannot bring myself to move. I wish I could just disappear, fade into the background and become invisible to their cruel
Chapter 43: "Heaven," ───── ❝ K I L L I A N W I L D E' S P O V ❞ ──── ║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 22 - 2027 ║ ║ Friday║ Olympia's Cup 1st Training Day║ With the strange warmth of the current task dangling on my veins, the bow felt heavy on my shoulders, its ominous weight a reminder of the task ahead. The quiver swung against my back, arrows clacking together in dissonant rhythm. The sun shone brightly, casting long shadows across the cobbled path as I made my way to the starting point. Walking across the quad, I see my fellow archers gathering at our designated spot on the side of the courtyard near the stage. With the grass still wet with dew, I take a deep breath of the morning air, relishing these moments of calm before the bustle of training begins. When the darkness of the forest seemed to creep into my soul, the once bright sun now filtered dimly through the thick canopy of twisted branches and gnarled trees signaling me of venture I was about to lead on to. Nearly approa
Chapter 44: "Unforeseen Confession," ───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ──── ║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 01 - 22 - 2027 ║ ║ Friday║ Olympia's Cup 1st Training Day║ The darkness of the night sky pressed down on me much like the cold metal of the arrow nocked and taut in my bowstring. Similar to a strange fish in an abyssal lake, I could vividly envision Killian's eyes firmly positioned on me as I stayed the single archer in the quadrangle who had yet to discharge my arrow, notwithstanding having it nocked and pulled taut. While the others shot relentlessly, focused exclusively on the target, I appeared to be pausing, as if something invisible held me back, though I could not yet distinguish what barrier stayed my hand. The frigid air nipped at my skin like the fangs of unseen predators lurking just beyond the dim torchlight, yet I remained motionless, captured by the intensity of Killian's gaze which pierced through the shadows and seemed to hold me suspended between one momen
Chapter 72: Hold On Tight───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║— Lap 1 —The first obstacle looms ahead - Doom of Spikes. I grip the steering wheel tightly, narrowing my focus to the treacherous track unfurling before me. I swerve to avoid the first jagged metal spikes jutting from the dirt course, feeling the tires scrape perilously close.I weave through the forest of twisting spikes, adrenaline pumping with each near miss. The other racers are struggling, tires bursting and cars crunching against the metal teeth. I push my vehicle faster, racing ahead of the pack. A huge pit of spikes suddenly rises in my path and I hold my breath, yanking the steering wheel hard to the left. My car spins out, tires squealing as I drift barely an inch from the deadly obstacle.The course hammers my vehicle as I barrel through the lap, more spikes emerging from the dirt without warning. My concentration is razor-sha
Chapter 71: Midday Mile───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║I glanced at the others, and there I saw that their faces were grim and set with determination, but behind their eyes I saw the same fear that filled my own heart. We had come so far already, completing challenges that had broken stronger teams. But this latest obstacle had extracted a terrible cost. The forest path seemed to stretch on forever, winding through the dense woods. No one spoke as we marched along the narrow dirt trail. The horror of losing Olivia to the pit of fire and snakes still weighed heavy on our minds. I could feel it pressing down on my shoulders, making each step harder than the last.Yet, I keep my eyes on the path, not wanting to see the faces of my remaining teammates anymore, as their eyes would show the same dread I feel inside — the guilt of surviving when Haley did not. We should have tried harder to save her,
Chapter 70: Frigid Waters───── ❝ K I L L I A N W I L D E ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║The metal door towered over us, rising high into the gloom of the cavernous chamber that had lain undisturbed for centuries. It stretched the width of the cave, bolted firmly shut with bands of rusted iron fasteners that had long since seized in place. Not a single handle or keyhole marred its face, nothing that would suggest a normal means of opening. The only object attached was a strange rotating mechanism made of interlocking brass gears and iron rods, fixed to the door at head height. It appeared to be some kind of puzzle lock, the solution to which would allow the door to slide open on ancient mechanisms within the stone walls.As we studied the puzzle, I could almost feel unseen eyes watching from the darkness, hungry for those who would dare disturb this place. This lock was our only way forward, but it may also be our doom.
Chapter 69: Blazing Fire ───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ──── ║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║ ║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║ The rickety rope bridge swayed precariously, stretching across the chasm's gaping maw. The wooden slats were worn and weathered, barely wide enough for one person to stand upon. I spoke up first, my voice wavering as I warned cautiously onto the bridge, grasping the side ropes for support. My tone was anxious and unsettled. "This bridge is barely wide enough for one person. So, one of our tactics is that we must cross in single file," Beatrice responded nervously from the shore, peering at the dilapidated bridge with trepidation evident in her quavering voice. "How do we know it will hold our weight?" Serene replied grimly in a matter-of-fact yet ominous tone, her voice betraying no fear but rather cold resolve. "We don't," she stated plainly. "But we have no choice. Stay close behind each other and move quickly. That's all we can d
Chapter 68: The Lustro's Enigma───── ❝ K I L L I A N W I L D E ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║The cold white walls felt like they were closing in as they greeted me first as I slowly opened my eyes. The blurry shapes in the room came into focus after what felt like an eternity, my eyes adjusting to the dim fluorescent lights that cast shadows in every corner."Ah, damn this," I cursed as my body ached from the hard metal slab this wicked school called a bed. Every joint protested as I forced myself to sit up, my muscles stiff and sore from the unrelenting discomfort. The thin blanket provided no warmth, only adding to the frigid atmosphere that seeped into my bones.The silence was deafening, only pierced by the buzz of the flickering lights above. No sound came from beyond these walls, no comforting noises of life or activity. It was as if I existed in a vacuum, isolated and alone. My stomach churned from the lack of fo
Chapter 67: Pit of Screams ───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ──── ║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║ ║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║ As the gong signaling the start of the third day of the games sounded, echoing off the damp stone walls and chilling us to our cores, I glanced at my teammates. Serene's jaw was set in grim determination, her voice low and gravelly as she muttered under her breath, "We can do this again, girls..." She stood rigid, feet planted firmly on the ground, hands balling into fists at her sides as she waited for the door to open. Olivia usually spoke softly and calmly, but now her brown eyes narrowed into slits as she surveyed the steel door before them, her tone sharp with warning as she said, "Stay close, we're going through hell again, much worse this time I fear." Her hand reached for the weapon at her belt in a practiced motion, fingers wrapping around the hilt with a sureness born from experience. Her eyes depicts that she had braved
Chapter 66: Eliminated───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║Long awake from my slumber last night, I sit in the corner of the cold, empty white room me and my team are now staying, leaning against the frame of the wall. I do not know how long we've been here exactly, left with only my thoughts in this empty void. Minutes, hours? Nonetheless, time has no meaning in this place anyways.A chill ran down my spine as I stared out at the barren landscape from the window, thinking of the role we were forced to play in this gruesome game. Yet my reverie about our place was shortly cut when my wristband beeped as it glows in an eerie crimson red hue, displaying Spencer's name crossed out with lines of permanent ink — confirming his death in the game.◤━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━◥A P L A Y E R H A S B E E N E L I M I N A T E D───※ · Student No. 5 - Spencer Sinclair · ※───⌧ Team : Scarlet Ravens⌧ Role : The A
Chapter 65: The Unescapable Soul───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ────║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 27 - 2027 ║║ Saturday║ Second Day of Olympia's Cup║Spencer stare each other down, the weight of history heavy between us. Spencer's eyes lock onto mine, filled with the same hunger and ambition that I know burns within my own. Our companions stand ready behind us, waiting to see who will make the first move."Just leave, boys. It's ours to begin with." After Olivia's words, I took a glance at my teammates, seeing my own fierce determination mirrored on their faces, I knew then that we have come too far to back down now. This amulet calls to us, begging to be claimed. It calls to us as if, promising knowledge, winning and glory to whoever dares take hold of it since, as now, it was not any other jewelry, but inside it bears a key, a key to any important thing that maybe our way to reach this game's goal and win."The amulet stays with us and nothing you say will change that," Beat
Chapter 64: The Amulet ───── ❝ R U B Y F R I D A Y ' S P O V ❞ ──── ║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 27 - 2027 ║ ║ Saturday║ Second Day of Olympia's Cup║ "Stay close," I ordered the others. Serene, Olivia and Beatrice huddled together behind me as we walked deeper into the crypt. "While we're here, let's also lookout for supplies," Serene whispered, "Food, water, medical kits, weapons. Anything we can carry as it may serve as a use for us later on. We cannot know what challenges awaits us further in," Nodding, we searched from crypt to crypt, finding only cobwebs and bones. The darkness seemed to press in around us, the silence thick with unseen menace. A cold draft whispered through the passage, snuffing out one of our torches and plunging us further into gloom. I drew my jacket tighter, feeling the hairs rise on the back of my neck as we pressed onward into the depths of the crypt, our remaining flames flickering weakly against the encroaching shadows. "This place gives me the ult