Peril

One.

"Sweetie, promise me you'll take care of yourself out there. The exterior can be dangerous and scary but I know you and your brother would survive if you'll just work together." My mother kissed my cheek and adjusted my suit. It was black leather with a zipper that covers my chest, ribs, and back. The boots perfectly fitted my knees and feet. My shoulders broadened more and emphasized my lined back. My hair tied upward and my lips were painted dark red.

"Are you ready?"

My father lightly tapped my shoulder and looked at me in the face. He swiftly rubbed my cheeks and told me "I can't believe that you're already big enough to go to the exterior world. I'm just-"

"Dad. Stop with the drama." We both laughed. My mom chuckled a bit and wiped out small tears that are trapped on the corner of her narrow eyes. Her smile and tears formed wrinkles on the side of her eyes. My dad hugged us both and my brother showed up.

"What did I miss? Huh?" My brother Felix joined the group hug and adjusted his collar. "So uhm, are you ready Claeris?" He offered his hand and I replied, "Yes." I held his hand and we waved goodbye to our parents. My mom kissed us and dad gave us a big hug again.

"Send my regards to Erine, Mom . Tell her I love her and I also love you both." I looked back one last time and looked at my brother. He was smiling. "Don't worry Claeris, I'll protect you. We can do this." He held my shoulder and we both walked towards the arena for the departure to the exterior world.

It was huge, enormous, and gigantic. The walls were full of led screens that keeps on playing a video about the game event. A lot of teenagers, my age were there. They were busy talking and impressing others about their exclusive skills they inherited from each of their families. Most of them came from the elite class. Only a few were sons and daughters from government scientists. I clawed to my brother's arms. "I'm scared."

I'm scared. Yes, I am.

"Don't be, everything will be alright." He smiled at me like he was very sure about it. Neither I was sure nor my brother. I couldn't breathe, it felt like I was suffocated by my own breath. My heart beat was loud but only I can hear it. My palms were sweating. I was nervous. Variant thoughts occupied my mind. Would I survive this or not? Will I die or not? Only god knows.

"Bonjour young affluents! Today, you are all gathered here for the designation of information and preparation for your game. As you can see, on the right side of this arena lies our exit door or the entrance to the exterior. You will get through 2 levels of elimination rounds before you'll reach the exterior. This anniversary game theme is peril. As they say, no guts, no glory." A lady in black suit echoed the arena.

"Goodluck to all of you! And I hope to see you after 42 days." Those were the last words that marked my mind before all the lights went off. Everyone screamed. All I could see was pitch black. I can barely see a thing. I was still holding my brother's arm. "Felix." I gasp through air. He told me to calm down and just hold his arm.

WELCOME TO ELIMINATION ROUND 1

A technology-based lady voice announced. The room was still dark. It got cooler and cooler that it could already freeze my flesh. I was about to say something when a slideshow flashed in front of our eyes.

LEVEL 1

TASK: FIND ANYTHING THAT COULD BE A SOURCE OF LIGHT AND THE FIRST 90 PEOPLE THAT COULD CREATE LIGHT WOULD PROCEED TO THE NEXT LEVEL. GOODLUCK. YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS TO DO YOUR TASK. 3....2...1...GO.

Everyone panicked. I could sense it. Others screamed while others were busy pushing each other. I was still standing, holding my brother's arm."What will I do?" I tackled his arms and shook him. "Felix?"