Trapped

Chapter 1 Level one

"As long as you believe in it, it is real."

She woke up suddenly with her eyes wide open, trying to adjust to the room's darkness. Within a minute, Rosalie jumped as she saw only a television and a dim light bulb in the small room.

"What is going on? Where am I?" she asked, tears falling from her panicked eyes. She had never been afraid to move, but now she felt utterly paralysed by the fear of the unknown.

As she imagined the worst, the television turned on, displaying a woman or what seemed to be a generated AI. Strangely, she felt relieved to see a figure, even if it wasn't a real person.

"Welcome player. I am your assistant, and my role is to ensure you understand the rules of this world. You-"

"Rules? Wait! Why am I here?" Unable to calm herself, she desperately tried to remember something to help her understand this mystery.

"Sorry, I am not programmed to fulfil your request. Rules are important; you will be executed if you fail to follow them. I will be your virtual assistant and accompany you through this journey. Now, here are the three golden rules you must obey." The generated AI continued to speak without concern for Rosalie's emotions.

"First, in this world affected by a global warning, you will be confronted by creatures called 'ghouls'; they are the primary predators, and you have to kill them to ensure your safety. If you agree, please confirm."

Initially confused, she struggled to comprehend and make sense of the situation. "Is this a joke? I just want to go home!"

"You cannot. You have been chosen to be part of this experiment and previously agreed to it. Please confirm now."

Rosalie did not expect anything like this from a programmed AI, but this information startled her. How could she agree to such an experiment? She didn't have any choices, yet she had to play along, at least for now.

"I agree..." As she muttered those words, she felt nauseous at the thought of being there; the only logical explanation was that she had been kidnapped. But why? Everything was happening too fast for Rosalie; she couldn't take it anymore.

The strange AI nodded in acceptance of her response.

"If your life is threatened, you can kill any predators, including human beings. All weapons are permitted; please choose them wisely. Three daily quests are required; you must complete them. Please confirm."

These requirements were becoming increasingly bizarre. She breathed deeply and confirmed, "So I will not be alone... Are there others like me?"

Rosalie felt vulnerable as she realised she had said that aloud, yet she also felt relieved at the thought of not being the only one.

"Indeed. However, please be aware that not everyone will be your ally, and they must be considered predators. Any methods of killing are accepted; you are welcome to play as you wish."

At that moment, Rosalie didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but she was sure all those players were trapped like her and would share the same goal. She tried to reassure herself as best as she could.

"Well. Are there any rules I should know?" Even though she blurted it out, she was freaking out inside.

"Yes, this is the most important rule. At any time, if you encounter a group called 'defenders,' do not attempt to kill or approach them. They are the rulers of this world, and to preserve their territory, they are willing to kill anyone."

This announcement made no sense to Rosalie. A group calling itself 'defenders' should be the opposite. Why would they kill players? Something was definitely strange, but it also meant that this group must hold the answers to all her questions.