Enchanted University of Magemenos

Chapter 70:Infinity's Loop

"Tie this tight on the places where you are hurt to stop the blood flow," Nathan says, tossing me a roll of tissue like it's some sort of life raft.

"Thank—" I begin, only for Nathan to bolt off before I can finish my thought. Typical.

"Great, just when I was about to compliment him!" I mutter, shaking my head. "Boys and their impeccable timing. One minute they're saving you, the next they're ghosting you like a bad date."

Ignoring the fact that I was brushed off by Nathan once again, I focus on dressing my wounds, determined to prepare myself for the next difficult level. I can't let this pain hold me back—not when there's more at stake.

"You have 1 minute left to move to the next game of the 8th level," an automated voice announces, echoing ominously through the break room.

With a deep breath, I stand up, swallowing the pain that still lingers in my body. It's time to warm up, both physically and mentally, for whatever challenge awaits us next.

The automated voice continues, echoing around the room with a mechanical edge that sends a chill down my spine.

"The next level is called 'Infinity's Loop' or 'Eternal 8.' The objective is to find the key to the exit. No hints will be provided, and each of you must find your own way out. Eight players will form a team, though ultimately, only one survivor from each team can proceed. Therefore, it's up to each player to decide whether to work as a team or compete individually. All players will be placed in a cascading mansion filled with challenges and obstacles. Good luck.

A brief pause. Then the voice continues, almost mockingly, "The game operates in loops of 8 minutes. At the end of each loop, you will be reset to your starting point, equipped with all the knowledge you've gained from prior attempts. Remember: each loop brings you closer to the Void."

It goes on, now darker, as if savoring the words. "With every mistake, the Void inches forward. A single misstep can be fatal. Fail too many times, and you will find yourself fully consumed, trapped within these walls... forever. And as time elapses, the Void's approach will only quicken, relentless in its pursuit."

The voice shifts into a description of the two stages:

"To complete the game, you must overcome two paths within the mansion: the Right Loop and the Left Loop. Each loop contains half of the key you will need to reach the exit. The Right Loop holds the first half of the key; The Left Loop, the second. Only by merging both halves can you escape."

The automated voice pauses, then continues with a chilling final message:

"The left loop will carry an 8-minute curse bestowed upon one player. This curse may hinder your progress, cloud your judgment, or alter your perception of reality. Be warned: the curse will find you, and you will not know when it strikes or who it will affect next."

The voice falls silent for a moment, and then it finishes, almost amused, "Survive wisely, players. The clock is ticking. And remember: only one of you may walk away."

I shout out, trying to make sense of the twisted rules. "What is this curse? Why didn't they explain? And why only one survivor?" My voice carries through the room, and a few others glance my way, nodding in silent agreement.

Adrenaline surges through me, turning my fear into a gnawing ache. This game—Infinity's Loop—already feels wrong. Level eight isn't just some hurdle; it's something designed to push us to our limits. I can barely think straight. 

And above all, I can only hope there's no one familiar in my team. I don't think I can bear losing someone I know.

The automated voice returns, as indifferent as ever: "Your game starts in 3... 2... 1..."

The world around me glitches, flickering, and in the next instant, I'm standing before an ancient mansion, looming and decayed. The faded paint peels away in patches, and it has that eerie, abandoned look of a haunted house from old horror films. The windows are dark, hollow, almost like watching eyes.

I glance around at the other seven players, feeling a surge of relief—none of them are familiar faces from the university. I nod politely, and we exchange brief, tense greetings before we all step toward the mansion.