Enchanted University of Magemenos

Chapter 74:Unending puzzle

We move swiftly, the adrenaline propelling us forward. I can't let fear seep into my thoughts now; we have a chance if we work together and keep our focus.

As the loop resets, the puzzle pieces still fresh in our minds, I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering shadows of doubt.

"Let's finish this!" I urge the group, determination fueling my voice.

But then, out of nowhere, a familiar voice calls out, "Lyssa, where are you?"

My heart skips a beat, and I whirl around, half-expecting to see my mom standing there, her warm smile lighting up the darkened room. Instead, there's only the imposing mansion and the ominous doors, a stark reminder that I'm alone in this twisted game.

I blink, realizing it must be another hallucination, a cruel trick of my mind as it grapples with the weight of my memories.

"No, focus," I mutter to myself, forcing my thoughts back to the puzzle at hand. "You're okay. Just complete the puzzle."

With renewed resolve, I dive back into the task, blocking out the echoes of my past. The pieces click together under my fingers, and I can feel the others rallying beside me, united in this moment of urgency.

"How many loops is this? This is becoming very frustrating!" the blonde guy shouts, his frustration echoing in the empty room.

"Let each of us open one door each"he suggests

"There are only six doors, though," the brunette chimes in, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Then two of us don't have to," the blonde snaps, scanning the group for volunteers.

"So, you, guy with glasses, go get a door," he orders.

"Why should he? It was your idea, so you get the door first," I counter, crossing my arms defiantly.

"Then you go get it," he shoots back, glaring at me.

"Of course not," I retort, unwilling to back down.

"Then shut your bloody mouth!" he barks, clearly irritated.

"Go right now!" he demands, pointing at the glasses guy, who looks uncertain but ultimately resigned.

The tension in the room thickens as we all glance at one another, the weight of the situation pressing down on us. Each door represents a potential escape—or another trap.

Deep down, I wanted someone to open the door as well. I didn't have the courage to voice it, but I knew I felt the same urge; if it were an option, I would want someone else to take that risk.

The blonde guy suddenly pulls a small knife from his shirt and presses it against the glasses guy's throat. "If you don't follow what I say, you're dying, bro. Just one mistake, and the void won't engulf you. Do you find this better, or dying? By now, you should know I'm a warrior's brother, and I won't hesitate to use my weapons," he threatens, his eyes cold and determined.

I couldn't bring myself to speak; the fear paralyzed me. I wanted to survive too. I didn't want to open the door myself, but I was too cowardly to demand someone else do it, so I just stepped back, feeling shame wash over me.

"Don't do it, please! I'll open the door!" the glasses guy cries, his voice breaking as tears stream down his face. The desperation in his tone hangs heavily in the air, a stark reminder of the stakes we all face in this twisted game.

He opens the door, revealing nothing but a brick wall—a dead end. A heavy silence falls over us as the reality of our situation sinks in. That's another mistake added to his tally, and we all know the consequences will come crashing down in the next loop.

"Now you go. The next door in the middle," he demands, pointing at the short girl.

"No, I don't want to—" she starts to protest, but before she can finish, he slashes at her wrist with the knife.

"Stop! Don't!" I scream, my heart racing as I rush forward, but I feel weak, helpless. She gasps in pain, her hand flying to her wrist as blood begins to seep through her fingers.

He glares at me, and in that moment, all my courage drains away. I back away instinctively, a coward in the face of violence.

"Open it!" he barks at her.

Trembling, she reaches for the handle, the fear evident in her eyes. She swings the door open, and once again, it's just a brick wall—a wrong door, just like the last.

"Now you, go to the last door on the left side," he orders the other guy beside me, his tone leaving no room for argument. I feel the weight of expectation shift onto him, but I know mine is coming next. I can't shake the dread that fills my stomach; I'll have to make a choice soon, and it won't be an easy one.