Lost for You
As Owen and his team moved deeper into Suzan, they noticed that the part they had entered was not as dense as the main jungle. The terrain had opened up slightly, making it easier to move. The air was less suffocating, and the undergrowth was thinner.
"Maybe they made it this way on purpose," SJ11 said, catching his breath. "We have to run here. The difficulty level seems lower."
Just then, a soft ding echoed from all their wristbands. A notification popped up on their screens.
Notification
Hello players, welcome to Rush Hour.
In this challenge, your task is to catch 15 dummy players within 2 hours.
You are not allowed to use any teleportation or speed-boosting powers.
Be warned: if you injure or kill any dummy player using your powers, you will be eliminated immediately.
Let the game begin.
Thank you
The moment they closed the notification, they spotted several figures in the distance—dummy players. They looked almost human, sprinting across the terrain, their movements fast and unpredictable.
Owen turned to his team. His voice was calm but firm.
"Don't panic. This isn't a hard game. We just need to catch them without using powers. But we'll fail if we run around aimlessly. So let's plan. We'll divide into groups, pick one target at a time, surround them from all directions, and close in together."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Owen then moved closer to SJ11. "Me and SJ14 will distract the target. You stay on the trees. When I signal, jump down and catch him."
SJ11 gave a sharp nod. "Understood."
And with that, the plan went into motion.
In the beginning, everything went smoothly. Their strategy was working perfectly. Within the first one and a half hours, they had caught 12 dummy players. Their coordination was strong. Communication was clear. They were a well-oiled machine.
But the last three dummies weren't as easy. These ones were clever, fast, and unpredictable. They hid behind trees, disappeared into shadows, and used every inch of the terrain to escape.
Still, with effort and focus, they managed to catch two more.
Only one dummy player was left.
The team was exhausted. Time was running out—only five minutes remained.
"He's hiding," Owen said, scanning the area. "He's not running anymore. He must be around here somewhere."
Everyone was tense.
Owen then looked up at SJ11. "Climb the tallest tree around. From up there, maybe you can spot something we can't."
SJ11 nodded and rushed toward the biggest tree nearby, swiftly climbing up like a panther.
Owen turned to SJ14. "Stay close. We're going to sweep this area. I can't use my power on the players, but I can use it on the terrain."
With twin knives in hand, Owen began slashing through bushes and tall grass. Any place that looked like a potential hiding spot was torn apart with precision.
Minutes passed.
Then, as Owen slashed through a particularly thick set of bushes—there he was. The final dummy, crouched low, trying to stay hidden.
"NOW!" Owen shouted.
Without hesitation, SJ11 leapt from the tree, landing right on the target, pinning him down.
Five seconds left.
Game. Over.
Their screens lit up again with another notification.
Notification
Congratulations, players!
You have successfully completed the Rush Hour challenge.
Rewards:
1. All players are now upgraded to Level 13.
2. Each player receives:
3 Health Potions
2 Power Potions
1 Stamina Potion
Thank you
The team cheered. Relief flooded their tired faces.
---
Meanwhile, Lian and his team had entered a completely different part of Suzan.
Unlike the dense, gloomy jungle they had seen earlier, this region looked magical—almost unreal. Bright, colorful plants lit up the area. Glowing insects and fireflies floated in the air like floating stars. Everything shimmered under a soft, natural light.
"This place…" Lian muttered. "It's more beautiful than the main jungle."
Everyone silently agreed, mesmerized by the surroundings.
Suddenly, their screens buzzed.
Welcome to the challenge, players!
While you've been briefed on the mission, here are more detailed instructions:
There are no restrictions. You may use any powers to survive and explore.
Your task is to find 3 hidden items within 3 hours.
Items:
1. Glowvine Leaf
• Emits a soft emerald glow, visible only in darkness.
• Smells like mint and damp forest air.
• Hidden deep inside a cave covered with glowing vines.
• Ability Unlocked: Camouflage Cloak – Blend with the surroundings for 30 seconds.
2. Ember Lotus
• Flickers orange like a candle flame.
• Scent of burnt sandalwood.
• Located at the heart of a dry lava cave with heat traps.
• Ability Unlocked: Fire Pulse – Emit a short blast to burn vines or stun enemies.
3. Crystal Tear of Suzan
• Soft bluish light with a calming lily fragrance.
• Found in an ancient shrine submerged in shallow waters.
• Ability Unlocked: Healing Mist – Restore 50% health and create a protective aura.
If you fail, the level will reset and trap you until completed.
Your game begins... now.
Thank you
A mysterious voice echoed across the arena.
Lian quickly gathered his teammates. "Okay, we need a plan. This isn't about fighting—this is about finding. Split into pairs. Stay connected through the comms. Let's do this smartly."
Everyone nodded. The beauty of the place was forgotten. The mission had begun.
---
Back on Owen's side, the team was regrouping after completing their task. But something felt… off.
Owen scanned the group, then asked aloud, "Has anyone seen Mason?"
Everyone looked around. No sign of him.
"He was supposed to meet us here after finishing his level," Owen said. "We agreed to regroup… but he's not here."
"Was he eliminated?" someone asked, panic in their voice. "Is he even alive?"
The group started whispering. Fear started to take hold.
Owen sensed it. As the leader, he knew he had to step in—whether he knew the truth or not.
"Relax," he said, putting on a confident smile. "Mason told me earlier—he had to take a different route. He might be running late. But he's fine."
There was a moment of silence. The team calmed a little.
But deep down, Owen wasn't calm. Not at all.
"Where are you, Mason?"
---
To be continued…