Elimination

As the timer for Team A's turn ran out, the holographic display above the track updated their position. They had managed to move forward a few spaces, avoiding the immediate danger zones and traps, but they were still trailing behind the leading teams. The tension in the car was palpable, though Casseous seemed unfazed, her hands steady on the wheel as she glanced at the rearview mirror.

"Next turn's coming up," Klein said, breaking the silence. "We need a strategy. We can't just rely on luck."

"Agreed," Lirean said, her voice calm but firm. "We should aim for the Mystery Boxes. They could give us an advantage, even if there's a risk."

"Or we could end up with a Speed Drain and fall even further behind," Jax countered, leaning back in his seat. "I say we play it safe and aim for the Speed Boost zones. At least we know what we're getting."

"Playing it safe won't get us into the top 100," Zephyr interjected, finally buckling his seatbelt. "We need to take some risks if we want to survive this."

Ava, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "What if we split the difference? Aim for the Mystery Boxes but keep an eye out for Speed Boosts along the way. That way, we're not putting all our eggs in one basket."

The group nodded in agreement, though Jax still looked skeptical. Before they could finalize their plan, the dice appeared in their car again, signaling the start of their next turn.

"Alright, Lirean," Klein said, turning to her. "You're up again. Let's hope your luck holds."

Lirean took a deep breath and rolled the dice. The numbers landed on a 3 and a 4, totaling 7. The car lurched forward as Casseous accelerated, navigating the track with precision. They passed a Danger Zone, narrowly avoiding an Oil Slick, and then reached a Mystery Box.

"Here we go," Klein muttered as Lirean reached out and drew a card. She flipped it over, revealing a *Turbo Boost*.

"Yes!" Zephyr exclaimed, punching the air. "That's what I'm talking about!"

Casseous smirked and activated the Turbo Boost, sending the car surging forward. They sped past several other teams, their position on the leaderboard climbing steadily. However, their momentum was short-lived as they approached a Danger Zone.

"Careful," Ava warned, her eyes scanning the track ahead. "There's a Speed Trap up there."

Casseous nodded, slowing down just enough to avoid triggering the trap. They managed to navigate around it, but the delay cost them valuable time. As their turn ended, they found themselves in 15th place—a significant improvement, but still not enough to guarantee their survival.

"We're getting there," Klein said, his voice filled with determination. "But we can't let up. The next turn could make or break us."

As the other teams took their turns, the leaderboard continued to shift. Team B, led by Ryan and Ella, had managed to climb into the top 10, their strategy of targeting Shortcut Zones paying off. Meanwhile, some of the weaker teams were already falling behind, their cars crippled by penalties and hazards.

When it was Team A's turn again, the dice appeared once more. This time, Jax reluctantly agreed to roll. The numbers landed on a 2 and a 5, totaling 7 again. Casseous accelerated, but this time their luck ran out. They hit a Danger Zone and drew a *Crash* card, forcing them to move back 5 spaces.

"Damn it!" Jax cursed, slamming his fist against the dashboard. "I knew I shouldn't have rolled."

"It's not your fault," Lirean said, though her voice was tight with frustration. "We just have to keep going."

As they struggled to regain their lost ground, the avatars reappeared on the holographic display, their voices echoing across the arena.

"Well, well, well," Avatar 1 said, a sly grin on its digital face. "It looks like the competition is heating up. But remember, prisoners, this is only the beginning. The desert is unforgiving, and so are we."

"In just a few moments," Avatar 2 added, "we'll be eliminating the bottom 100 teams. So if you're not in the top half, you'd better step on it!"

The announcement sent a wave of panic through the arena. Teams scrambled to make their moves, some taking reckless risks in a desperate bid to survive. For Team A, the pressure was mounting. They were now in 25th place—safe for now, but far from secure.

"We need to make a big move," Klein said, his eyes narrowing as he studied the track. "There's a Shortcut Zone coming up. If we can reach it, we'll jump ahead by several spaces."

"But it's risky," Ava pointed out. "If we miss it, we'll lose even more ground."

"We don't have a choice," Klein replied. "We're running out of time."

As the dice appeared for their next turn, the team held their breath. This could be their last chance to secure their survival. Lirean rolled the dice, and the numbers landed on a 6 and a 6—a double 6.

"Yes!" Jax shouted, his earlier frustration forgotten. "Turbo Boost and a re-roll!"

Casseous activated the Turbo Boost, and the car shot forward like a rocket. They reached the Shortcut Zone just as their time ran out, leaping ahead to the next checkpoint. When the dust settled, they found themselves in 8th place.

"We did it," Zephyr said, a grin spreading across his face. "We're in the top 10!"

But their celebration was short-lived. The avatars reappeared, their voices cold and merciless.

"Time's up!" Avatar 1 declared. "The bottom 100 teams have been eliminated. Congratulations to those who made it through—but don't get too comfortable. The next challenge is already waiting."

As the eliminated teams were removed from the arena, Team A exchanged grim looks. They had survived the first cut, but the game was far from over. The desert stretched out before them, filled with unknown dangers and challenges. And somewhere in the distance, the finish line beckoned—a promise of survival for those strong enough to reach it.

"Let's keep moving," Klein said, his voice steady. "We're not out of this yet."

With that, the team prepared for the next challenge, because as far as they know the hell game challenge is not over, it is just the start and they are more to come, more pain, more death and especially more hell.

.........

Hi readers, do you miss me, well even if you don't, I am back again with Klein and his adventures and pls reader stay with me in this duration I will spend with Klein before leaving again. Haaahahaa freedom is so good.