The Race of Survival

Liam stood poised at the edge of a colossal starting line, eyes glued to the glistening horizon. Participants from all corners of the tower gathered all around him. Armoured, darkened, or otherwise, the expressions were the same-no one was an ally here. On one side stood Nyx lowly crouched, sensing the hostility in the air.Those huge, booming sounds stretched wide across the plains."Welcome, challengers!" the booming voice echoed after a while. "Your task is simple - reach the finish line before the time expires. But be careful... the path ahead will be your body, mind, and soul. Only the fittest survive."The thunder rolled on as a giant stone arch stretched at the end marking the finish line beyond the distance. The instant the horn screeched, the challengers took flight, each charging as if he were in for his life.Liam tightened his grip around the sword and took off.And in the first place, the race felt simple: just a run across a perhaps flat plain. Liam passed several challengers who were going more slowly, but some of them had already begun to clash against each other. Swords were drawn; the sound of spells and arrows flying at one another started to thin the competition even more."So, really, it's not just a race...it's a battlefield," Liam muttered to himself.He was drawn to a sudden rumble to the side. The ground cracks open, and the horrible creatures come out-their limbs are thorny, and their mouths are decorated with fangs. They are called Lurkers of the Deep-and they crawl out, dragging some other racers into the earth. Liam sidestepped at the last possible moment as a clawed strike nearly struck him."Nyx! Watch out!"Nyx barked, taking off running after scurrying over the face of a lurker and digging out its eyes, then bounding to keep pace with Liam.The MazeWhile avoiding monsters and evading ambushes, Liam saw the enormous stone maze that rose in the middle of the path. Tall walls tower up into the sky. No escaping-his way was through.He slipped into the maze cautiously; the sound of his feet in the silence-dark. Behind him, faint screaming told him other people had been caught in traps. Then, he dashed down one bend after another, but the more he ventured inside, the more wrong it felt.Suddenly, three competitors appeared before him and blocked his path. They glared at him with flashed eyes of malice and were drawing their weapons."Hand over your supplies, kid," one mockingly said. "Or we'll take them after being done with you."Liam bared his teeth. He knew that fighting would cost a lot of precious time, but nothing for him could be done. He drew his sword and set himself.The fight was short but ugly. Liam deflected strikes, parried blows, and even struck back with practiced precision. However, although he had managed to fend off the pesky trio, the battle had cost him some precious time, and now, he was somehow entirely lost."Damn it." Liam looked around. "Where is the exit?"Nyx, panting on his side, perked up suddenly. His nose twitched, followed by a low growl."You smell something?" Liam inquired, his heart beating faster.Nyx barked once and darted ahead, leading Liam through an unremarkable corridor. At the end of such a passageway, they found a large secret chamber.The hidden treasureThe huge room was filled with monstrous beasts guarding an ancient pedestal. On top of it lay a golden ring, glimmering with an aura of power.Liam's instincts screamed that this treasure was important."We have come this far... we should take it."With that, Liam and Nyx pounced into battle. Monsters flew at them from all angles: clawed beasts, serpentine creatures, and shadowy wraiths. Liam's sword danced through the air and cut down the enemies while Nyx sliced their way through ranks with sharp, precise strikes.By the time the last creature tumbled down, Liam was dripping with sweat and gasping for breath. He cautiously stepped toward the pedestal and extended his hand to grab hold of the ring.As soon as the tip of his finger touched it, power coursed through his body.[Notification: You have obtained the Ring of Agility-one piece of the Ancient King's Set.][Set Progress: 1/4 pieces collected. Unlock all pieces to gain ultimate power.]Liam gasped. "A set? There are more of these things out there?"Sliding the ring onto his finger, Liam immediately experienced the effects. Lighter and faster, and with greater precision, it felt as if the world around him had slowed just a little.Back to the RaceLeading the way again, Nyx seemed to find a hidden exit from the maze, and they emerged from it. Liam skidded to a halt outside, taking stock of the path ahead. The finish line was still far away, but the sight filled him with renewed determination."This round... this is my stage."There were roars of monsters in the distance, caves of traps beckoning, and the remaining competitors still clashed down the path. Liam, however, felt myriads of different things ready inside. He glanced at Nyx, who stood tall and proud by his side."Let's finish this race, partner."To be continue...