Scarlett's POV
The night crept across the VR island, sinking the landscape into an unsettling silence. The moon, a pale crescent, barely pierced the inky blackness above. The air felt heavy, thick with an oppressive stillness that seemed to press in from all sides, broken only by the occasional growl of distant monsters and the faint cries of students still locked in desperate battles for their lives. The campfires, scattered across the island, flickered weakly, their flames casting long shadows on the faces of the survivors.
Scarlett sat cross-legged, the weight of exhaustion dragging her down. Her body was battered from the day's relentless struggles, the stains of blood and grime marking her skin. Mana reserves drained, her magic barely a whisper in the air. She closed her eyes, breathing deeply to center herself, but the hollow growl of her stomach reminded her of the dire situation she was in—no food, no potions, no way to replenish her strength.
A shadow moved at her side, and before she could react, her loyal shadow wolf dropped a freshly killed monster at her feet. Its black fur shimmered faintly in the dying light, and Scarlett's lips curled into a small, weary smile. Her companion's quiet loyalty was a balm for her frazzled nerves. She ran a hand over its head, grateful for the unexpected gift.
"Thanks, buddy," she whispered hoarsely. With practiced precision, she began to butcher the creature, the meat tough and unappetizing, but hunger gnawed at her, urging her on. Each slice felt like a battle of its own, her hands shaky from exhaustion, but she had no choice. She had to keep moving, keep surviving.
Frustration bubbled within her as she struggled to ignite a fire. Magic that had once come so easily to her now felt distant, slipping through her fingers like sand. Desperation tugged at her chest, but just as she felt herself sinking into the weight of it, her shadow wolf stepped forward, its tail flicking with a soft glow. Flames flickered into existence, crackling to life with ease, illuminating her small camp.
Scarlett watched in awe as the fire began to warm the air around her. She skewered the meat, holding it over the flames. The scent of roasting flesh filled her nostrils—a simple meal, but it would be enough. With a quiet sigh, she forced herself to eat, each bite a reminder of the strength she was fighting to reclaim.
Charlotte's POV
Charlotte moved through the darkened forest, her every sense sharpened, every nerve alive with the thrill of the hunt. Monsters roamed the night, and she reveled in the danger they represented. With her light magic, she felt untouchable, a predator in a world of prey.
As she traversed the shadows, a rich, tantalizing aroma filled the air—a smell she knew all too well. The unmistakable scent of roasting meat. Her stomach growled, the hunger more intense now, as if it had only been waiting for the right moment to demand attention.
"Dammit," she muttered under her breath. Her frustration matched the hunger gnawing at her insides.
She followed the scent cautiously, her instincts sharp as a blade. After a few minutes of careful movement, she scaled a tree to get a better vantage point. Below, she spotted a familiar face—Scarlett, sitting amidst a circle of shadow monsters, seemingly at peace. The red-haired girl was roasting meat over a fire, and to Charlotte's surprise, one of the monsters was even producing flames for her.
"Scarlett," Charlotte thought, recognition dawning. She frowned as she took in the sight—why were there so many monsters around her? Why was she so injured? It was clear she'd been in some serious fights.
Charlotte's gaze narrowed. She had the upper hand—she could take Scarlett out now. But the monsters around her were a significant deterrent. In the dark, Charlotte would be at a disadvantage against such odds.
"I'll wait," Charlotte decided, retreating into the shadows, her mind already plotting. "I'll strike in the morning."
But even as she planned, her stomach gave another demanding growl. Her lips tightened in irritation. "Ugh. Fine, I'll find something to eat," she muttered, moving deeper into the night in search of sustenance.
Noah's POV
While chaos unfolded across the island, Noah reclined comfortably in the cool embrace of a cave, a steaming cup of instant noodles in hand. His clones were out hunting, scouring the island for monsters and collecting points, while he enjoyed his meal in peace.
[ 3000P ]
"Why didn't I think of this sooner?" he mused, slurping the noodles with a satisfied sigh. The warmth of the food contrasted sharply with the cold reality outside, where students fought for their survival.
Noah's strategy was simple and effective. His clones were expendable. If one of them fell, he could just create another, without skipping a beat. While others struggled and risked their lives, he was living like it was a vacation.
The sounds of distant conflict barely reached his ears as he continued to eat, savoring every bite. There was no tension, no urgency—just the quiet assurance that his plan would yield results. The game had only just begun for him.
As dawn crept closer, the island remained a battleground. Students faced their fears, struggling to survive, unaware that the true test was still to come. What happened in the darkness would shape their fates once the light of day arrived. For Noah, the journey was only beginning, and his path had only just started to unfold.