The Famine arena dissolved, replaced by a grim field of ruins strewn with debris and cloaked in thick mist. Collapsed temples and abandoned altars glowed with an eerie light: the Rings of Tyranny, scattered like cursed treasures. The thunderous voice rang out, sharper now.
"Welcome to the Fourth Circle: Kleptomania. Your task is simple yet ruthless: collect nine Rings of Tyranny to advance. Combat will be your only law. Only a handful of teams will survive. Let the theft begin!"
Nearly a hundred teams remained, their tattered uniforms bearing the scars of prior circles. The Blazing Skulls, in cyberpunk red-and-yellow-orange gear, regrouped: Gills "The Blaze," Soehpt "Ghost Flame," Kira "The Unbreakable," Aria "The Wave Singer," and Max "The Survivor." Gills activated his Ring of Intimidation, red flames dancing. "We need nine," he said. "Stay sharp—others won't play fair."
The Styx Reapers, in fantasy black-and-white attire, rallied under Tyrnat "The Black Prince," with Yulius "The Bloodthirsty," Nera "The Dark Seamstress," Zara "The Shadow," and Viktor "The Blacksmith." Tyrnat triggered his Ring of Satiation, conjuring a small water reserve. "Take as many rings as you can," he ordered, scanning the horizon.
The Nephalems, in mystical white-and-black cloaks, stood silent under Bhaadon "The Unknown," alongside Solom "The Cloud," Gota "The Rain," Mira "The Seer," and Kron "The Colossus." Bhaadon's Ring of Seduction glowed as he murmured, "Be strategic."
New figures emerged. The Blue Fangs, in icy-blue uniforms adorned with silver fangs, were led by Orak "Winter Bite," a master of ice who froze the ground around him. "These rings are ours," he growled.
The Nebulâmes, draped in starry capes, followed Avona "The Starlit," wielding glowing orbs, her enigmatic smile hinting at cunning.
The Jungle Haze, insectoids in green-and-black exoskeletons, obeyed Promantis, a hulking figure with razor-sharp claws, their swift movements stirring the mist.
Chaos erupted. Gills spotted a Ring of Intimidation on an altar and charged, but Orak unleashed an ice wave. Gills activated his ring, projecting a menacing aura. "Back off, or burn!" he shouted, his flames melting the ice. Orak retreated, seeking another target.
Soehpt tried charming a Jungle Haze member with his Ring of Seduction, but Promantis snapped his claws. "Not so easy, little one!" Soehpt withdrew, his charm failing.
Kira conjured water with her Ring of Satiation, distracting the Nebulâmes, allowing Aria to snatch a Ring of Seduction. Max guided them to a hidden altar, securing another Ring of Intimidation.
Tyrnat teleported his team via a black passage, Zara swiping a Ring of Satiation. Nera whispered, "Zara, how are you so fast?" Zara dodged the question, secretly contacting Avona through an orb: "I've got a ring, mistress. The Styx Reapers are vulnerable."
Yulius terrified a Blue Fang with his Ring of Intimidation, claiming a ring, while Viktor forged a weapon for Nera, who stole another from Jungle Haze.
Bhaadon lifted an altar with telekinesis, revealing a Ring of Satiation, guarded by Gota's jellyfish. Solom scattered the Nebulâmes with his Ring of Intimidation, letting Mira pilfer a ring.
The clashes intensified. Blue Fangs froze pathways, Nebulâmes blinded with orbs, and Jungle Haze set traps. Teams fell, their rings looted.
Hours later, the tally stood: Nephalems (27), Styx Reapers (25), Jungle Haze (18), Nebulâmes (13), Blazing Skulls and Blue Fangs (11 each).
Zara tried stealing from Tyrnat, but Nera caught her. "Traitor!" she cried, unleashing shadow threads. Zara fled, joining the Nebulâmes.
Only thirty teams secured nine rings, the rest eliminated. The voice proclaimed:
"Thirty teams advance. For your survival, receive the Ring of Property."
Each victor slid the ring onto their finger, a seal glowing on their personal items, rendering them untouchable. The path to Hysteria opened, brimming with dark promise.