The grand bell at the far end of the hall chimed three times, each resonant toll slicing through the hum of conversations like a retreating wave. The sound echoed, enveloping the opulent room adorned with gold and crystal ornaments. The light from the massive chandelier cast shimmering reflections across the marble floor, creating a dance of brilliance that mesmerized the crowd.
All heads turned toward the upper balcony in unison. There, a man stood tall and commanding, draped in a black robe with golden embroidery lining its edges. A golden mask concealed his face, shimmering under the spotlight and giving him the aura of a figure straight out of legend.
"Good evening, esteemed guests," his voice echoed, deep and authoritative, rolling over the tense silence like a wave. "As per tradition, Princess Viola has prepared a special game for you tonight. This game is not merely entertainment but will determine who among you is most worthy of earning the honor of meeting the princess in person."
The room stirred briefly, suppressed murmurs filling the air. Some guests appeared uneasy, their eyes darting nervously around the room. Others stood tall, chins raised, exuding an almost arrogant confidence.
In a corner of the grand hall, Malik remained still. His black suit fit him perfectly, accentuating the enigmatic aura emphasized by the silver mask covering half his face. Only his eyes were visible sharp, calm, like an eagle surveying its prey from above.
Beside him, Diandra gently touched his arm. "Brother, this game looks serious," she whispered, her tone almost inaudible. "Are you sure you can win?"
Malik turned slightly, giving her a brief glance before his eyes returned to the balcony. His smile was faint but full of conviction. "I'm sure, Diandra. This isn't just a game. It's a crucial step toward our goal. I have to win."
On the balcony, the man in the black robe continued, his tone sharper now, commanding everyone's attention. "There are three rounds," he said, raising his hand to silence the growing whispers. "Each round is designed to test your sharpness, agility, and intellect. Those who fail will be eliminated. But those who endure until the end... will earn the chance to ascend to the upper floor and share a drink of wine with Princess Viola."
Once again, silence blanketed the hall. For some, his words were an invitation to the highest honor. For others, they were a veiled warning of the arduous trials that lay ahead.
Malik took a deep breath, letting his gaze sweep across the room. He was unmoved by the opulence or the competitive stares of the other participants. To him, this was merely a stage and he was the main player, steering the story toward the ending he desired.
Diandra looked at her brother with uncertainty, but she knew that Malik's resolve was something she couldn't challenge. "Alright," she murmured. "But you know I'll be here if you need me."
Malik gave a small nod, a faint smile on his lips. "We won't lose," he said softly, more to himself than to Diandra.
The bell tolled again, this time slower, signaling that the game was about to begin. The room buzzed with the sounds of footsteps and whispers, but Malik stayed in place. He wasn't in a hurry; he was simply waiting for his moment to step forward.
Above, the man in the black robe gestured, and the large doors at the side of the hall slowly swung open. Three rounds of intrigue, challenges, and perhaps danger had begun.
Round One: The Test of Sharp Eyes and Instinct
The western part of the hall had now transformed into a puzzle arena. Dozens of wooden tables were neatly arranged in the center, each piled with objects of various shapes and sizes gleaming gold coins, glittering pocket watches, glass ornaments reflecting candlelight, and even mundane items that held hidden mysteries. The air was thick with murmurs mingling with hurried footsteps, creating an atmosphere both tense and electric.
"You have ten minutes," the judge's voice boomed, accompanied by a single chime of a small bell. "Find the key hidden among these objects. Those who fail will be eliminated."
Like a sudden surge of water, the participants moved in unison. Their fingers rifled through the piles, their eyes scanning with an almost obsessive intensity. Some were visibly nervous, their searches frantic and disorganized. Others tried to play smart, pausing to observe from a distance before diving in.
Amid the chaos, Malik remained calm. His steps were measured as he moved along the rows of tables, his sharp eyes methodically scanning every corner. His hands moved with confidence, touching a few objects but never lingering too long. He was like a hunter who knew exactly what he was looking for.
Diandra stood not far away, deliberately keeping her distance. Her eyes were more focused on observing the other participants than on Malik. "He's too calm," she thought, half worried but also impressed.
Malik reached the final table. Among the glittering pile of coins, he spotted something different. A small golden pendant shaped like a rose. It wasn't overly conspicuous, but it stood out enough for a keen observer. He picked it up, turning it over in his fingers to inspect it. Its intricate design included tiny engravings on the back a mark that couldn't be ignored.
"I found it," Malik murmured softly, more to himself than anyone else. A faint smile curved his lips as he walked toward the judge to present the pendant.
But his steps faltered.
A large man wearing a black mask suddenly appeared in his path, blocking him like a wall. The man's harsh breathing was audible behind his mask, and his massive hand pointed at the pendant in Malik's hand.
"That's mine," the man growled, his voice low and threatening. His sharp eyes conveyed an intimidation that demanded Malik surrender without a fight.
Malik stared at the man without expression, his smile only widening. "This key isn't meant for those who cheat," he said lightly, his tone icy.
The masked man didn't back down. His hand shot out, trying to snatch the pendant from Malik. But Malik was faster. With a fluid motion, he stepped aside, leaving the man grasping at empty air.
"Do you think you can win like this?" Malik asked, still smiling calmly. He stepped forward without hesitation, passing the man and handing the pendant to the waiting judge.