Chapter 4 — Truth and Shadows

The Box: Fate

Chapter 4 — Truth and Shadows

The forest had become quiet again after the first battle The bodies of the defeated monsters slowly dissolved into strange particles of light as if the world itself was absorbing them

The seventeen players stood there alert but calm. None of them looked frightened Every one of them had already accepted that this world was not normal

Akira wiped the dust from his hands and looked toward the others

“That was just the beginning he said

Axel Hatanaki stretched his shoulders and smiled

“If those were the weakest monsters then this world might actually be interesting

Murasaki remained silent observing the trees carefully Her purple hair moved gently with the wind while her eyes scanned the surroundings for danger

Aaron Moses stood like a wall near the group watching over the others He looked calm but anyone could tell that he was ready to fight again at any moment

Not far away Sharky Bee and Mikochi were discussing the monsters quietly analyzing how fast they moved and how strong they were

But two new players were also watching the scene carefully

Kuro

He stood slightly apart from the group leaning against a tree with his arms crossed His expression was cold and unreadable His dark eyes showed no fear and no excitement He simply observed everyone as if measuring their worth

Beside a broken stone stood another figure

Kyoshiki

Unlike Kuro Kyoshiki looked calm and composed His eyes were sharp and his posture showed confidence He looked like someone who had already accepted the rules of this strange world

Meanwhile behind most of the players Zanaki finally stepped forward

His playful expression was gone

He looked around at the seventeen players for a moment before speaking

“There’s something I should say

The others turned toward him

Zanaki rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly and laughed once, but this time it didn’t sound like a joke

“The box… the one that brought everyone here… I’m the one who shared it in the group chat

The air suddenly became heavy

Some players looked surprised

Others simply stared at him silently

Zanaki continued speaking

“I didn’t know what it really was Someone sent it to me and told me to share it with seventeen people I thought it was just some weird internet game or prank So I shared it in the group

He looked at the ground for a moment

“But when everyone started opening it… and we ended up here… I realized what I did

His eyes lifted again serious this time

“So yeah… if anyone here wants to blame someone… that would be me

The forest wind blew quietly between the players

But no one attacked him

Akira spoke first

“We’re already here Blaming you won’t change anything

Axel Hatanaki laughed lightly

“Yeah Besides… this world looks more fun than my old life

Murasaki crossed her arms

“What matters now is survival

Aaron Moses nodded

“The real enemies are the monsters and the bosses

For a moment Zanaki looked surprised

Then he smiled again but this time there was determination in it

“Good Because I already decided something

He stepped forward confidently

“I’m not letting anyone die here

His voice became stronger

“Since I dragged everyone into this mess I’ll fight with all of you If monsters appear I’ll fight them If bosses appear I’ll fight them too

He pointed toward the dark forest ahead

“And if something tries to kill one of us… it will have to go through me first

Several players exchanged looks

Zanaki energy was chaotic and funny most of the time but there was something genuine about him now

Meanwhile at the very edge of the group someone had been watching quietly the entire time

Kataki

He stood slightly behind a tall stone half hidden by the shadows of the trees His expression didn’t change while Zanaki spoke

Whether someone lived or died didn’t affect him

At least that’s how it seemed

His calm eyes simply studied the players one by one

Akira

Axel Hatanaki

Murasaki

Aaron Moses

Sharky Bee

Mikochi

Kuro

Kyoshiki

And the others

Kataki wasn’t interested in attention

He wasn’t interested in being a hero either

He only cared about one thing

Understanding this world

Suddenly a loud crack echoed from deep inside the forest

Every player turned instantly

The ground trembled slightly

Something much larger than the wolves was moving in the darkness

Zanaki cracked his knuckles and grinned

“Well… looks like my promise is starting earlier than expected

Akira stepped forward

“Everyone get ready

One by one the players moved into position

Seventeen players

One mysterious world

And the next battle was already coming

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