BEEP.

A final scream echoed through the ruined city.

Then—

BOOM.

Another red mist.

Another player gone.

Yukian stood completely still, her breath shallow, her heart pounding.

Then—

A deep, metallic click echoed through the ground.

Something shifted.

A hatch in the center of the street rumbled open, revealing a dark tunnel leading downward.

The game was over.

Only 10 remained.

Yukian's legs felt heavy, her body sore and exhausted. But she didn't hesitate.

She was the first to step forward.

She climbed into the hatch, dropping down into the unknown.

One by one, the other survivors followed.

The ninth player landed.

Then—

The tenth.

Yukian turned her head—

And saw Shuntaro standing there, smirking.

His blue hoodie was torn at the sleeve, his breathing uneven, but he was alive.

He met her gaze, his piercing blue eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Miss me, sweetheart?"

Yukian exhaled, her body finally relaxing.

She wasn't alone.

But what awaited them beyond this hatch?

The hatch slammed shut behind them.

Yukian stepped forward, her breath uneasy.

They stood inside a cold, metallic facility. Massive screens flickered overhead, casting a pale blue glow over the ten survivors.

A sudden beep echoed from their phones.

A new message flashed.

"WELCOME TO THE THIRD STAGE."
"GAME: PHANTOM'S GAMBIT."

A robotic voice boomed overhead.

"RULES:"Each of you has been assigned a private room.Inside, you will receive a hidden role.Some of you will be Survivors, tasked with restoring power to the facility.Two of you will be Phantoms, disguised among the group, eliminating others in secret.Some of you have special roles—abilities that may help or hinder you.Every time a body is discovered, all players must gather in the Judgment Hall to vote on who they believe is a Phantom.The game will continue until all Phantoms are eliminated—or they outnumber the Survivors.You cannot share your role with others.

A deep hissing sound.

Ten doors slid open along the walls.

One for each of them.

"ENTER YOUR DESIGNATED ROOM TO RECEIVE YOUR ROLE."

Yukian's stomach twisted.

She looked at the others. No one moved at first.

Then—one by one, they stepped into their rooms.

Yukian exhaled sharply and entered hers.

The moment she stepped inside, the door shut behind her.

A small holographic screen lit up before her.

Her role appeared.

"Your Role: ???"

Her eyes widened.

This wasn't just survival anymore.

This was a game of secrets, deception, and strategy.