Lost in the darkest dream

We went into my domain and set up all the food in one area and clothing in one area in the cupboard we took from the mall.

So, I decided to check our stats. According to my watch, my strength level was 3. My mental level was beyond anything I could imagine—it was literally 50. That wasn't normal, as most people usually had levels around 2, 3, 4, or maybe 10. But mine was 50. I know the reason, though—after everything I've been through, I've become pretty strong-minded. Still, my power level was only 2.

Alia's stats were pretty similar to mine. Her Strength level was 2, her Mental State was 15, and her Power Level was also 2.

I said, pretending to cry, "We are really so weak, both in terms of strength and power. If we go out like this, we'll definitely get killed within a day or two."

Alia replied, "Yes, Api, you're right. We're as strong as ants.

"

I said, "Uh, I think we should train a little bit. Like, no time passes in this domain right now, so we should do some exercises, some training, and then go out. Because if we're not strong, we're definitely not going to survive."

She replied joyfully, "Yes, I think you're right! If we go out like this, we'll just meet our end.

"

"Yay! That's the spirit we need! Come on, let's train!" I said, my enthusiasm spilling over. She joined in with a cheerful "Yay!"

I felt a deep sense of purpose as I looked at her. I was helping her, not just because of our circumstances, but because I never had a sister. I wanted to protect her from this cruel, disgusting world and all the nasty people in it. I wanted to save her, to be her guardian—the kind of person I never had in my own life. Someone who would shield her from evil, stand by her side, and never let her face this world alone.

In her, I saw a chance to give what I never received. And I was determined to be that for h

er.

We started our training with simple activities. First, we focused on walking to build endurance. Then, we moved on to exercises, gradually increasing the intensity. When we couldn't handle the physical strain, we switched to condensed exercises to build strength without overexerting ourselves.

We also spent time learning. In the domain, we read books and, surprisingly, YouTube worked! It turned out that the elites had preserved YouTube for all the human content it carried. We used it to learn various fighting techniques, including jiu-jitsu, boxing, and other martial arts.

If we honestly counted the time spent in the domain, it was more than three to four years. By the time we stepped out of the domain for the first time, we had changed immensely. Our physical strength had increased by ten points for both of us, and our power levels had gone up by four or five. The training had been grueling, but we handled it.

Throughout the process, we shared countless sisterly moments. We laughed, told each other stories, and created memories despite the harsh training. It wasn't just about becoming stronger—it was about growing together.

We returned to reality, and, as expected, no time had passed. Alia looked at me and asked, "Api, what are you going to do now?"

I replied, "I don't know. Let's just walk around and see what's happening."

We began walking through the area, observing the eerie stillness that lingered around us. Suddenly, my watch beeped, displaying a new message. Before I could fully process it, a cute, panda-like creature appeared in the sky.

It floated gracefully, its appearance strangely out of place in the desolation. I realized it was one of the messengers of the elites—an unmistakable sign that we were about to face a challenge.

Alia looked up at the creature, her curiosity piqued. "Api, is this a good thing or a bad thing?"

I sighed, my instincts warning me that this was only the beginning. "Let's f

ind out."

The panda-like creature floated in the air, its voice dripping with mockery and disdain.

"So, little pests, how are you? Oh wait, even if you're not fine, I don't give a fuck." It chuckled darkly. "You must be wondering what a cute little thing like me is doing here, right? Well, let me enlighten you, idiots. I'm the host of the show, and you're nothing more than the victims."

It paused for effect, its wide grin almost splitting its face. "I'm here to give you your first challenge. And I know what you're thinking—why should we do it? Let me make it simple for you: you must. If you want to survive, that is. Otherwise, you'll be killed. And not just killed—tortured, mutilated, and subjected to things so horrifying you wouldn't dare imagine. But hey, that's your choice."

The creature leaned forward as if taunting us further, its voice taking on a sing-song tone. "Your first challenge is pretty simple, really. But… it's one that some people might not want to do. In that case, oh well, they can just choose to die. Not my fault."

The grin widened impossibly, the malice in its eyes burning brighter. "So here it is: your first challenge. You' re going to have to kill five people within a month. If you don't? Well, let's just say your death will make hell look like a picnic."

Its laughter echoed ominously as it disappeared, leaving us stunned and rooted to the spot, the weight of its word settling over us