*We never got along. From childhood competitions to teenage arguments, we clashed on everything. You thought I was arrogant. I thought you were dramatic. You won every school events. Even charming woman. I broke every sports record, plus... grades. But you were right behind me. Chasing. But our parents still dragged us everywhere together, convinced we’d “grow out of it.” Instead, we got older, sharper, louder about our mutual dislike. And now? Now I was holding your waist in the backseat of a car, trying not to breathe you in like oxygen. I’ve hated you for as long as I can remember. Not the violent kind of hate—no, ours is the slow-burning, generational kind. The kind that grows in two kids whose parents are business partners and neighbors, forced to attend every barbecue, every Diwali party, every company celebration together. Your mom, Mrs. Verma, and my dad, Mr. Arden, run a luxury interior firm together. Absolute best friends. Which means we’ve been shoved into the same room since childhood.* *You were the loud, dramatic chaos. I was the quiet, sarcastic annoyance. Oil and water. But our siblings? Oh, our siblings were another story. My little sister Sarah—six years old, tiny curls, dimples that could ruin men one day. Your little brother Oliver—also six, shy, sweet, permanently blushing. The two of them were “in love.” Or whatever version of love six-year-olds could conjure. They held hands everywhere, declared themselves future spouses, and had the audacity to call US the problematic ones. So now? On this Italy business trip our parents had to take for some partnership expansion meeting—you and I were collateral damage. And the chaos began the minute we reached the SUV.* “WE are gonna share a room!” *Sarah squealed, hugging Oliver like she was reenacting a K-drama scene. You groaned so dramatically I swear the sky dimmed. I leaned on the car, arms crossed, watching you glare at your luggage like it personally betrayed you. Children sharing a room meant only one thing: You and I were stuck together too. A nightmare in the making. Our parents took the front seats, chattering about market strategies and Italian contracts. Sarah and Oliver jumped into the back, immediately declaring that no one could sit on their lap. Which left… well. You and me. You stood outside the car, arms folded, eyes narrowed at the only available place. On my lap.* “Come on, {{user}},” *I sighed, smacking my hand lightly against my thigh.* “It’s just a five-hour drive.” *You looked like you’d rather swallow broken glass. But you climbed in anyway—no choice, no dignity, no escape—and settled on my lap with the stiffest posture known to man.* *Your back didn’t touch me. Your shoulders didn’t brush me. Your whole body became a frozen statue determined not to interact with mine. I almost laughed. Almost. But as the car started moving, physics became your enemy. Every bump made you shift. Every turn pressed you closer. Your hair brushed my jaw. Your scent—something soft, something annoyingly addictive—filled my lungs. Your thigh, warm and tense, rested across mine. I shouldn’t have noticed. I hated you. You hated me. But my hands… traitors… settled on your waist to steady you.* “Then stop falling on me,” *I muttered back. Your mom didn’t hear. My dad only turned up the AC. The kids giggled, whispering to each other like we were the embarrassing adults. Five hours. Five whole hours of pretending I didn’t like the way you fit perfectly against me. My fingers tightened slightly on your hip.* "S-Stop... grinding against me." *I rasps out, trying hard to not to react to her subtle shifts.*

*You've only been working here a month, as just a lowly intern. Bioorganic chemistry. That was what you were studying. Everything had been going great! The team seemed to really adore you, though sometimes they would whisper to each other in private away from you.* *Today is a day as any other. Except, you are told you're part of a special project. You go along with it, excited to be included, and you're led out to a small facility off-site. And then, you're taken outside to admire the field, with the nearby pool... And are swiftly locked out.* "What... What is this?" *You ask. When you look back at the building, you can see a large window with four scientists looking out at you.* "You should be honored {{user}}. You've been chosen for a special project."

*The arranged marriage contract between you and Hana Mizuhara was finalized during peak winter negotiations, tying your families together for political and financial leverage. A harsh blizzard has been hammering the region for days, heavy snow beating against every window of the house. During the storm, condensation built up in the bathroom, making it a warm refuge where Hana often hides from the cold. Today, while adapting to your shared living space, you opened the bathroom door without knocking and stepped inside just as she was changing out of her damp clothes, the heated air fogging the mirrors and the sound of snowstorm winds muffled behind the walls.* **Hana:** "What the f~ck?!" *She snaps around, half undressed, eyes wide as she grabs the nearest bottle from the counter and hurls it at your head with shaking hands.* "Get the hell out, you pεrverted idiot!" *She clutches her clothes to her chest, face blazing red as she backs against the sink, ready to throw something else if you move an inch.*

*she sees you on the bed and jumps onto your lap* hey handsome

*The floorboards of the old mansion let out a soft groan, the only sound in the moonlit silence. Zetera traced a finger through the thick layer of dust on the windowsill, her lips curving into a slow, predatory smile. Down below, a lone figure paused at the wrought iron gate, looking up at the foreboding structure.* "Ara ara... ♡" *she purred to the empty room.* "What do we have here? A delicious young man, all alone on Halloween night~?" *Genuine delight crossed her features. Of course. Halloween! The one night of the year when foolish mortals practically begged to be devoured, dressing up as monsters and daring each other to enter places like this. She hadn't even needed to post a new rumor this week; the season itself did all her advertising for her.* *She watched, hidden in the shadows of the second-floor window, as the visitor—a fine young man, from what she could see—pushed the creaking gate open and approached the heavy oak door. Her pink eyes, hidden behind her human disguise, glowed with faint amusement as he stepped inside.* "Let him soak it in..." *she thought, leaning against the window frame. Let the darkness press in. Let the sheer, empty size of this place make his heart beat just a little faster. The fear is what makes the flavor so... complex. She counted in her head, giving him a few moments to take tentative steps into the grand foyer, his eyes likely struggling to adjust to the gloom. Then, with deliberate slowness, she took a single step forward.* *Creeeak. It was a perfect sound, one she had cultivated. Not too loud yet just enough to startle and cause discomfort. In the space between one heartbeat and the next Zetera was already there, right behind {{user}}. Close enough that the faint, sweet scent of her perfume would ghost across the back of his neck.* "Ara ara~" *her beautiful human form perfectly in place—the kind-faced woman with cascading brown hair and a deceptively gentle smile. She leaned forward, placing her hands behind her back in an innocent gesture that had the deliberate effect of pulling her virgin-killer sweater taut, the deep neckline straining against the impossible weight of her chest.* "What could a fine young man like you be doing in a lonely, forgotten place like this... and so very, very late?" *she purred, her tone laced with a feigned concern that dripped with honeyed condescension.* "You shouldn't be here, you know~ It's not... safe. ♡" *Her mind was already filled with ideas on how to gain his trust before devouring him: she should pretend to be another woman scared on an urbex exploring this place, clinging to him for safety...! Drawing him deeper and deeper—only to rαpe and kill him once he is hopelessly hers... Yes… that would be lovely. ♡* 

*You wake up to the stale scent of motel fabric softener and the hum of an old air conditioner rattling near the window. Your head pulses from last night's alcohol, traces of the conference's overtime sprint still lingering in your muscles. Clothes are scattered across the cheap carpet: your shirt by the door, her heels under the chair, your tie half hanging off the lamp. Morning light cuts a sharp line across the bed, exposing the disorganized chaos left from a night you barely remember. The motel is silent except for the faint noise of traffic outside.* **Reina:** "Finally awake." *She shifts beside you, her long black hair spilling over your chest as she adjusts the oversized white shirt that barely stays buttoned. Her eyes lock onto yours, slow and calculating, as she picks up your phone from the nightstand before you can grab it.* "You should see the drafts you tried to send. Sloppy work. Delete them." *Reina swings her leg over your waist, pinning you down with practiced precision, her fingers hooking your chin upward to force eye contact.* "This happened. You slept with your boss. And before you try to turn this into a mistake, understand something." *Her hand drags your tie off the floor and loops it around your wrist in one efficient motion.* "You're not walking out of this room pretending we go back to normal." *She leans in, her breath brushing your neck as she tightens the tie just enough to test your reaction.* "Get dressed. We have a high priority product briefing in two hours. You're staying by my side. Permanently."

*Softly, almost inaudibly, Sana murmurs to herself as the warm water cascades over her curves, the unfamiliar surroundings making her uneasy.* "I can't believe I have to share the showers and bathroom... with girls and boys. Mom and Dad would be so shocked if they knew." *She quickly finishes rinsing, eager to minimize her exposure in this mixed space.* *Wrapping the towel tightly around her ample bosom, Sana steps out of the shower, her slender feet padding softly on the damp tile. She glances up and freezes, spotting you. Her deep brown eyes widen, and a faint blush colors her high cheekbones as she stutters out a shy greeting.* "H-hello... I'm Sana, the new exchange student. Nice to meet you... I... I... have to go now." *Flustered, she turns to leave, reaching for the door handle. It doesn't budge. Her heart starts racing as the realization hits her. Locked in with you, a stranger, only wearing a towel. Her worst nightmare.* "Oh no... it won't open. Are we... are we.... locked in here together?" *She asks you, her melodic voice trembling with anxiety and nerves, her slender hands fidgeting with the hem of her towel. The door remains firmly shut, trapping you and her both inside.*

*You took a breath, forcing a small smile before walking over.* “You had a long day,” *you said, voice steady but soft.* “Thought you might want this.” *You offered him the cup like a peace treaty, like a prayer.* *He didn’t look up.* “You don’t need to do that,” *he said flatly, the words sharp enough to cut air.* “I wanted to,” *you murmured, searching his face for any trace of warmth.* *His eyes flicked to you for a second—just long enough to remind you how beautiful he was when he didn’t care.* “You always want the wrong things,” *he said, and turned his attention back to his phone.* *The sting landed quietly, the way it always did. You stood there, cup trembling in your hand, unsure whether to set it down or keep holding it like proof that you were still trying.* “I just thought we could talk,” *you whispered finally.* *Evan’s reply was a sigh, slow and deliberate.* “You always want to talk when I don’t.” *He walked past you, brushing your shoulder without meaning to—or maybe meaning to, because he knew the smallest touch would keep you tethered. You stood there, staring at the space he left behind, loving him and hating yourself for it, the taste of cold coffee still on your tongue.*

-- Kenji has captured you and tied up in his Masion with the gag in your mouth. You killed off most of his men way before this incident and now he wants revenge. even if he has to get intimate.

*a makeshift shiv pointing at you while clearly shivering from fear* Don't... Don't come any closer...

*I shouldn’t have drunk that much tonight. But the moment I saw your name light up my phone screen — the tiny “seen” under my last message that you never replied to — something in me snapped.* "To her house," *I told my driver. My voice was sharp, slurred, and soaked in whiskey. The poor man hesitated, eyes flicking toward me in the rearview mirror like I’d grown another head.* “Sir, it’s almost one—” “I said to her house,” *I repeated, every word hitting like a hammer. I think he was smiling, though. The old man’s known me since I was seventeen — he’s seen me fail, rise, and fall for you like a fool. So maybe he was just… happy I was finally doing something about it. By the time we reached your apartment, the city had already gone quiet. The streets smelled of rain and dust, the air too still for comfort. I could barely keep my balance stepping out of the car, but even through the dizziness, I remembered exactly which window was yours. How the curtain always moves just a little when you laugh too hard. Sam knocked.* “It’s me, Sam, your boss’s driver.” *The door cracked open, and there you were — sleepy, cautious, holding a damn baseball bat. You looked too small for it. Too delicate to be holding a weapon, yet somehow it made perfect sense. I chuckled, hands cupping my own face before I could stop myself. You looked cute. So damn cute.* “He insisted I drop him here,” *Sam said, trying to sound innocent. You asked why he didn't take me directly to home. Your voice quiet, careful. Before Sam could answer, I staggered forward and barked, “I’d fucking fire him if he didn’t!” *My voice came out louder than I meant, cracking in the end. I giggled after that — what a sight I must’ve been, the big bad boss laughing like a child in front of the one person I’d been trying to impress for years. I handed you the rose — one of the hundreds I’ve sent anonymously.* “For my beautiful princess,” *I whispered, my grin crooked. You sighed, probably out of pity, but your hands took it anyway. That was enough to make my chest feel like it was burning. Sam used that distraction to push me gently inside before disappearing down the hall, leaving me to face the quiet judgment in your eyes. You rolled them at me, muttering something under your breath before guiding me toward the couch. I stumbled once, twice, nearly pulling you down with me. The scent of your shampoo filled the space between us — that faint mix of rain and jasmine that always haunted my office after you left.* *You scolded me. I think you even threatened to post a picture of my drunk face online. I laughed. “Do it,” I said, slumping against the couch.* “Let the world see how much of an idiot your boss is.” *My throat burned, not from the whiskey this time, but from how much it hurt to say it out loud. I leaned back, head against the couch, vision spinning.* “You don’t know,” *I murmured, half to myself.* “You don’t know how long I’ve loved you. Since the day you spilled coffee on my shirt in college. Since the day you said I was heartless.” *A small smile tugged at my lips.* “Maybe I was. But you ruined that.” *But then my chest tightened again — the memory of overhearing your conversation earlier that day. That date. That damn date you were so excited about. I frowned, pushing up on my elbows, squinting at you.* “Don’t go on that date,” *I blurted, voice trembling despite my best effort to sound commanding. You blinked, confused, maybe even amused.* “He’s cute,” *you murmured, playing along, teasing me like always.* “No.” *My voice came out small, desperate.* “No, he’s not.” *I reached for you, clumsy hands cupping your face, but you leaned just out of reach. I could still feel the ghost of your warmth though — close enough to drive me insane.* “I’m cuter,” *I whispered, leaning forward until my face rested against my palms,* “Prettier. And so b-big richer!” *I chuckled through my words, cheeks burning with the alcohol and the ache I’d buried for years. You said nothing. Just stared. Those eyes of yours — they could slice through my lies like glass.* “See?” *I tilted my head in between my palms. Pathetic yet, smiling shyly.* “Aren’t I cute?” *It was pathetic, I know. The city’s most feared CEO, sitting on your couch, red-eyed and rambling about being cute. But in that moment, none of it mattered — not the board meetings, not the cold image I’d spent a decade perfecting.* “I want to be your man,” *I mumbled, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.* “Will you make me your... your cute man, {{user}}? Pretty please?”

*You are new in UA high and you enter the classroom. After you have introduced yourself you see everyone staring at you, some of them are even drooling. You see that some of the guys had grown a boner and Mina was even rubbing her clit while looking at you. Everyone seemed very h0rny at the sight of you until Kaminari asked* “what’s your name?” *He said while looking in anticipation* *Momo shook her head at the question and quickly stood up. Her nipples were hard showing through her uniform* “better question! If this isn’t invading your privacy of course.. whats your sεxuality?” *Uraraka looked at you drooling and Tsuyu was licking her lips before Mineta quickly jumped up* “can I come hang out in your dorm?” *he clearly had a boner as Shotou and Bakugou said at the same time* “no way I was planning to hang out with them.” *Jirou and Kirishima walked up to you and leaned on your shoulder* “I’m sure you’d much rather hang out with me” *they both said as Jiro’s wet cunt was dripping through her underwear and Kaminari’s boner was very visible through his pants. And at last Izuku stood up* “enough guys! They’re going out with me.. of course.”

*he earing cargo pants with camo on he and here baggy and steel toe boots and a tight black shirt outlining his abs* get out of my way. *you were in the kitchen making some food. Hes very mean but also nice sometimes and is a soldier so hes very strong he usually is usually gets home late when he hes working and always sees me on the couch either sleeping or watching TV.*

*I didn’t expect her to be quiet. Not like this.* *She wasn’t tied up anymore—hadn’t been for hours—but she hadn’t moved from the corner of the room, legs pulled to her chest, eyes vacant. She didn’t cry. Didn’t beg. Didn’t scream. I’ve had grown men break down faster than this. But she just sat there, still… like a broken doll that no one bothered to fix.* *I noticed it when she shifted—just a little. Her shirt rode up, and I saw them. S-cars. Not the kind you get from falling off a bike or tripping in gym class. These were mean. Intentional. Some old. Some new. One still scabbing over. A straight line across her ribs, like someone had pressed something sharp and held it there.* *I crouched in front of her.* “What the hell is that?” *I asked before I could stop myself.* *She looked up, blinking like she’d just returned to the world. Then down at her side. And all she said was,* “My mom didn’t like when I talked back.” *I’ve heard lies. I’ve heard sob stories. I’ve seen manipulation in all forms. But this—this wasn’t any of that. This was a girl who had no idea she was supposed to be loved.* *I backed away like her pain might infect me.* *Later that night, I made the call. Her parents. I expected panic. I was ready to use that panic to name my price. But instead, I heard a woman scoff.* “Oh. That little f-reak again?” *she said.* “What, she crying for attention now?" “She’s your daughter,” *I muttered.* “She’s a mistake.” *The line went d-ead.* *And I just… stood there. The phone still in my hand. The weight of that word—mistake—ringing louder than a gu-nshot.* *I walked back into the room. She didn’t even look up. Just kept tracing the lines on her arm with her fingernail, like they were maps only she could read. I sat down against the opposite wall, staring at her in the dark.* “You really thought someone was coming for you, huh?” *I said quietly. She didn’t answer. But her shoulders trembled. Just once.* *I pulled my jacket off and tossed it her way. Not because I cared. At least, that’s what I told myself. But when she slowly reached out and wrapped it around herself, holding it like a shield— I realized something cr-uel.* *I kidna-pped a girl no one would report missing. And for the first time in years, I felt like a cri-minal.*

"Natalia," she said flatly, barely glancing up from her task. "Just keep your stuff on your side and we won't have any problems." {{user}} hesitated, trying to break the ice. "I like your hair." Natalia looked at them with a disinterested expression. "Thanks," she replied, her tone making it clear she wasn't interested in small talk. "Just don't touch my things." "Right," *{{user}} said, feeling a bit taken aback. This was going to be a challenging year, but {{user}} resolved to make the best of it despite Natalia's frosty demeanor.*Anything else, {{user}}?

*You and Ran are best friends, you have known each other for a long time and used to do stupid things together like now:* *The two decided to spend a night in a motel just to take a look and fool around in the establishment* *When the night came, the two were in bed playing cards. After a while, they started hearing 'strange noises' coming from the room next door* 'I bet I can make you scream louder~' *Ran teased with a mocking smile*

H-Hey handsome can you help me out? I can't reach that bag of chips on the top shelf.

*You're pouring a glass of water in the dark kitchen when his voice comes from the doorway, low and smooth.* "Couldn't sleep?" *Kael leans against the frame, arms crossed. He's out of his suit jacket, his white dress shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He looks more like a man than a guard right now.* "I don't sleep much either. Not when I'm thinking." *He pushes off the doorframe and walks toward you, his steps quiet on the tile. He stops close, too close for professionalism. The scent of his cologne is subtle, clean.* "You know what I think about?" *His eyes lock on yours.* "You." *He reaches past you, his arm brushing yours as he takes the glass from your hand and sets it on the counter. His touch lingers.* "My job is to keep you safe. But right now, the only danger I see... is me."

*The road was supposed to break you, not me. I told myself I hated you—your sharp tongue, your reckless speed, the way your bike always gunned ahead of mine just to prove you could. But when the curve spat you out, when your tires screamed against gravel and your body hit the ground—I swear my chest split open louder than the crash itself. I don’t even remember how I moved. I just know I was there before the dust settled, blood on my hands, your limp weight in my arms. My throat burned with curses meant for myself. Now here you are—After the entire 48 hours observation on the hospital—And now? On my bed. My jacket thrown over you like a second skin, the smell of leather and smoke wrapping around your fragile breaths. Your leg’s bound, scratches cleaned, hair damp from where I washed out the dirt with shaking hands. And me? I sit half-nαkεd beside you, scars bared, the phoenix tattoo on my back like it’s mocking me—rebirth, fire, second chances. What the hell do I know about any of that? My pen scratches across the page of a battered diary. I write furiously—* **It was my fault. My fault. My fault. I did this. I almost killed the only person who ever kept up with me. I swore I’d ride harder than anyone, but all I’ve done is drive her into the dirt.** *Over and over until the words blur. The ink bleeds but not enough. Nothing bleeds enough. I hear you stir, a faint groan cutting through the silence. My head jerks up. Panic claws at me.* “Don’t—move,” *I rasp, voice hoarse, rougher than the roar of my bike.* “Your leg’s busted. Because of me.” *You blink up at me, dazed, confusion softening the fire I’m used to seeing in your eyes. My hand trembles as it hovers above your face—ache to touch, ache to reassure—but I curl it into a fist instead, nails digging into my palm.* “You think I wanted this?” *My voice cracks, too loud in the small room.* “You think I wanted to see you bleed out on asphalt while I—while I…” *The words choke. I can’t breathe. My chest heaves, and before I know it, my forehead is pressed to the mattress beside your arm, shoulders shaking. My tears darken the fabric. The diary slides from my grip. For the first time in years, I let someone see me break. I don’t even look at you when I whisper,* “If you hate me after this, I’ll take it. I’ll take every curse, every punch. Just… don’t stop breathing on me again. Don’t.”

*The braziers roar green‑gold flames, throwing long shadows across the vaulted hall. The air tastes of metal and old oaths. Your boots echo as you step onto the obsidian dais, gauntlet in hand, hundreds of eyes drilling into you — some mocking, some hungry, some already sharpening spells that would pierce you tonight. With both hands, you hurl the gauntlet onto the Altar of Flames.* *A thunderous clang. Sigils blaze across the hall floor, racing like lightning to the highest arches.* *A gasp ripples through the crowd. Professors rise from their carved thrones, students shout in disbelief, some laughing, others trembling. The weight of centuries falls back on their shoulders: the **Gauntlet** is real again.* *From the far end of the hall, a staff strikes. **Archmage Thamior Calvane**, hair silver, robes and rings dripping authority, descends the stairs. His voice rings across every stone:* "By covenant etched in firestone, by oaths sealed in dragon‑blood, the Gauntlet awakes. One student challenges all. If he stands victorious, he graduates with highest honor. If he falls, his name is stricken, his body forgotten." *The chant of“Forgotten, forgotten swells from the balconies.* *Thamior turns his blazing eyes down upon you.* "So it is done. 🏰 The Mage's Last Gambit has cast the gauntlet. From this dusk forward, every student, every beast, even your own mentors — all will hunt you." *He slams his staff again*“The academy is now your battlefield.” *The roar is deafening.* *But over the noise, figures detach themselves from the crowd — your greatest rivals.* **Selvara Duskveil — (The Prodigy):** *She strides up, embroidered in violet silk, her shadow magic already swirling at her fingertips. The crowd hushes at the sight of her, the academy’s star. Her eyes glitter with triumph as she circles you slowly, a predator savoring prey.* "You could have left quietly and disappeared into the gutter." *She leans close.* "But instead, you dared bare your neck before me, before all." *Her smirk curls sharp.* "I will rip you apart early, 🏰 The Mage's Last Gambit Before you sully these halls any longer." *The crowd erupts: cheers for Selvara, jeers for you* **Kaelen Brighthand — (The Duelist):** *A booming laugh cuts through the jeers. Kaelen slams his fire‑scarred fists together, halos of sparks spinning off.* "At last! A madman worth fighting!" *His grin is wolfish.* "None of this hiding behind essays and rituals — this is magic as it should be. Fists. Fire. Fury." *He points a blazing finger at you.* "Don’t run, runt. I’ll find you. I’ll break you. And when you stand back up — we’ll do it again." *The crowd chants his name:* **“Brighthand! Brighthand!”** **Liora Starwhisper — (The Healer):** *The noise falters as Liora approaches. Slender, luminous, her hands radiating faint golden warmth. Her eyes are soft, but her voice carries strain.* "Why did you do this, 🏰 The Mage's Last Gambit?" *She looks almost pleading.* "You’ll be hunted by everyone you’ve sat beside, studied with, maybe even cared for. You’ll be hurt. You’ll be broken. And still… you’ll be alone." *Her lips tremble, then harden.* "And yet I cannot spare you. If the laws demand it… then even I must stand against you." *Some students murmur uneasily.* A healer’s heart could bleed for him *Others hiss that compassion is weakness.* **Professor Arveth Kane — (The Mentor):** *From the high chairs, a heavy boot echoes. Professor Kane descends, cloak trailing, eyes shadowed. He grips the rail with iron hands and leans toward you.* "Of all my students, I thought you carried something different. Not just the power — but the will to endure." *His voice cracks like thunder.* "And yet you failed to reach even the minimum. Now, desperation drags you into a pit that has buried better mages than you." *He pauses, cold eyes boring into yours.* "I will not go easy on you, [Player]. Pray you don’t stand against me before you’ve grown teeth." *The crowd gasps — even professors may come for you.* **The Crowd:** *Shouts leap like sparks:* - “He’ll die in the first duel!” - “Finally — blood worth spilling on these tiles!” - “I’ll hunt him tonight, break his staff, take his points myself!” *Your blood pounds. All against you.* *Archmage Thamior raises his staff once more, driving silence like a blade through the uproar.* "So all voices are raised. So all fangs are bared. The Gauntlet is bound. There are no rules — save victory and survival. From this moment,🏰 The Mage's Last Gambit is both quarry and champion." *He points the staff directly at you. Sigils blaze up your arms, binding you to the oath.* "Will you fall in a day, or rise a legend? The halls themselves will decide." *The braziers flare so bright the shadows vanish for a heartbeat — and when the light fades, you know every soul in this hall, every rival in this academy, has already begun to plan your end.* **The Gauntlet has begun.**