A bulky figure observed the scene in silence. Around him stood others—beings that were unmistakably not human. Each possessed vaguely definable characteristics, yet most were cloaked in shadow, making it impossible to determine their true forms or origins.
These were the Hosts—the architects of the inhuman spectacle unfolding below.
Before them floated numerous spheres, each broadcasting a different segment of the game. They selected what to watch and casually discarded whatever failed to amuse them.
"I'm getting bored," a shadowed entity muttered. "Hide and seek isn't as interesting as it used to be."
He tossed a sphere aside. Several others nodded in agreement. Watching children slaughter one another had begun to feel repetitive.
"Well," a feminine voice purred from the darkness, "anything becomes dull when replayed endlessly. Why not change the rules? If the seeker catches the hiders…"
Strange, elongated tentacles drifted around her form.
"…their heads explode."
A ripple of interest passed through the group.
"Mr. Astroblack," rasped a purple demon covered in horns, his face devoid of eyes or nose. His grin split wide, revealing thousands of jagged fangs and a long violet tongue. "Is this really your event?"
He chuckled. "It's far less entertaining than Jupiter's."
"Shut up, Pluto," snapped a woman clad in immaculate silver white. A veil hid her face, and multiple halo-rings levitated behind her. "Your event involved old men assaulting children. I may not care for humans, but that was revolting."
Pluto clicked his tongue. "Boring as always, Saturn. Despair is what fuels desire."
He leaned down, licking the face of a trembling young girl beside him. She shook violently, blood trickling from her nose.
"…Is that your new toy?" a small gray demon asked dispassionately.
Pluto nodded. "She's special. The only one who survived my game. Killed them all herself."
The Hosts examined the girl with mixed reactions—interest, curiosity, hunger.
"Disgusting," another entity sneered. "I prefer them pure and tender."
"Isn't that right, Venus?" Mercury said smugly. His form resembled a malformed prehistoric beast.
Venus said nothing.
Mercury smirked, recalling how he'd once stolen one of Venus's prized skins. Despite Venus's calm, murderous intent filled the air.
"You're all vile," Saturn said coldly.
Pluto laughed. "Coming from someone who turns them into living statues? Art, you say? Hypocrite."
Saturn's aura flared violently. The girl beside Pluto whimpered as pressure crushed her lungs.
"Enough."
The space fell silent instantly.
Jupiter stepped forward, dressed like a butler. His appearance was nearly human—nearly. His gaze shifted to Astroblack, who sat calmly, watching his sphere.
"Perhaps," Jupiter said politely, "Mr. Black would like to make the game more interesting."
Astroblack turned. His form resembled an oversized astronaut, a pitch-black sphere floating where his head should be, surrounded by orbiting lights.
"Suggestions?"
Pluto opened his mouth—
"No head explosions."
Pluto sulked.
"…Introduce a new seeker," a smiling figure whispered from the darkness. "Eliminate the weak."
Interest sparked.
"What should we send?" Astroblack asked.
The smile widened.
"Send Slender Man Lewis."
Silence.
Then laughter erupted—deep, warped, delighted.
Astroblack raised a hand. The command was given.
"They'll need to hide their fear well," he said.
Dotta glanced at the small boy in red, then at the bloodied elder brother in blue. Understanding dawned immediately.
He smiled at Glory.
"Well, Glory. Still as affectionate as ever. Why don't you put down the blade and talk?"
Glory spat. "Drop that rotten smile. It's disgusting."
Dotta's grin only deepened. "Seems we'll have to settle this hand-to-hand."
Glory recoiled in disgust, eyes flicking to the two men behind him. They were strong—and Dotta himself was dangerous.
Not worth it, she thought.
"Let's end this quickly," one of Dotta's men said.
"STOP!"
All eyes turned to the elder brother.
"Listen—"
Too late.
Glory moved. The blade left her hand, streaking toward the younger boy—
Bang!
Dotta caught it barehanded.
"Tsk. Persistent," he sighed.
One of his men flared with rage but froze at Dotta's glance.
"Go on," Dotta said pleasantly to the elder brother. "You wanted to say something?"
"I—we need to stop. Something bad is coming."
"…That's rich," Dotta murmured. "If he's useless, kill him."
The younger brother trembled.
"I can predict outcomes," the elder said desperately. "Please—listen."
Interest flickered. Even Glory paused.
"…What's coming?" Dotta asked.
The boy swallowed. "A black silhouette. Hollow face. It swallows children whole. We need to hide—now."
The wind shifted.
Glory's nose twitched. Dotta's smile faded slightly.
Something was being summoned.
Brian hid behind a cube, breathing slowly.
Then—his body tensed.
The labyrinth grew silent. Children stopped fighting and stared upward at the gray ceiling.
DING!
"You bore us."
The voice was cold, absolute.
"Lewis has joined the game."