Chapter 2 THE ENIGMATIC INVITATION I

Sweating and tired from running all day in preparation for the survivalist challenge happening a few months away, Liv, a 30-year-old woman with striking auburn hair, bright blue eyes, and a slim, athletic build opens the door to her house. Her tank top covered with sweat, her headset hanging on her neck, she pulled off her dirty sneakers and placed on the shoe rack next to the door before heading to the kitchen grabbing a bottle of water and drinking it all in one breath.

She pulled off her tank top, leaving her only in her bra top as she took a seat on the leather couch facing the flat screen TV plastered to the wall. She had been working all day and night for the survivalist challenge. Running and improving her stamina in the morning and doing research on survivalist tips for the outdoors. She had bested several others in recent competitions and still holds the most awards for the best survivalist. Ever since she was ten years old, she had always loved the outdoors, camping, and rock climbing. She feeds off the adrenaline that comes with being outside of her comfort zone and always pushes her limits, bringing her to where she was today.

She was watching the news when the door bell draws her attention to the door. She wasn't expecting anybody today, so she wondered who that could be. She opened the door and to her surprise no one was outside, she looked around and there was no trace of anyone being on her doorstep. Just as she was about closing the door she spots a mysterious envelope on her doorstep. It was sealed with an elegant wax stamp. Her curiosity peaked and she picked it up then stepped back into the house closing the door behind her. She opened the envelope to reveal an invitation adorned with intricate illustrations of mountains and hidden paths. The message inside read: "Dear Liv, We have heard tales of your indomitable spirit and fearless sense of adventure. Your reputation as

an intrepid explorer precedes you. It is with great anticipation that we extend an invitation to the Enigma Inn, a place where your mettle will truly be put to the test. Expect challenges that will match your courage. Will you rise to the occasion, unravel our mysteries, and emerge victorious? Your presence at the Enigma Inn is eagerly awaited. "Yours in enigma, The Enigmatic Benefactor" "The Enigma Inn." Liv muttered to herself, staring at the contents of the letter. She had never heard of any Inn bearing that name before. On the body of the envelope was the address to the Inn. With her growing curiosity, she decided to research more about it before making her decision. Her research about the Inn showed beautiful pictures of the Inn, both exterior and interior, and there were several comments about how amazing the Inn was and how the Inn had helped them achieve their greatest goals. The comments numbered in thousands, she stared at the invitation beside her laptop and in that moment she made up her mind to visit the Enigma Inn after all her competition was still several months away and if the Inn was truly up to the hype she would gain more experience

putting her above her other competitors. On Baker's Street stood the most famous gym in the city. The Guerrilla Gym, owned by former military veterans, Thomas Shaw, and Victor Malone 'Vic' for short. After retiring from the army due to their injuries the both of them decided to open up a gym and train the younger generations the army life building them up for their time in which they might get to serve or achieve the body of their dreams. Vic is a 40 - year - old man with a rugged beard, piercing grey eyes, and a burly physique. He has a scar on his left cheek after a shrapnel cut his cheek during his time in the army. He had just finished an intense workout session and was ready to go home and hit the showers and maybe have some fun with his wife. As he walked back to his house a few meters away from the gym, he remembered his time in the army. The drilling, the shootouts, last-minute strategies, and always improvising when things doesn't go as planned, which is almost always. He thought back to those times and wished he had something more challenging than what he was doing now, he wanted to feel the heat of a battle field again and the machines in his brain turn to figure out what to do when things are looking grim. Just as he reached his house, he swung open the door and threw his bag filled with weights on the couch. "Baby, I'm home." He called out while going into the kitchen. "You're back earlier than usual." Sarah, his 36 years old wife, said as she came out of the bedroom. "Yeah, I was thinking about you." Vic said in a flirtatious tone as Sarah walked up to him smiling. He held her waist and pulled her close to him, giving her a kiss. Sarah extended her hand, pushing him back and wrinkling her nose. "You stink." She said, causing Vic to laugh and release her. "What do you expect?" Vic grabbed a carton of orange juice in the fridge and poured it into a glass cup before downing it. "Go take a shower, smelly boy." Sarah teased hitting his chest playfully. "Yes mummy." Vic spanked her ass just as she was leaving the kitchen, causing her to yelp. Just as Vic was about to leave the kitchen he noticed an envelope on the kitchen counter. It was marked with his name in bold, black letters. Vic tore it open to find a letter that read, "Dear Vic, Your unwavering resolve and tactical acumen have not gone unnoticed. We are aware of your remarkable leadership skills and your ability to remain calm in the face of adversity. These qualities make you an ideal candidate for the Enigma Inn. Prepare to test your mettle like never before. The challenges within our walls will push your limits and demand your expertise. Will you emerge as the true strategist we believe you to be? Join us at the Enigma Inn and accept the challenge that awaits. "Yours in enigma, The Enigmatic Benefactor" "Babe, what is this?" Vic asked, holding out the letter for her to see. "Oh, it came in the mail this morning when you left for the gym. What does it say?" Sarah asked. "It's an invitation to an Inn of some sort." Vic replied, staring at the address at the back of the envelope. "That sounds nice. Do you know who sent it?" "Someone called the Enigmatic Benefactor." Vic said as he walked up to her and handed her the letter for her to read. "Well this sounds sketchy, but lately you've been telling me you are looking for something more challenging?" "Well... yes, but this doesn't feel normal. Might be a scam for all we know." Sarah seemed to think about it for a second, then took out her phone and typed in the address written on the envelope. She saw a castle like Inn surrounded by lush gardens and forest, a water fountain and well guarded fence. "This seems wow." Vic commented seeing the pictures. "Then again, it could be fake." "Only one way to find out." "Yeah...it's just–" Vic was about to talk but was interrupted by Sarah, who put her finger on his lips. "Less talking. Now go and have your shower I've been waiting for you." Sarah bit her lower lips, teasing Vic, who suddenly forgot about everything and nodded like a little boy, then bounced to the bathroom.