THE ENIGMA INN

In the heart of a remote and desolate wilderness, shrouded by towering trees and forgotten trails, stood the Enigma Inn-a place steeped in mystery and legend, whispered about only by the bold or the foolish. Hidden from maps and untouched by time, the Inn bore an eerie charm, as though it existed beyond the reach of reality. To the outside world, it was little more than a rumor, a myth shared in hushed tones. But for six unsuspecting individuals, it became a chilling reality. Each of them received a personalized, cryptic invitation, promising a unique experience tailored to their skills, desires, or deepest ambitions. Whether drawn by curiosity, the allure of a challenge, or the hope of transformation, they all made the journey to the secluded hotel, unaware of what truly awaited them. The Enigma Inn was no retreat-it was a twisted theatre where psychological and physical trials tested the limits of human endurance. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Inn's true nature emerged. Trapped within its walls, each guest was forced to confront their fears in a series of deadly games. One by one, they fell-victims of a cruel fate orchestrated by an unseen host. The only question that remained was: who would survive?

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.

Dr. Evelyn "Evie" Parker is a 35 - year - old archaeologist with tousled brown hair, glasses, and a scholarly demeanour. She has an unhealthy obsession with finding out historical artefacts and learning about the traditions, myths, and archaeological findings across the world. She is very determined in what she does and would make sure to get whatever she sets her eyes on no matter the cost and no matter the way.

She's no stranger to dirty dealings, she would blackmail someone if necessary, kidnapping is not a problem, threatening is normal to her, smuggling drugs just to achieve her goal is part of her dealings, and even weapons are not far fetched. However, she draws the line on killing. She doesn't want the death of someone on her hands. She has been arrested countless times but always manages to escape. She is a business woman to the core and has several connections far and wide. Due to several of her missions to obtain artefacts and gain information about certain things , she has managed to make a living by writing about her discovery and findings, making her rich. She owns several apartments across the world and many cars that she takes pride in. She hardly shows off, but when she does, it's always an overkill which forced her to hire bodyguards as several attempts had been made on her life due to the nature of the work she does. Evelyn was in her clustered study surrounded by ancient manuscript. Dressed up in a white shirt and a khaki shorts with a wide brimmed hat, she studied the recent manuscript she had just obtained or rather stolen from Greece. Her study was like a huge room on its own. The shelves held several books she had written and

several books she had read to make her research. On another shelf held several stolen manuscripts from different parts of the world and other smaller artefacts. In a separate quadrant of the room stood ancient idols people worshipped across the world, each in a case of their own. She often sold the idols to museums across the world who offered millions of dollars on it. Just as she was focused on reading the manuscript and trying to decipher its meaning, she was interrupted by a knock. "Come in." She ordered. A burly man dressed up in a suit, and tie walked in, holding a package. "Ma'am, you have a package. "Evelyn glanced up at the man, then to the package. Her eyebrow arched at the sight of the package. She wasn't expecting any package today, nor had she ordered anything to be delivered to her. "Any idea where it is from?" She asked. "No Ma'am. It arrived via a courier." The man reported. "I see. Drop it on the table." She ordered. The man nodded and dropped the package on the table before leaving. "I wonder what's in here." She said to herself as she opened the package to find an ornate box adorned with hieroglyphics and symbols. Inside she discovered a parchment that said, "Dear Dr. Parker, Your passion for archaeology and your thirst for uncovering ancient secrets have intrigued us. Your scholarly pursuits make you an ideal guest for the Enigma Inn, a place where the past and the present intertwine in enigmatic ways. Within our walls, you will face puzzles that demand your intellect and historical knowledge. Will you decipher the riddles of history and unveil the hidden truths? We extend this invitation to you, and we eagerly anticipate your arrival at the Enigma Inn. "Yours in enigma,

The Enigmatic Benefactor"

"Oh wow." Evelyn eyes widened with delight, a chance to prove her knowledge. Her chance to be recognised as something other than a thief or a writer. If this was as true as it stated on the letter she would be sure to visit the Enigma Inn.

In a casino, a 28 - year - old man with a shaved head, an infectious grin, and an array of lucky charms around his neck sat on a stool in the bar. A glass of wine in his hand as he talked animatedly to a beautiful blonde haired girl who seemed to hang on to every word that drops from his mouth. It wasn't really surprising to see as that man had more money than most of the men in the casino. He was given the name Casino King by the manager of the casino after cashing out several times on his first attempt. "Hey Lucky, wanna go one more round?" A bald fat man sitting at the round table called out to the man. "Excuse me, dear." Lucky as he was often called by his close friends excused himself from the conversation and sat beside the fat man at the round table. "Can't wait to get beat again, eh?" Lucky taunted, causing everyone to laugh. "So what are we playing? Blackjack, poker or baccarat?" The fat man asked, and the majority agreed on poker. Lucky was confident about winning after all, he had never lost any game in the casino before. The game started, and the cards were dealt out. As the game progressed Lucky's confidence also grew. He made bold bets and took calculated risks, everyone had gathered around the group by this time and admired Lucky's confidence. When the final hands were dealt, the crowd was in disbelief as Lucky revealed his winning hand,

making him the winner. "Such grace you have." A guy from the crowd gathered around them commented. "Not Grace. Luck, I have infinite luck." Lucky said with pride. Leo "Lucky" Rodriguez played several other games and won them all. Lucky is one of the most superstitious person anyone would ever meet, he believes in luck and fate and has a strong belief that he has infinite luck due to the amount of Lucky charms he had received from so-called 'magicians' and so far, he had never failed in anything he does and always comes out on top. Night time was fast approaching, and Lucky had cashed out big time and was about leaving the casino. Just as he was about exiting the casino, one of the barman yelled. "Leo!" Lucky turned around and saw the barman running towards him, holding something. As the barman got closer, he could see clearly that it was an envelope. "Someone said I should hand this to you?" The barman said, handing the envelope to Lucky. "Who said?" Lucky asked. "I don't know. I gotta go." The barman excused himself, leaving Lucky confused. The envelope was unmarked, with only an address on the body. It appeared out of place in such a lively environment, he opened the envelope to find a message that reads: "Dear Leo, Your charismatic personality and unwavering belief in luck have drawn our attention. We recognize the positive energy and optimism you bring to any situation. It is with great interest that we invite you to the Enigma Inn. Expect challenges that will test not only your luck but also your resourcefulness and wit. Will you rely on fate or find the courage to shape your destiny? Come join us at the Enigma Inn, where fortune favours the bold.

"Yours in enigma,

The Enigmatic Benefactor"

"Well, well, well." Lucky muttered to himself, staring at the message. He exited the casino with several thoughts in his mind as he tucked the letter into his jacket pocket. He wondered if the letter could be a spam or a plot to kidnap him. However, he believed it was fate, afterall he had been lucky all this while, and his life has been going great. Why would anyone want to hurt him? He made up his mind to check the address once he reached home. If it was valid, he'll be sure to visit and see what it was all about. "Nothing beats luck." Lucky said to himself as he hailed a cab.