This story will end on a cliffhanger, but you can build on it if you like.
Chapter 1: Lewcantoucan
Lewcantoucan had always loved swords. Ever since he was a child, he would collect and admire different kinds of blades, from daggers to katanas. He learned how to wield them with skill and grace, and dreamed of becoming a famous swordsman someday. He idolized the legends of the past, like Musashi, Zorro, and D’Artagnan. He wanted to prove himself as the best in the world, and to earn glory and fame.
That’s why he signed up for the Swordfighting Tournament, hosted by the mysterious Hamm. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to test his mettle against other sword enthusiasts, and to win a grand prize of one million dollars. He didn’t care much about the money, though. He cared more about the challenge and the thrill of combat.
He arrived at the tournament venue, a large and secluded mansion in the countryside. He was greeted by Hamm, a tall and charismatic man with a black suit and a red tie. Hamm welcomed him warmly and led him to the main hall, where the other nine contestants were waiting. Lewcantoucan scanned the room, trying to size up his potential opponents. He saw a diverse group of people, from different backgrounds and ages. Some looked confident and eager, others nervous and wary. He wondered what their stories were, and what motivated them to join the tournament.
Hamm cleared his throat and addressed the contestants. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Swordfighting Tournament. I’m sure you are all excited and curious about what lies ahead. Let me explain the rules and the format of the competition. You will be divided into two groups of five, and each group will have a round-robin tournament, where you will face each other in one-on-one duels. The top two from each group will advance to the semifinals, and the winners of the semifinals will face each other in the final. The winner of the final will be crowned as the champion, and will receive the grand prize of one million dollars. Sounds simple, right?”
The contestants nodded, some more enthusiastically than others. Lewcantoucan felt a surge of adrenaline. He couldn’t wait to start fighting.
Hamm continued. “However, there is a twist. This is not a normal swordfighting tournament. This is a deathmatch. That means that there are no rules, no mercy, and no surrender. You can use any weapon, any style, and any tactic you want. The only way to win is to kill your opponent, or make them beg for death. The only way to lose is to die, or to beg for mercy. There is no escape, no time limit, and no intervention. This is a fight to the death, and only one of you will survive. Are you ready for this?”
The contestants gasped, some in shock, some in horror, some in disbelief. Lewcantoucan felt a chill run down his spine. He realized that this was not a game, but a trap. He looked around, hoping to find a way out, but he saw that the doors and windows were locked and barred. He was trapped in a mansion with nine strangers, who were now his enemies. He wondered if this was a mistake, a prank, or a nightmare.
Hamm smiled wickedly. “I see that some of you are surprised, and some of you are scared. Don’t worry, this is all part of the fun. You see, I’m not just a host, I’m also a spectator. And I love watching people fight for their lives. It’s the ultimate form of entertainment, don’t you think? That’s why I organized this tournament, to satisfy my curiosity and my boredom. And to make things more interesting, I’ve added some incentives and penalties. If you win a duel, you will receive a bonus of ten thousand dollars. If you lose a duel, you will receive a penalty of ten thousand volts. Yes, you heard me right. You will be electrocuted if you lose. And if you refuse to fight, or try to escape, or cheat, or disobey me in any way, you will be executed on the spot. Do you understand?”
The contestants nodded, some in fear, some in anger, some in defiance. Lewcantoucan felt a mix of emotions. He was scared, but he was also angry. He hated Hamm for putting him in this situation, and he hated himself for falling for his trap. He wondered if he could survive this ordeal, and if he could find a way to escape or to stop Hamm. He also wondered if he could kill another person, or if he would be killed by someone else.
Hamm clapped his hands. “Excellent. I’m glad you are all on board. Now, let’s begin the tournament. I’ve already assigned you to your groups, and you can see them on the screens behind me. Group A consists of Lewcantoucan, Gautam, Mitblade, Managepasswords, and Glaceon8. Group B consists of Incognitoes, 3RG3R, Farawayflame, F1NN, and Coloredhue. You will fight in the order that I call your names, and you will follow me to the arena, where you will find your weapons and your opponent. The arena is a large and open space, with various obstacles and traps. You can use anything you find in the arena to your advantage, or to your disadvantage. Be careful, and be creative. And remember, this is a deathmatch. There is no holding back, no mercy, and no surrender. Only kill, or be killed. Are you ready?”
The contestants nodded, some reluctantly, some eagerly, some resignedly. Lewcantoucan felt a surge of determination. He decided that he would not give up, and he would not give in. He decided that he would fight for his life, and for his freedom. He decided that he would not let Hamm win, and he would not let him enjoy his twisted game. He decided that he would survive, and he would make Hamm pay.
Hamm smiled and announced the first match. “Let the Swordfighting Tournament begin. The first duel is between Lewcantoucan and Gautam. Follow me to the arena, and may the best swordsman win.” He turned and walked towards a door, followed by the two contestants. The others watched them go, wondering who would come back alive.
Lewcantoucan followed Hamm to the arena, clutching his sword. He looked at Gautam, a young and handsome man with a friendly smile. He wondered what his story was, and why he joined the tournament. He wondered if he could kill him, or if he would be killed by him. He wondered if he could ever forgive himself, or if he would ever forget this day.
He entered the arena, and saw a vast and empty space, with a few barrels, crates, and poles scattered around. He saw a table with various weapons, from axes to spears. He saw Gautam pick up a rapier, and salute him. He saluted back, and gripped his sword. He heard Hamm’s voice over a loudspeaker.
“Lewcantoucan versus Gautam. The first duel of the Swordfighting Tournament. The winner gets ten thousand dollars. The loser gets ten thousand volts. Fight to the death, and may the best swordsman win. Begin!”
Lewcantoucan and Gautam charged at each other, their swords clashing in the air. The duel had begun, and so had the story.