Masquerade Hunt - By Nadheerah Munawwarah Binti Aji

Written By: Nadheerah Munawwarah Binti Aji

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Nadheerah Munawwarah Binti Aji graces the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with her compelling short story, "Masquerade Hunt." Within this narrative, she intricately weaves a tale of curiosity and tactical prowess set against the backdrop of a vibrant new town. The protagonist's journey through festive hunts and strategic survival tasks unfolds in a world where every participant's choice leads to unexpected encounters. As the story develops, readers are invited to explore the themes of discovery and the thrill of competition.

About the Work

"Masquerade Hunt" is a captivating exploration of strategy and self-discovery, set in a world rich with vibrant imagery and intriguing characters. Nadheerah Munawwarah Binti Aji creates an atmosphere of suspense and excitement, as the protagonist navigates through hunts and encounters with a mysterious figure. The story's mood is one of curiosity and tension, subtly balanced with moments of introspection and growth. The vivid descriptions and engaging narrative invite readers to ponder the deeper layers of competition and identity.

Masquerade Hunt

Original Submission by Nadheerah Munawwarah Binti Aji

“Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.”

She was a carefree girl, she found peace in playing music blocks and building prompt arts in this new town. She tagged along with her brother because of her curiosity of his frequent visit to this new town he enjoys.

It was nothing out of the ordinary, just a town filled with festive hunts and survival tasks. Her brother insisted her to join in his battle of bed wars. As funny as that sounds, it was truly a battle with combat, by being the last man standing is the sole victory. She however, was too scared to join as she felt like including her in their team would be their downfall.

So she left for another hunt.

Exploring the vast forest, she tagged along some wanderers at a nearby hut. They were all traveling together to a strange but extravagant inn. Her value of interest increases, she as a mere passerby a look of excitement painted over her. She soon ensued in a trial run of a new hunt she heard about.

Hiding amongst the crooked furniture, she quietly hid behind a plotted plant, a high ceiling platform and an underground bunker. She found her new purpose in this town and that was hiding. Hiding from the hunters that would bring misfortune if they failed to find every last hider. But she wasn’t it, she never was it . She was excellent at hiding, even the experts were clueless but she hid with bright intentions.

Her newest favourite hiding spot, was to be concealed under the rubble of andesites in China Town. It was a map that she confidently would win every time, and the hunters were left confused. She chuckled, until she found anyone who would spot her first, and only then she would continue to live lavishly.

Ever so fragrant of a mushroom would rot to its core.

“We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”

Victory as hunters is not too hard at all, it was up to others to cooperate the same. She was preparing for the next round, what to hide as, where to hide and everything in between. She scans everyone in the room before they are transported. There were regular people, but everyone was dressed that suits their attitude and behaviour at a glance. As for her, she was dressed in a simple white and mint green shades that matched her crimson velvet choker and hairclips, she liked to be resembled of a mushroom on a grassy, wintry field.

She gazed upon her opponents, she wasn’t particularly interested in getting to know them but one person caught her eye.

Or rather, the intrigued individual was so strikingly bold in jet clothing, she had to double take. Dressed in deep darkness but only his lower part of his face was exposed, wearing a simple masquerade mask in contrast with his fair skin tone.

She told herself, it is best not to bump into him.

The hunt had started; the map was Plasma. To her knowledge, she had never been to Plasma so this caught her off guard. She tried her best to hide at the nooks and cranny of this city. They only got 5 minutes before the hunt was over without being snagged. She had no choice but to follow others and hide in the same area as them hoping to go unnoticed. It was then, the first hunter found the first hider and that hider became a hunter that went on a hunt spree.

In a flash, lots of hiders were seized. When being an It, they were given weapons and armors. Absurd though, the hunter that found her was not using the armor given and to her surprise, it was the same guy that caught her attention first in the lobby. His swift movements while acting

nonchalant knocked out as many hiders as he can and in the end he winds up as the hunter with the most claims.

She was in disbelief.

Her first defeat in a while.

“To fear the foe, since the fear oppresseth strength”

That was the first round in the lobby, she was indecisive with her strategy. Although this was not her map, at least she knows this hunter is familiar with it. She wasn’t gonna give up. In the next round that was placed in a hospital, she knew her grounds and went straight past to the wards.

It was tingled with anxiety as each hider was exposed by the hunter, the mysterious guy in deep dark clothing and a mask with no armor gear. She stood there waiting to be found and so he really did.

That round was over once again under 4 minutes and victories were made mostly by him. She observes him, her feet walking on it’s own. He was unbelievably talented that in the midst of the hunt, she knew she had to acknowledge his presence. Not speaking a word though but to face him slightly and nod gently. It wasn’t grand or anything but she felt like his presence was overwhelming with aura, like one of those experts. She felt to appreciate him. She could only imagine having someone like him to even acknowledge her back. It brewed in her, a hunter like him wouldn’t even dare to be near someone with a low skill like her. And that was all.

Her mind was racing, it’s the next round and to her luck, it’s her favourite map.

Buried deep in her thoughts, what if she can outsmart him?! She knew he was being a hunter on purpose and she knew better to disguise herself as an andesite. It was her only chance.

The andesite cloak covered her well and as soon as the hunt starts, these hunters are frantically revealed one after another caught by the mysterious guy in seconds. It was chaos. And where was her? she was right there near the spawn area under the rubble. She was fascinated by these hunters, unable to spot her so easily but at the same time it worried her. It hit the 3 minute 30 second mark, and all was left was one last hider waiting to be caught. She held her breath.

What scares her wasn’t the amount of hunters increasing but a certain someone was yet to search for her.

In a blink of an eye, there he was appearing, standing a few distance away from her. He just stood there. For a brief second, he held out his sword but retracts it back and stares menacingly. At that moment she knew, she was caught by him.

“This is it..” she panicked, “He knew where i was…” gradually making her stiff, but it’s strange that he hasn’t done anything to her yet. Everyone else was still busy running around looking for her but he just let time run out. He was supposed to find every last hider quicker than anyone else.

Eventually another hunter stopped mid track and glance towards the mysterious guy’s direction. Shoot. The said hunter beat him to it and exposes her instead.

—Hunts over. Hunters’ Victory.

“O beauty, till now I never know thee”

It doesn’t change the fact that the mysterious guy got the most victories but it baffles her that he didn’t want to sieze her in that last round. “Why?…” she pondered alone almost making her way to the exit when she spotted him near the door. He was examining her for a few seconds before nodding to her. A mirror exchange from the last “greeting” she did. Bewildered by his actions he spoke softly, “I knew that was you.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief, she treaded back to him, “How did you know…?”

“I have my ways. I recognize your pink hair before the last round started, you greeted me earlier.” He smiled. She blinks as her face beams rosy from being seen. She is just a low line hunter with the intentions to just hide,especially to someone like him.

“So you knew I was there the whole time?” She asked, feeling self-conscious. “Yes, although I was hoping you didn’t get caught by them..yet”

“Then why didn’t you?”

“I just want to help you,” he looks away, shy before continuing, “You have the capabilities.” She simpers, doubting the present skill she has when his was 5 times greater than hers.

“I’m serious” He starts to wandered a bit before exiting the lobby, he was quilt with his own gears and enthusiastic gestures, beneath acting nonchalant. A sight that she never thought would cross her mind.

“See you next time, Mushroom”, and left the lobby completely.

She was in dazed, a hunter like him wishes to see her again? It’s peculiar, it’s a defeat but she was drawn to a different side of the hunt. Very quick, the adrenaline rush was real, the feeling of chasing the hiders to catch them? No.. this whirlwind vision was made possible because of him, had she not met him in the same lobby for 3 rounds she would still stick to just hiding. He made the hunt more exciting bursting with ‘what ifs’. She pondered back on what he said and the last thing she recalled was being named as mushroom. She felt elated, wreathed in smiles. Maybe when they meet again, she can learn a thing or two from him and his ways. “You and I, both..”

“The teeming Autumn big with rich increase, Bearing the wanton burden of prime…”

It was a fateful autumn breeze, Mushroom was busy training to be a huntress seeking the hiders. The wind on her face blowing cold, the scenery filled bold with gold. Eventually her vision became extravagant, she once again found a new true purpose for her to stay in this town. She roamed around the halls looking for faults and patterns. It turns into a niche role that she enjoys.

And what made her stay more worthwhile was that every now and then she would enter a new hunt and found herself being free with the accompaniment of a certain masquerade mask guy. Casted in deep aura, filled with enthusiastic loaf of fun.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary talent from around the world. This prestigious event invites writers to showcase their creativity and express their unique voices through poetry, short stories, and creative essays. Participants engage in a vibrant community of writers, sharing their visions and exploring diverse themes. The competition serves as a platform for emerging and established writers to gain visibility and engage with a global audience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Nadheerah Munawwarah Binti Aji for her insightful contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with "Masquerade Hunt." Her short story offers a fresh perspective on the themes of strategy and discovery, captivating readers with its dynamic narrative. We wish Nadheerah continued success in her creative journey and look forward to future works that inspire and captivate.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.