Chapter 5: Trial Start
A faint, fuzzy static hiss came from the intercom, a little different from what you were used to. After a brief delay, the substitute’s voice came again - nearly unrecognisable, with all semblance of sing-song whimsy gone.
“I... Regret to inform you your time is up. Please gather in front of the first floor elevator.”
You trickled in, all standing rather solemnly. You’d much rather forget what you’d seen. Six of you. Only six left. Soon to be five. What a bitter feeling it was.
The doors opened, and the passage downwards began again, with nary a sound this time. Not even the rumble of the shaft. A cold and lonely voyage downwards towards yet another trial, another goodbye.
The doors slid silently open, and you returned once more to the trial ground.

















