Who Need A Group When You Can Solo

After passing through the door from the white room, Hakim found himself in a chamber that appeared to be a place for rest and relaxation. It seemed he was the first one there. As he looked around, he noticed a key with his name on it. "Is this the key to my room?" he muttered to himself.

Without hesitating, Hakim swiftly made his way to his room. However, as he was about to enter, he noticed a girl standing behind him. Alert and prepared for anything, he asked, "Who are you?"

"Wow, quite a bold introduction," the girl with a bob haircut, brown eyes, and bright skin replied with a hint of amusement. "I see, so you're the last person to pass the test. I'm Mira. Nice to meet you..." Mira paused momentarily, realizing she didn't know Hakim's name.

"I'm Hakim. I apologize for being rude," he said.

"Ah, I see, Hakim. Well, it's not your fault. Everyone's a bit on edge after what happened," Mira reassured him.

As Hakim and Mira exchanged introductions, a sense of camaraderie began to blossom between them, born from the shared experience of navigating the trials of the mysterious facility. Despite the lingering uncertainty that hung in the air, there was a flicker of warmth in their interaction, a glimmer of solidarity amidst the chaos.

With a nod of understanding, Hakim acknowledged Mira's words, grateful for her understanding in the face of his initial brusqueness. 

"Thank you, Mira. It's reassuring to know that I'm not alone in this," he admitted, a note of sincerity coloring his voice.

Mira offered him a reassuring smile, her eyes reflecting a depth of understanding that spoke volumes. 

"Of course, Hakim. We're all in this together. Ah, I think I need to move first. I sweat a lot during the test earlier. Bye," she replied, her voice steady and reassuring.

With a shared understanding of the challenges that lay ahead, Hakim and Mira forged ahead, their footsteps echoing softly in the corridor as they made their way to their respective rooms. As they parted ways, a sense of determination settled over Hakim, his resolve strengthened by the knowledge that he had found an ally in Mira. That's what he think at the time.

Later, as Hakim entered his room and closed the door behind him, he felt a sense of relief wash over him, the weight of the day's events momentarily lifting from his shoulders. He quickly took a shower and put on the clothes provided for him: a white t-shirt with a jacket bearing the captives' logo and a pair of tracksuit. Then, he rested on his bed for a few hours. But before he could fully relax, Mira's voice echoed in his mind, her words a beacon of reassurance in the darkness.

"We're all in this together," she had said, her voice a steady anchor amidst the storm. 

"Is she trying to connect with me somehow, or am I just overthinking it?" Hakim pondered, his mind racing with questions. "I shouldn't let my anxiety get the best of me. I need to remain calm, like a river flowing steadily." With that said in his mind, he repeated the word "calm" like a soothing refrain until sleep finally overtook him.

After a few hours, an announcement began,

'TING...TONG...TING...TONG...'

"Dear the captives," the voice intoned, its tone cold and mechanical. "I trust you've had ample time to rest and recuperate. But now, it's time to resume the trials."

Hakim's eyes snapped open at the sound of the announcement, the remnants of sleep fading from his mind as he listened intently. His heart rate quickened with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, his mind racing to prepare for whatever challenges lay ahead.

"We have prepared a series of challenges for you, each more difficult than the last," the voice continued, its words sending a chill down Hakim's spine. "You will face them alone or with your fellow captives, depending on the nature of the challenge. Failure to complete a challenge will result in consequences. So, feel free to engage in your own activities until the next announcement."

As the announcement concluded, Hakim felt a surge of determination welling up inside him. Despite the uncertainty of their situation, he knew he couldn't afford to let fear paralyze him. He reminded himself that he wasn't the one who had been kidnapped. Determined to uncover the truth behind his abduction, he resolved to give his all to overcome these challenges.

Rising from his bed, Hakim took a deep breath and squared his shoulders, his mind clear and focused. Whatever trials lay ahead, he would confront them head-on, drawing strength from the knowledge that he wasn't alone in this struggle. With that resolve in mind, he exited his room, prepared to face whatever fate had in store for him.

His stomach suddenly growled. "Ugh, I'm hungry. I should find some food to eat. Maybe there's a cafeteria or something like that around here," Hakim guessed as he wandered the corridors. Eventually, he stumbled upon a door with a sign that read "Cafdfeteria." Opening the door, he entered the room and discovered several other captives besides himself and Mira. It appeared that there were about eight people in the cafeteria, including him.

As Hakim entered the cafeteria, the aroma of food wafted through the air, enticing his senses and intensifying the growling in his stomach. He scanned the room, his eyes falling upon several other captives scattered throughout the space. It seemed he wasn't the only one in need of sustenance.

Approaching the serving area, Hakim joined the small queue of captives waiting to collect their meals. The atmosphere in the cafeteria was tense yet subdued, the captives exchanging wary glances as they went about their business.

With a tray in hand, Hakim selected a few items from the available options, his hunger driving him to grab whatever he could find. As he made his way to an empty table, he noticed Mira seated at a nearby table, her expression thoughtful as she picked at her food.

Taking a seat opposite her, Hakim offered her a small smile. "Mind if I join you?" he asked, gesturing to the empty seat beside her.

Mira looked up, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes before she nodded in agreement. "Of course, Hakim. Please, have a seat," she replied, her voice warm and welcoming. As Hakim settled into the chair, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at the familiar presence of Mira beside him.

"So, did you rest well?" Mira asked with a smile.

"Yeah, kind of," Hakim replied.

"So, you're only having pasta? I thought a guy like you would eat more than that," Mira commented on Hakim's choice of food.

"Well, they only serve pasta and give us a bottle of water." Hakim replied.

"Hahaha, I know that. I meant your portion. You're taking such a small amount," Mira corrected herself.

"Oh, I think I took a sufficient quantity," Hakim confidently said.

"What are you, a bodybuilder?" Mira teased.

As Hakim and Mira engaged in conversation, the atmosphere in the cafeteria grew tense as a sudden commotion erupted nearby. Turning their attention towards the source of the disturbance, they witnessed a heated exchange unfolding between a group of captives.

"Damn you. You spilled pasta on my clothes! What's wrong with you? How could you pass the trial before?" One man berated another, his voice dripping with anger and indignation.

The accused individual, a young man, looked visibly flustered as he stammered out an apology. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that," he muttered, his eyes downcast in shame.

But the aggrieved man was having none of it, his frustration boiling over as he lashed out at the boy once more. "Yeah, like anyone here would believe you. I'm the victim in this situation," he retorted, his tone accusatory.

As the tension in the room escalated, Hakim exchanged a concerned glance with Mira. It was clear that tempers were running high, and the situation threatened to spiral out of control if left unchecked.

Without hesitation, Mira rose from her seat and approached the feuding group, her voice calm yet firm as she addressed them. "Hey, let's all take a step back and try to resolve this peacefully," she suggested, her words carrying an air of authority.

His intervention seemed to have the desired effect, as the captives paused to regard her with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty. Sensing an opportunity to defuse the situation, Mira continued, "We're all in this together, and we need to support each other if we're going to make it through this ordeal."

Slowly but surely, the tension in the room began to dissipate as Mira's words sunk in, her message of unity resonating with those gathered. With a collective sigh, the captives exchanged nods of agreement, their anger giving way to a sense of solidarity amidst the chaos.

As Mira returned to her seat beside Hakim, she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that she had diffused the situation before it escalated further. Together, Hakim and Mira continued their meal, their conversation infused with a newfound sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. 

Hakim's praise elicited a modest smile from Mira as she shook her head in response. "Hey, no need for that. I was just doing what I felt was right," she replied humbly.

But Hakim persisted, his admiration for Mira evident in his tone. "Still, I'm impressed. Not everyone would have handled that situation as calmly as you did. You have a knack for diffusing tensions," he insisted, genuine admiration shining in his eyes.

Mira's smile widened at Hakim's words, a hint of gratitude in her expression. "Thank you, Hakim. That means a lot coming from you," she said, her voice soft with sincerity.

Hakim chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief. "Well, how about we change the topic right now. I think you know something about this place," he said confidently, a touch of self-deprecation coloring his words.

"Well, actually..." As Mira was about to say something, the announcement began to be heard.

"Hello, everyone. I hope you enjoyed your meal. The next trial is about to begin. Please enter trial room number one at once. Those who do not arrive before 10:00 a.m. will face consequences. That's all. See you all there."

Then, the announcement ended there. "Hey, let's go. It's already 9:45 a.m.," Mira asked Hakim to go together with her.

Hakim nodded, his curiosity piqued by the mention of the next trial. "Right, let's not keep them waiting," he replied, pushing aside his questions for the moment.

Together, Hakim and Mira made their way out of the cafeteria, their steps quickening as they hurried towards trial room number one. As they walked, Hakim couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that coursed through him, a mixture of excitement and apprehension building in the pit of his stomach.

Arriving at the designated room just in time, Hakim and Mira joined the other captives gathered outside the door, their expressions a mix of nervousness and determination. With a shared glance, Hakim and Mira exchanged a silent nod, their resolve firm as they prepared to face whatever challenge awaited them within.

As the door to the trial room swung open before them, Hakim couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline rush through him, his mind racing with possibilities. Whatever lay ahead, he knew that he wouldn't be facing it alone. Maybe he would have a group or be by himself this time, who knows.

With a steady resolve, Hakim stepped into the trial room alongside Mira and the other captives, his senses heightened as he prepared to face whatever challenge lay ahead. The room was dimly lit, casting eerie shadows across the walls and floor, adding to the sense of anticipation that hung heavy in the air.

As the clock struck 10 a.m., signaling the arrival of all the captives. There was about 32 captives at the time, a hushed silence fell over the room, broken only by the sound of their collective breathing. Hakim's heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing with possibilities as he waited for the next trial to begin.

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the room, commanding attention. "Welcome, captives," it intoned, its tone cold and mechanical. "Your next trial will test your ability to work together as a team. You can work solo if you prefer. You need to solve a series of challenges within the allotted time." The mastermind did not show himself; he merely spoke through a microphone and monitored the CCTV.

"Hey sir. May I ask a question?" the young man accused earlier asked.

"Yes, what question do you have? I can answer any question related to this trial," the mastermind replied.

"Why did you kidnap us?" the accused young man asked.

"Ah...ah...ah... Didn't I mention that we are only discussing matters related to this trial?" the mastermind responded.

"Mister, could you explain this trial in more detail? The name, rules, time allocation, and other specifics?" a lady with a ponytail haircut suddenly asked.

"Now that you mention it. For this trial, it will be called 'Extraordinary Escape Entry' or 3E for short. This trial is quite similar to something you might know as an escape room. However, it's not the same, just similar. You will have about eight hours to complete this trial. Regarding the rules, if you want to form a team, you need to write down your team members' names. However, there are consequences for team members; you must complete this trial together. If you escape the room with fewer team members, you will face a penalty. The penalty is quite severe. Additionally, the first person to complete the trial will receive a reward, and I will answer one of their questions. It can be related to this kidnapping or other matters, I have post the rule on the screen if you forget what I said." the mastermind explained.

As the mastermind's voice echoed through the room, Hakim listened intently, his mind racing to process the details of the upcoming trial. The name "Extraordinary Escape Entry" or 3E for short intrigued him, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within him.

Turning to Mira, Hakim exchanged a knowing glance, silently acknowledging the gravity of the situation they now found themselves in. "Do you want to team up, Mira?" Hakim asked.

"Well, I prefer to work solo. It doesn't mean I don't want to team up with you. I'm just afraid that you won't be able to keep up with me. So, I'll see you at the end of this trial." It seemed Mira decided to work solo. Since Hakim didn't recognize anyone there except Mira, he decided to work solo too.

As the mastermind outlined the rules and time allocation for the trial, Hakim's brow furrowed in concentration. The consequences for breaking the rules were severe, and he knew that they couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

With determination burning in his heart, Hakim made a mental note to carefully review the rules displayed on the screen board:

[3E RULES AND REGULATIONS]

1. Complete the trial within 8 hours.

2. Write down the names of your team members.

3. Enter with the same number of members you had when entering.

4. The first person to clear the trial will receive a reward and can ask anything.

5. This trial is designed for teamwork. You can work solo if you can prove you can do better.

[That's all]

As Hakim studied the rules displayed on the screen board, he felt a sense of determination wash over him. With Mira opting to work solo, he knew that he would have to rely on his own skills and resourcefulness to navigate the challenges ahead.

Taking a deep breath, Hakim steadied his nerves and prepared to enter the trial room. He couldn't afford to let doubt or hesitation hold him back now. With the clock ticking down and the stakes higher than ever, he needed to focus all his energy on completing the trial and unlocking the answers they so desperately sought.

With one last glance at the rules displayed before him, Hakim steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead. He may be facing this trial alone, but he was determined to emerge victorious, one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of this enigmatic place.