The thirty-four n were led to an imposing door, its edges worn with the passage of countless others who had faced the sa unknown. Though they were cautioned to be vigilant and ready, the reality of what awaited them remained shrouded in mystery.
Four Eyes was given a cryptic hint that they needed to hunt and beware of the lake’s deceptions. Shun, on the other hand, was advised to distinguish between what was poisonous and what was not. Beyond these fragnts of advice, they ventured forth into the unknown.
Shi Min stood before the group, his expression serious. "Once you enter this door, there is no backing out. So of you may co out injured, and soone may be unlucky and not make it out. But the majority of you will surely co out. Well, hopefully, all of you will make it out. You will co out after thirty-six hours upon entering. Two hours before your exit, you will hear an alarm. It will be your cue to gather at the door." Shi Min’s voice was steady as he laid out the instructions.
"After two hours, there will be a final alarm, and it will be the door opening. It will sound like this." Shi Min pressed a button, and a loud alarm echoed through the room, followed by the slow creaking open of the door, which was only a ter wide.
Beyond the threshold, total darkness awaited. The faintest outlines of trees and foliage were barely discernible, creating an air of foreboding.
When Chatty saw the door, his nerves got the best of him, and he swallowed hard, feeling a wave of nausea. His surroundings are turning green.
"Quan Ye, why are we here again?" he whispered, grabbing Fatty’s arm.
"Aren’t you marrying Pharsa? She did this; why can’t you?" Fatty replied, his tone tinged with humor.
"Can I just accept that she is stronger than ?" Chatty muttered, his voice trembling.
"No, rember Otako’s order?" Fatty retorted firmly.
Chatty shivered, recalling his unsettling encounter with Otako. "Right," he murmured, steeling himself as Shi Min’s voice rang out again.
"Gentlen, go in, and good luck!" Shi Min’s genuine wish for their success was palpable. As he watched them enter, mories of his own journey through that door flooded back. At sixteen, Shi Min had been thrust into this battleground, having trained since childhood, but still, he had to fight and struggle for his life in this battleground.
.
Ling Li stood tall, her commanding presence a source of strength for those about to face the trials ahead. She knew the dangers they faced but also their preparation. This thirty-six-hour trial was a crucible, a necessary step in their arduous journey.
As the team filed in, Ling Li stood tall, her presence commanding respect. She knew the dangers they faced, but Ling Li also knew that training them in this battleground before sending them to the Amazon was essential. The next thirty-six hours would test their limits, but it was a necessary step in their journey.
Shi Min watched as the last of the team disappeared into the door to the battleground, his heart heavy with worry. He turned to Ling Li, his eyes reflecting his unease. "I hope they co out stronger," Shi Min said quietly.
"They will," Ling Li replied, her voice unwavering. "They have to."
The two stood in silence, the weight of their responsibilities pressing down on them. They knew the path ahead was fraught with danger, but they also knew that they had no choice but to press on. Together, they would face whatever challenges ca their way, fortified by their determination and the bonds that held them strong.
Ling Li watched as Four Eyes vanished into the darkness, her heart skipping a beat.
"Mom, go ho; I’ll stay here," Shi Min suggested, sensing her turmoil.
"No, I’ll stay here. You go ho with Mushu and Pharsa. Take Goldie to a casino and see what he can do," Ling Li ordered.
"Alright, I’ll do that and co back to join you after." Shi Min kissed his mother’s forehead before leaving.
Inside, the group of thirty-four struggled to adjust their eyes to the pitch-black surroundings. As the door closed behind them with a final, echoing thud, they were plunged into total darkness.
What stunned them were the myriad eyes staring back—red eyes, among other colors, blinking in the shadows. An eerie silence enveloped them until it was broken by the long, mournful howls of various unseen animals.
The group huddled closer, their senses heightened by the unknown threats lurking in the dark. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig sent their hearts racing.
Chatty’s grip tightened on his weapon, his knuckles white. "I really hope we know what we’re doing," he muttered under his breath.
"Are...are those wolves???" Chatty asked, stamring.
"Shhh... Don’t distract them." One of the Class A soldiers said.
When they could adjust to the dim lighting inside, everything ca clear to their vision, and they were horrified. So felt their legs turn to jelly. Two class C soldiers started to vomit, while the others couldn’t stop feeling goosebumps and shivering.
"Are we really expected to survive?" Fatty asked.
"Be positive. Let us stay together. Our chance of survival will be greater if we stay together." Four Eyes said.
"That... that is a tiger. That.. that... That is a mastiff. Snakes! Snakes!" Chatty said, panicking.
"We are already here, and there is no backing out, so let’s calm down." Four Eyes said.
"We will get through this," Shun replied, his voice steady despite the fear gripping him. "Just trust your instincts."
As they moved deeper into the forest, the oppressive darkness seed to close in around them. The eyes in the shadows followed their every move, a constant reminder of the dangers they faced.
"Let’s move this way. Four Eyes started to move, taking out his daggers, and everyone followed his lead.
"The wolves are following... I think they will attack us." Shun said, whispering.
"If they attack, we don’t have any choice but to fight."
"But their blood will attract other animals." One Class A soldier stated.
"We have to gather them and feed them to others."
"Rember to use our guns as a last resort."
Everyone was exchanging ideas.
"Let us find a place where we can camp safely."
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