I heard a loud noise.
I woke up, taking in my surroundings. I found myself in my bed, but confusion clouded my thoughts. I got up and glanced around the room. My pistols were resting on the fridge. Memories gradually began to resurface as I pieced together what had occurred before.
With contemplation, I recalled our escape from the dark hole, how we had been propelled upwards in a burst of light. How did I end up back in my room after a short rest?
After confirming that my pistols were loaded and ready, my door suddenly slammed open, and several men barged in. Blindfolded, I was led out of my room. We walked for a while before I sensed the transition from indoors to outdoors as the blindfold was removed, revealing a colossal wooden gate.
A vast garden lay beyond the gate's perimeter, as if we had exited a forest. My gaze shifted back to the tunnel that we had emerged from.
"Get in already!" one of the robust men barked.
Complying, I approached the gate, noticing a scanner beside it. I placed my watch on the scanner, and the gate promptly swung open.
The garden stretched expansively, dotted with glass chairs reminiscent of those in the auditorium. I took a seat and waited, minutes passing until other individuals began to filter into the garden.
Once it seemed everyone had arrived, Murello ascended the stage, scanning the crowd before addressing us.
"Hello, everyone. I trust you're enjoying the program. I wanted to inform you that the true program is about to commence. Today, you will be released into the wilderness. Your mission: survive for four nights. If you manage this, the actual testing will commence, and the collar will be removed. You're all dismissed."
Another loud noise resonated as Murello disappeared. The hefty men began closing the gate, and everyone dispersed in different directions.
I stood up and began walking, eventually picking up my pace to a jog, and eventually breaking into a run. My goal was to find a suitable place to spend the night.
In the president's office, the president sat behind a gray table. A call came through, and he answered.
"Yes, how is the project progressing?" he inquired. The voice on the other end responded, "We're nearly finished, sir. Just give us a little more time, and we'll execute as needed."
"Very well, but expedite the process. We require those five assets sooner than you might imagine," the president replied before ending the call.
As he exhaled deeply, a knock sounded at the door. "Who is it?" he called.
"Sir, a man named Marcus is here to see you," the secretary responded.
"Allow him in." Marcus entered, his steps deliberate, and the secretary closed the door.
"Marcus, you recall my previous statement about finding out sooner or later. Well, I've discovered the truth, and I would have appreciated if you had informed me before orchestrating this."
The president inhaled slowly before continuing, "I told you it was top secret—information I couldn't reveal easily. The defense team, military, and governors collaborated on this decision. Even if I had objected, my opposition wouldn't have held sway."
"Please understand, Marcus. Don't take this personally. I'm doing what's best for the nation. That entails utilizing any resource at my disposal," the president reasoned.
However, Marcus's anger was palpable. "Don't take it personally? You've placed my son in a death game, and you tell me not to take it personally? You've made a grave mistake."
With that, Marcus departed the office.
After traversing a distance, I managed to forage for some fruit and constructed a makeshift basket. Finally, I discovered a cave that could provide shelter for the night.
Sitting down, I began to eat the fruit. Time slipped away quickly, and as nightfall arrived, I kindled a fire and settled near the cave's entrance, ready to sleep. Yet, I detected footsteps approaching.
Alertness surged through me, but I remained motionless. I waited as the footsteps drew nearer, maintaining steady breathing to feign sleep.
When the intruder was close enough for me to take action, I swiftly immobilized them.
"Jason!"
The voice belonged to a girl I recognized—her hair as white as snow.