After the explanation of what the tower was by the assistant managers, the participants were guided to their rooms. Each was given his own personal room which resembled a small apartment.
Kai's eyes scanned the room as he stepped inside. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving him alone in his new quarters. The room was surprisingly spacious, given the small label of "personal apartment" attached to it. It wasn't luxurious, but it was comfortable.
A soft glow from the overhead lights illuminated the space, revealing a cozy bed with crisp white sheets, a functional kitchen with a fridge packed with various foods and drinks, and a sleek stove with a gleaming surface. The cupboards were stocked with utensils and tableware, arranged neatly as if expecting a skilled.
He moved to the window, pulling back the heavy drapes to reveal a breathtaking view of the city. The skyline was a constellation of skyscrapers that seemed to pierce the heavens, the glass facades catching the light in dazzling patterns. The city was alive, a luminous expanse of countless lights that sparkled like a field of gems.
His gaze shifted the table where a manual had been placed. It looked as mundane as any other guide, but he knew better than to ignore it. Picking it up, he flipped through the pages, scanning the contents with a growing sense of tedium.
"Well, this place is stricter than what I thought." Kai sighed, a mixture of awe and resignation in his expression while reading the contents of the manual.
"On working days, all participants must be awake by 7 a.m., all trials end by 8 p.m.," he read aloud, his voice tinged with boredom. "There is a period of three days off between every trial. Participants are given a salary of 1000 credits and a bonus 10 000 credits if they clear a trial through high merit contributions… blah, blah, blah, blah… Way to long." His eyes glazed over as he continued reading, the detailed rules becoming a blur of text.
With a dismissive wave, Kai set the manual aside and walked over the fridge. He rummaged through the ingredients, grabbing some fresh vegetables and a piece of meat. In no time, he had prepared a simple yet satisfying dish. After eating, he took a shower, the warm water washing away the remnants of the day's stress. He brushed his teeth, his expression a mixture of indifference and anticipation. Climbing into bed, sleep came easily.
In her own room, Lyra was equally busy familiarizing herself with her new environment. Her room was similar to Kai's, but her approach was markedly different. With a focused air, she picked up the manual and read through it, her expression shifting from curiosity to satisfaction.
"Hmmm… well, this manual was a lot more useful than I thought." She murmured, placing the guide back on the table. A smirk played on her lips as she sank onto the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. "And that boy seems quite interesting. No… even better… he might be even quite useful. To the pleasure of working with you, Kai." Her voice carried a hint of amusement, and her eyes gleamed with a mischievous glint.
The next morning, Kai decided to explore the city. As he wandered through the streets, he was struck by the sheer scale of the place. The skyscraper loomed above him, their towering presence making him feel small. Holographic screens flashed with the latest trends, announcements, and advertisements, each one a burst of color and light. The city was a sensory overload, but Kai found it exhilarating.
His stomach growled, a remainder that he hadn't eaten since his simple meal the night before. He found a small, unassuming restaurant tucked between two larger buildings. The interior was warm and inviting, with a soft lighting and aroma of fresh food wafting through the air. He ordered a dish of fish, salads, and fries, accompanied by a cold cola.
As the waiter placed the dish in front of him, Kai's eyes widened in anticipation. "This dish… such an aroma, even the presentation…" He drooled slightly. his hunger evident. With a fork and knife in hand, he dug into the meal. Each bite was a burst of flavor, a perfect blend of taste and texture that left him savoring him savoring every morsel. He devoured the entire meal, his expression that of pure satisfaction.
After paying, he left the restaurant, a contended smile on his face. The city was beginning to feel less overwhelming and more like an exciting new playground.
As he made his way back to the participants' dorm, he noticed that a small spherical camera-like object trailing him. It hovered silently, its surface gleaming as it followed his every move. "I guess it's something like those tv reality shows where cameras follow celebrities around, huh?" Kai thought, shrugging it off. "Well, who cares. Let's just have some fun in this entertainment tower."
Unbeknownst to Kai, the Promoter in his room was observing the participants with keen interest. The room was lined with screens, each displaying live footage of the contestants.
"Well, well, seems like some of them are smart ones. They noticed the live streaming cameras." He remarked, "But… will they be able to use them at their fullest potential." His eyes flickered over the screens, a hint of intrigue in his gaze.
Back in Kai's room, he had returned and was greeted by the sight of the orb no longer following him. He shrugged, too preoccupied with his thoughts to care. In her own room, Lyra had just finished drying her hair. She stood before the mirror, her expression thoughtful.
"So we still have a certain degree of right to privacy, huh?" she mused aloud, a smirk playing on her lips. "That means the dorms are like a safe zone… at least when it doesn't go against the trials."
Days passed quickly, and the day of the trial finally arrived. Kai, dressed in practical attire, joined the other participants in the dorm hall at precisely 7 a.m. The room buzzed with nervous energy a everyone gathered, their faces a mix of excitement and apprehension
"Goood mooorning little chickens." Came a cheerful voice, breaking the tension. The Trainer stood before them. "I hope you had enough rest because now the real thing begins now!"
With a dramatic snap of his fingers, the Trainer unleashed a burst of glitch-like lights that enveloped the entire group of participants. In an instant, the dorm hall vanished, replaced by the interior of an airplane. The participants looked around in confusion, their eyes wide with surprise.
"Hello, my little diamonds in the rough." A new voice boomed over the intercom. It was the Promoter. "Welcome to the new program of today, Action-Rodeo-Rock Adventure. The rules are simple. Your roles shall be that of fearless adventurers in search of the great treasure, the Totem of the Sun. You could say it is another version of one of Earth's programs, Koh-Lanta."
The Promoter continued, "Maps have been spread on the entire field, and you must overcome the crisis present using your own resources, or the one's you shall gather on the way. The prize is 2000 credits. There are hidden rules, and it's up to you to discover them. Now show us, and the Constellations your mettle and let the game begin!"
As the Promoter's voice faded, the airplane disappeared, and all participants plunged in a freefall. The sky stretched out below them and they screamed as they tumbled through the air. The camera orbs, following them, captured every moment of their descent.
Kai, grinning widely, embraced the thrill of the moment. "Let's go, full throttle down." He thought, excitement dancing in his eyes as he plummeted towards the unknown.