Special Penalty Trial

As Hakim and the other participants exited the trial room, they dispersed to their respective quarters for some much-needed rest and refreshment. Hakim made his way to his room, eager for a moment of solitude and relaxation.

Entering his room, Hakim let out a sigh of relief as he closed the door behind him. The room was small but comfortable, with a cozy bed and a few basic amenities. He quickly freshened up, taking a shower to wash away the sweat and grime accumulated during the trials. As the warm water cascaded over him, Hakim felt the tension melt away from his muscles, leaving him feeling rejuvenated. After drying off and changing into fresh clothes, he settled down on the bed and allowed himself to relax, knowing that he had given his all in today's trials.

As Hakim settled onto the comfortable bed in his room, exhaustion weighed heavily on his limbs. "I should get some rest now," he mused aloud, acknowledging the importance of conserving his energy for the challenges ahead. "Overthinking won't do me any good. I'll just have to trust my instincts and go with the flow." With a contented sigh, he closed his eyes, allowing the gentle rhythm of his breathing to lull him into a peaceful slumber.

The next day, Hakim made his way to the dining chamber, his hunger piqued by the tantalizing aroma of breakfast wafting through the air. Spotting an empty seat at a table occupied by members of Team Brown, he approached them with a friendly smile.

"Is this seat empty?" Hakim inquired, gesturing to the vacant spot.

"Yes, it is. You can sit," Emily replied warmly.

Seating himself, Hakim engaged the team in conversation, curious about their activities.

"So, what have you guys been up to?" he asked casually.

Before Emily could respond, Yao interjected sternly, "Emily, we can't divulge our plans. We don't know if he might be our competitor."

"I didn't mean to intrude on your strategy," Hakim reassured them with a chuckle. "Just trying to break the ice. It's always good to get to know people here. Maybe we can lend each other a hand in the next trial?"

Danish nodded in agreement. "Sure, we'll keep you in the loop if we come up with anything."

Finishing his meal quickly, Hakim excused himself from the table, sensing their wariness of him.

"They seem cautious," he mused inwardly. "Guess I won't be teaming up with them. I need to find someone I can use. And with the next trial likely to require teamwork, I'll need all the allies I can get." As he washed his hands at the sink, he felt a presence beside him.

"You want to know something? I've got some valuable information for you," the mysterious guy said, his voice low and cryptic with .

Hakim finished washing his hands and dried them with a tissue before extending his hand for a handshake. "I'm Hakim. Nice to meet you," he introduced himself.

"Ah, I'm Rizman. Pleasure to meet you too," the mysterious guy replied, reciprocating the handshake with a firm grip.

Then, they retreated to Hakim's room to discuss further. "So, what is it that you want?" Hakim inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Before we proceed, I must confess, I know something about your victory in the first trial," Rizman stated cryptically.

Hakim's expression shifted, a hint of apprehension creeping in. "What kind of secret are you referring to?" he questioned cautiously.

"The secret behind your triumph in the first trial," Rizman replied, his tone measured.

"And what is it that you desire in return?" Hakim probed.

"I am a data broker, Hakim. Information is my currency," Rizman explained. "I'd be willing to trade if you're inclined, or else, your secret might find its way into the light," he added, with a hint of menace.

Hakim sighed, realizing he was being blackmailed. "Fine. I'll share the information I have. There's a mastermind among us," he divulged reluctantly.

"The mastermind... I see. Alright. In exchange, I'll provide you with details about the next trial. It requires teams of five members each, and it's expected to be quite challenging," Rizman revealed.

"Understood. By the way, which team are you from?" Hakim inquired.

"I was part of the Magenta Team, but we've been disbanded. Currently, I'm without a team," Rizman replied.

"Would you be interested in teaming up with me?" Hakim proposed.

"It could be intriguing. I'll follow your lead. So, who do you have in mind to recruit?" Rizman asked.

"There's someone I have in mind. She's currently undergoing a special penalty trial. Whether she succeeds or fails, I'll have to wait for her," Hakim replied.

As Rizman and Hakim continued their conversation, across the compound, another team found themselves facing the consequences of their failure in the previous trial. Sarah, one of the Team Green members, was in special penalty room number one. She had been penalized for not having enough teammates, which was due to the death of James during their trial in the first room. Now, she was in the midst of a briefing for the special penalty trial, together with the rest of the participants.

Inside the dimly lit chamber, Sarah and the other participants were each strapped to a cold metal chair, their bodies secured tightly with thick restraints binding their hands and legs. The ominous atmosphere of the room intensified as they waited in tense silence, their hearts pounding with anxiety over what awaited them in this special penalty trial.

Sarah struggled against her bonds, feeling the weight of their failure pressing down on her shoulders. She exchanged worried glances with her teammate, Lisa. Her faces etched with determination despite their dire circumstances. The sound of their collective breaths filled the air, mingling with the distant hum of machinery and the occasional creak of the chamber's walls.

As they braced themselves for whatever challenge lay ahead, Sarah couldn't help but wonder if they had what it took to endure this ordeal and emerge stronger on the other side. With their fate hanging in the balance, they could only hope that their resolve would be enough to see them through the trials to come.

Then, she listened intently as the administrator outlined the details of their penalty trial, a sense of dread creeping over her with each passing moment.

"We will be monitoring your progress closely throughout the trial. Remember, this is your chance to prove yourselves and survive in this competition," the administrator said, his stern expression leaving no room for argument.

"There were three penalties you will all face. Right now, for the first penalty, let the wheel of depression begin," the administrator declared.

The participants watched intently as a wheel appeared on the screen in front of them, its segments marked with various words. With a flicker of anticipation, the wheel began to spin, each click echoing through the chamber until it finally came to a stop.

"Electrification," the administrator announced, his voice carrying the weight of the impending punishment. "As of now, the first penalty will be electrification. You all will be subjected to electrical shocks from the chairs. Remember, if one of you want to stop, the former teammate will receive double the penalty."

The tension in the room heightened as a group of operatives entered, their presence signaling the beginning of the penalty. With grim determination, the participants braced themselves for the ordeal ahead, knowing that their survival in the competition depended on their ability to withstand the punishment.

Sarah exchanged glances with her remaining teammate, Lisa a mix of determination and apprehension reflected in their eyes. Despite the daunting challenge ahead, they knew they had to give it their all if they hoped to overcome this setback and continue in the competition.

"We can do this, Lisa," Sarah said to her teammate, her voice steady despite the anxiety that gnawed at her.

"Yes, let us handle this together," Lisa replied, her determination mirrored in her eyes.

With a sense of relief flooding Sarah's heart, she took solace in the fact that her teammate would not betray her. However, as the administrator began the trial, Sarah faced a reality she never wished to confront.

"STOP! I could not withstand this penalty," a voice beside Sarah exclaimed. It was Lisa, her teammate.

In that moment, Sarah felt a surge of conflicting emotions. She grappled with the realization that her teammate had faltered, unable to bear the punishment.

"You are from Team Green. Now, for the remaining of your teammates, you will receive double the penalty," the administrator announced sternly.

As Lisa escaped the penalty, Sarah endured the punishment with all her strength. Each shock felt like an eternity, and she wondered if she would survive. Yet, despite the agony, she refused to give up, determined to endure whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the electric shocks coursed through her body, Sarah gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, fighting against the overwhelming pain. Every fiber of her being screamed for release, but she held on, fueled by sheer determination and the will to persevere.

Beside her, Lisa watched with a mixture of guilt and helplessness, regret etched on her face. She knew that her inability to endure the penalty had not only doubled Sarah's suffering but also jeopardized their chances of success in the competition.

Despite the intense agony, Sarah refused to blame her teammate. She understood that everyone had their limits, and she harbored no resentment towards Lisa. Instead, she focused on channeling her resilience and fortitude, determined to overcome this trial and emerge stronger than before.

As the minutes stretched into eternity, Sarah's resolve remained unbroken. With each passing moment, she drew upon her inner strength, refusing to yield to the torment inflicted upon her. Finally, as the first penalty came to an end, Sarah felt a sense of relief wash over her, mingled with a fierce sense of pride for enduring the ordeal.

They all took a brief moment to rest before the commencement of the second penalty. Lisa noticed the fatigue on Sarah's face and attempted to comfort her. "Sarah, I'm sorry. Because of me, you received my penalty. Next time, I'll take the penalty seriously," Lisa apologized. Sarah was too exhausted to respond properly, feeling drained both physically and emotionally.

After a short break, the administrator announced the beginning of the second penalty. "Now, let us continue with the second penalty. Let the wheel of depression begin," he declared. The wheel spun and landed on the word "noise." "The second penalty will involve noise. I hope you're all prepared. Similar to the first penalty, but if any of you choose to stop, the noise will intensify, and you will all face the consequences," the administrator explained.

As the trial began, a deafening cacophony filled the room, assaulting their senses and rattling their nerves. Sarah and Lisa exchanged worried glances, bracing themselves for what was to come. With each passing moment, a few participants started to give up, and the noise grew louder, drilling into their minds and gnawing at their sanity. Those who gave up were provided with soundproof headphones to reduce the noise.

Sarah clenched her fists, determination flickering in her eyes despite the overwhelming torment. She refused to succumb to the relentless barrage of sound, pushing herself to endure for the sake of her team. But as the volume reached an unbearable pitch, she felt her resolve waver, threatened by the relentless onslaught.

Unable to endure the penalty any longer, Lisa gave up to escape from the noise. As soon as she received the soundproof headphones, the noise amplified. At the same moment, Sarah began to curse, seemingly affected by Lisa's decision. Lisa made a smiley face as soon as she saw Sarah in that state.

As Lisa surrendered to the overwhelming noise and received the soundproof headphones, Sarah's determination only seemed to intensify. Despite the amplified cacophony assaulting her ears, she remained steadfast, refusing to let the torment break her spirit.

As Sarah struggled to endure the escalating noise, she couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration at Lisa's decision to give up. However, she quickly pushed aside those feelings, focusing instead on her own resilience and determination to see the trial through to the end.

With each passing moment, Sarah's resolve strengthened, fueled by a fierce determination to overcome the trial and prove her resilience. Though the noise threatened to drive her to the brink of despair, she clung to a glimmer of hope, knowing that she had the strength to endure whatever challenges lay ahead.

Despite the chaos surrounding her, Sarah remained resolute, her determination unshaken by the relentless assault on her senses. With unwavering resolve, she pressed on, as she don't want to be a scumbag like Lisa and a few people who give up on this 'noise' penalty. 

As the trial drew to a close, the deafening noise abruptly ceased, leaving only six participants without the sanctuary of soundproof headphones. Sarah, still reeling from the relentless barrage of sound, felt a mixture of relief and exhaustion wash over her as the room fell into an eerie silence.

Gathering her wits, Sarah took a moment to compose herself, her ears still ringing from the ordeal. She cast a weary glance around the room, taking stock of the remaining participants who had endured the trial alongside her. Despite the toll it had taken on her, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in their collective resilience.

"Congratulations on enduring this trial so far. This time is the final penalty; I hope you all are ready for this. Let the wheel of depression begin," the administrator declared. Then, the wheel spun and stopped at the word 'hotness.'

Sarah's heart sank as she heard the penalty. The previous trials had already tested her physical and mental endurance to the limit, and now she faced the prospect of enduring intense heat. She exchanged a worried glance with the other participants, knowing that this final challenge would push them to their breaking point.

"Same as before, the one who gives up, others have to bear the toll. So, be ready," the administrator reiterated sternly.

"Sarah, this time I will..." Lisa began, but Sarah cut her off.

"Enough, Lisa. I don't want to hear another word from you anymore. I've had enough. Do what you want," Sarah snapped, her frustration boiling over. Lisa quickly silenced.

"Final penalty: hotness, commence," the Administrator said.

As the trial commenced, waves of scorching heat engulfed the participants, searing their skin and suffusing the room with unbearable warmth. Beads of sweat formed on their brows as they struggled to endure the punishing temperature. With each passing moment, the intensity of the heat seemed to magnify, testing their resilience to the limit.

Sarah gritted her teeth, refusing to yield to the searing agony despite the overwhelming discomfort. She clenched her fists, her determination unwavering as she braced herself against the blistering heat. However, as the temperature continued to rise, she felt her strength ebbing away, the relentless onslaught threatening to overwhelm her.

As the heat bore down relentlessly, Lisa's once-determined stance wavered, her strength sapped by the oppressive conditions. With a heavy heart and a defeated sigh, she conceded defeat, aware that her capitulation would only amplify Sarah's burden.

Meanwhile, the temperature continued to rise, the stifling heat intensifying with each passing moment. The air grew thick and oppressive, making it difficult to breathe as waves of heat washed over them. Yet, despite the unbearable conditions, Sarah remained steadfast, her determination unyielding in the face of adversity.

Finally, as the trial drew to a close, the oppressive heat began to subside, leaving a sense of relief in its wake. With a collective sigh, the participants emerged from the ordeal, their endurance tested but, most of their spirits broken including Sarah.

"Congratulation, you have completed the penalty trial. But, you did not pass the real objective of this trial. The objective of this trial is to give up. That's a condition to win. But, it need all of you to do the same. I don't know that all of you here is kind of masochistic. Get some rest before the next trial begins," As the Administrator's words hung heavy in the air, a somber atmosphere settled over the chamber.

The participants exchanged uncertain glances, grappling with the realization that their efforts had ultimately been in vain. The objective of the trial, it seemed, was not to endure but to surrender—to betray their own resilience in favor of collective defeat.

Sarah's heart sank as she processed the Administrator's revelation. All this time, they had been fighting against the trials, believing that perseverance was the key to success. But now, faced with the truth, she couldn't help but feel a sense of disillusionment.

As the metal chair released its hold, allowing the participants to move freely, a heavy silence filled the chamber. Although Sarah's body and spirit were both drained by the grueling trials, Lisa wore a smile on her face as she felt nothing during this trial. She believed she had met the conditions for victory in this trial.

Slowly, the participants rose from their seats, each one moving with the weight of their own exhaustion. Despite the camaraderie that had once buoyed them, there was now a palpable sense of defeat hanging in the air, their spirits broken by the relentless penalties they had endured.

Sarah couldn't help but feel a profound sense of disappointment as she looked around at her fellow participants. The once vibrant group now seemed diminished, their energy sapped by the trials they had faced. It was a stark reminder of the harsh reality of the competition they were all caught up in.

With heavy hearts, they filed out of the chamber, their steps slow and labored. As they dispersed, Sarah couldn't shake the feeling of defeat that hung over them like a dark cloud. Despite their best efforts, they had been unable to overcome the challenges set before them, leaving them battered and demoralized as they faced the uncertain future that lay ahead.

As they were dismissed to rest before the next trial, Sarah couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. The camaraderie that had once united them now felt fragile and uncertain, overshadowed by the knowledge that victory required them to abandon their strength and resilience.

With heavy hearts, they dispersed to their respective quarters, each one grappling with their own feelings of doubt and disappointment. The next trial loomed ominously on the horizon, and Sarah couldn't help but wonder what new challenges awaited them—and what sacrifices they would be forced to make in order to succeed.