The Tower of Trials

The new structure, now fully visible, looms over the Crap Field like a monument to despair. Its dark spires pierce the sky, casting long shadows across the ground. The remaining Scrapers gather in uneasy silence, each of them keenly aware that the next phase will be the most dangerous yet.

"The Tower of Trials awaits you, Scrapers," the Manager announces. "Only those who reach the top will advance. Inside, you will face challenges that test your mind, body, and soul. There are no second chances. Climb — or be erased."

The tension in the air is palpable. Ryo feels his stomach twist with anxiety, but there's no time to dwell on fear. They have no choice but to enter the tower. He glances at Hana, who looks equally apprehensive but determined.

"We stick together," Ryo says firmly. "We've made it this far. We can make it to the top."

Hana nods, though her eyes betray her uncertainty. "I just hope we don't have to face more of those… things from the crypt."

Ryo doesn't say it out loud, but he shares her fear. The shadows, the whispers — the tower is likely filled with horrors even worse than those. But they have to keep moving. They can't afford to hesitate.

Together, they walk toward the base of the tower, along with the other Scrapers. The entrance is a massive stone door, carved with strange runes and symbols that glow faintly in the dim light. As they approach, the door creaks open, revealing a dark, spiraling staircase inside.

Ryo takes a deep breath and steps forward, leading the way. Hana follows close behind, her eyes darting nervously around the narrow corridor. The air inside the tower is thick and oppressive, like it's alive and watching their every move.

The staircase seems to go on forever, winding up through the tower's many levels. With every step, Ryo feels the weight of the tower pressing down on him, as if it's testing his resolve. After what feels like hours, they finally reach the first landing, where the path opens into a large chamber.

The room is circular, with high stone walls and no visible exit other than the way they came. In the center of the chamber stands a stone pedestal, and on it rests a small, shimmering orb. Above the orb, words appear, etched in light:

"Solve the riddle to ascend. Fail, and you will descend — forever."

Hana steps closer to the pedestal, studying the orb carefully. Ryo watches her, his heart racing. A riddle? He wasn't expecting a mental challenge, but in hindsight, it makes sense. The Manager's tests are designed to push them in every way possible — physically, mentally, emotionally.

Hana reads the riddle aloud:

"I am the beginning of eternity, the end of time and space. I am the start of every end, and the end of every place. What am I?"

Ryo frowns, his mind racing. The beginning of eternity? The end of time? The riddle feels familiar, like something he's heard before, but his thoughts are clouded by the pressure of the situation. He glances at Hana, who's staring at the orb intently, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"I've heard this before," she whispers, more to herself than to Ryo. "I think… I think the answer is the letter 'E'."

Ryo blinks in surprise. "The letter 'E'? How do you figure?"

Hana explains quickly, her words coming out in a rush. "Look — the word 'eternity' starts with an E, and so does 'end.' The word 'time' ends with E, as does 'space.' It's the only thing that fits."

Ryo stares at her, impressed. He wouldn't have thought of that, but it makes sense. The logic behind the riddle is sound.

"Let's try it," he says, stepping forward.

Hana nods, and together they place their hands on the orb. The moment they touch it, the glowing letters above the pedestal rearrange themselves, forming a new word: Correct.

The chamber shudders, and the wall on the far side of the room slides open, revealing another staircase leading upward. Ryo lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. They've passed the first trial.

"Good thinking," he says, glancing at Hana. "You saved us."

Hana gives a small, nervous smile. "Let's hope the next one isn't too different."

They ascend the staircase, feeling a small flicker of hope. But as they climb higher, the tower seems to grow darker, colder, and the sense of dread returns with a vengeance.