A timer appeared above in a red light, 1:55:47.
Linus lay on the floor, the back of his head,his cheek, his body, all screaming in pain as the adrenaline wore off.
"Ah—ow," he whimpered. Even breathing felt like a mistake. Each shallow inhale sent needles through his ribs and spine.
"Damn… this might as well be hell itself," he groaned weakly, vision blurring at the edges. "I can see it… getting worse…"
His words slurred. Darkness crept in.
Linus passed out.
Meanwhile on the otherside of the room, Maya was looking around, both at the survivors and the chamber itself. Earlier when linus accused her of being part of this, it got her thinking, though she was just as trapped as the others, what if there was indeed someone among them who was definitely not trapped here, but is part of this whole twisted shit. She scans the sea of faces, trying to find anyone who looks suspicious, but all she sees are tired, traumatised and helpless people.
No one will willingly put themselves through this hell.
"Looking for someone?", a deep voice startled her as she turned around to see who it was. The tall muscular man who prevented them from closing the door stood there like a pillar, face a bit friendly, which contrasted with his physique.
"Oh its you... never got to thank you earlier." Maya said, regaining composure.
" No need, we're all trying to survive here." He said waving his hand, "Besides we can only survive if we stick together and look out for each other right?". He said as he looked around.
Maya said nothing.
" The name's Ralf." He said, extending his hand.
She looked at him, not returning the gesture.
"Maya.", she said. He retracted his hand, not bothered. "Maya!", he repeated, thats a fairly calm and lovely name, I've actual-",
"Oh cut the crap!" Maya interrupted, "What do you want, you know I technically owe you nothing right?" She said in a firm tone, arms crossed, she could see through his antics.
Ralf smiled. The expression felt misplaced in a room soaked with death.
"As I thought. Sharp," he said. "This place," he gestured around them, "it isn't random. Whoever built it knows exactly what they're doing."
Maya said nothing.
"The trials so far have been physical," he continued. "But what happens when they aren't? When they target the mind instead?" He tilted his head slightly. "You've already thought of that, haven't you?"
Maya Just stared at him, not answering, "Well, anyways I've been watching you. You are not like most, especially for a girl, you completed the trials as fast as me, thats impressive, and your ability to think under pressu-", " Did you come to flatter me?", she cut him off, he laughed, which got a few head turns.
"No. I came to make a proposal."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Partner up," Ralf said, like he was pitching a deal. "Your brain, your speed. My strength, my experience. Together, our odds improve."
Maya raised an eyebrow, not expecting that.
"I protect you when things get ugly," he added. "You handle the thinking when things get complicated. Simple."
"Bold of you to assume I'd trust you," she replied. "I don't know you. And trust goes both ways."
His smile widened.
"Then consider helping your friend earlier a goodwill deposit."
"He isn't my friend," she shot back.
"Oh," Ralf said lightly. "My mistake."
He stepped back, brushing a hand through his hair.
"Think about it. I'll be over there. If you decide teaming up beats dying alone."
He turned and walked away.
Maya watched his retreating figure, expression unreadable.
She said nothing.
But his words had already sunk in.