🌑 Episode 49
The Black Tower
The abandoned train moved silently through the underground tunnel.
No conductor.
No passengers.
Only the sound of steel wheels echoing through the darkness.
Ryan looked out the window.
"This train isn't on any map."
Victor checked his watch.
"It doesn't want to be found."
Lena examined the black invitation card again.
"The ink contains an encrypted code."
Ryan looked at her.
"Can you decode it?"
Lena nodded.
"I'll try."
Ariba remained silent.
Her eyes stayed fixed on the darkness outside.
The Founder's words echoed in her mind.
"Truth has a price."
Minutes later…
The train came to a smooth stop.
The doors slid open.
A cold wind rushed inside.
Before them stood a massive black building reaching into the clouds.
No company logo.
No lights.
Only a giant silver phoenix engraved above the entrance.
Ryan whispered,
"So this is... Black Tower."
Victor slowly stepped forward.
"It looks abandoned."
Lena shook her head.
"No."
"It looks empty."
"There's a difference."
As they approached the entrance, the massive doors opened by themselves.
A calm voice echoed through hidden speakers.
"Welcome, Subject A-17."
Ariba took a deep breath.
"We're expected."
Inside, the lobby was enormous.
Polished black floors reflected every step.
No guards.
No cameras in sight.
Yet it felt as though thousands of eyes were watching them.
Suddenly, a holographic map appeared in the center of the hall.
A message appeared beneath it:
LEVEL 100 – THE FOUNDER'S OFFICE
Ryan looked up.
"One hundred floors?"
Victor smirked.
"He really likes making an entrance."
Before they could move—
A young woman wearing a black suit stepped out of the shadows.
She smiled politely.
"Good evening."
"My name is Evelyn."
"I've been instructed to escort you."
Victor immediately raised his weapon.
"Don't come any closer."
Evelyn didn't flinch.
"If I wanted to hurt you…"
"You would never have reached this building."
Silence.
Ariba stepped forward.
"Take us to the Founder."
Evelyn's smile faded.
"I can."
"But first…"
She looked directly at Ariba.
"You must pass the Tower's trial."
Ryan frowned.
"What trial?"
The lights suddenly went out.
The floor beneath them shook violently.
The walls began moving.
The entire lobby transformed into a giant maze.
Metal doors slammed shut behind them.
Evelyn's voice echoed through the darkness.
"Only those who face their deepest fear…"
"…may reach the top."
Ariba looked ahead.
The maze stretched endlessly.
She tightened her grip on the data drive.
"This isn't just a building."
Victor nodded.
"No."
"…It's a test."
Far above them—
On the 100th floor—
The Founder stood beside the window, watching the maze through dozens of monitors.
He smiled quietly.
"Let's see…"
"…if the last survivor can survive one more time."
To Be Continued…
💬 Comment & Earn Coins! 🪙
What do you think Ariba will face in the maze?
A) Her forgotten memories
B) A powerful enemy
C) Ryan in danger
D) The truth about her father
👇 Comment A, B, C, or D and don't forget to send your Power Stones! 💎