Name: Zairia Hughes

Age: 21

Gender: Female

Background: Zairia's childhood in Nexus-7 was one of controlled tranquility, overshadowed by the strict rules and oppressive atmosphere enforced by the government. Growing up in the heart of the dystopian region, she witnessed the systematic suppression of individuality and the stifling of dissenting voices. Despite the oppressive environment, Zairia's agrarian upbringing provided her with a unique perspective and valuable skills. From a young age, she learned the art of self-sufficiency, honing her ability to cultivate crops, tend to animals, and harness the resources of the land. Zairia's connection to nature and her understanding of the delicate balance required for survival in a harsh world became her guiding principles. These skills, combined with her keen observational abilities, allowed her to navigate the intricacies of the region, evade government surveillance, and develop a resilience that would prove crucial in the life she has lived since the massacre occurred there, wiping out nearly the entire population and causing the few survivors to flee.

Appearance: Zairia has olive skin and hair that is a medium brown. She keeps it braided practically and often wears clothing meant for wilderness survival. Her eyes are a unique amber color with flecks of golds and browns, and they often demonstrate her fierceness and determination. She is roughly 5’7 or 5’8 with a build that is nearly exclusively muscle. Because she rarely eats enough, she does not have a bulky figure but one that is quite lean. Though she is fierce and carries herself in an intimidating manner, her physical appearance doesn’t point to the survivor she is.

Personality: Zairia is fiercely independent and private. She keeps her emotions guarded, allowing few to glimpse her vulnerabilities. Zairia possesses a strong sense of justice and an unwavering loyalty to her ideals. Her experiences have made her resilient and resourceful, adapting to any situation with a cool-headed and strategic mindset.

Core Motivation: Zairia's ultimate dream is to infiltrate the corrupt government that destroyed her community and bring them down from within. She sees the competition as an opportunity to gain access to the inner workings of the government, gathering crucial information to expose their misdeeds and seek justice for her people. She would do just about anything to reach her goal, no matter the consequences for her or anyone else.

Skills/Abilities: Zairia possesses several remarkable strengths that have shaped her into a formidable individual. First and foremost, her unwavering determination and resilience stand out as her greatest assets. Despite the physical struggles she faces, she refuses to succumb to despair or give up on her goals. Zairia's strong work ethic and dedication drive her to push through obstacles and strive for excellence. Her survival skills, acquired through years of living off the land, have honed her ability to adapt to different environments and make the best of available resources. Zairia's strategic mindset, combined with her stealth and espionage skills, make her an adept infiltrator and gatherer of valuable information. Above all, her desire to fight for justice and seek retribution for her people fuels her every action, giving her an unwavering sense of purpose and resolve.

Weaknesses: Despite her impressive strengths, Zairia is not without her vulnerabilities. Her severe physical and mental struggles, stemming from past battles and injuries, present a constant hindrance to her performance. The pain and reduced stamina that accompany her physical limitations often threaten to impede her progress and leave her at a disadvantage. Furthermore, Zairia's inherent distrust and difficulty forming close connections due to her past experiences can isolate her emotionally. It may be challenging for her to fully rely on others or accept help when it is offered, potentially limiting her support network. Zairia's fierce independence and private nature can also make it difficult for her to forge alliances or gain the trust of those around her, especially in a competitive and treacherous environment.

Motivations: Zairia is driven by her desire to seek justice for her people, to expose the corrupt government that ravaged their lands, and to reclaim her place among the survivors. She strives to prove her worth and defy the odds, not only for herself but for all those who have suffered injustice.

Reputation: Zairia is known among the survivors as a fierce and determined warrior. Her reputation precedes her, with stories circulating about her bravery and resilience. However, her isolated nature and perceived aloofness have also led to whispers and misconceptions among some.

Backstory: When a massacre happened in her village, Zairia was driven to react despite the way her people encouraged everyone to go peacefully to their deaths. She fought viciously against everyone’s wishes and killed as many as she could, remaining as one of the sole survivors of the incident. Her courage and bravery was not looked at in a positive light by her relatives in distant cities, and she was disowned by anyone she knew that was still alive. Following this incident, she fled to the wilderness and learned to survive on her own. She has only come out of hiding to enter this competition in order to invoke revenge.

Other:

Name: Sebastian Stirling

Age: 29

Gender: Male

Background: Sebastian's childhood was one of privilege and influence, surrounded by the opulence and power of his family's dynasty. From an early age, he was groomed to inherit the political mantle and continue the legacy established by his ancestors. However, Sebastian's dissatisfaction with the trappings of his privileged upbringing pushed him to seek experiences beyond the confines of his sheltered life. It was during his time spent living in the wilderness that he discovered a different side of himself—an innate talent for physical pursuits and a connection with the natural world. There, he honed his physical strength, mastering various survival skills, and finding solace in the simplicity of the wild.

Appearance: Sebastian possesses an air of refined elegance that is characteristic of his aristocratic lineage. He has a tall and well-built physique, which bears the marks of his physical training and time spent in the wilderness. His features are sharply defined, with a strong jawline and piercing blue eyes that exude a mix of charm and detached aloofness. Sebastian's light, wavy hair is kept neatly groomed, often swept back to reveal a confident and self-assured expression. He stands around 5’10 and has a wardrobe meant to suit any whim on any occasion. Wearing a uniform is not something that will please him.

Personality: Sebastian is known for his charisma and effortless charm. He has mastered the art of captivating others with his words and captivating presence, effortlessly navigating social situations and leaving a lasting impression. However, beneath his charismatic façade lies a sense of detachment and a lack of genuine loyalty or connection. Sebastian has become adept at putting on a convincing performance, masking his true intentions and emotions behind a polished exterior. He is an expert in the art of manipulation.

Core Motivation: Sebastian’s core motivation is largely unknown, though everyone is certain that there is some angle he is working that goes beyond his superficial claims.

Skills/Abilities: Sebastian possesses physical strength that comes naturally to him, owing to his time spent living in the wilderness. His physical training and experiences have endowed him with exceptional athleticism, stamina, and combat prowess. Additionally, his natural charm and charismatic persona make him skilled at influencing and swaying the opinions of others, allowing him to navigate complex political landscapes with ease.

Weaknesses: Sebastian's lack of genuine loyalty or emotional connection presents a significant weakness. His detached nature can lead to difficulty in establishing meaningful alliances or building trust with others. This could leave him vulnerable to manipulation or isolation, as true loyalty and genuine connections are crucial elements in maintaining long-term relationships and alliances.

Motivations: Sebastian's motivations are multifaceted and shrouded in mystery. While he claims to be "for the people," his true intentions and desires are uncertain. Whether driven by a genuine desire for social change, personal freedom, or a thirst for power and influence, Sebastian is determined to carve out his own path and reshape his family's legacy in a way that aligns with his enigmatic goals.

Reputation: Sebastian's reputation is a subject of intrigue and speculation. While some view him as a charismatic and promising figure, others remain skeptical of his intentions, considering his family's extensive political influence. His ability to effortlessly charm and captivate people has earned him both admirers and critics, further fueling the mystery surrounding his true character and motivations. It seems that everyone knows of this man, and they either love or hate him passionately.

Backstory: Sebastian was born into a prestigious political dynasty, his family entrenched in the corridors of power. Despite being groomed to follow in their footsteps, he yearned for something different, a life detached from the burdens of influence and wealth. He spent considerable time living in the wilderness, seeking solace and testing his physical limits. These experiences shaped his character and developed his physical strength and survival skills. Sebastian's backstory is intertwined with his family's legacy, creating a complex tapestry of ambition, secrets, and hidden agendas.

Other:

Name: Judah Aldair

Age: 20

Gender: Male

Background: Judah hails from a remote village called Sector 13-X, much like Zairia's agrarian utopia. However, his village stands out due to its emphasis on spirituality and unconventional practices. Guided by the teachings of their ancestors, the villagers follow a philosophy of non-resistance, finding solace and wisdom in their connection to nature and the practice of earth magic. Despite the skepticism and questionable validity surrounding these mystical arts, they play a significant role in shaping the village's culture and way of life. Raised in this spiritual environment, Judah absorbed the teachings, although his belief in them is occasionally clouded by doubt.

Appearance: Judah possesses a captivating presence that blends a youthful innocence with an air of mystery. He has a lean and wiry frame, suggesting an agile and nimble physique. He has very pale skin with dark hair, and stands at 5’7. Judah's eyes, a mesmerizing shade of deep green, hold a spark of intelligence and curiosity, reflecting his penchant for academia and the arts.

Personality: Judah's personality is an intriguing blend of peacefulness, intellectual depth, and enigmatic tendencies. He exudes a calm and composed demeanor, radiating a serene aura that belies the complexities within. Although generally soft-spoken and measured in his words, there are instances where his sharp tongue manifests, revealing a biting wit and an ability to convey thoughts in a manner that can be both insightful and ambiguous. This paradoxical nature makes Judah a captivating conversationalist, often leaving others pondering the true meaning behind his cryptic statements.

Core Motivation: Judah's core motivation stems from an inherent desire to reconcile the contrasting aspects of his personality and upbringing. He yearns to find harmony between the mystical teachings of his village, his intellectual pursuits, and the contradictory streak that lurks within him. Through self-discovery and understanding, Judah seeks to unearth the truth behind his village's spiritual practices and determine the validity of the earth magic they employ. He aspires to bridge the gap between spirituality and academia, uncovering the hidden connections that may exist between the realms of mysticism and intellectual thought.

Skills/Abilities: Judah possesses substantial intellectual capabilities, demonstrating an aptitude for academia and a thirst for knowledge. He excels in various fields of study, with a particular affinity for the arts, displaying mastery in disciplines such as literature, music, and painting. Additionally, Judah possesses a deep understanding of the earth magic practiced in his village, even if he questions its efficacy. While the true extent of his magical abilities is yet to be realized, his connection to nature and spiritual teachings grants him an intuitive understanding of the environment around him.

Weaknesses: Judah's ambiguous nature and occasional tendency towards vagueness can lead to misinterpretation and misunderstandings. His uncertainty regarding the validity of the earth magic he has learned may cause self-doubt and indecision in critical moments. Furthermore, his peaceful disposition and hesitancy to confront conflicts directly can potentially leave him vulnerable to those who seek to exploit his vulnerabilities.

Motivations: Judah's motivations are driven by his pursuit of truth, both in the realm of intellectual thought and the mysticism of his village. He seeks to unravel the enigma that surrounds the earth magic he has been taught, questioning its validity and seeking to uncover any hidden truths or deeper connections it may hold. Judah's quest for knowledge and understanding is intertwined with his desire to find harmony within himself, reconciling the conflicting aspects of his personality and upbringing.

Reputation: Judah doesn’t necessarily have a reputation going into this competition, primarily because he comes from a region where there is little interaction with the outside world. Many think of his people as hermits and monks who have little value when it comes to things that matter.

Other:

Name

Sonny O'Shea

The Voice of Ultalla

Age

24

Gender

Male

Background

Scavenger

Sonny originally belonged to the groups of scavengers who made their homes of whatever scraps and trash they could find. These people don’t have much real organization, and most hate the government. They often fight and steal from each other to get by in life, and are known for being dirty and underhanded.

Voice

If there’s one thing everyone knows Sonny for, it’s his voice. It’s smooth and calming, with just a hint of something like an Australian accent despite his bloodlines having no clear race or ethnicity. He never stutters, never stumbles, always seems to know what he’s saying.

Appearance

Sonny’s skin is fairly light, a sort of golden color that’s like toffee, though not quite as vibrant or dark. He has freckles scattered all across his cheeks, nose, shoulders, and arms. He has a distinctive jawline, and smooth cheekbones that curve up to frame his face with high cheeks. He has cupid’s bow lips, a bit pinker than the rest of his skin, His nose, smooth and neither small nor large, is placed perfectly in the center of his face, giving him a remarkable symmetry. His eyes are slightly slanted, almond-shaped and fairly small. His irises are light grey, with just a hint of blue visible, looking like the sky after a storm. They have a certain clarity and expressiveness which most eyes don’t possess. Above them, his brows are dark brown, smooth and well-defined. They sit low over his eyes, and this, mixed with his high forehead, give him an intense expression even when he doesn’t mean to look that way. His hair is dark blonde, with a darker brown towards the roots and a more vibrant gold out towards the ends. This isn’t super noticeable, but gives his hair the appearance of depth. It’s slightly wavy, and goes down to his neck, with the lowest strands just touching his shoulders. He often wears it combed back slightly, a sign of good grooming that’s considered attractive by a lot of people in this most unhygienic time. While other people live with grime coated onto their scalps, Sonny’s hair is soft and loose, catching stray sunlight to show off those golden highlights. He’s clean-shaven at all times.

Every square inch of Sonny is always clean, from his head down to his toes. He has a few scars, yes, as most people do these days, but those are faded and certainly very old. The only prominent scar he has is one down the side of his neck, which doesn’t seem to have healed as well as the others. In this day and age, though, Sonny doesn’t see a reason to be ashamed of a scar. In fact, he carries that scar like a trophy, often turning his head to expose his neck just a little bit, so everyone can see this reminder that he was once just like them. He’s in good shape. He certainly should be, if he wants to get through this. He’s the perfect mix of muscular and lithe, and that’s no mistake. It’s hard work getting a body shape like that, But if Sony lets himself go, he might find that people aren’t quite as interested in him anymore. He’s a fairly short person, especially for his family, who are all taller. He stands at 5’8. He has lean, toned arms and legs, and shorter fingers and toes. His fingernails are neatly clipped back and white-clean, and sometimes he coats them with see-through nail polish to protect them and gives them an extra sheen.

Sonny wears the uniform just like everyone else. He’s been told repeated times that he doesn’t have to, or that they can modify it for him. There are nobles and worldwide corporations that want their family crests or logos on his uniform to get some of the best publicity available. But Sonny wants to make it clear that he’s just like the rest of the recruits. Some people think it’s noble, some think it’s a tactic to gain more support. Some are disappointed to see him looking so plain. Although Sonny tries to stay practical with his outfit, he does have a piece of bling that he can’t do without. It’s something like a ring, but goes over his lower lip, slipping on without requiring a piercing. It’s perfectly symmetrical, and looks very polished despite the variations between extremely thin and thick. The metal is golden. There’s an outer ring, and an inner one which comes together to look something like an H on his lower lip. Into this there’s set a thin line of pale blue agate. When Sonny isn’t in uniform, he’s often doing announcements or attending events. These require him to wear extremely high-quality clothing. Most of his clothes are fairly skintight, with a lustrous sheen to them. A shirt with a V-neck, tight jacket like a slim trench coat, strapped pants, and slender form-fitting shoes are his most common outfit. He wants to appear sleek, and not necessarily tacky. His clothing is usually colorful, but not too bright, and coordinated with only two or three colors to make sure they all work together.

Personality

You’ll see the name Sonny O’Shea all across the barren cityscapes and ragged civilizations, flickering onto holographic life to tell each and every citizen to “keep calm and carry on.” Since he was fifteen, Sonny has been the face of government propaganda, and citizens of the most densely populated areas will recognize his voice in an instant, even if they can’t put a name to it. It takes a particularly magnetic charm to be the kind of figure Sonny is. He’s been carried for most of his life by his good looks and smooth voice. Celebrity status doesn’t exist now the way it used to in days long past, but Sonny is well-known enough to be considered slightly famous. His fan base consists mainly of young women and more young women. Sonny has a shiny, sparkly personality for these people. He’s all big smiles, clever jokes, and casual allure. After all, his whole career is based on these things - and if fans started thinking of him differently, would the government even have any use for him anymore? He knows well there are people who hate him for his role in the government, and he’s learned to be placid, agreeable, and tell them what they want to diffuse a situation. But, truth be told, he’s never been in too much danger from these people. The government protects their own, and Sonny can rely on them to protect him from every street crazy who comes running at him. When a person doesn’t like him but doesn’t pose a threat, he’s only too happy to reciprocate. From full-on snark to the more passive aggressive methods of making sure other people don’t notice when he’s rowing with someone, Sonny has a particularly sarcastic way of dealing with enemies. And it’s not always out of spite, either. When he has the chance, Sonny enjoys trading quips with someone who sees him as an equal. Even when the other person is legitimately pissed off at him, he sometimes enjoys verbally sparring with them. The people he finds most interesting are the ones who seem to legitimately dislike him. Perhaps this isn’t very healthy, but he simply doesn’t meet a lot of people like that, and he finds he can be himself more around people who don’t expect him to act a certain way.

He’s so used to living a life that could be described as glamorous in these trying times that he hardly knows what to do with people who don’t either love or hate him. That is, people who couldn’t care less about him either way. And in this place, he finds that there are a lot more of those kinds of people. He usually ignores them, and when forced to interact one-on-one with nobody else watching, he’s surprisingly awkward and unsure of himself. He needs to know how people feel about him right off the bat. When it comes to personal relationships, if anything isn’t stated outright, he simply won’t pick up on it. He takes people’s reactions to him at face value, and this makes him extremely vulnerable to any form of manipulation. When he actually likes someone, he’s constantly showering them with gifts, favors, and anything else they could ever want. He gives them their privacy, though, mainly because he also needs his alone time. He alternates between wildly clingy and pushing a person away. But Sonny has stayed away from romantic relationships, not because he’s afraid of them, but because it’s always been best for his image to stay single. Every connection he makes with any person has a reason behind it. There are matters of his image to consider, and every single person he meets has to fit his image or he can’t get any closer with them than acquaintances. Scandal is the last thing he wants. This is something he’s never agreed with, but there are sacrifices a person has to make if they want to make a living the way Sonny does.

Before Sonny worked doing propaganda announcements, his family hated the government. They made a quick 180 when they started getting the majority of their resources from the government. Now they want it to be known that nobody is more loyal than them. Sonny might not be as diehard as his family, but he’s still a supporter of the government. After so many years of telling the world that their government is working for them, wants to help them, deserves to be in charge, Sonny can’t help but start believing it himself. This isn’t something he would be easily convinced to change his mind on, but he doesn’t hold onto this dogma as a weapon against the masses. Rather, he thinks those who rally against them are misguided, and he wants them to accept the help of those higher-ups who are only trying to make life better for them. Anything bad he hears about the government doing, he simply doesn’t believe. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t believe people when they say they’ve suffered as a result of the government. He believes they’re telling the truth about what happened to them, but he’s sure somebody has thrown the government under the bus when there’s something or someone else to blame. All the same, having come from a scavenger background himself, Sonny doesn’t discount what people are going through. Things are hard, and he’s lucky to have something to fall back on when most people don’t. Nobody deserves to have to live with things the way they are now. When Sonny was still nothing special, he and his family struggled to survive. And the government saved them, so why won’t other people trust and let the same thing happen for them? There is a certain amount of survivor’s guilt that comes with having escaped poverty while a lot of people didn’t, though. Just bring up his cushy life, the easy way he’s coasted through everything, and you can use that guilt to get most anything you want from him.

Sonny has a natural inclination to help people. Unfortunately, this mostly involves him interfering and bossing people around. He has it in his head that he knows the best thing to do in every situation, and other people only need to listen to him to solve their problems. Sometimes it’s just spewing propaganda, but in personal matters that’s not applicable. Sonny may not be good with his own relationships, but he’s convinced he’ll be good with other people’s. He’s always ready with a bit of advice, sometimes bad and sometimes good. He prefers to solve problems rather than just let people work out their feelings by talking. But he is very generous as well, and he’s always ready to lend a helping hand. He loves being useful to other people, and feeling like they want him around because he’s helpful. He never slacks off, and he never tries to get out of any task he’s set. He’s happy doing basic physical labor and the kind of repetitive work most people find mind-numbing. If someone asks him for help once, he’ll go above and beyond. He likes to take control in most situations, not really trusting other people to lead. He doesn’t do well with following, but doesn’t outright disobey orders and never starts a fight with a superior. He just tends to think of himself as equal with a leader, rather than below them, and he acts accordingly.

People say Sonny got into this program because of his special favor with the officials who run it. Sonny is determined to show that he got here because of his own hard work and talent. He’s not about to accept any help or favoritism, though he’s certain to be polite when he turns it down. His family never took much stock in learning and intelligence, and to Sonny that’s even more reason to pursue it. He has to be better than his family thinks he is. Though Sonny may appear sociable and extroverted, he only has so much patience for interacting with people before he needs some time to himself. He prefers time alone, with nobody watching his every move. When he’s by himself, he has serious intensity and dedication that hardly seem like him. He studies hard and his focus is difficult to break, and he has a remarkable memory. He’s always liked reading, particularly nonfiction books. He’s strong enough to hold his own when it comes to fighting, and willful enough to stay calm in dangerous situations. But his strongest suit is his knowledge. He’s studied every machine and device used on this mission. He’s studied the history of space travel, from the distant year of 1961 all the way to modern times. When he’s interested in a subject, he learns everything he can about it, and this is the most dedicated he’s ever been to any subject. He knows how to make good notes, and he knows every tip and trick for memorization and reading. He’s a very organized person who prefers to have a plan before he jumps into anything. Taking wild risks was never his style, and that kind of danger makes him nervous and discoordinated.

Motivation

Sonny is trying to prove he’s worth more than his voice and looks. He wants to be among the few chosen for this mission, and he wants to do it through his own hard work. He has to make something of himself before the day his allure wears off and he becomes the same nobody he started out as.

Skills/Abilities

Charisma

Government Backing

Intelligence

Memory

Planning

Voice

Generosity

Helpfulness

Determination

Menial Work

Mechanics and Engineering

Calming People

Fighting

Weaknesses

Government Loyalty

Passive Aggression

Sheltered Life

Awkwardness

Trust

Overbearingness

Guilt

Bossiness

People-Pleasing

Fakeness

Bad Follower

Social Stamina

Coordination

Likes

The Government

People Who Don’t Like Him

Banter

Giving Gifts

Alone Time

Rags to Riches Stories

Interfering in People’s Business

Being Useful

History

Reading

Listening to Music

Education

Dislikes

Acting Fake

Anti-Government People

Confusing Relationships

Being Guilt-Tripped

Not Being Listened To

Following

Risks

Being Underestimated

Constantly Socializing

Humidity

Cemeteries

Flashing Lights

Reputation

Sonny is almost-famous in a world where fame is hardly a thing anymore. His voice can be heard echoing around empty city streets, the government’s way of keeping their masses content and subdued. Those who don’t know his face or name likely know his voice. Some people love him - especially the young ladies. Some hate him. These two extremes are the sort of reactions he’s used to.

Backstory

Sonny is known for his work as a face of government propaganda. It started out with him and his brother Arlo, but Arlo never quite made it as far. Sonny's known to be from the scavengers, and this rags-to-riches story is what he leans on to make himself seem sympathetic to the ignorant masses. He certainly hasn't lived among the scavengers for a long time, and anyone who knew him from his younger days seems to hate him. Except his family, who do nothing but sing his praises and ask him for money. He's getting older, though, and he's certain his moment of fame will be up soon. He needs a real job, something that will let him make a real difference in the world.

Zairia Hughes | Nexus-7 | M: Open

The first thing that Zairia felt when she woke up was the smoothness of the floor and the cold that was radiating into her bones. She’d been in the wilderness for a long time, long enough that the government had made her out to be a savage and the people believed it. The people always allowed the government to think for them in matters of questions that lacked answers, and she was the kind of mystery that not even a government or a god could understand.

Zairia was one of the few who had volunteered to risk her life for this mission instead of waiting for the government to decide which one of its blameless constituents it wanted to slaughter. She let them poke and prod her, interrogating her to determine what kind of motive could allow a fugitive such as herself to submit to the government she’d fought like hell to destroy. She even let them torture her when the answers she provided them with were not to their satisfaction, but she never caved. She didn’t even crack. She knew she’d already won by filling them with the type of fear few others could. Not even pain–not even death–could make Zairia flinch. She’d been starving for years out on her own, so the food they’d been depriving her of for the last two weeks was hardly changing her level of silent resistance. They were out of ways to motivate her to crack which made all of the power fall like sand out of their iron fists. Yet, the war had hardly begun.

The young woman didn’t know how long it had been since she’d surrendered herself to the cause, but it had been long enough that the conversations she’d once heard between contestants had faded to silence. Every once in a while she heard the man in the cell across from her inhale sharply or shift within the shadows of his cell, but she had been in darkness for so long that she hadn’t even bothered to imagine what he looked like. She only knew he was a man because of the sound of his voice when he cleared his throat in the beginning of their captivity. Now, he was just silent.

For the first time that morning, a set of sirens blared within their cell. Normally it meant that one of the contestants had been killed by guards for trying to escape. She wondered if this was a challenge in itself. As far as she knew, others had died from starvation or dehydration, or they had simply had enough and done something to get themselves killed by the guards. Today, however, there had been no warning to the sirens. Although she heard them more often by the day, they still made her jump out of her skin and crawl to the back corner of her stall.

“This is not a test,” the voice began, filtering in through the speakers in the room. She could tell by the echoes that it was a much larger room than she had originally thought. “In fifteen seconds, a hazardous gas will begin coming through the vents in the ceiling. You must find a way to escape your cell and find your way out of the building within an hour or you will die. If you don’t go the right way, or our security systems detect you, you will also die. Although there are many of you, only thirty will be allowed to survive, so eliminate as many of your opponents as you see fit along the way. Good luck, keep calm, and carry on.”

As the sound of the vents opening encouraged the people around Zairia to beg for mercy, she felt around in the darkness for something to open the door with. As she felt her way around the wall, she realized that there was a ledge that pushed open. When she did so, she felt the contents of a small box which had something metal in it, something she assumed was a key. As a significant number of people moved past her cell, she heard the sounds of death and dying occurring all around her. Though her eyes and skin were beginning to tingle, she waited until the space around her held more silence before breaking free from her cell and traveling in the opposite direction of the group that had just passed her.

Though she wasn’t entirely sure if anyone was even alive in the cell across from her, she’d gathered by the sounds of screaming and begging that not all of the cells had keys in them, or not all of the keys were hidden in the same place. She swiftly opened the door of the individual across from her, moving slowly and silently as not to alert him of her exact location. Based on all of the screams, she had half a mind to believe that some of the contestants had not been given keys, but had been given weapons.

Shielding her nose and lips from the gas that was seeping in by covering them with her face, Zairia continued to scurry along the corridor, only perturbed by the absolute darkness they were enveloped in. For the most part, she’d been fortunate that the other contestants were largely inexperienced with the notion of silence and walked around with hefty footsteps that alerted her of their presence with enough time for her to react. Despite this, she was no closer to escaping than she had been inside the cell, and she knew her time was running out.