“Your next challenge is a timed event. You will have exactly thirty-five minutes to complete it. Let me remind you that a timed event means that your biosuits temperature will decrease and lower as time goes by.”
The hologram audience erupted. Some cheered. Some booed. One held up a glowing sign that readRUN FASTER, YOU COWARDS!Another waved a blinking arrow pointing at Vaelor and me withNEW FAVORITE TEAMflashing in obnoxious neon.
Mare stared. “Are they… allowed to heckle us?”
Vaelor sighed. “Apparently. But at least we have a few fans.”
The Game Master leaned forward like he was about to announce the apocalypse.
“This challenge is called… the Predator Walk.”
A dramatic gasp rippled through the hologram crowd—followed immediately by someone shouting,“I LOST A BET ON THIS ONE LAST SEASON!”
A giant projection of a massive white-furred beast with crystalline claws lunged across the sky above us. Several hologram spectators screamed theatrically. One fainted. She suspected it was for attention.
Mara stared at the creature, shock filling her. “That thing has six eyes.”
“Seven,” Vaelor corrected calmly. “One is hidden under the ridge of its skull.”
“Oh good,” she muttered. “Even better.”
The Game Master continued, voice sharp and theatrical.
“Teams must maneuver through the Frostfang Ice Field—home to the native ice predators.
You must cross without being killed… and without killing the predator.”
The hologram audience burst into laughter.
“GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!”
“DON’T WORRY, THEY ONLY EAT ON TUESDAYS!”
“WAIT—IT IS TUESDAY!”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I hate them.”
Vaelor wasn’t sure if I meant the predators or the audience. Honestly, I wasn’t sure either.
The Game Master raised his hand again.
“If you do not reach the far boundary within thirty-five minutes, you will be disqualified.”
The hologram crowd immediately chanted:
“FIGHT! SURVIVE! WIN!”
She exhaled slowly. “We can do this.”
Vaelor’s voice was steady. “It will require precision. And calm.”
“Also, luck,” she added.
Blaine, from across the zone, called out, “Just stay out of my way!”
The Game Master pointed dramatically toward the distant ice field.
“Competitors—prepare yourselves. The Predator Walk begins.”
