230 Open Water

[Welcome to the Sanctuary Bubble. The first trial will begin shortly.]

[5… 4… 3… 2…1…0]

[Simulation begins.]

After plunging into the bubble with a surface reminiscent of liquid mercury, he found an infinitely dark space where all his physical sensations disappeared in favour of an inexplicable quietude. He could have stayed there until the end of time without feeling the slightest boredom or frustration.

Except that unlike the nothingness inside the Red Cube, which gave him plenty of time to regain his senses, while giving him the opportunity to chat with Xi, this Sanctuary Bubble gave him no respite.