The Team is Formed

Hakim and Rizman found themselves seated at a corner table in the bustling cafeteria, the clatter of dishes and the murmur of conversation filling the air around them. They took their time eating, mulling over their options for a third teammate in the upcoming trials.

"I think we need someone with a keen eye for detail," Rizman remarked, slicing into his meal thoughtfully. "Someone who can analyze situations quickly and come up with creative solutions."

Hakim nodded in agreement, scanning the room for potential candidates. His gaze settled on a lone figure at a nearby table—a young woman engrossed in a notebook, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"What about her? She is from a team turquoise." Hakim suggested, nodding towards the woman. "She seems focused and determined. Maybe she'd be interested in joining forces with us."

Rizman followed Hakim's gaze and observed the woman for a moment, considering his suggestion. "You might be onto something. Let's approach her and see if she's open to the idea."

With a cautious optimism, Hakim and Rizman made their way to the woman's table, introducing themselves and explaining their proposal. The woman listened attentively, her expression thoughtful as she weighed their offer.

"Yes, I am Kira. Nice to meet you too. Wait a moment. Let me think." She looked at the note making a bit of calculation for a while. After a brief pause, she shook slowly, a glimmer of determination in her eyes. "I am sorry, but I cannot. I have team already." She said when her other teammate came at her.

Hakim and Rizman exchanged disappointed glances, but they nodded understandingly. "No problem. We appreciate you considering it," Hakim replied, offering a polite smile.

As Kira's teammate joined her, the two of them exchanged a few words before turning back to Hakim and Rizman. "I'm sorry about that," Kira's teammate, Brian said apologetically. "Kira and I have been working together for a while now. But I wish you luck in finding another teammate."

"Thank you," Rizman replied with a nod, his disappointment tempered by a sense of determination. "We'll keep looking. Good luck to you both as well."

With that, Hakim and Rizman returned to their table, their search for a third teammate still ongoing. "I didn't know finding a teammate would be this difficult," Hakim said.

"Yeah, they seem quite confident in themselves, especially after their success in the first trial. But, I believe you just wanted to gauge their reactions," Rizman remarked.

"Maybe. But, the person I want to team up with isn't from this room," Hakim explained.

"If I'm not mistaken, the administrator mentioned that they would be isolated from us for around 48 hours. So, you won't be able to meet them until the next trial starts, perhaps," Rizman added.

Hakim sighed, realizing the challenge ahead. "That complicates things. But I guess we have no choice but to wait and see. In the meantime, we should focus on preparing ourselves for the next trial as best as we can."

Rizman nodded in agreement. "You're right. We can use this time to strategize and improve our skills. We'll have to make the most of whatever resources we have."

With a renewed sense of determination, Hakim and Rizman discussed their plans for training and preparation. They knew that the trials ahead would only get tougher, and they needed to be ready for whatever challenges awaited them.

32 hours had passed, and the next announcement began promptly. "Good morning. Your next trial will commence tomorrow," the voice echoed through the facility. "You must form groups of four for this trial. You have the option to select new members from the isolated rooms, or you can merge with other groups to form entirely new teams. Your creativity in forming these groups will play a crucial role in the upcoming challenges."

The announcement continued, "Tomorrow, at 9:00 a.m., please enter Trial Room Number Two. To select members from the isolated rooms, visit the cafeteria. There, you'll find a machine to reserve them as part of your group. That concludes the announcement. Have a good day."

Hakim groaned as he woke up to the unexpected announcement blaring through the speakers at 3 a.m. "Who the hell makes announcements at this ungodly hour?" he muttered to himself, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Despite the early wake-up call, Hakim knew he needed to prepare for the upcoming trial. He quickly got dressed and decided to head to the cafeteria to have a drink as he was feeling a bit thirsty.

As he walked into the cafeteria, Hakim noticed the machine mentioned in the announcement for choosing new group members from the isolated rooms. He glanced around, considering his options. The prospect of forming a new group brought a mix of excitement and apprehension. Who would he choose as his new teammates? Would they work well together? These questions swirled in his mind as he approached the machine to make his selection.

Then, he remembered that he had made a note for everyone inside his notebook during the first trial. "Maybe it's a good idea to look at that note first. Since I'm the first one here, I can choose. But, it will be unfair if I do it right now." Hakim quickly take a sip of drink after scanning the surviving participants on the machine.

"Now, I want to return to my bed," Hakim said after finishing his drink.

Then, Hakim quickly went to his bed and continued sleeping, as he just felt like closing his eyes. Someone knocked on his door. "Ah, why?" Hakim quickly went to open the door. As he opened it, Rizman was standing in front of him.

"Hey!" Rizman said with a smile. Then, Hakim quickly closed the door. A few more knocks were heard from outside. Hakim reopened the door and asked Rizman, "What is it?" still rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"It's 8:00 a.m. already. Let's go to the cafeteria right now," Rizman said.

"Wait, I want to take a shower first," Hakim replied.

"Ah, no need. Let's hurry up," Rizman insisted, forcing Hakim to follow him.

As Hakim reluctantly followed Rizman to the cafeteria, he couldn't shake off the lingering grogginess from his interrupted sleep. The bright lights and bustling activity of the cafeteria assaulted his senses, making him yearn for a quiet moment to gather his thoughts. However, Rizman's enthusiasm was infectious, pushing Hakim to join the crowd and navigate through the maze of tables and food stations.

"Over there, Hakim. That's the machine where you can reserve your chosen group members," Rizman pointed out, his excitement palpable.

Hakim and Rizman approached the machine with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. They scrolled through the list of candidates, each name accompanied by a brief description of their skills and strengths. "It seems like I need someone who can keep up with my skills or at least complement them," Hakim remarked.

"So, have you found the candidate you want to add to our group?" Rizman inquired.

"It's kind of hard, since the person who would be most compatible with our group has already been chosen by someone else. I should make a decision soon before I go back to sleep," Hakim replied.

"It's unfortunate if your top choice is taken. What about this lady?" Rizman pointed to a name on the list. The name was Sarah.

"Hmm... she might be a good fit. Are you sure about her?" Hakim asked Rizman.

"You're asking me?" Rizman responded.

"If I'm not mistaken, one of her group members was killed during the first stage, but she managed to survive. I think she might be a good choice," Hakim explained while consulting his notes.

"Then let's choose her," Rizman decided on Sarah. "Do you want to add another member?"

"I'm somewhat interested in someone who survived on his own after the rest of his team was killed. He might have had a stroke of bad luck," Hakim reconsidered his notebook. "My master once said that a man who witnesses tragedy and continues forward becomes a great man."

"Your master said that?" Rizman was surprised. He scrolled through the candidates after hearing Hakim's preference. "Ah, here it is. His name is Ezat." Rizman continued to read Ezat's details. "He's a naturalist. Are you sure about this?"

"Let's include him. If he's had some bad luck, we might be able to turn it to our advantage," Hakim suggested.

"How could having someone with bad luck be advantageous?" Rizman questioned.

"Who knows, but my instinct told me that," Hakim answered Rizman's question.

"Your instinct sure is wild, I think," Rizman said.

"Sometimes wild instincts can lead to unexpected victories," Hakim replied with a smile, a hint of determination in his eyes.

"Then, it is settled." Rizman said.

With their choices made, Hakim and Rizman confirmed their selection on the machine. A notification popped up, indicating that Sarah and Ezat had been successfully reserved as their new team members. 

As the participants gathered in trial room number two, anticipation hung heavy in the air. The administrator's voice cut through the silence, signaling the start of the next phase. "Welcome, everyone. I see you've all arrived. Now, it's time to introduce your reserved teammate members." With that, the doors opened, allowing the reserved members to enter the room.

Excitement and tension rippled through the contestants as they scanned the newcomers, searching for their designated teammates. Some rushed to find their partners, eager to see who they would be working with for the upcoming challenges. The atmosphere buzzed with whispers and murmurs as strategies were discussed and alliances formed on the spot.

Hakim and Rizman observed the scene, their eyes flicking from one contestant to another. "Looks like it's time to meet our new teammates," Hakim remarked, his voice filled with a mix of anticipation and determination.

"Are you Hakim?" Suddenly, someone approached with his head lowered. He was quite short but not too short, maybe around 1.5 meters tall.

Hakim nodded. "Are you Ezat, by any chance?" Hakim asked.

The boy started to nod. "Yes, I am Ezat. Thank you for having me on your team," Ezat answered.

"Sure, let's do our best," Hakim said. "Now, where is Sarah?" Hakim muttered to himself.

"Here she is," Rizman brought a girl behind him. It seems to be Sarah, but she appears quite gloomy. "Hey, introduce yourself!" Rizman whispered to Sarah.

"Um... My name is Sarah. Nice to meet you," Sarah said. However, this time her tone sounded more spirited, as if she were trying to hide something.

"Glad to meet you, Sarah. I am Hakim, this is Rizman, and that is Ezat," Hakim said. Sarah looked at Ezat and seemed to realize something, momentarily appearing paralyzed. It was unclear what Sarah was thinking. Rizman attempted to snap Sarah out of it by clapping loudly in front of her face.

Suddenly, Sarah grabbed Hakim and whispered something. "Do you even realize who you've brought onto our team?" Sarah asked.

"Yes, I am aware. Is there a problem?" Hakim asked.

"You should not have included that guy on our team. He is a disaster and the worst," Sarah said.

"What do you mean? The description only mentioned that he has bad luck," Hakim questioned.

"That's exactly why you should not have included him," Sarah insisted.

"It's pointless, Sarah. Hakim has made his decision to include him, and he will not listen to arguments against it," Rizman intervened.

The tension in the room heightened as Sarah's warning hung in the air, leaving Hakim and Rizman uncertain. Ezat stood nearby, oblivious to the conversation unfolding around him.

"I understand your concern, Sarah, but I made my decision based on what I believe will benefit our team," Hakim replied, his tone calm but resolute. "Ezat, do you have any particular skills or abilities that you think will be valuable for our group?"

Ezat glanced up, his eyes reflecting a mixture of apprehension and determination. "I may not be the luckiest person, but I have a keen eye for details and I'm quick on my feet. I've survived on my own this far, and I'm ready to contribute however I can."

Hakim nodded, considering Ezat's words. "Alright, let's focus on working together as a team. We'll make the best of our situation and overcome any challenges that come our way."

"Ah, it seems like I have to prepare for my second penalty trial, if I survive this," Sarah murmured to herself.

Then, the next announcement came up. "Now that you all know each other, it's time to start the trial. Your next trial shall be survival of the fittest. The location of your next trial shall be beyond that door. Yes, it's a huge door. The main objective is to survive for seven days. You have been provided with equipment and food for your survival. The mini objectives shall be given after all of you enter the trial. Completing the mini objective shall benefits you something during the trial. Also, this time there is no penalty for main objective. The door shall open soon. Good luck with your trial."

The group exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of anticipation and apprehension as they absorbed the administrator's words. The challenge ahead seemed daunting, yet they were determined to face it head-on.

As the massive door swung open, revealing the unknown terrain beyond, Hakim took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. "Alright, let's stick together and stay focused. We've got this," he said, rallying his team.

With their equipment at the ready and their resolve steeled, they stepped through the doorway into the wilderness, ready to confront whatever challenges awaited them in their quest for survival.