Concluding their idle chatter, Ming gestured to the empty space at the labyrinth's center, inquiring of Hawkins, "What is that open area in the middle of the maze for?"
"That space is reserved for you, specifically for a tent," Hawkins replied solemnly.
"Thank you," Ming nodded, sensing he'd become a mere tool in their grand scheme, with every detail meticulously considered.
Had the tables turned, with the exploiter now being exploited?
At 8:50,
"Everyone, prepare!" David seized a homemade megaphone, shouting from the highest point of the fortress. Ming stood at the eastern wall, while Mike, Alan, and Hawkins took their positions at the other three cardinal points.
The inhabitants of Zone 109 stood ready for battle.
"Check your equipment, and ensure sufficient physical and mental elixirs!"
"Activate and enhance all psychic abilities!"
"We've repelled the hordes thrice already; this is merely the fourth!"