Post 3E Trial

As Hakim emerged from the confines of the 3E trial room, his senses were immediately assaulted by the sight of a television screen positioned directly in front of him. The sudden transition from the dimly lit, labyrinthine maze to this illuminated space filled him with a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

"Huh! Where am I?" Hakim gasped in awe, his eyes darting around the unfamiliar surroundings. The brightness of the room and the sharp clarity of the images on the screen momentarily dazzled him, leaving him disoriented.

The television screen flickered to life, displaying a series of colorful graphics and text. Hakim's gaze was drawn to the screen as he awaited further instructions or information, his mind racing with questions about his current location and what lay ahead.

As he stood in front of the television, still trying to process the surreal turn of events, a voice reverberated from a speaker nearby, cutting through the silence of the room.

"Congratulations for achieving the first place to escape from the 3E's Room," the voice announced, its tone both congratulatory and eerily detached. "As you are the winner right now, do you want to ask for anything?"

Hakim's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and trepidation at the unexpected acknowledgment of his success. The voice seemed to emanate from all around him, making it impossible to discern its source. Despite the initial shock, Hakim quickly composed himself, realizing that this was his opportunity to gather valuable information that could aid him in navigating the mysterious game he found himself in.

"I should think this through thoroughly," Hakim muttered to himself, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew he had to ask something important—something that could provide him with a strategic advantage in the challenges to come.

With a determined expression, Hakim spoke up, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. "Before I ask my question, may I inquire how many questions I am permitted to ask?" he inquired, hoping to clarify the parameters of the exchange before proceeding further.

"As of right now, you have only one question to ask. However, you are free to inquire about anything. I am prepared to answer any question you pose at this moment," the mastermind replied, her voice echoing through the room with a faint air of amusement.

Hakim mind raced with a mixture of exhilaration and curiosity. The unexpected turn of events had left him reeling, but he knew he couldn't afford to waste this opportunity. With the mastermind's voice echoing through the room, he realized that he had a chance to gain valuable information that could shape the course of his journey in the Genius's Game.

"I have to make this question count," Hakim thought to himself, his brow furrowing in concentration. He knew that the answer he received could have far-reaching implications for his future in the game. With so much at stake, he needed to choose his words carefully.

Taking a deep breath, Hakim addressed the mastermind's question. "Before I proceed, may I inquire how many questions I am permitted to ask?" he asked, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions churning inside him.

The mastermind's response was swift and decisive. "You have only one question at your disposal," came the reply. "Choose wisely, for this may be your only opportunity to gain insight into the workings of the game."

Hakim nodded, absorbing the gravity of the situation. He understood that he had to make the most of this chance, selecting a question that would provide him with the greatest advantage moving forward. With determination fueling his resolve, he began to formulate his inquiry, determined to uncover the truth behind the Genius's Game and the mysterious forces guiding its course.

Hakim's gaze narrowed as he considered his options. "I want to ask, who is the mastermind behind this all?" he inquired, his voice firm and resolute.

The mastermind's response was laced with a hint of skepticism. "Are you certain you don't wish to pose another question, perhaps regarding the circumstances of your abduction or the conditions for your release?" He suggested, her tone implying that there might be more pressing matters to address.

Hakim's conviction rang clear in his response. "I don't care about that," he asserted, his voice carrying an undertone of determination. "Participating in trials like this gets my blood pumping."

Acknowledging Hakim's resolve, the mastermind relented. "As you wish," she acquiesced. "The mastermind in this game is Miranda Brigade. She's known for her twisted personality and her ability to manipulate and influence others' personalities. She's the mastermind behind this game, known as The Genius's Game. Also, I am not the mastermind, I am an admin."

Hakim's curiosity piqued as he sought to unravel another layer of mystery. "I see. Now I have the intel," he mused, his mind already racing with new possibilities. "Hey! Can I ask your name? I don't know what to call you."

The admin paused for a moment, he response measured and deliberate. "It seems like I haven't introduced myself yet," he admitted. "I will answer this question for everyone once they have all completed this trial. For now, I would suggest you take a look at the reviews of the other teams that participated in this trial." With a nod toward the television, he urged Hakim to seek further insights from the screen before him.

As Hakim turned his attention to the television screen, a series of reviews began to play, detailing the performances of each team in the trial. He watched intently, taking note of their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. With each passing moment, his understanding of the competition grew deeper, and he formulated plans for the challenges that lay ahead.

As Hakim meticulously studied the footage of each team's performance, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration as he watched Team Black's journey unfold. Despite their initial success in overcoming the first room, their elimination in the second room served as a stark reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

With each passing moment, Hakim's focus intensified, his mind racing with plans and counter-strategies to outmaneuver his opponents. He knew that in the Genius's Game, every decision could mean the difference between success and failure, and he was determined to emerge victorious.

Armed with a newfound understanding of his competition and a burning desire to succeed, Hakim made a mental note of his observations and prepared to face the next trial head-on.

After absorbing as much information as he could, Hakim felt a surge of determination. Armed with newfound insights and fueled by the thrill of competition, he was ready to face whatever obstacles awaited him in the next stage of the Genius's Game.

Hakim paused, considering his request carefully before addressing the admin. "Mister Admin, can I request one thing?"

The admin's voice crackled through the speaker once more. "Yes, is it about your reward?"

Hakim took a deep breath, composing his thoughts before continuing. "Yes, I want to change the reward. I want you to follow my plan." Hakim left a note on the television. Then, he abruptly left the room, his mind already racing with plans for the trials ahead.

Exiting the room, Hakim found himself back in trial room number one. Glancing around, he noticed that another team had also managed to escape from the room. Their expressions ranged from relief to exhaustion, evidence of the challenges they had faced. As Hakim observed the scene, he couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with these fellow participants, all of them striving to overcome the same trials.

Approaching one of the members from the successful team, if he is not mistake it is team brown. Hakim has taken the note about them. Hakim greeted them with a nod. "Congratulations on making it out," he said, offering a small smile.

The young woman from Team Brown, her expression determined, returned the smile. "Thanks. It wasn't easy, but we pulled through. I'm Emily. How about you?" She extended her hand for a handshake.

Hakim shook Emily's hand and shrugged. "I'm Hakim. Just taking it one step at a time. So far, so good."

"Hey, I'm Yao, and this is Danish. Nice to meet you," Yao introduced, offering his hand in turn.

"But where's your other teammate?" Danish inquired suddenly, his curiosity piqued.

"I don't have one. I'm going solo in this trial," Hakim replied casually.

"Huh!" The three of them exchanged surprised glances, taken aback by Hakim's revelation.

After a moment of silence, Emily spoke up again, her curiosity evident. "Solo? That's quite bold. Are you sure you'll be okay on your own?"

Hakim flashed a confident smile. "I've managed so far. Besides, sometimes it's easier to navigate challenges solo."

Yao nodded in understanding. "That's true. Each approach has its advantages."

Danish, however, seemed skeptical. "But won't it be more difficult without a team to rely on?"

Hakim shrugged nonchalantly. "Perhaps, but I've always preferred to rely on myself. Besides, I'm used to it."

Emily glanced at her teammates before turning back to Hakim. "Well, if you ever need a hand or some extra support, don't hesitate to ask. We're all in this together, after all."

Hakim nodded appreciatively. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." 

With that, the group exchanged farewells and dispersed, heading off in different directions. The trial room gradually became more crowded as teams emerged one by one. Some celebrated their success with cheers and high-fives, their faces beaming with triumph, while others wore expressions of disappointment and exhaustion, silently reflecting on their efforts.

It was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the trials they faced and the resilience required to endure them. Each team member took a moment to collect themselves, mentally preparing for the upcoming announcement. After a brief pause, the sound of the announcement echoed through the room, signaling the results of the trial.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed participants," the admin's voice echoed through the room, commanding attention from all present. "It is now time to announce the rankings and any penalties incurred during the first trial of the 3E challenge."

The room buzzed with anticipation as team members awaited the results, their expressions a mix of nervousness and excitement.

"In first place, we have Team Brown, led by Yao, who demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork to emerge victorious from the trial," the admin announced, eliciting a round of applause and congratulatory nods from the gathered participants.

"Following closely behind in second place is Team Turquoise, led by Tom, with an impressive display of observative measurement and quick thinking abilities," the admin continued, acknowledging the team's commendable performance.

"However, it appears that not all teams were able to successfully complete the trial," the admin's tone shifted slightly, signaling the announcement of less favorable news. "Unfortunately, Team Black and Team Blue have been disqualified, with Team Blue failing to escape the first room and Team Black faltering in the second room."

A somber atmosphere settled over the room as the disqualified teams do not appear anymore in that room.

"As for the teams that will receive penalties," the admin continued, his voice firm and authoritative, "Team Yellow, Green, Orange, Violet, and Gray have been penalized for losing one or two of your teammates for this trial."

A hush fell over the room as the affected teams exchanged worried glances and murmurs of concern spread among them. The gravity of the situation began to sink in as they realized the implications of their shortfall in team members.

"These teams will face a penalty of special penalty trial number one within the trial area," the admin announced, his words echoing ominously in the chamber. "They will be isolated from the rest of the participants for a period of 48 hours, during which they will not be permitted to interact with other teams or receive any outside assistance. Also, the detail of this special penalty trial will be post after this. The next trial will be announced for tomorrow."

The announcement sent a shiver down the spines of the penalized teams as they contemplated the prospect of spending an entire day alone in the unforgiving trial environment. It was a harsh reminder of the stakes involved in the Genius's Game and the consequences of falling short in the eyes of the mastermind.

The affected teams exchanged solemn glances, understanding the consequences of their actions.

"With the announcements concluded, I encourage all participants to reflect on their performance and strategize for the challenges that lie ahead," the admin concluded, his words serving as a reminder of the trials yet to come.

With the announcements concluded, the participants dispersed, each team reflecting on their performance and strategizing for the trials to come.