Finally, both charged at the same time. Their fists were just inches from each other's faces, every muscle straining, every ounce of power behind the blows. This was the moment they both aimed to end it.
Then a sharp, blaring sound cut through the chaos.
A siren echoed across the burning forest, halting them mid-strike.
[The Test is over.]
The words hung in the air, the fight frozen in place, both still locked in each other's gaze. The siren grew louder until it seemed to ring inside everyone's head.
Before Hex could process his thoughts, a large glowing screen appeared before him.
[The event site has been destroyed by more than 60%]
Commencing forced reroute.
Before he could make sense of the message, his vision faded to black.
When Hex opened his eyes again, he saw nothing but darkness stretching around him.
His body felt confined, almost sealed inside something. A faint hiss sounded, and a lid above him swung open, revealing a massive black-and-white ceiling.
