A soldier escorted me out after he was done, his threats still echoing in my head.
What did I do to deserve this? Did he want me dead? The threat wasn't clear, but my hope of surviving and getting back to Cent and Vivi shattered completely.
I went back to the training center, where they announced the rankings. My name appeared at one hundred fifty-one.
That couldn't be right. I should get a higher placement. Tobi ranked ninety-eight, Nira at one hundred. Was this part of Thorne's manipulation?
Coordinators were called forward. Kambi sat with the others, each selecting ten candidates. She chose Tobi, Nira, and me along with seven others.
Then came an announcement:
"Thorne invites all candidates to tomorrow night's dinner banquet."
After selection, Kambi led us to a waiting bus that took us to another location called The Tent.
Its compound sprawled before us—military-style canvas structures arranged in neat rows. Kambi showed us to our quarters.
"Tomorrow I'll brief you about the trials," she said, retiring us to bed.
Thorne's words haunted me all night. Whatever he meant, it spelled trouble.
Tobi shook me awake. "Happy birthday, man. Any celebration plans?"
I chuckled. "Like what?"
He shrugged playfully. "I don't know it's your day."
We found clean clothes in the cupboard after bathing and tossed our faded ones in the bin.
At the round table, other candidates had gathered, including Nira. I didn't realize I was staring until she caught my gaze, and I awkwardly looked away.
"Gather around," Kambi then called the chefs to bring the food to the long table.
Steam rose from platters of roasted meat, fresh bread, colorful vegetables, and fruits I hadn't seen in years. My mouth watered, and my stomach rumbled loudly.
As we filled our plates, Kambi introduced a male champion. "This is Raven, one of the champions of the ninety-ninth trial."
Before he could speak, someone burst through the entrance, hurrying toward us.
Turning around, I was shocked. The woman with glasses from the Savior Parade was here. What was her name again? Chili?
"You're late," Kambi scolded.
"Sorry, sis." Chili apologized casually.
Everyone stared. "Your sisters?" A candidate asked.
"Yep, older by two years." Chili's relaxed attitude was contrast sharply with Kambi's rigid demeanor.
"Same with my sister," Nira said.
"Was she marked too?" Chili asked.
Nira shook her head. "Fortunately, it's only me."
I wondered how they had marked her. Brokers usually targeted people through their deepest desires or fears.
"Your ranking results are out," Kambi said. "Understand what they mean?"
We shook our heads.
"There are four ranks. First fifty are Rank A—premium gear, major advantages, best survival odds. Fifty-one to one hundred are Rank B—decent gear, half of Rank A's benefits. One hundred one to one fifty are Rank C—basic suit only. Bottom fifty get nothing—enter bare, most die in the first game."
My ranking made terrifying sense.
"That's why I arranged champion strategy talks," Kambi said.
Raven stepped forward. "The quickest way out is becoming a ripper—someone who kills other players."
"Staying close to rippers works, but they might kill you if you become a liability," Kambi added.
"Form alliances early. Use them as shields when death comes," Chili said bluntly.
A girl raised her hand. "Must we follow these strategies?"
"Don't and die," Raven spat.
"Focus alliances on the the top fifty players." Chili added.
"Why?" a boy asked.
"You're there to survive, not babysit," Kambi answered as Raven's face darkened.
"Are you asking stupid questions just to annoy me?"
We all shook our heads quickly.
"Also, transportation into the game matters," Chili added. "So search for clues on that one."
"Learn basic skills," Kambi said. "Fire-starting, edible plant identification, water filtration."
"Weapon training too," Raven added. "You'll need to defend yourself."
"Where do we practice all these?" someone asked.
"This afternoon," Chili replied. "See what you can handle."
"Will there be guns?"
"Maybe," Raven said. "Depends on airdrop colors. Green for food and medicine, blue for essentials like blankets and tents, red for lethal weapons."
"Focus on airdrop timing," Kambi warned. "Get close to grab supplies before other players, but retreat if it's too dangerous."
"Or kill other players and take their stuff," Raven interjected.
Chili mentioned horde zones with valuable loot, but Kambi warned against them.
After hours of discussion, we headed to the practice room.
There were other candidates there already with their coordinators, making me wonder if showing my skills was smart.
We didn't stay long as Kambi reminded us about tonight's dinner.
Back at the tent, I gathered courage to approach her.
"Hey, Kambi. Is it possible to call in and check up on my siblings?" But she brushed me off.
"Not now. Prepare for the dinner event first, then we'll discuss it."
Later, as we were prepared to leave, I couldn't help admiring Nira—her styled hair, elegant dress, beautiful heels — as I watched her get into the vehicle.
We arrived at the transformed government building. Crystal chandeliers blazed, silk drapes adorned the walls, and fresh flowers filled every corner.
Was this the same austere place I'd visited yesterday?
We took our seats as murmurs rippled through the hall. "Thorne's coming."
He emerged from the indoor balcony, commanding the room's attention. "Welcome to this celebration dinner." After a brief speech, he descended to dine with us.
The feast was magnificent—glazed ham, roasted fowl, exotic vegetables, delicate pastries, wine flowing freely.
After dinner, Thorne called for a special celebration. Servers wheeled out an enormous cake—three tiers covered in white fondant with golden decorations and fresh flowers cascading down the sides.
I wondered why they'd brought a cake until Thorne spoke.
"Today marks a special birthday for one of your fellow candidates." His eyes found mine across the room. "Everyone, please sing for our birthday boy, Kae."
The room burst into song while my blood turned to ice. When they finished, Thorne raised his glass. "May this be a birthday to remember... possibly his most memorable one."
The threat was subtle but clear.
I stayed silent on the ride home, telling myself this was the best birthday ever—and probably my last.
Back at the tent, I worried about the twins but when the main door opened, we were greeted with unfamiliar faces.
"Papa!" A girl jumped excitedly as she raced to hug her father. Another did, making me wonder what was going on.
Until I heard two familiar voices call my name.
I scanned the room and froze. What I didn't expect was right before me. Cent and Vivi were here too.