“Contestants,” he declares, “today’s endurance trial will test your balance, coordination, and trust!”
The holographic map flickers into focus.
A sprawling maze of suspended platforms appears above a simulated canyon. Narrow walkways twist through the structure like tangled vines. Entire sections collapse and reset in timed intervals.
Below it all is empty space.
Or, more accurately, a very long drop cushioned by safety fields that will eject contestants from the competition if they fall.
“Of course,” I mutter.
Bron leans closer to study the projection.
“That looks friendly.”
“It’s an endurance trap,” I say.
“How so?”
“Rotating segments. Timed collapses. If we rush, we fall.”
He nods slowly.
“So we don’t rush.”
I glance at him.
“You’re agreeing with me.”
“I do that sometimes.”
“Rarely.”
“Today might be special.”
The starting horn sounds.
Contestants surge onto the first section of platforms.
Immediately the structure begins shifting.
Metal plates slide sideways. Support beams retract. Entire walkways tilt at dangerous angles while dozens of contestants scramble to maintain their footing.
“Slow,” I say.
Bron moves carefully beside me.
The first collapse happens twenty meters ahead as one of the platforms gives way beneath a pair of contestants who misjudge the timing. Their startled shouts echo across the canyon as safety fields catch them and eject them from the course.
“Okay,” Bron mutters. “That’s motivating.”
“Third platform rotation,” I say, watching the pattern.
“What?”
“Wait for the third.”
The plates shift again.
