The Heaven gate blazed ahead—brilliant white-gold cutting through the fog.
Yuhyun's alpha stamina carried him forward with terrifying efficiency. Powerful strides lengthened the gap between us with every heartbeat.
I pushed harder, legs screaming, but physics didn't care about desperation.
Eight meters. Ten. Twelve.
The counter beside the gate shifted: 8/9.
One spot left.
"Go!" I shouted, voice ragged. "Don't stop!"
Yuhyun glanced back—just once—brown eyes finding mine through the chaos.
Then he vanished into the light.
The gate sealed immediately.
9/9. TEAM FULL.
Security staff materialized, blocking the entrance with extended arms and impassive faces.
I skidded to a halt, mud spraying, lungs tearing themselves apart with each desperate gasp.
Too far. Too slow. Not enough.
The white-gold glow mocked me, serene and untouchable beyond the barrier.
Through the speakers, PD Kwon's voice crackled with theatrical delight: "Two teams remaining!"
Two teams? Which two?
