I opened my eyes slowly. Finally. No pain.
I reached for the eyepatch and secured it over my left eye without hesitation.
Better.
Really, I spent the entire day yesterday watching the lightning.
A waste of time.
...And I still didn't iron my clothes.
Annoying. I have to wait until evening.
The bed in the infirmary was uncomfortable. My back ached slightly, but at least the headache was gone. I had slept enough.
I got up and walked toward the hanger. My suit was still there.
I checked the pockets immediately.
The ID card and golden card was still there.
A sligh relief ran over me.
Good.
I exhaled quietly and put off the hospital clothing. And wore my formal clothes.
Then, I stood up in front of the mirror.
I adjusted my hair, fixed the collar and smoothed the sleeves.
I frowned slightly.
...No solutions.
I clicked my tongue slightly And stopped trying.
Then I reached for the pin the one cost everything.
I attached it to my collar carefully.
I slipped the gold card into my inner pocket, making sure it wasn't visible.
If anyone saw it--
...That would be the end.
Only I knew that.
I turned away from the mirror and walked out.
I followed the same path up to the sign.
But this time, instead of turning left, I turned right.
Because I noticed the meeting room was closer from here. I kept walking.
After A while, the corridor opened up into an empty space.
Aftificial grass covered the ground. In the center, there was an old fountain. Dry, worn and useless.
Then I noticed, There were sofas.
The same ones that I saw at the main waiting room. So, this room was a waiting room a long time ago. That strenghtens the fact that there were more participants we dont know.
I will investigate soon.
I started walking.
''Remarkable.'' I murmured.
...
I reached the main corridor.
Walked towards the meeting rooms door. I reached the door.
The door slid open and hit the wall with a loud crash.
Every head turned onto me.
The woman stopped mid sentence and looked directly at me.
''...1 minute and 34 seconds late,'' She said calmly. ''Do you have an excuse?
''Yes.'' My voice was flat.
''I had an accident yesterday. You should alredy know that.''
She paused and didn't answered.
...
As I walked towards my seat, she spoke again.
''Yes. With your arrival, the number of participants in this hall has finally reached 1000.''
I stopped just for a second.
My expression shifted.
...1000.
That meant--
The new participant. The one he mentioned. My gaze sharpened instantly.
I scanned the room. Every face and movement.
...
Then, I saw him.
Sitting where 104 should be. As I passed his seat, our eyes met.
Just for one second. but it stretched too long.
his hair had a pale, onion tone.
A band covered his right eye.
He looked dirrectly at me. I did the same.
Measuring every tiny expression. Trying to read.
Then, I broke it first. I took my seat and settled in.
''Alright now. We can begin.''
The woman announced. 220's eyes was half closed as always. But I know she listens every time.
I stared at the woman. Watching the every detail.
''To your suprise, our list has changed. Now let me show where you stay again.''
She tapped the controller. A sliding screen opened above.
At that moment--
Something moved on my desk. I locked onto instantly. A small area had opened.
Inside--
Silver lined and old fashioned compact monocilan was sitting. It looked like something a pirate would carry.
I picked it up. Good.
If it were binoculars, I wouldn't be able to use it properly.
I raised it to my eye and looked at the screen.
Straight to the top list.
And my breath caugh.
The ranking had really changed.
Rank 1 -- 104.
Perfect score.
In a test like that? Impossible.
Rank 2 -- 832.
She used to be far behind. So she performed while I was out.
Rank 3 -- 220.
So the ''Leader'' fell.
No...
Fell isn't the right word. She was pushed down.
Rank 4 -- 932.
Never seen them before.
Probably rom the other side of the hall.
Rank 5 -- 507.
Three seats behind me.
Right... The one I encountered in the elevator.
...
My eyes kept scanning.
Rank 14 -- 369.
His motion two days ago was solid.
Yet still, he falled from the 3rd rank. Not enough to ascend greatly.
But in our current invitation list in the committee... He's first.
...
Rank 28 -- 002.
The one whose GSL got approved.
Unknown. Needs evaluation.
...
My eye kept scanning.
Rank 145 -- 686.
...There.
I paused for a second.
The one who initated the first committee.
The one pushing to expose hidden roloes.
Troublesome.
No--
Worse.
The potential enemy. If things go wrong, he won't hesitate to act.
And when he does, it won't be good for me.
I shifted and kept scanning.
Rank 564 --164.
...Interesting.
The one who stood against 686. So, that makes her useful.
A potential ally. But dangerous as well.
If I allign with her, I step into 686's line of sight.
And 686 isn't the type to ignore variables.
Anyone near 164 is alredy under observation. Which means if I move carelessly, I become a target.
...
I searched for my own number.
Rank 998 -- 518.
So I moved up. Barely.
Voices had alredy filled the room.
Some were cheering, and others were pretending. I could tell.
It really took time to look at those names.
More than it should have. My eye was burning.
Altough, I didn't even read all the names. I skimmed.
The woman announced.
''Thats enough for now.'' she said. ''Let's begin.''
The sliding screen changed. The names appeared. Wait--
My name was on the list.
''Come here when announced.'' Woman said firmly.
Uhh.
No time to process.
I leaned toward 220 immediately.
''Paper. Pen.''
She didn't question it. Good.
She tore a page from her notebook and handed me a fountain pen.
''Don't break it,'' She said quietly. ''Seventy five points.''
...For a pen?
That wasn't a tool anymore then.
That was trust given by her. Or even a risk.
I took it anyway. And started writing fast.
Without hesitation.
Every word had to matter. This could put me in danger.
...
''448.''
He walked to the podium.
''Honored administrator, respected council members. I am planning to establish a committee.''
He cleaned his throat.
''A detective bureau. Operating across all layers of the complex.''
That got attention.
''To analyze the structure, investigate irregularities, and regulate interactions between participants. Each division will have a leader. This will benefit the entire system.''
He paused.
''And one more thing, I've discovered that groups can be formed through the panel system. Those interested can connact me privately.''
There it was. Another group.
''I will share the meeting time.''
He bowed and stepped back.
A brief silence. Then--
Bang. Bang. Bang.
''Accepted.''
The woman's tone changed.
I finally finished writing. Folded the paper.
I carefully handed the invaluable pen back to 220.
She took it without looking at me.
''518.''
I stood up and walked toward the podium.
My fingers tightened around the paper.
Then, I smiled.
686's control... is already collapsing. What a fool.
There were cracks. All I had to do was widen them.
I stopped at the podium and placed the paper down.
And looked up. There were 999 people staring at me. Weird.
I sighted.
It's time to start.