Millenium : The Awakening of Heroes

Finally, they reached the middle door and threw themselves to the other side, their hearts pounding wildly. The door slammed shut behind them with a resounding echo, leaving an eerie silence in its wake.

Breathless, Ikku and the others lay face down on the ground, exhausted and still shaken.

"That was a close one," Kenny said, his voice trembling slightly from fatigue.

A heavy silence fell as they took a moment to catch their breath, realizing they had survived yet another deadly trial. Ikku raised his head, scanning the new room they had entered, wondering what challenge awaited them next.

The room gradually lit up, revealing an atmosphere more akin to a waiting room. A plush sofa sat in the center, accompanied by several chairs lined against the walls. Opposite them was a door with golden letters inscribed above it: "United as the five fingers of a hand." On either side of the room stood several other doors, mysterious and unmarked.

Kenny squinted at the scene. "Looks like we have multiple choices for this trial too," he murmured.

"Which one do we pick?" Yumé asked, puzzled.

Ikku frowned, glancing around suspiciously. "This is strange... Usually, all the doors we've had to choose from were numbered. But this time, none of them are except for the one with that phrase on it."

"So you think that's the one we're supposed to take?" Kenny asked, clearly uncertain.

"Not sure," Ikku admitted with a shrug. "We can try, though."

They attempted to open the door with the inscription, but it wouldn't budge. After several fruitless attempts, they tried the other doors, but all were locked.

"There are five lights," Kenny pointed out, observing the walls. "And three of them are lit."

"And there are three of us," Ikku said, thoughtful.

"I get it now," Kenny said. "The phrase 'United as the five fingers of a hand' means we need five people for this trial."

"So what do we do?" Yumé asked, worried.

"I guess the other doors are entrances for other participants," Kenny speculated. "Once we're five, the trial will start."

"There's a clock up there," Yumé said, pointing to a corner of the room.

"The trial started about four hours ago," Kenny calculated. "We have plenty of time. Let's wait for two more people to arrive."

"And if no one comes?" Ikku asked skeptically.

Kenny shrugged. "I think we're being tested on our composure, our ability to assess situations, and maybe even our luck. We just have to hope someone else shows up."

They settled in, ready to wait.

After several hours, a side door finally opened, and a man dove into the room, landing flat on his stomach.

"Finally!" Yumé exclaimed, visibly annoyed by the wait.

The man struggled to his feet. He was bald, with a short beard. "Where am I?" he asked, rubbing his back.

"We'll explain," Kenny said calmly. "First, tell us your name."

"Torfa," the man replied.

Moments later, another door opened, and another man entered, much more composed this time. He surveyed the four candidates with curiosity.

"What's going on here?" he asked warily, his worn clothing hinting at the trials he had already endured. He was of average height with short brown hair.

Kenny glanced at the five lights, now all illuminated. "The trial can begin," he declared. "My name is Kenny. This is Ikku, that's Yumé, and over there is Torfa. The name of the trial suggests we need to work together to succeed. What's your name?"

The man studied them briefly before responding. "Kossal."

"Alright," Ikku said, taking the lead. "Let's get to it!"

They tried opening the door with the inscription again, and this time, it opened effortlessly.

"What's waiting for us?" Yumé asked nervously.

"We'll find out soon enough," Ikku replied.

They all stepped into the new room. The door locked behind them with a loud click, isolating them from the outside world.

The room lit up, revealing a dark and oppressive space. Five chains were attached to one wall. Suddenly, a voice echoed through the room:

"Welcome, gentlemen. To begin the trial, each of you must attach a chain to one of your legs."

Ikku looked at his companions, and with a nod, they approached the chains and fastened them to their ankles. Once locked, the chains couldn't be removed without a key.

The voice continued: "You are now all chained. To free yourselves, simply grab one of the keys around you, unlock your chain, and proceed through the door a few meters away. However, each time a key is taken, the others will rise higher. You have five minutes, after which a potent anesthetic gas will fill the room. This room detects movement: if someone frees themselves, they must immediately move to the next room, or the gas will activate. Good luck."

A timer appeared on a screen, and keys descended from the ceiling, hanging from cords above each participant. The five of them exchanged glances, trying to grasp the situation.

Ikku spoke first: "We need to think this through and.."

Before he could finish, Kossal leapt up and snatched a key, unlocking his chain.

"What are you doing, Kossal?" Ikku demanded.

"Screw you all," Kossal replied with a malicious grin. He bolted to the door and disappeared.

"That's how it's done!" Torfa exclaimed, a mischievous smirk on his face. "Screw you all too!"

He jumped for a key, but as he reached for it, it rose higher, leaving him perplexed. He turned to see Yumé holding a key, sticking his tongue out at him.

"Better luck next time," Yumé teased.

"Yumé, unlock yourself and run to the door!" Ikku ordered.

"What about you guys?" Yumé asked hesitantly.

"Don't worry, we'll figure it out," Ikku reassured him.

"Alright," Yumé said, unlocking his chain and sprinting to the exit.

Kenny turned to Ikku. "Your turn. Jump and grab your key."

Before he could finish, Torfa punched him, sending him stumbling to the ground.

"Idiot!" Torfa spat, glaring contemptuously. He leapt for a key, but Kenny grabbed his leg, holding him back.

"Let go of me, fool!" Torfa yelled, kicking furiously.

"Ikku, get your key!" Kenny shouted. "Don't worry about me."

Ikku hesitated but ultimately trusted Kenny. He leapt and grabbed a key. After freeing himself, he dashed to the door.

"Idiot!" Torfa screamed, enraged. "Now the keys are too high for both of us!"

Kenny, still holding onto Torfa's leg, shoved him backward. Torfa stumbled over his chain and fell to the ground.

Without a word, Kenny jumped nimbly and grabbed one of the remaining keys. He unlocked himself, glanced at Torfa, and sighed.

"Don't compare me to you, fool," he said before heading for the door.

"No! Wait! Come back!" Torfa yelled, reaching desperately for Kenny, but he didn't look back.

As Kenny crossed through the door, the timer hit zero, and gas filled the room. Torfa, unable to free himself, lost consciousness.