Objections and inquiries rumbled through the hall, but the voice cut through them with cold indifference: "And that's not all. If you fail the test, your chance of leaving this place is minimal. Therefore, you must exert every effort to escape from here, or death will be your fate."
The protests and objections erupted again, prompting the voice to respond: "Conserve your energy for escaping from here, as there is no way out as you can see. Now I will tell you the instructions. Listen carefully, for I will not repeat them again."
The voices of protest subsided momentarily. Noor felt the tension permeating the atmosphere, increasing his fear, yet he stood firmly, directing his attention to what the voice would say next.
The voice spoke with a resolute tone: "You will undergo several tests in which all of you will participate. These tests will involve competition among you, cooperation between you, and combat between you. Points will be awarded based on each person's performance in these tests, and only the top eight will have the greatest chance of escaping from here."
Noor felt extreme terror upon hearing that only eight would escape. This sentiment appeared to be shared by those around him, as he observed the look of horror in their eyes and the unceasing protests and objections. There were about fifty people! And they wanted to allow only eight to escape! What would happen to those who failed? Would they die? These were the questions plaguing Noor's mind, but he ignored them to listen carefully to the instructions as the voice continued, disregarding their protests:
"You will be permitted to use anything to escape from here. If you wish to kill each other during the tests, we have no objection. However, what matters most is advancing through the levels to reach the top eight positions. Therefore, give it your all."
The atmosphere had become exceedingly heavy from these words. Everyone began examining each other, measuring and analyzing their opponents' strengths, appearances, and behaviors. It seemed the instinct for survival and killing had overwhelmed the crowd. The voice continued:
"Now, to save time, we will begin with the first test."
A large gate at the end of the room between the elevators swung open, allowing sunlight to stream in, providing them with a sense of warmth and comfort they hadn't experienced in months amidst this tension. Everyone moved toward the gate, cautiously watching each other, while Noor walked with vigilance and anticipation.
They all exited through the gate to find themselves on a wide, long concrete path bordered by trees on both sides, blocking any chance of escape. Noor looked up at the sky to see the sun above them. He wondered if they were on some island where such horrific tests were conducted without anyone's knowledge, or perhaps with the knowledge of the responsible state—politicians would do any terrible thing to win their wars.
The voice explained the situation: "As you can see, the first test will be the Death Race. You may wonder why it's called that. But you'll soon find out. In this race, the rules are simple. Those who reach the finish line qualify for the next stage. This means if all of you reach the finish line, everyone advances. However, there will be a difference in points—the first-place finisher will accumulate the highest points, followed by the next, and so on. The fewer contestants who reach the finish line, the better it is for those qualifying for the next stage. Now, let the competition begin."
Noor surveyed the path, trying to understand why it bore such a name. Finding nothing suspicious only heightened his anxiety. While the prisoners discussed the situation among themselves, the voice commanded:
"Line up now. Each according to your number until all rows are filled. Each row will contain ten contestants, then the next, and so on until you complete all five rows."
Noor checked his number, remembering it was thirty, and took his position in the third row. Beside him stood an Asian man who appeared to be in his thirties, wearing glasses with his hair combed back. His eyes gleamed with excitement—he seemed to be enjoying this. His features revealed intelligence and astuteness; he possessed the strength and agility necessary to pass this test. Noor felt a pain in his head upon seeing him, sensing he had met him before but couldn't remember where.
To his left stood a highly nervous young woman, her hands trembling violently. She wore a small hat, her features displaying both beauty and fear simultaneously as she anxiously bit her nails. Noor attempted to calm her:
"Don't be afraid, we'll get out of here. I'm Noor, and you are?"
She looked at him with extreme wariness, her body shaking like a leaf in the wind, her face downcast as she replied:
"I don't know. if I'll get out of here or not! This is madness. I never asked to be here. I found myself in this place when I woke up and remember nothing. Don't worry about what I said. My name is Jean."
Noor smiled, trying to lighten the atmosphere and ease the tension:
"Pleased to meet you. What's happening here now doesn't matter—it's happened to everyone, and it seems there's no escape except to follow their instructions. We should cooperate. As you heard, the first eight will leave this place, which is a good opportunity for us."
The young man standing to Noor's right interjected:
"Do you really think cooperation will get us out of here?"
Noor turned toward him, his pale face flushing. After a brief silence, he responded:
"Perhaps it will help! Or at least increase our chances of success."
"Perhaps, but you should be cautious—you don't know the capabilities of those around you. So be careful. I'll help you for now, but if we face each other in the coming stages I won't hesitate to kill you."
Noor felt a brief shudder course through his body from the intensity of the man's gaze and his stern resolve. The man continued with an artificial smile:
"My name is Keno, by the way. And you're Noor, and she's Jean. Pleased to meet you. Now stay close to me so we can pass this test."
Both Noor and Jean nodded in agreement. Noor felt he knew this name as well but couldn't place it, experiencing some pain in his head that quickly subsided.
Noor wanted to ask about their abilities, but the voice interrupted:
"Now we begin... 3...2...1... Go!"