ALICE IN BORDERLAND <)>

CHAPTER THREE

wipeout

I HAD SEPERATED FROM CHISHIYA when I found Usagi walking out the building. As we had the same card, both of us were joined in a car by a few people who drove to the spot given to us.

I had noticed Aguni and Niragi staring me down from afar, but ignored them completely. Thankfully, they couldn't see through the windows— as they're tinted. Although, it was eating me up not being able to talk to Aguni. Niragi, on the other hand, I could go for much longer.

Eventually, we arrived and we were met with a large stadium. Great. This game will definitely be a Spades one.

Walking through the entrance, we were directed by large arrows to the main area of the stadium. When we got to a large field, we immediately noticed the large obstacle course mid-air.

It was connected to one side of the stadium and went all the way to the other side, stretching over the entire length of the field. As well as that, there were ropes dangling from the course. I assumed we'd have to climb them to get to the top.

I shared a look with Usagi. One fall and you're dropping to your death. I realised then that this was a physical game (spades) and it must be a high ranking one.

In the middle of the field was a table with many phones and a sign that read the number 14. 14 people could participate.

There was already a few more people that had came in, and now there was 11 people. The time remaining to enter hit 6 minutes.

When the six minutes were up, there was 17 people waiting on the field with a phone in hand. We waited impatiently for the announcement.

Game entry is now closed.
Welcome all players.
The game you will be playing is Wipeout.
Difficulty: nine of spades.
Finish the obstacle course in the time given, and escape the building before it collapses. There is space for seven people to win— if you don't make it into one of those places, you will be trapped until the building collapses.
Rules: no climbing over or beside any of the obstacles (will be classed as cheating)
The time limit is 1 hour.

A large screen on the side of the stadium shown a large number 10, which quickly changed to nine, making everyone realise it was a countdown.

"We have to be careful. They never said anything about using violence. Try avoiding anyone in close range." Usagi nodded and we got ready to climb the ropes.

I made sure to quickly stretch my arms and legs, so I wouldn't end up pulling a muscle. I slowed my breathing so it was slow and relaxed.

The countdown soon made it to one, and as soon as it hit zero, everyone pounced onto the rope.

I gripped it tightly and hoisted myself up, quickly wrapping my legs around it. I did the same thing over and over without looking down.

When I decided to glance down, I spotted two men fighting brutally near the table. One of them had something sharp in their hand, and was swinging at the other.

I heard a loud scream and watched as a woman lost the grip on her rope and fell.

I looked away before she hit the ground, unable to watch that happen. God, I hate these games.

I took a good ten minutes for me to reach the top, yet I seemed to be the first as everyone was still climbing. Usagi was nearly at the top, but I couldn't wait for her. Besides, she's one of the best climbers here. I can count on her to make it through.

Fifty minutes remaining.

The first obstacle was monkey bars— my arms were already hurting from the ropes, but oh well. I shook my arms out then jumped for the first bar.