Squad Sanguis

Chapter 6 Fight or Flight

Oki woke with a start, his body aching and bruised from the previous day's events. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he became fully conscious of his surroundings. The room was small and stark, with concrete walls and a single cot. He glanced to the side and saw a set of clothes neatly laid out for him. The sight made him wary, but he knew he had no choice but to comply.

He thought about what the clothes might signify, what fresh hell awaited him today. Regardless, he got dressed, donning the plain black pants and grey shirt. He made sure his arm was securely bandaged before the inevitable buzzer sounded, signaling the door's unlocking.

As he stepped into the hallway, he saw the other survivors, the few who had been lucky or skilled enough to make it through yesterday's ordeal. Their faces were a mix of exhaustion, determination, and wariness. Oki scanned the group, taking note of those who appeared to be in better shape, mentally cataloging potential allies and threats.

Suddenly, the harsh crackle of the intercom interrupted his thoughts. Antonio's voice echoed through the hallways, sickeningly cheerful.

"Would you look how the numbers have dwindled! At first, we had over 64. Now it's half of what it previously was," Antonio announced, his tone dripping with mock sympathy. "But not to keep you all for long. Get ready, eat up, and be prepared for what happens next."

The message ended with a click, leaving a tense silence in its wake. Oki felt a surge of anger and fear, but he pushed it down, focusing on survival. He followed the others to the common area, where tables were set up with trays of food. The people in suits, the same ones who had watched them fight the day before, stood by, silently observing.

Oki grabbed a tray and took a seat at one of the tables. The food was basic but filling: eggs, toast, and a small portion of fruit. He ate quickly, keeping his head down but his eyes constantly scanning the room. The atmosphere was tense, everyone on edge, knowing that another trial was imminent.

As he ate, Oki's mind raced. He needed to be ready for whatever came next. The first trial had been brutal, and he knew the next one would be even more challenging. He looked around at the other survivors, some eating in silence, others whispering to each other. He wondered if any of them had formed alliances or if they were all as alone as he felt.

Finishing his meal, Oki took a deep breath and steeled himself for the day ahead. The food gave him some much-needed energy, but he knew it wouldn't be enough. He needed to stay sharp, both physically and mentally, if he wanted to survive.

He stood up and moved to a corner of the room, stretching and loosening his muscles. The memories of his dream, the day in the park, and the horrific events that followed lingered in his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling of being a pawn in some twisted game, but he also knew he had to play along if he wanted to find a way out.

As he waited for the next trial to begin, Oki's thoughts turned to his fellow competitors. He observed them closely, trying to gauge their strengths and weaknesses. Some looked as determined as he felt, while others seemed on the brink of collapse. He knew he couldn't trust anyone completely, but he also understood that forming temporary alliances might be necessary.

The intercom crackled to life again, and Antonio's voice filled the room. "Alright, it's time. Everyone, proceed to the next area. Your trial awaits."

He followed the group out of the common area, his mind focused on survival and the determination to make it through another day.

Upon arriving at the designated area, Oki noticed they were outside again. The fresh air was a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere of the building, but the tension in the air remained palpable. Ahead, a treeline stood shrouded in the remnants of smoke that was now beginning to clear.