"The sterilization process is complete. The bus will arrive at the Supreme People’s Court in a few minutes."
The vehicle turns onto the main court grounds. Another announcement follows:
"The bus is activating virus immunity mode. The temperature is 27°C."
A small urn of brown ashes ascends into the sky, hovering over the court’s grand dome, then spreads, dispersing into fine dust particles that expand into a massive protective barrier around the court. A thick veil of mist descends, enveloping the entire compound in sterile vapor. The bus rolls forward, then comes to a halt. The passengers peer through the windows, watching as the fog blankets every surface. The computer issues one final warning:
"Sterilization will complete in one minute. The time is now 8:58 AM. Prepare to disembark. Follow the guiding lights."*
As the mist gradually lifts, the illuminated signage of the Supreme Court emerges from the haze. A gentle chime echoes within the bus, signaling safety. The doors slide open, cool, purified air flowing into the cabin. One by one, the passengers step onto solid ground. Leading the charge - Tom strides forward - his expression arrogant, victorious, as if nothing had happened at all. Behind him, Lyly and Karen mutter bitter curses at the man, their distaste undeniable. At the very back, Pearl and Tate exit last. The pathway lights flicker to life, illuminating a trail through the courtyard, leading them toward the grand entrance. The group advances, awe-struck by the breathtaking neoclassical architecture surrounding them. Yet, one question lingers wih everyone here:
“How, amid this realm of death, could a place like this remain untouched, pristine? Wasn't this world meant to be destroyed by bio-weapons?”
As they proceed, Lyly and Karen eagerly snap pictures, captivated by the beauty of the estate. Pearl pauses, eyes drawn toward a stone pedestal inscribed with the gold word “Heart” - symbolizing justice. Beside her, Tate remains unusually tense, studying every detail of his surroundings. Tom notices his serious demeanor and scoffs.
"What’s this, kid? Not excited? Don’t tell me you’ve been here before?"*
Tate crosses his arms, unimpressed, his gaze sharp and distant. A flicker of intrigue ignites within Tom, a new scheme forming in his mind. He plasters on a fake smile, casually throwing his arm around Tate’s shoulders as if they were best friends.
"Go with me and bring your little girlfriend along too. I’m alone. Three of us together would be an advantage over those two bratty girls."
He shoots a venomous glare toward Lyly and Karen, who continue laughing amongst themselves, unaware of his plotting. If he could recruit both Tate and Pearl, leveraging the boy’s knowledge of the court, his group would have the upper hand. Better yet, if he needed to sacrifice someone later, Pearl would be the perfect disposable piece. His plan unfolds brilliantly in his mind until it doesn’t. Without hesitation, Tate shoves his arm off. His stare is icy and contemptuous as if disgusted by the mere suggestion.
"You think you’re somebody, huh?"
He scoffs, crossing his arms once more.
"Worry about your own life first - instead of plotting to drag others down with you."
Tate walks away, his rejection of Tom firm and absolute. The older man clenches his teeth, his fists tightening in frustration. His grand plan is shattered by a mere kid. Bitterness coils within him as he seethes inwardly.
"That brat dared to mock me. They’re all gathering against me and plotting to take me down. Fine! I’ll show them just how terrifying adults can be."
Tate continues forward, his irritation evident. He brushes off his sleeve, wiping away the area where Tom had touched him. Noticing his sour expression, Pearl steps closer, concerned.
"What’s wrong?"
He shakes his head, casting a glance toward Tom stomping toward the main hall, before replying with a weary sigh:
"Nothing. Just stay away from that man. He’s not someone you want to get involved with."
Though she doesn’t fully understand his warning, the sincerity in his tone makes her nod. Just then, Lyly and Karen wave them over.
"Hey, you two! Let’s regroup at the main hall."
The five gather at the grand entrance. Unlike the historic Supreme Court with its French colonial design, the main hall exudes a classic European aesthetic and elegant yet imposing in its scale. A central building stands between two symmetrical wings, encasing a vast inner garden. High above, a domed ceiling looms - the architectural centerpiece, supported by twelve towering columns, expanding the hall’s breadth to an overwhelming magnitude. Before they can take in the grandeur, a luminous ring materializes around them on the floor. Beams of light shoot upward, illuminating the dome. From beneath the ground, a raised platform emerges, causing them to instinctively step back. At its center, a map of the court grounds materializes. Speakers embedded in the hall release a crisp announcement:
"Welcome to the first station – Supreme People’s Court. I will now introduce the basics of this location.”
“The Supreme People’s Court is the highest judicial authority, consisting of six above ground floors and four basement levels. The garden at the center is known as the Court of Justice. Behind the garden lies the historic Supreme Court building where officials once worked. However, this building is still undergoing restoration and will remain restricted, cordoned off by barricades. The area where you currently stand is the newly constructed judicial building. Inside, there are numerous rooms, please proceed with caution. If any emergencies arise, please move to the Courtroom on the floor 6.”
From beneath the ground, a red barrier rises, encircling the Supreme Court, marking the boundary between the historical courthouse, the Justice Garden, and the newly constructed judicial building. The voice over the speakers grows firmer, delivering the next announcement:
"Now, here is your main mission. Within the unrestricted areas, outside the red barricades, five black bus tickets have been hidden. Find all five tickets before 11:30 AM. The bus will wait here until then. Anyone who fails to board by the deadline will be eliminated. A countdown timer appears above the "Heart" pillar in the Justice Garden.”
Immediately, the five participants begin forming their groups. Lyly and Karen naturally pair up as a team, their dynamic firm and unwavering. Karen brightly turns to Pearl and Tate, extending an invitation:
"Do you two want to team up with us?"
Before Pearl can respond, Tate casually places a hand on her shoulder and answers in her stead:
"We’ll go on our own. Let’s go."
Without another word, he steers Pearl toward the right wing of the building. Lyly watches the exchange, her eyes narrowing slightly in amusement.
"Those two definitely have something going on."
"How do you know?"
"That guy has been making every decision for her. And they’re always together. You can just tell."
Karen briefly ponders Lyly’s observation. It’s oddly convincing. But she shakes off the thought, instead turning her attention to Tom who at this moment stands alone, fumbling with the map near the screen. She leans in to Lyly, whispering hesitantly.
"Should we… ask him to join us?"
Lyly immediately understands who she means, but her disdain for him runs too deep. Her irritation spikes, her voice sharper than before.
*"Are you serious?
Now is NOT the time to waste unnecessary kindness on that trash."*
"Still, I don’t want any more of us to die."
"Instead of worrying about him, worry about yourself first. If you want to team up with that bastard, go ahead. I’m going alone."
Sensing her friend’s temper rising, Karen backs down, quickly wrapping her arms around Lyly in a playful hug, coaxing her gently.
"Okay, don’t be mad. I won’t mention him again. Let’s just ignore him. I’ll send you the pictures I took earlier, okay? Please?”
Lyly exhales heavily, considering the wide-eyed plea before finally relenting. She grabs Karen’s wrist, pulling her forward.
"Fine. Let’s go."
That leaves Tom alone. He hadn’t expected this. He reads the map on the nearby screen, his mind shifting gears. His expression darkens, his jaw tightens, and he huffs in frustration, muttering a resentful curse. Finally, he turns toward the Justice Garden, marching forward with a bitter determination.
"Just wait, you little brats. I’ll make you regret abandoning me."
ns216.73.217.39da2
and then Add to home screen.