A crisp, authoritative voice echoed from the observation tower.
The woman's words carried across the courtyard with practiced precision, each syllable sharp enough to silence even the most anxious whispers.
"We will now commence the entrance trials for newly admitted male students." The woman's tone was cool, professional, leaving no room for questions or doubt.
Her voice held the weight of years spent breaking down hopeful recruits and rebuilding them into something harder.
"The rules are as follows: Each participant will be issued a headband. You will then proceed into the dome, where you will have thirty minutes to navigate the labyrinth, after a short brain test and you'll have to locate the exit—with your headband intact."
The crowd below shifted restlessly. Sweat beaded on foreheads despite the morning chill.
Some candidates bounced on their toes, adrenaline coursing through their veins, while others stood stone-still, their faces masks of concentration.
