You live in a world of monsters, treasure, and magic. In this world, hunters are the elite. There are many types of hunters, like botanical hunters, ruins hunters, and sea hunters. The one similarity that connects different types of hunters is that they try to learn more about the world and make it a better place. Hunters can do almost anything they want, more so than any normal person, and have most of the world’s tools at their disposal. However, to become a hunter, one must pass the Hunter Exam: the strenuous set of tests put in place to see if one is worthy of the [[title]].
(set: $Ginwonfight to false)
(set: $Petallostfight to false)
(set: $Petallostfight2 to false)
(set: $Playerlostfight to false)
(set: $Playerwonfight to false)
(set: $Ginwonfight2 to false)
(set: $Playerhasntplayed to true)Becoming a hunter has been your life’s goal. Your parents and grandparents are hunters. Following family tradition, you were sent off to take the Hunter Exam when you turned 18. Just getting to the exam site had been difficult, but after a few days of questing, you had made it to the exam site. You met the proctor of the exam who explains your first [[task]].PROCTOR: This year, phase one of the exam is taking place at Trick Tower. Trick Tower is not only a tower, but a prison as well, so you may be dealing with some of the inmates. Your task is to get to the bottom of the tower in five hours. It doesn’t matter how you get to the bottom, but if you aren’t done by the end of the time limit, then you will be disqualified. With that, your time has begun.
<img src="https://images.skyscrapercenter.com/building/ch01-2.jpg" width="100%" height="100%" alt="Two foxes">
What will you do?
[[Look around the top of the tower]]
[[Look over the side and try to climb down]]
[[Try to talk to people around you]]//I wonder if there are any clues around here,// you think.
You start to look around the top of the tower. As time passes, you notice there are fewer and fewer people around you, but you don't know where they're going, or how. After about an hour, you stumble upon a panel on the ground that's different than the others. When you push down on it, it flips over. It's just big enough for you to slip through into the tower.
//Here goes nothing,// you think as you push the panel down and disappear into the [[tower]].//Why not give this a try?// you think.
You find some rope from your pack and attach it to the top of the tower. You start slowly climbing down the tower. As you climb down, you realize the walls are becoming more and more slippery. Soon, you're hanging onto a tiny crevice in the wall, unsure if you can continue. After hanging for a minute or two, your fingers begin to slip. You lose your grip on the tower and fall. YOU HAVE DIED. Return to [[task]]//Maybe it would be a good idea to work with others,// you think.
You don't have to go searching for conversations. You turn around just in time to be run over. As you extract yourself from the pile, you see that you had been tangled with a young kid.
<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5c/16/de/5c16de8ae924b221dcbc39b23f197eb8.png" width="100%" height="100%" alt="Two foxes">
YOUNG BOY: Oops, I'm sorry, I didn't see you there!
[[Don't worry about it. What's your name?]]
[[Maybe watch where you're going next time...]]YOUNG BOY: Ohh-kay. I guess I'll get out of your way...
He walks away. You roll your eyes. People could be so inconsiderate!
[[Look over the side and try to climb down]]
[[Look for clues around the top of the tower]]The fall isn’t long, and when you look up, you realize that you’re in a well-lit room already occupied by a young boy.
<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5c/16/de/5c16de8ae924b221dcbc39b23f197eb8.png" width="100%" height="100%" alt="Two foxes">
YOUNG BOY: Hey! It's a good thing you're here, I was starting to get bored.
[[Who are you?]]YOUNG BOY: I'm Petal!
YOU: You seem awfully young to be participating in the Hunter Exam. It's pretty dangerous, you know.
PETAL: Yeah, well, I kind of have to. A company is trying to buy the forrest next to our village and chop it down, but there are lots of endangered species living there. If I had a license, though, could make lots of money and buy the forest myself! It's super easy to make money as a Hunter.
[[That's... noble of you...]]
[[That's... stupid of you...]]YOUNG BOY: I'm Petal!
YOU: You seem awfully young to be participating in the Hunter Exam. It's pretty dangerous, you know.
PETAL: Yeah, well, I kind of have to. A company is trying to buy the forrest next to our village and chop it down, but there are lots of endangered species living there. If I had a license, though, could make lots of money and buy the forest myself! It's super easy to make money as a Hunter.
[[That's... noble of you.]]
[[That's... stupid of you.]]//I wonder if there are any clues around here,// you think.
You start to look around the top of the tower. As time passes, you notice there are fewer and fewer people around you, but you don't know where they're going, or how. After about an hour, you stumble upon a panel on the ground that's different than the others. When you push down on it, it flips over. It's just big enough for you to slip through into the tower.
//Here goes nothing,// you think as you push the panel down and disappear into the [[building]].The fall isn’t long, and when you look up, you realize that you’re in a well-lit room already occupied by the young boy who had run into you earlier.
YOUNG BOY: Oh, it's you again...
[[Have you learned any manners?]]
[[I should probably apologize for earlier...]]YOU: Have you learned any manners since I last saw you?
The boy stares at you, dumbfounded.
YOUNG BOY: Uhh, no?
YOU: How old are you, anyways? Aren't you too young for the hunter exam? It's dangerous, you know.
YOUNG BOY: I'm 12. That's almost fully grown!
You laugh. The boy gives you another look.
YOUNG BOY: What?
YOU: 12 is most definitely //not// anywhere close to fully grown, but nice try. What's your name?
YOUNG BOY: I'm Petal!
YOU: You're pretty young to be participating in the Hunter Exam. It's pretty dangerous, you know.
PETAL: Yeah, well, I kind of have to. A company is trying to buy the forrest next to our village and chop it down, but there are lots of endangered species living there. If I had a license, though, could make lots of money and buy the forest myself! It's super easy to make money as a hunter.
[[That's... noble of you...]]
[[That's... stupid of you...]]YOU: Hey, I'm sorry about how I acted earlier. I'm just super nervous about this exam. My whole family has taken it and passed, so it's kind of expected of me, but I just don't know if I'm built for this.
YOUNG BOY: Don't worry about it. I'm pretty nervous too, but at least I don't have to go through this phase alone!
[[What's your name?]]PETAL: I wouldn't say that, I just see it as my duty. Anyways, what's your name?
You stifle a laugh after seeing the young boy puff out his chest and act all adult, but you can't help but admire him.
YOU: I'm Alex. Nice to meet you. Now, what're we doing in this room?
PETAL: Look.
He points at a sign on the [[wall]].PETAL: Well, stupid or not, it's my duty.
He says it with an airy tone, but you can tell you struck a nerve.
YOU: I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that.
PETAL: Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Anyways, did you see the sign?
You look up to the [[wall]] and see a sign.PETAL: I wouldn't say that, I just see it as my duty. Anyways, what's your name?
You stifle a laugh after seeing the young boy puff out his chest and act all adult, but you can't help but admire him.
YOU: I'm Alex. Nice to meet you. Now, do you have any plans for how to get past this challenge?
PETAL: I think we should just look around the top. Something tells me we can't just scale down the side.
YOU: Sounds good to [[me]]!PETAL: Well, stupid or not, it's my duty.
He says it with an airy tone, but you can tell you struck a nerve.
YOU: I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that.
PETAL: Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Anyways, what's your name?
YOU: I'm Alex. Nice to meet you. Now, do you have any plans for how to get past this challenge?
PETAL: I think we should just look around the top. Something tells me we can't just scale down the side.
YOU: Sounds good to [[me]].A sign on the wall reads, "You've made it into the tower. To continue forward on this path, three participants are necessary. Each of you will face a challenge while in the tower. Your group must succeed in at least two of these challenges to pass this phase of the exam."
PETAL: Does that mean we can't leave unless another person comes in?
YOU: That's what it sounds like. I guess we're just stuck waiting here until-"
There's a rumbling above you. You look up just in time to see a sliver of light before it quickly slips away. Petal glances at you, and then you hear a yell as someone comes crashing down into the [[room]].You start to look around the top of the tower. As time passes, you notice there are fewer and fewer people around you, but you don't know where they're going, or how. After about an hour, you stumble upon a panel on the ground that's different than the others. When you push down on it, it flips over. It's just big enough for you to slip through into the tower. You keep looking around and find two other panels next to the one you found.
YOU: Petal, I think I found something! Look.
You demonstrate the flipping panels to him.
PETAL: What do you think we should do?
YOU: Let's go down. I think that's the only way we'll get past.
PETAL: Yeah, I'm getting that feeling too. Let's [[go]]!You push down on the panel and slip through. The fall isn’t long, and when you look up, you realize that you’re in a well-lit room. Petal has also fallen into the room.
PETAL: At least we ended up together, right?
YOU: Yeah, now we've just got to figure out what to do from here...
PETAL: Hey look at the [[wall]], there's a sign!YOUNG WOMAN: Ugh, I would've preferred //not// landing on my ass, but beggers can't be choosers, I guess.
<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/44/af/c0/44afc0082c37d1cb5d988d7c16186785.jpg" width="100%" height="100%" alt="Two foxes">
The young woman who had fallen into the room stops grumbling when she looks up.
YOUNG WOMAN: Oh, two kids, lovely.
[[I'm not a kid!]]
[[Who are you anyways?]]
[[stay silent]]The young woman snorts.
YOUNG WOMAN: Okay, you're not a kid. Glad we cleared that up. What're you waiting around here for?
PETAL: Well, to move forward, the room needs three people.
YOUNG WOMAN: Looks like I'm your savior then. You guys wanna get moving, or keep hanging out in here?
[[Who are you anyways?]]YOUNG WOMAN: Where are my manners? I'm Gin. You are...?
PETAL: I'm Petal. I'm glad you're here. Hopefully having three of us working together will make this challenge easier.
GIN: How positive. And you?
YOU: I'm Alex. Now that we're all introduced, are you guys ready to get going?
GIN: Say less. [[Let's go.]]YOUNG WOMAN: Tough crowd? Ok, I'll bite. What're you guys doing just waiting around here?
PETAL: Well, to move forward, the room needs three people.
YOUNG WOMAN: Looks like I'm your savior then. You guys wanna get moving, or keep hanging out in here?
[[Who are you anyways?]]The three of you set off through the doorway. The path is dark, only illuminated by a torch every once in a while. There's a faint sewage smell coming from the walls, but it's nothing too terrible. You can hear some water dripping from the ceiling, but other than that the walk was silent.
Your group follows the path for a bit longer until it abruptly ends in a cliff. You look across the chasm and see a platform rising up out of the emptiness. There's another rift, and then the doorway on the opposite side. There's a figure standing on the [[platform]].
<img src="https://em.wattpad.com/dd9b893da9bbc7b8aaa7c5fb12b8d839def3ce40/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f55586c4e5335616d5953776233673d3d2d3431373634343832342e313463323966616664646165396433623736343330343934373531392e6a7067?s=fit&w=720&h=720" width="100%" height="100%" alt="Two foxes">
(set: $Ginwonfight to false)
(set: $Petallostfight to false)
(set: $Petallostfight2 to false)
(set: $Playerlostfight to false)
(set: $Playerwonfight to false)
(set: $Ginwonfight2 to false)MAN ON PLATFORM: Hey! Are you guys taking the Hunter Exam or just strolling through this prison for fun?
PETAL: We're taking the exam! Are you one of our challengers?
MAN ON PLATFORM: Yessir! Inmate number 94723, reporting for duty.
<img src="https://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/hunterxhunter/images/7/70/Johness_tries_to_kill_killua.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120615110051" width="100%" height="100%" alt="Two foxes">
GIN: Wait, you're an inmate?
INMATE: Technically, I'm the proctor for your exam. But I was put away for gang involvment a while back. Now's my time to shine, though!
Gin chuckles under her breath, almost too quiet for you to hear.
YOU: What do you mean by that?
INMATE: Well, if I beat one of you in your first challenge, I'll have 20 years shaved off of my sentence. Makes for a pretty good initiative. So, who's gonna be my [[opponent]]?PETAL: I'll go. I bet I can take him.
(set: $Playerhasntplayed to true)
GIN: What do you mean "I can take him"? You don't even know what he's going to challenge you to yet. I'll take this one, trust me on this one.
[[Let Petal fight]]
[[Let Gin fight]]YOU: I think we should let Petal take him. I can tell the inmate is a good fighter, but Petal won't let us down.
(set: $PetalHasFought to true)
GIN: So you're not going to trust me? Really? Nice. I know for a fact that I can beat him! But it's fine, I guess. Let the kid go fight a convict, that'll turn out great.
PETAL: Hey, I can do it! I promise, I'm a good fighter. I'll prove it to you.
INMATE: So you've chosen the boy? Interesting. I thought I would be able to fight an old friend. Whatever, it's no big deal to me. Send him over.
The inmate claps twice and a bridge extends from your tunnel to the [[platform.]]YOU: Gin, if you think you've got a better chance with this guy, then go ahead. Petal, we'll need you later.
(set: $PetalHasFought to false)
Petal lets out a sigh of relief.
PETAL: Thank you. I didn't really want to fight that guy. He's kind of scary.
GIN: Don't worry. I know this guy. He's from a rival gang.
YOU: A rival gang?
GIN: I'll explain more after the fight.
INMATE: So you've chosen the girl? Interesting. Send her over.
The inmate claps twice and a bridge extends from your tunnel to the platform. Gin walks to across the bridge and steps onto the platform. The bridge is pulled back under your tunnel, so the platform cannot be [[reached]].PETAL: Wish me luck guys!
Petal walks to across the bridge and steps onto the platform. The bridge is pulled back under your tunnel, so the platform cannot be reached.
INMATE: I propose a fight to the death. What do you say?
PETAL: O-Okay. I'm in.
YOU: Petal, no! You can't do this, he'll beat you!
GIN: Alex is right Petal, he's a notorious gangster! You have to fight another way!
INMATE: Tsk, tsk. Don't you guys know that once both parties agree, the challenge has been issued and can't be taken back? Anyways, it's not like he doesn't have the choice of giving up at any time throughout the fight. The win would just go to me, no big deal.
PETAL: Let me do this guys. [[Please.]]GIN: Fine. Please, please, please, don't hesitate to give the win to him. Your life is more important than this stupid challenge. Got it?
PETAL: Yeah, I got it. But don't worry, I'm not going to give up, and I'm not going to lose!
INMATE: Are you done smothering the kid? Come on now, let's start!
GIN: Wait, take this.
Gin kneels down and unstraps a knife from her ankle. She tosses it across the chasm to Petal.
PETAL: Thank you. I'll win this for us.
Petal turns towards the inmate. He squares his sholders and releases a breath.
PETAL: I'm [[ready]].The inmate doesn't take any time to attack. He launches himself on Petal immediately, landing a blow to his face. Petal stumbles back, but not before the inmate is on him once again. He pins Petal down to the floor with his hands above his head.
INMATE: Kid, I think it's time that you gave up. I'm not really a fan of beating people up willy-nilly. What do you say?
[[Tell Petal to give up.]]
[[Tell Petal to keep going.]]YOU: Petal, this guy's way out of your league. It's ok if you give up, we'll get the next ones.
GIN: Yeah, just don't get yourself hurt even more. Tap out, buddy.
PETAL: No, I can keep going, I sw-
The inmate kicks him in the ribs.
INMATE: Listen to your friends, kid.
GIN: Please.
PETAL: Alright. I give [[up]].YOU: You've got this Petal! Keep fighting, you can beat him!
GIN: Are you insane? That guy's way out of his league. He's getting pummelled. Petal, just give this one up, alright? It's no big deal, come on.
PETAL: No, I can keep going, I sw-
The inmate kicks him in the ribs.
INMATE: Listen to your friend, kid.
GIN: Please.
PETAL: Alright. I give [[up]].Petal loses the fight. The inmate releases his hold on Petal, but it takes a second for him to get up. Petal is crying, tears streaking down his face. The bridge extends again from your tunnel, allowing you and Petal to continue to the platform. Another bridge extends from the platform to the next tunnel. You and Gin rush over to check on Petal.
(set: $PetalLostFight to true)
PETAL: I-I'm sorry. I messed up. I ruined everything.
GIN: Hey, don't get down on yourself kid. We've still got two chances to make it through. Alex and I won't let you down.
YOU: Yeah, don't worry about the other two challenges. Let's take a look at your injuries.
Petal is covered in bruises and nicks. He has a hard time walking on his right leg, so you have to help him walk. But more than his physical injuries, you can tell he's even more impacted by the fact that he let the group down.
GIN: Come on guys. Let's get going, we can still make good time.
[[What history was the inmate talking about?]]
[[continue on]]INMATE: I propose a fight to the death. What do you say?
GIN: I'm in.
PETAL: Gin, are you insane?!
GIN: Hey, trust me. I've got this.
She kneels down and unstraps two knives from hidden ankle sheaths.
GIN: Say, do you remember me?
INMATE: I think I'd remember someone as pretty as you, girlie.
GIN: Lovely. Well, let's get [[started]].Gin and the inmate rush towards each other. The pace of the fight is so fast that you can barely keep track of their movements and you have no clue who's winning. Then, you see the glint of Gin's knives as she pins the inmate to the floor.
GIN: Any resurfacing memories?
INMATE: Hmm, you remind me of someone, that's for sure. A new member of the Sharktooth Association, good with knives, always followed an older boy around, yes?
GIN: And you. You killed one of my friends in a fight. She was young, only 17.
INMATE: Oh yes, that girl. That wasn't really a fair fight, I admit, but I had to carry out the boss's orders.
GIN: Now you're going to pay for it.
Gin presses her knife to the inmate's throat.
[[Gin, wait!]]
[[Stay silent.]]YOU: Don't kill him just yet. Give him the option of surrender. I don't know your whole history with this guy, but killing him isn't going to make you feel better.
PETAL: Please Gin, give him a chance.
Gin doesn't look moved by your speech, but when she looks up and sees Petal's eyes, she sighs.
GIN: Alright, you heard them. I'm giving you an out. Will you surrender?
INMATE: Oh, that's surprising. Didn't take you to be a softie. Let me think, wait out the rest of my sentence in this hell hole or be killed... I'm going to have to go with surrendering. You're a good fighter, girlie. Maybe we'll meet again.
GIN: Yeah right. I hope you rot in [[here]].PETAL: Wait! Please Gin, give him a chance.
When Gin looks up and sees Petal's eyes, she sighs.
GIN: What am I thinking? I can't do this in front of a kid. Alright, you heard him. I'm giving you an out. Will you surrender?
INMATE: Oh, that's surprising. Didn't take you to be a softie. Let me think, wait out the rest of my sentence in this hell hole or be killed... I'm going to have to go with surrendering. You're a good fighter, girlie. Maybe we'll meet again.
GIN: Yeah right. I hope you rot in [[here]].The bridge extends again from your tunnel, allowing you and Petal to continue to the platform. Another bridge extends from the platform to the next tunnel. After doing a quick check of Gin's injuries (a few minor bruises), the three of you continue into the tower.
(set: $GinWonFight to true)
PETAL: Well, we've got one win now. That's good, right?
GIN: Let's see if you two pipsqueaks can win the rest of these challenges for us.
[[What was the inmate saying to you?]]YOUNG BOY: I'm Petal!
YOU: You seem awfully young to be participating in the Hunter Exam. It's pretty dangerous, you know.
PETAL: Yeah, well, I kind of have to. A company is trying to buy the forrest next to our village and chop it down, but there are lots of endangered species living there. If I had a license, though, could make lots of money and buy the forest myself! It's super easy to make money as a Hunter.
[[That's... noble of you.]]
[[That's... stupid of you.]]GIN: Oh, him? He was from a rival gang. I didn't want to put you off when we first met, so I kind of kept quiet, but now you guys can be sure I'm on your side, right?
PETAL: Yeah, I mean you fought for us!
[[Be cautious and skeptical. Stay silent]]
[[Trust Gin]]YOU: Gin, you just participated in a fight to the death for our team. I think we can all trust each other.
GIN: I'm glad we're all on the same page.
Gin lets out a small sigh of relief. //Maybe she wasn't expecting us to trust her that easily,// you thought.
GIN: Anyways, what I was saying was that I was a part of a gang for eight years. We were called the Sharktooth Association. I was one of the fighters, which was like a bouncer for the gang.
PETAL: [[Cool!]]Gin slides a look your way, taking note of your silence.
GIN: Well, I guess not all of us are on the same page. You saw how I busted my ass out there for the success of the group, right? And you //still// aren't going to trust me? I'm not sure what else I can do.
YOU: I'm just being cautious. The way you set this up sounds suspicious. I mean, who are you? You've got these crazy knife skills and just took down a convict.
GIN: Alright, alright, you're just being safe, I get it. I just thought we were past that. Whatever. Anyways, what I was saying was that I was a part of a gang for eight years. We were called the Sharktooth Association. I was one of the fighters, which was like a bouncer for the gang.
PETAL: [[Cool!]]GIN: No, not cool. Don't ever join a gang, do you hear me? Gets you into all sorts of nasty shit, and most of the time you're stuck in it. I got out though. I got out after...
Gin trails off and her eyes become unfocused and misty.
[[After what?]]
[[You don't have to talk about it if it's too hard.]]GIN: After... after my best friend was killed. He and I went out to run an errand for the boss, but we got surrounded by members from a rival gang. The gang that inmate belonged to. He sacraficed himself to let me get away.
Gin starts crying. Petal goes over to her and takes her hand.
YOU: So what are you doing here, taking the Hunter Exam?
GIN: After I left, I decided my new purpose in life was to become a blacklist hunter.
PETAL: A blacklist hunter... they're the ones that hunt down dangerous criminals, right?
GIN: Yeah. I'm going to eliminate gang violence. All of it.
YOU: Wow, that's...
GIN: Stupid? Impossible? I don't care. That's my goal, and I'm going to do everything I can to achieve it. There are kids that can be saved, that //need// to be saved. I need to help [[them]].GIN: No, I should. You guys should know. After... after my best friend was killed. He and I went out to run an errand for the boss, but we got surrounded by members from a rival gang. The gang that inmate belonged to. He sacraficed himself to let me get away.
Gin starts crying. Petal goes over to her and takes her hand.
YOU: So what are you doing here, taking the Hunter Exam?
GIN: After I left, I decided my new purpose in life was to become a blacklist hunter.
PETAL: A blacklist hunter... they're the ones that hunt down dangerous criminals, right?
GIN: Yeah. I'm going to eliminate gang violence. All of it.
YOU: Wow, that's...
GIN: Stupid? Impossible? I don't care. That's my goal, and I'm going to do everything I can to achieve it. There are kids that can be saved, that //need// to be saved. I need to help [[them]].With that, Gin wipes her tears from her face. She squeezes Petal's hand once and then lets go.
GIN: Okay. I'm finished with my sob story. Thank you for listening, you guys, but we should move on.
PETAL: Thank you for telling us. You're so brave, Gin.
GIN: Thanks kid, but I'm not. I'm just trying to make up for what I did in the past.
YOU: What exactly did you do?
GIN: Bad things. I hurt people, anyone really, just to move up the ranks. But trust me, I'm not like that anymore.
(if: $GinWonFight is true)[PETAL: We know, Gin, you're good! Now, come on, [[let's keep going]]!]
(if: $PetalLostFight is true) [PETAL: We know, Gin. You're a part of our team. Now let's [[continue on]].]You put an arm around Petal, supporting his weight, and start making your way through the new tunnel. This tunnel is a bit bigger than the last one, but other than that, it's very similar.
GIN: How much longer do we have?
YOU: Uhhh... my watch says two and a half hours. We're making good time.
GIN: Alright, we can make do with that.
You continue walking. It doesn't take much longer for you to reach another cliff edge, like in the first challenge.
GIN: Looks like we're at our next challenge.
VOICE: Right you are! Welcome to challenge number two. I'm your proctor, Inmate number 82351. Who's my opponent?
<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7d/b8/d7/7db8d71631f92b1c9c2c87a8720766dd.jpg" width="100%" height="100%" alt="Two foxes">
GIN: Let me fight, I have just the thing for this. Trust me, I can do this.
[[Let Gin fight.]]
[[Take on the opponent yourself.]]YOU: Alright, Gin. You've got this one.
GIN: Don't worry about it. This'll be over in no time.
(if: $PetalLostFight is true)
[Gin puts her fist out to Petal, who reluctantly bumps it. A bridge extends, and Gin crosses to meet the inmate.]
GIN: Alright, lady, I've got a proposition.
INMATE: Oh?
GIN: A card game. I always carry a deck with me. You in?
INMATE: Sounds interesting. Let's give it a go.
[[Say something to Gin about her choice]]
[[Silently support Gin]]YOU: I'll take her, don't worry.
(set: $Playerhasntplayed to false)
GIN: Good luck.
Petal squeezes your hand.
You walk across the bridge and turn towards the inmate.
YOU: Would you like to play a game?
INMATE: Oh?
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors. A game of luck.
INMATE: A game of luck, you say. I can't help but say I'm intrigued. Let's start.
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[[Rock.]]
[[Paper.]]
[[Scissors.]]YOU: Hey, what are you doing? A card game? That's insane, so much is left to luck!
GIN: I thought you said you trusted me! Just let me do this, give me a chance.
Petal squeezes your hand. You look down at him and he nods once.
PETAL: Trust her.
YOU: Okay, Gin. Don't do anything crazy out there. We need you.
GIN: Like I said, just trust me.
She turns to the inmate.
GIN: This is a pretty simple game. You've probably played it before. It's a game of memory. I'm going to shuffle the cards and lay them out face down. We have to make matching pairs of numbers until the cards run out. Ready to start?
INMATE: Start [[shuffling]].//You've got this, Gin. I don't know what you've got up your sleeve, but I know you're going to win this for us,// you think.
Gin turns and looks at you and Petal. You give her a thumbs up and a nod. She smiles and turns to the inmate.
GIN: This is a pretty simple game. You've probably played it before. It's a game of memory. I'm going to combine two decks of cards, shuffle them, and lay them face down on the ground. We have to make pairs of cards that match in both suit and number. That means there's only one correct partner for a card. Are you ready?
INMATE: Start [[shuffling]].Gin shuffles the cards deftly and with experience. She neatly lays the cards face down on the ground.
GIN: You can start. I'll be gentlewomanly this one time.
INMATE: Alright, girlie. Here we go.
The inmate flips two cards over, but they aren't a match. Gin then takes her turn, flipping two cards over. They continue to go back and forth. //Are they remembering the locations of all these cards? There are so many, it's giving me a headache!// you think.
Not much later, Gin finds the first pair.
GIN: Alright, since I found a pair, I get another turn.
INMATE: Alright, go [[ahead]].Gin takes another turn and makes another pair. And another. And another after that. She makes seven pairs in one turn before drawing two different cards.
GIN: Ah, shoot. Your turn now.
INMATE: H-how? Some of the cards you drew had never been pulled before! That's impossible! You couldn't be lucky that many times. You're cheating.
GIN: Hey, don't throw around accusations, lady. I shuffled the cards in front of you and laid them out randomly. If you can find proof that I'm cheating, then go ahead, and I'll forfeit. But I'm telling you, I'm just playing the game.
The inmate huffs a bit, but doesn't have anything to say to that. Instead, she takes her turn, but doesn't make a [[pair]].GIN: Getting sloppy now, are we?
Gin makes three more pairs before it's the inmate's turn again. The inmate smirks and draws a pair, but her next two cards don't match.
The game continues on like this for a while. Gin continues to collect pairs at a much faster speed than the inmate, and the inmate is getting visibly angry, but she doesn't have any evidence of cheating, so she stays quiet.
//How is she doing that?// you [[wonder]].The three of you continue down the new tunnel.
GIN: How much longer do we have?
YOU: Uhhh... my watch says two and a half hours. We're making good time.
GIN: Alright, we can make do with that.
You continue walking. It doesn't take much longer for you to reach another cliff edge, like in the first challenge.
GIN: Looks like we're at our next challenge.
WOMAN'S VOICE: Right you are! Welcome to challenge number two. I'm your proctor, Inmate number 82351. Who's my opponent?
<img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7d/b8/d7/7db8d71631f92b1c9c2c87a8720766dd.jpg" width="100%" height="100%" alt="Two foxes">
PETAL: Oh, oh, I wanna try! Let me!
[[Let Petal take the opponent on.]]
[[Take on the opponent yourself.]]
(set: $Playerhasntplayed to true)Gin makes yet another pair and then stops.
GIN: Alright, I win. I have 54 cards, so there's no need to keep playing.
INMATE: You dirty cheat! There is no way you could have won without cheating in some way, shape, or form.
GIN: Do you have any proof?
INMATE: Well...
GIN: Then you can't do anything about it, can you? Anyways, we won, so let's go [[guys]].
(set: $GinWonFight2 to true)
(set: $PetalLostFight to true)You and Petal make your way across the newly extended bridge to meet Gin. The three of you continue on to the new path.
GIN: See, I told you I'd pull through.
YOU: Yeah, you did good Gin.
PETAL: Did you cheat?
Gin gasps in a theatrical manner.
GIN: How dare you? I would never cheat.
She winks, and you're left unsure if she actually cheated or not.
(if: $Playerhasntplayed is true)[GIN: Alright, one more challenge left and then we're out of [[here.]] Let's go!]
(if: $Playerwonfight is true) [YOU: Well, we've won two challenges! Let's go! [[continue to finish.]]]At "shoot", you throw rock. The inmate has thrown scissors.
INMATE: Looks like you got this one. Again!
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[[Rock.|Rock]]
[[Paper.|Paper]]
[[Scissors.|Scissors]]At "shoot", you throw paper. The inmate has thrown scissors.
INMATE: Oh, how lovely! One more and I win. Let's go again.
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[[Rock.|Rock..]]
[[Paper.|Paper......]]
[[Scissors.|Scissors....]]At "shoot", you throw scissors. The inmate has thrown scissors as well.
YOU: Again. Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[[Rock.]]
[[Paper.]]
[[Scissors.|Scissors......]]At "shoot", you throw scissors. The inmate has thrown paper.
(set: $Playerwonfight to true)
YOU: Aha! I win!
INMATE: No! Let's try best of five! Come on, are you scared?
YOU: I'll pass. Come on guys, let's keep going.
(set: $Playerwonfight to true)
(if: $GinWonFight is true)[You and your team have won two challenges! [[continue to finish]] ]
(else-if: $GinWonFight2 is true) [You and your team have won two challenges! [[continue to finish]] ]
(else-if: $PetalLostFight2 is true) [ [[continue to finish]] ]
(else-if: $PetalLostFight is true)[ [[continue through]] ]At "shoot", you throw rock. The inmate has thrown paper.
INMATE: This one goes to me. Last round.
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[[Rock.|Rock..]]
[[Paper.|Paper..]]
[[Scissors.|Scissors..]]At "shoot", you throw paper. The inmate has thrown paper as well.
INMATE: Again.
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[[Rock.|Rock]]
[[Paper.|Paper..]]
[[Scissors.|Scissors]]At "shoot", you throw rock. The inmate has thrown paper.
(set: $Playerwonfight to false)
INMATE: Aha! I win!
YOU: Guys, I'm so sorry... I don't know what happened.
(if: $PetalLostFight is true)[GIN: Now we have two losses. We didn't pass the challenges.
INMATE: That's right! You guys will be stuck down here until time is up. Then, people will come down searching for anyone left behind. Have fun until then!
You lose. Return to [[Let's go.]]
[[reflection]]]
(else-if: $GinWonFight is true) [
GIN: Don't worry about it. I'm sure Petal will pull through.
[[continue through tunnel]] ]
(else-if: $GinWonFight2 is true)[
GIN: Now we have two losses. We didn't pass the challenges.
INMATE: That's right! You guys will be stuck down here until time is up. Then, people will come down searching for anyone left behind. Have fun until then!
You lose. Return to [[Let's go.]]
[[reflection]]]
(else-if: $PetalLostFight2 is true)[GIN: Now we have two losses. We didn't pass the challenges.
INMATE: That's right! You guys will be stuck down here until time is up. Then, people will come down searching for anyone left behind. Have fun until then!
You lose. Return to [[Let's go.]]
[[reflection]]]At "shoot", you throw paper. The inmate has thrown paper as well.
INMATE: Again.
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[[Rock.|Rock...]]
[[Paper.|Paper...]]
[[Scissors.|Scissors...]]At "shoot", you throw scissors. The inmate has thrown rock.
(set: $Playerwonfight to false)
INMATE: Aha! I win!
YOU: Guys, I'm so sorry... I don't know what happened.
(if: $PetalLostFight is true)[GIN: Now we have two losses. We didn't pass the challenges.
INMATE: That's right! You guys will be stuck down here until time is up. Then, people will come down searching for anyone left behind. Have fun until then!
You lose. Return to [[Let's go.]]
[[reflection]]]
(else-if: $GinWonFight is true) [
GIN: Don't worry about it. I'm sure Petal will pull through.
[[continue through tunnel]] ]
(else-if: $GinWonFight2 is true)[
GIN: Now we have two losses. We didn't pass the challenges.
INMATE: That's right! You guys will be stuck down here until time is up. Then, people will come down searching for anyone left behind. Have fun until then!
You lose. Return to [[Let's go.]]
[[reflection]]]
(else-if: $PetalLostFight2 is true)[GIN: Now we have two losses. We didn't pass the challenges.
INMATE: That's right! You guys will be stuck down here until time is up. Then, people will come down searching for anyone left behind. Have fun until then!
You lose. Return to [[Let's go.]]
[[reflection]]]At "shoot", you throw rock. The inmate has thrown scissors.
(set: $Playerwonfight to true)
YOU: Aha! I win!
INMATE: No! Let's try best of five! Come on, are you scared?
YOU: I'll pass. Come on guys, let's keep going.
(set: $Playerwonfight to true)
(if: $GinWonFight is true)[You and your team won two challenges! [[continue to finish]] ]
(else-if: $GinWonFight2 is true) [You and your team won two challenges! [[continue to finish]] ]
(else-if: $PetalLostFight2 is true) [ [[continue to finish]] ]
(else-if: $PetalLostFight is true)[ [[continue through]] ]
At "shoot", you throw paper. The inmate has thrown rock.
YOU: Aha! I win!
INMATE: No! Let's try best of five! Come on, are you scared?
YOU: I'll pass. Come on guys, let's keep going.
(set: $Playerwonfight to true)
(if: $GinWonFight is true)[You and your team won two challenges! [[continue to finish]] ]
(else-if: $GinWonFight2 is true) [You and your team won two challenges! [[continue to finish]] ]
(else-if: $PetalLostFight2 is true) [You and your team won two challenges! [[continue to finish]] ]
(else-if: $PetalLostFight is true)[ [[continue through]] ]
At "shoot", you throw scissors. The inmate has thrown rock.
INMATE: This one goes to me. Last round.
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[[Rock.|Rock..]]
[[Paper.|Paper....]]
[[Scissors.|Scissors..]]At "shoot", you throw scissors. The inmate has thrown paper.
INMATE: This one goes to you. Last round.
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[[Rock.|Rock..]]
[[Paper.|Paper...]]
[[Scissors.|Scissors..]]At "shoot", you throw paper. The inmate has thrown scissors.
INMATE: Aha! I win!
YOU: Guys, I'm so sorry... I don't know what happened.
(set: $Playerwonfight to false)
(if: $PetalLostFight is true)[GIN: Now we have two losses. We didn't pass the challenges.
INMATE: That's right! You guys will be stuck down here until time is up. Then, people will come down searching for anyone left behind. Have fun until then!
You lose. Return to [[Let's go.]]
[[reflection]]]
(else-if: $GinWonFight is true) [
GIN: Don't worry about it. I'm sure Petal will pull through.
[[continue through tunnel]] ]
(else-if: $GinWonFight2 is true)[
GIN: Now we have two losses. We didn't pass the challenges.
INMATE: That's right! You guys will be stuck down here until time is up. Then, people will come down searching for anyone left behind. Have fun until then!
You lose. Return to [[Let's go.]]
[[reflection]]]
(else-if: $PetalLostFight2 is true)[GIN: Now we have two losses. We didn't pass the challenges.
INMATE: That's right! You guys will be stuck down here until time is up. Then, people will come down searching for anyone left behind. Have fun until then!
You lose. Return to [[Let's go.]]
[[reflection]]]At "shoot", you throw paper. The inmate has thrown rock.
INMATE: This one goes to you. Last round.
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[[Rock.|Rock..]]
[[Paper.|Paper...]]
[[Scissors.|Scissors..]]YOU: How're you doing, Petal?
PETAL: I'm... okay. I don't know how you can forgive me. I almost ruined our chances. I don't have what it takes to be a hunter.
GIN: Hey, cut it out. We're a team. We're here to support one another. You have a big heart, kid. //That's// what's going to help you become an amazing hunter.
YOU: Yeah. You have your weaknesses, but we're here to help. And you're going to help us too.
PETAL: Thanks, guys. I feel a little better.
[[continue walking.]] Your group continues to walk through the tunnel. You reach the last platform and see an inmate waiting for you.
<img src="https://data.whicdn.com/images/279084408/original.jpg" width="800" height="500" alt="Two foxes">
GIN: So, I guess I'm up next.
YOU: Yeah, think you can win this for us?
GIN: Don't worry, I've got this in the bag.
WOMAN'S VOICE: Welcome to your next challenge. I'm your proctor, Inmate number 82351. Who's my opponent?
GIN: It's my time to shine, I guess.
Gin steps up to the bridge.
[[Let Gin fight.]]YOU: You've got this Petal.
PETAL: Alright!
A bridge extends, and Petal crosses to meet the inmate.
INMATE: Alright, I've got a proposition.
PETAL: Yeah?
INMATE: A card game. I always carry a deck with me. You in?
PETAL: Sounds like fun! Let's do [[it!]]
(set: $PetalHasFought to true)The three of you continue into the new tunnel. You hear the inmate yelling behind you, calling for a rematch, but soon her voice becomes faint in the distance.
GIN: Bad ass, Alex. Beating a convict in rock, paper, scissors? Brilliant.
YOU: Thanks. I used to play a lot as a kid. Our whole family would have tournaments every time we had a reunion, so I guess I got pretty good. I just can't believe we passed! Now we just have to make it to the bottom of the tower.
GIN: It looks like we're good on time, too. I'm proud of us, guys.
(if: $PetalHasFough is false)[PETAL: I'm kind of sad that I didn't get to fight, but I can't help being pumped that we won!
GIN: Hey, you're up first against our challenges in the next phases, alright?
Petal laughs. You're glad you have them with you.]
The three of you follow the path deeper into the tunnel. You continue walking for longer than it took you to reach either of the previous tunnels. You look down at your watch and realize you only have an hour left to get out of the tunnel.
[[Continue walking]]
[[Start running]]The three of you continue into the new tunnel. You hear the inmate yelling behind you, calling for a rematch, but soon her voice becomes faint in the distance.
GIN: Bad ass, Alex. Beating a convict in rock, paper, scissors? Brilliant.
YOU: Thanks. I used to play a lot as a kid. Our whole family would have tournaments every time we had a reunion, so I guess I got pretty good.
GIN: All I know is that you totally pulled through.
(if: $Petallostfight is true)[[Check on Petal.]]
[[continue walking.]]At "shoot", you throw scissors. The inmate has thrown paper.
INMATE: Looks like you got this one. Again!
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[[Rock.|Rock...]]
[[Paper.]]
[[Scissors.]]After following the path for a bit longer, you reach the last cliff and see the familar sight of an inmate waiting on the platform for you.
(set: $Playerhasntplayed to false)
<img src="https://data.whicdn.com/images/279084408/original.jpg" width="100%" height="100%" alt="Two foxes">
YOU: I guess it's my turn.
GIN: Good luck.
Petal squeezes your hand.
You walk across the bridge and turn towards the inmate. //At least I have an idea,// you think.
YOU: Would you like to play a game?
INMATE: Sounds interesting. What game, exactly?
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors. A game of luck.
INMATE: A game of luck, you say. I can't help but say I'm intrigued. Let's start.
[[Rock.]]
[[Paper.]]
[[Scissors.]]INMATE: This is a pretty simple game. You've probably played it before. It's a game of memory. I'm going to shuffle the cards and lay them out face down. We have to make matching pairs of numbers until the cards run out. Ready to start?
PETAL: Start shuffling.
The inmate shuffles the cards deftly and with experience. She neatly lays the cards face down on the ground.
INMATE: You can start. I'll be gentlewomanly this one time.
PETAL: Alright, here I go!
Petal flips two cards over, but they aren't a match. The inmate then takes her turn, flipping two cards over. They continue to go back and forth. //Are they remembering the locations of all these cards? There are so many, it's giving me a headache!// you think.
Not much later, the inmate finds the first pair.
INMATE: Alright, since I found a pair, I get another turn.
PETAL: [[Okay!]] The inmate takes another turn and makes another pair. And another. And another after that. She makes seven pairs in one turn before drawing two different cards.
INMATE: Ah, shoot. Your turn now.
PETAL: How are you doing that? That's crazy!
INMATE: I shuffled the cards in front of you and laid them out randomly. If you can find proof that I'm cheating, then go ahead, and I'll forfeit. But I'm telling you, I'm just playing the game.
Petal doesn't say anything. Instead, he takes his turn, but doesn't make a [[pair.]]INMATE: My turn!
The inmate makes three more pairs before it's Petal's turn again. He smiles and draws a pair, but his next two cards don't match.
The game continues on like this for a while. The inmate continues to collect pairs at a much faster speed than Petal.
//How is she doing that?// you [[think]].The inmate makes yet another pair and then stops.
(set: $PetalLostFight2 to true)
INMATE: Alright, I win. I have 54 cards, so there's no need to keep playing.
GIN: Hey, you were totally cheating! Playing dirty isn't fair. We should have another turn.
[[Back Gin up]]
[[Tell Gin to be quiet]]
PETAL: Wait! Before you go, why are you in prison?
The inmate smirks at him.
INMATE: I was a dealer at a casino and was putting some plans together with my friends to make a bit more money while working. We got caught, but not after making two million. It was a good run. Now, since I've won this little challenge, I can go back into the world and run some other scams. The pigeons are waiting!
With that, she turns ande leaves. Petal looks a bit stunned as the bridge extends. You and Gin make your way across the newly extended bridge to meet him. The three of you continue to the new path.
(set: $GinWonFight to false)
(if: $Playerwonfight is true)[PETAL: Sorry guys, but I have no clue how she did that.
GIN: Don't feel too bad, kid. It was clear that she was cheating somehow.
YOU: It's okay, we still have two wins! Let's go!
[[continue to finish]]]
(else-if: $Playerwonfight is false)[GIN: Now we have two losses. We didn't pass the challenges.
INMATE: That's right! You guys will be stuck down here until time is up. Then, people will come down searching for anyone left behind. Have fun until then!
You lose. Return to [[Let's go.]]
[[reflection]]]After following the path for a bit longer, you reach the last cliff and see the familar sight of an inmate waiting on the platform for you.
<img src="https://data.whicdn.com/images/279084408/original.jpg" width="100%" height="100%" alt="Two foxes">
GIN: Good luck.
Petal squeezes your hand.
You walk across the bridge and turn towards the inmate.
YOU: Would you like to play a game?
INMATE: This could be interesting.
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors. A game of luck.
INMATE: A game of luck, you say. I can't help but say I'm intrigued. Let's start.
YOU: Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
[[Rock.]]
[[Paper.]]
[[Scissors.]]YOU: Guys, I'm worried about the time. We should start running.
GIN: You're right.
(if: $PetalLostFight is true) [YOU: I'll help Petal. Let's go!]
The three of you pick up the pace and start racing down the tunnel. You constantly check your watch. The time seems to be slipping away, and soon you only have five minutes left with no end in [[sight]].You decide not to worry about the time. //The end must be pretty close, right?// you think.
However, your time seems to be slipping away, and there's no sign of an exit in sight. You exchange worried looks with Gin. With five minutes left on your watch, Gin speaks up.
GIN: I think we should start running. Who knows how much longer this tunnel goes on for.
YOU: You're right. (if: $PetalLostFight is true) [I'll help Petal.]
GIN: Let's [[go.]]YOU: We've just got to keep pushing. Come on!
With one minute remaining on your watch, you reach a door.
GIN: Well?
PETAL: Let's go!
You open the door and step into a room of the other candidates.
ORIGINAL PROCTOR: And here we have our last group. [[Congratulations!]]With that, you, Gin, and Petal have passed the first phase of the hunter exam. Congratulations! You are now one step closer to becoming a hunter. Enjoy the rest of the journey!
[[reflection]]You start running, but it seems to be too late. You watch helplessly as the minutes count down on your watch and know that you won't reach the exit in time. Finally, you stop.
YOU: Guys, we ran out of time.
GIN: What? After all that?! We beat the challenges though!
PETAL: It's not fair.
YOU: There's nothing we can do about it. We're stuck down here until the extraction team comes for us. After that, we have to come back next year. I'm sorry guys.
Petal starts crying, and Gin holds him. You sit down with your back against the wall and put your head in your hands. You're out.
YOU LOST. TRY AGAIN NEXT YEAR.
[[reflection]]Double-click this passage to edit it.The three of you continue down the new tunnel.
GIN: How much longer do we have?
YOU: Uhhh... my watch says two and a half. We're making good time.
GIN: Alright, we can make do with that.
You continue walking. It doesn't take much longer for you to reach another cliff edge, like in the first challenge.
GIN: Looks like we're at our last challenge.
VOICE: Yes. I'm your proctor, Inmate number 77623. Who's my opponent?
<img src="https://data.whicdn.com/images/279084408/original.jpg" width="100%" height="100%" alt="Two foxes">
PETAL: That'd be me!
//At least she looks young,// you think. //Petal has a chance!//
[[Let Petal take the opponent on.]]PETAL: Wait! Before you go, why are you in prison?
The inmate smirks at him.
INMATE: I was a dealer at a casino and was putting some plans together with my friends to make a bit more money while working. We got caught, but not after making two million. It was a good run. Now, since I've won this little challenge, I can go back into the world and run some other scams. The pigeons are waiting!
With that, she turns ande leaves. Petal looks a bit stunned as the bridge extends. You and Gin make your way across the newly extended bridge to meet him. The three of you continue to the new path.
PETAL: Can you believe it? She stole two //million//! That's insane! Well, I guess it's up to you now Alex. Hopefully you don't get anyone crazy like that.
YOU: We'd better hurry, then. We don't know what I'll be up [[against.]]YOU: Yeah, that shouldn't count! We should get another chance!
INMATE: What, just so the boy can lose again? That's not how this works. Anyways, do you have any proof?
GIN: No, but-
(if: $Playerhasntplayed is false) [INMATE: Then you can't do anything about it. I win. [[Bye bye!]]]
(if: $Playerhasntplayed is true)[INMATE: Then you can't do anything about it. I win. [[Bye!]]]YOU: Gin, we can't do anything. Getting mad at the inmate won't change the fact that Petal lost. Even if she gives us a rematch, he'll just lose again.
GIN: What? I can't believe you! It's so obvious that she was cheating, and yet you just want to let it go?
INMATE: Do you have any proof?
GIN: No, but-
(if: $Playerhasntplayed is false) [INMATE: Then you can't do anything about it. I win. [[Bye bye!]]]
(if: $Playerhasntplayed is true)[INMATE: Then you can't do anything about it. I win. [[Bye!]]]GIN: Oh, him? He was from a rival gang. I didn't want to put you off when we first met, so I kind of kept quiet...
[[Be cautious and skeptical]]
[[Trust her]]YOU: What are you hiding from us? Your secrets may have led to Petal getting hurt!
Gin doesn't meet your eyes. You can tell she's thinking the same thing.
PETAL: Hey, don't blame this on Gin. I wouldn't have let her fight anyways. This was my fault. I shouldn't have had such a big head. Anyways, I shouldn't be relying on you guys to take care of me.
Petal looks on the verge of tears.
GIN: Hey, hey, don't cry now! This isn't your fault, we should have been there for you. //I// should have been there for you.
Petal goes over and hugs Gin. They part after a few seconds with watery smiles.
GIN: We're a team, yeah? We'll get through this together. Anyways, what I was saying was that I was a part of a gang for eight years. We were called the Sharktooth Association. I was one of the fighters, which was like a bouncer for the gang.
PETAL: A gang?
GIN: Yeah, a gang. Don't ever join a gang, do you hear me? Gets you into all sorts of nasty shit, and most of the time you're stuck. I got out though. I got out after...
Gin trails off and her eyes become unfocused and misty.
[[After what?]]
[[You don't have to talk about it if it's too hard.]]YOU: Gin, you can tell us. We're in this together.
Gin lets out a small sigh of relief. //Maybe she wasn't expecting us to trust her that easily,// you think.
GIN: I was saying was that I was a part of a gang for eight years. We were called the Sharktooth Association. I was one of the fighters, which was like a bouncer for the gang.
PETAL: A gang?
GIN: Yes, a gang. Don't ever join a gang, do you hear me? Gets you into all sorts of nasty shit, and most of the time you're stuck. I got out though. I got out after...
Gin trails off and her eyes become unfocused and misty.
[[After what?]]
[[You don't have to talk about it if it's too hard.]]The three of you continue into the new tunnel. You hear the inmate yelling behind you, calling for a rematch, but soon her voice becomes faint in the distance.
YOU: I can't believe we passed. Now we just have to make it to the bottom of the tower.
GIN: It looks like we're good on time, too. I'm proud of us, guys.
The three of you follow the path deeper into the tunnel. You continue walking for longer than it took you to reach either of the previous tunnels. You look down at your watch and realize you only have an hour left to get out of the tunnel.
[[Continue walking]]
[[Start running]]My game is based on the show Hunter x Hunter. The first season is about the main characters taking the hunter exam and challenges they had to undergo to get their licenses. Trick tower was actually the third phase of the hunter exam in the show. In the show, the main characters had fallen down the path of “majority rules” which I found really interesting and thought could be applicable to a game. The pictures of the inmates are of characters from the show, but I made all new characters and fights than in the show.
I tried to give my characters some depth and interesting backstories, hoping to use an emotional connection to the characters to heighten the experience for the player. I also tried to use some “save the cat” techniques when asking the player who to send to fight. As for feedback, I spaced out my text to make it more readable and added a bit more background information on the first slides.
There isn’t really an educational factor to this game, it’s mostly just for entertainment. I hope people who play my game have fun playing it and feel some sort of attachment to the characters!
<script>
function EmbedTwineUpdateHeight(){
var passage = document.getElementsByTagName("tw-passage")[0];
if (passage === undefined){//SugarCube
passage = document.getElementById("passages");
}
var newHeight = passage.offsetHeight;
if(newHeight<500){newHeight=500;}
window.parent.postMessage(["setHeight", newHeight], "*");
console.log(newHeight);
}
setTimeout(EmbedTwineUpdateHeight, 50);
</script>