Page 46 of Kingdom of Tomorrow
“Learn to detect the slightest hint of a feeder’s approach,” the HP instructed.
The death stench hit me again. This time, I acted faster, diving and rolling. My brain rattled against my skull, but I didn’t scent the maddened anymore. Invigorated, I crawled with swift determination.
Boom!My forehead greeted the wall at long last. More discomfort. More dizziness. Rising to my knees, I paused to orient. The decision cost me. The same wild-eyed feeder flashed over my vision, too close to avoid. Tag!
Searing agony flared anew. Despite it, I shoved myself along the wall. Panting, grunting, wheezing. Finally! An open cubby. Noooo! I bumped someone.
“Taken,” Titus announced, no doubt ready to defend his hideaway despite sounding sympathetic.
Adrenaline surged, and I crawled faster, panted harder, feeling my way. More cubbies, more occupants. Open! I threw myself inside the tight space and stood, pressing my back against the wall, making my body as small as possible. Raspy breaths pumped my chest up and down. I’d done it!
“Round over,” the HP announced. “Lenses up.”
I pressed the button and blinked rapidly against the onslaught of light. No sign of the holograms. Six soldiers toppled from their cubbies to writhe on the floor in various stages of torment.
With a groan, I eased down and stretched out. “I’m dying,” I muttered. “Or dead. Yeah. Definitely dead.”
“Walk it off, Roosa,” the HP commanded.
Walk off beingdead?
“Cash, you’re out.”
The fallen lord-in-training raised his thumb in a show of acceptance.
Our merciless leader announced, “Line up.”
I left the security of the cubby with a groan. Behind me, a door slid shut. One less competitor, one less cubby.
The HP motioned to the medics, who rushed over to examine anyone with an injury. Someone I’d never met had taken Shiloh’s place.
I glanced at the HP, seeking answers. He watched me. When he arched a brow in question, I knew what he was asking. Could I handle more?
“I’m brave,” I mouthed. I’d find Shiloh later and find out what was going on.
The corner of the HP’s mouth twitched. “Recall what I told you about RVM in Theirland. Outside ofCured’s buildings, the world appears upside down unless you’re wearing a lens. On the off chance your lens ever fails, you must learn how to operate accordingly. I’m programming your goggles to invert your vision. Engage.”
I pressed the button, causing the lens to lower again. In an instant, my world went topsy turvy, the ceiling swapping places with the floor. Nausea instantly struck. Around me, several soldiers toppled, unable to stand. How I remained upright, I wasn’t sure.
“During round two, there will be two holograms rather than one.” The monsters appeared at the HP’s side, and I flinched. “Activate dark mode.”
I swallowed a ball of apprehension as I adjusted my lens, but it didn’t help. Especially when the cloak of darkness returned, erasing my surroundings. Fewer people, double the holograms.
“You’ve probably noticed the sensation of being upside down stays with you, even without visual aid,” our leader said. “Learn to deal with it. Go.”
Ack! With a huff, I charged for the wall with more confidence than before. Pandemonium ruled when other trainees did the same. I crashed into someone and ricocheted backward, slamming into someone else, who shoved me. “Sorry, sorry,” I blurted before I could stop myself.
A hologram flashed into my line of sight. I didn’t hesitate, diving to the right. Someone—Juniper—grunted. Oh, no! My actions caused her harm. But I didn’t apologize. Not this time. Noise would only draw a hologram our way. Instead, I scrambled up and charged for the wall with renewed energy, ducking and dodging any trace of action while my entire world remained inverted.
Come on, come on.I must, must, must almost probably be close to the cubbies.
Fingers snagged in my hair, yanking me backward. I landed on a fallen lord-in-training. Someone stomped on my hand. I yelped at the pain but surged to my feet, determined to win this. Not for the meal vouchers—not anymore—but to feed a stubbornness I hadn’t known I possessed. I could do this.
Another hologram flashed into my path, reaching for me. I twisted to avoid—boom! Another soldier knocked into me, and we crashed to the floor. Others rushed over me as I grappled for purchase.
An elbow slammed into my face. More pain flared, and my world spun. Stars winked inside my head. Blood poured from my nose, a loud roar in my ears.
I swiped at my mouth, mopping up the blood, then stood, burning through every ounce of adrenaline swamping my veins.
