Rod stood beneath the starting shelter and read the board while the official checked their roster.
Eight survivors. Six required. Two hours. Survivors counted only after reception at the shelter. Any competitor could withdraw by asking an official or using the marked exit. Death ended that competitor's attempt.
Beyond the closed gate, a narrow street ran between damaged houses. Rod could see the remains of a wagon in the square and something moving behind its far wheel. A faint voice called from a window, then stopped. The sound made the course feel less like a model Max had prepared for them.
Nessa inspected the supplied water and carrying boards. They could use them, leave them, or bring them back. Dain tested the handles while Dirk climbed onto a bench to study the visible roofs. Lana checked the lane beside the shelter. Everyone had an assigned first task, but the view beyond the gate already suggested changes.
The official asked whether they were ready.
