The alarm didn't stop this time.
It stayed on.
Constant.
Like the school refused to let them forget.
Jaxon's voice turned sharp.
"Hunt Protocol is active."
Mira frowned. "What does that mean?"
Jaxon looked at Eryx.
And only Eryx.
"It means you're no longer a participant."
A pause.
"You're a target."
Eryx felt his body go cold.
"I didn't choose anything!"
Jaxon shook his head.
"Doesn't matter."
Mira stepped in front of Eryx slightly.
"Then how do we stop it?"
Jaxon's answer was simple.
"You don't."
A loud impact echoed.
Closer now.
Jaxon raised his weapon again.
"Rule Six," he said.
"If Hunt Protocol activates… survival becomes secondary."
Mira frowned. "Then what matters?!"
Jaxon looked at Eryx again.
And said:
"Completion."
The corridor ahead opened slightly.
Like it was inviting them forward.
Eryx swallowed.
"Completion of what?"
Jaxon didn't answer.
Because the answer was walking toward them.