System Fall

 

Outside, time continued its relentless march. In the shadow of the imposing building, people naturally gravitated into clusters, transforming the zone campsite. They lounged on the sidewalks, leaned against buildings, or claimed cars as seats, carefully cleared of debris or shards of glass and watched the scene unfold on the monitor, waiting for an update.

Close to an hour had passed since Nick's daring entry into the building, and with the massive minotaur having disappeared along with the monitors going dark, the tension on the outside started to get worse with many thinking Nick had been killed.

A handful of the braver spectators ventured closer to the building's ominous facade, daring each other to touch its surface or even step inside. However, none were bold enough to cross the boundary.

Amidst the grim atmosphere that waited to find out if Nick had managed to kill the thing, or had been killed, Willow and Alvin strolled the crosswalks of Times Square, sharing only sporadic conversation. Despite what had happened, Willow hoped they would be able to link back up with May and Nick.

Even though they’d arrived late, Alvin had been against Nick's plan - which he teasingly dubbed the 'extortion extravaganza' - yet he held no objection to meeting up with May and Nick when Willow spotted Jason and the rest.

"Alvin," Willow nudged, "there's no reason not to meet up with them, right?"

Alvin shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "I won't argue with that. You know I don't have a problem with anyone there."

"And Nick?" Willow hesitated, fixing Alvin with a questioning gaze.

"Nick?" Alvin's smile broadened into a full grin. "Ah, that guy. He's a piece of work, alright. But I respect him. He's got guts, and he knows what he's doing. Sure, we may not see eye to eye on everything, but I would never deny that we've come this far partly because of him. So, yeah, count me in, Willow. Let's go catch up with our comrades."

Alvin had taken care of those Nick had left for him, following the pragmatic advice given to him by his fellow survivor. The identities of those people had been unknown to him, but it was the reality of this new world they found themselves in. The boost he received from this action was small, but he was learning to appreciate any advantage he could get.

The loot he obtained wasn't what he had envisioned. It was Nick's initial attack that had made it possible, even profitable. But attacking fellow humans was a grim necessity, not a preferred strategy. Any stolen equipment would raise too many questions from Willow. Even as these thoughts crossed his mind, he noted Willow's increasingly pointed attempts to reunite him with the others. Did she suspect his actions?

The emotional toll of the lives he had taken began to weigh on Alvin. He found himself battling against the wave of remorse that threatened to consume him, opting instead to focus on the small victories he'd gained.

 

Now, he possessed the Spider Web skill, the very skill that had once ensnared him. Anxious to see how it could aid him, he looked forward to testing it.

"Alvin, this isn't just about what I want," Willow argued, her tone insistent. "I just want us to catch up with our old friends. See how they're faring. Even May is with them."

Ah, May. Just her name brought a pang of wistfulness and regret. He had admired her since they first met, had a crush too, but the girl he once knew was long gone. Alvin couldn't fault her though. This new world called for a certain degree of toughness. Nick had helped her find that, and Alvin begrudgingly admitted he had done a good job.

Nick was proving to be a capable leader, his cunning and knowledge providing him with an edge. Alvin found himself respecting the guy, despite his initial misgivings. He had a certain command about him that drew people in. May had not been immune to this. As much as it pained him, Alvin knew he had to let go of his crush on her.

"That crafty guy," Alvin found himself thinking, a bitter-sweet grin spreading across his face. "He's likely chosen to face this challenge because he's found a trick to beat it. And everyone else just follows, trusting his judgement."

As much as Alvin wanted to resent Nick, he couldn't deny the guy's ability to lead and strategize. Nick was taking control, leaving those unfit for battle as a task for others, while taking the more dangerous fights himself.

"May made the right choice," Alvin admitted, his heart heavy. He realized he was not yet ready to face her, not until he found his own footing in this world. Deep down, he found himself hoping that Nick would succeed in the Intermediate Tutorial. For his sake. For all of them.

"Well, Alvin, I believe I've been patient enough," Willow voiced, her tone echoing a mix of frustration and resignation. She had stuck by him out of a sense of responsibility, but she was beginning to realize the limits of her own patience. She was uncertain if he truly valued her efforts, but she was unwilling to allow his sulkiness to dominate the entire evening. "If you decide to act like a grown-up, you know where to find us. But I won't cover for you."

Alvin merely grunted in response, neither affirming nor denying her invitation.

Heaving a sigh, Willow turned on her heel and walked away. As she made her way towards the familiar group of university acquaintances, she cast a last glance at the looming glass building and the screen that read “Stand By” the building where Nick had went to fight the Obsidian Minotaur. Was the interior a labyrinth of sorts, a nod to the creature's myth and story?

She could only speculate. What was certain though, was her silent wish for Nick to prevail. Despite his harness, she found herself hoping that he was fully dedicated to the task at hand and making the necessary headway.

Alvin watched Willow's retreating figure for a moment before shaking his head and grinning to himself. Her fiery determination was one of the many things he respected about her, even if it did leave him on the receiving end of her stern words more often than not.

 

"Alright, Willow," Alvin said, catching up with her in a few strides, his tone markedly friendlier. "You know I can't resist your persuasive powers. Let's go join the others."

Willow stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him, eyebrows raised. "Really? That easily?"

He shrugged, managing a sheepish grin. "What can I say? You have a way with words. Besides, it's not like I hold a grudge against Nick. The guy's got guts, I'll give him that. Maybe he does know something we don't."

Willow nodded, appreciating his honest admission. "He's unpredictable, but he's definitely resourceful. I'm sure he's doing his best in there."

As they walked together towards their university friends, they fell into an easy conversation about Nick's current challenge. They speculated about what was happening inside the building, discussing the possible layout of the interior and the likely obstacles Nick might be facing.

"Maybe it's some kind of labyrinth, like in the Minotaur myth?" Willow suggested. "If so, he might be trying to navigate his way through it while also dealing with the Minotaur."

"That's a good point," Alvin conceded, running a hand through his hair as he thought. "But it's also possible that the building's structure might change or shift. It's not like anything in this world really follows the rules of logic."

"But still," Willow said, "We can't just stand by and do nothing. Maybe we can find a way to help him."

"You're right, Willow. The only thing we can do right now is to ensure his safety once he comes out. He's going to be a target, and we need to make sure no one tries anything funny," Alvin proposed.

Willow looked at him, her eyebrows furrowing in thought. "How do you suggest we do that?"

Alvin glanced around at the various groups scattered throughout Times Square, his gaze lingering on some who seemed more capable and dangerous than others. "Well, first we need to figure out who might pose a threat. Let's keep an eye on those who seem too interested in the building. We'll need to be vigilant when Nick emerges."

"Right. We'll make sure to rally everyone we can trust. After all, it's in everyone's best interest to maintain order. And we can try to get others to contribute, too," Willow added, her expression determined. "He's taking on a big risk for everyone's sake. The least we can do is to ensure his safety."

Alvin nodded in agreement. The two of them went about their new mission, discussing strategies and seeking out potential allies amongst their acquaintances and the other groups. They knew that trying to maintain order amongst the chaos was no easy feat, but it was the least they could do for their friend who was taking on the bulk of the danger on his own. They would have to trust in Nick's ability to get through the challenge and be ready to defend him when he emerged.