Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5676 - 4700: Deadly Escape (33)

As the scene played out, while the others remained captivated by the master and disciple settling old scores, Stark was practically vibrating with anxiety, as if seated on hot coals. He yelled at Greed, "Hurry and get someone to stop them!!"

"So, not only did you fail to seal the edges properly, but you genuinely neglected to implement any reverse safety measures on that disc?" Greed inquired, observing him.

"How could I have possibly anticipated they would do something like that!" Stark retorted, unable to contain himself. "I've devised so many levels, and typically, participants adhere to the rules. Even if a few individuals stir up trouble, they've never gone this far... to this extent..."

"I suppose you've only ever encountered Batman and Superman types," Joker sneered. "It's true that much of Battleworld is populated by superheroes, and genuine lunatics are a rarity. However, when you do cross paths with one, it's enough to give you a significant headache. Have you learned your lesson now?"

"Can we possibly steer clear of this topic? What if he actually manages to jam the cage?" Stark was at his absolute limit. He turned to Scarecrow, "You were the one who conceived the core concept for this room; I merely brought it to fruition. Therefore, if things go awry, it's your..."

"The outcomes I desired have already been achieved," Scarecrow stated coldly. "They only resorted to destruction after the level concluded, so that burden doesn't fall on me. If anything were to escape, that would be your responsibility."

Nonetheless, Scarecrow scrutinized Stark and then remarked, "Although this marks our inaugural collaboration, I can discern that you are not an entirely upright individual. Do you conscientiously follow the rules and avoid causing damage when you are clearing levels yourself?"

"That situation is entirely different; I employed intellect to overcome the mechanical engineering challenges."

"They also utilized their intellect," Scarecrow countered. "One, by exploiting circuit delays, uncovered the method by which you wired the circuits; the other formed a bold conjecture that the pulley was not situated in the upper chamber but rather concealed beneath. Possessing the capability to validate their hypothesis through action was key. Consequently, one cannot impose excessively stringent limitations, as that would negate fairness."

Stark slumped onto a chair in frustration. He adjusted his mask, but Greed quickly intervened, stopping him. "Do not move. Await the arrival of others, and be cautious that they do not discover your identity."

"In my current condition, anyone who arrives will ascertain my identity," Stark declared irritably. "At worst, let these madmen come and inflict a beating upon me!"

With a resounding 'bang,' a grand door swung open, admitting two figures. The five individuals seated towards the rear swiftly straightened their postures and made adjustments to the speaking apparatus positioned before them.

"Welcome, esteemed guests. It is quite unexpected that you have progressed this far. Please, do come in."

Superman and Batman entered. They found themselves in another expansive, cylindrical chamber, yet noticeably larger and more brightly illuminated than the preceding balance room, the lights almost blindingly intense.

Dominating the center of the hall was a towering column, crowned at its apex by an immense structure resembling a giant lantern. This elaborate lantern featured a hexagonal design, with each of its six faces displaying a silhouette, clearly indicating an individual seated within.

Positioned directly beneath these six depicted figures, at the floor level, were six distinct compartments. These were sealed from above, save for what appeared to be a rotatable mechanism integrated into their tops.

The six silhouetted figures were adorned with masks, each distinct: one shaped like a gun, another a tiger, a wolf, a weasel, a rooster, and the final one a scorpion.

While the tone of their voices conveyed genuine speech, it was evident that their vocalizations had been processed. The delivery was imbued with such an exaggerated, dramatic flair that their age and inherent personality were indeterminable. Furthermore, with their masks obscuring their faces, definitive identification was rendered impossible.

"Oh, friend, why do you proceed with such deliberate slowness?" the voice inquired again, explicitly addressing Batman.

Batman's pace was indeed measured, largely due to his near-total exhaustion. Superman, appearing visibly uneasy, nonetheless provided support, assisting Batman in maintaining a more stable gait.

Slowly, Batman inclined his head, gazing upward at the six silhouetted figures suspended above. They remained motionless, and due to the specific angle and lighting conditions, their physical forms were indiscernible. However, he had gained a general comprehension of the underlying narrative.

The escape room, it seemed, was not designed as a human experiment or a battle royale to select combatants. Instead, it functioned more akin to a theatrical performance intended for audience gratification. Each group within likely possessed an advantage, possibly the individuals stationed above or those orchestrating the entire affair. Fundamentally, however, their purpose appeared to be purely for entertainment.

Curiously, despite Batman's current profound weakness, his stoic silence projected an aura of immense gravity, instilling a degree of apprehension in those observing from above.

"It appears we have truly managed to provoke his ire," Scarecrow communicated through the team channel. "He is certain to seek retribution once this is concluded."

"When the heavens decide to fall, Joker will undoubtedly be the one to catch them," Stark quipped. "What is there to fear?"

The agent, unwillingly conscripted into performing a role, offered no verbal response, silently harboring a fervent wish in his heart for Batman to exact retribution upon all of them.

"Indeed," Scarecrow concurred with a nod.

"However, you might be celebrating a bit too prematurely," Greed interjected.

As anticipated, Anatoli entered. His demeanor shifted to one of icy severity, causing even Lucifer to instinctively retreat. If Batman represented an unmoving mountain, Anatoli embodied the brewing tempest.

"Can anyone enlighten me on the current situation?" he demanded, his voice booming. "What exactly are you enigmatic figures positioned above engaged in?"

The individuals above exchanged furtive glances, neither willing to volunteer an explanation. Typically, portraying the antagonist role in such scenarios is a favored pastime for villains. However, on occasion, the righteous anger of a good person can manifest a more menacing presence than any actual villain, rendering the villains themselves seemingly meek. To speak up now would be akin to a student being summoned to the principal's office.

Individuals like them rarely acknowledge fault. Yet, Anatoli possessed both the capability and the resolve to compel those who believed themselves in the right to confront their error. This wasn't merely a matter of verbal discourse; what if he were to ascend shortly?

Such a possibility was far from remote. After all, their ascent from the last position to second place was achieved solely through their mastery of climbing.

Anatoli proceeded to scale the chain from which the cage was suspended. With his leg expertly looped around the link, creating a secure anchor, he positioned himself steadily in mid-air. Then, employing a crowbar, he began to lever open the retaining disc.

He then descended back into the cage. Once the cage door was shut, the system was programmed to electrify the area and release water. However, upon detecting the dislodged disc, it activated the elevator sequence instead. No electricity flowed, no water was released, and the cage commenced its upward ascent.

To claim that advancing through the stage in this manner was impossible would be a testament to their sheer ingenuity. The chain presented a formidable challenge for climbing due to the cage's insufficient weight to provide stability; even mounting the cage induced significant tremors, let alone ascending the chain itself.

Lucifer's substantial mass proved advantageous in this instance. Occupying the cage, equivalent to the weight of two average adults, counteracted the cage's inherent lightness. Furthermore, with no active electricity, he could remain within the cage, door ajar, without risk of electrocution, thereby stabilizing the cage for Anatoli's climb without the rope experiencing undue oscillation.

Moreover, maintaining a grip on the rope for an extended duration is a specialized skill typically acquired by special forces operatives, enabling them to suspend themselves from sheer cliffs for rest. While normally requiring specialized clips, Anatoli produced an iron spike, which he fashioned into a makeshift safety harness by tying it with strips of clothing, thus distributing the strain.

Prying the disc open was also no simple feat, as it incorporated a positive safety mechanism. However, Anatoli, a proficient user of crowbars, managed to dislodge it after multiple angle adjustments, finding a point of leverage that facilitated its gradual opening.

While seemingly time-consuming, this method proved significantly more efficient than engaging in complex puzzle-solving. Their strategy consequently propelled them from the final position directly to second place.

In reality, the leading position was initially secured by Loki and Thor. However, upon exiting the elevator chamber, Loki intercepted Thor, remarking, "Our pace may be somewhat excessive; being the first to enter might not be an advantageous outcome."

"Indeed," Thor concurred, adding, "The preceding stages proved more challenging for those who entered earlier. This stage might represent a reversal, but it's possible they are adhering to a consistent strategy. Let us observe for a moment."

Loki calculated the estimated time required to solve the current puzzle. His intention was to position their team in the middle ranks, ideally second or third, believing this would offer a more favorable situation than first place.

Their timing proved slightly miscalculated, as Harley and Pamela swiftly secured the third position. Despite a minor diversion in the interim, their progress was minimally impacted, and they promptly opened the door.

Upon observing the six designated grids, Harley hesitated briefly. Disregarding the ongoing discussions, she leaned towards Pamela and whispered, "Do you think we could toss the crowbar up there..."

The observers above drew sharp breaths. For enhanced visibility, the outer structure of this 'lantern' was constructed from exceptionally thin material. While robust enough to resist a simple poke, a projectile thrown with sufficient force could potentially breach it.

"Absolutely not. If you hurl it upwards and it lands within one of the compartments, that would present a significant problem."

"But judging by its appearance, we are compelled to select a compartment; if it lands within one, does that not signify our designated choice?"

"We are not the initial participants; what if it lands in another team's designated area?"

"Convey a message for them to return it, perhaps?"

"Evidently, the present circumstances preclude any form of communication; have you perceived any dialogue exchanged?"

The two 'Little Smart Ghosts' were compelled to abandon their line of thinking. "Could you reiterate the established rule? I did not fully comprehend it earlier."

Stark harbored a strong desire to withhold the information, thinking that ignorance was perhaps preferable. However, the game's structure mandated six participants, necessitating his reluctant repetition of the rule.

To put it plainly, selecting a compartment signifies adopting the persona associated with that particular mask. Harley approached the compartment's entrance and gave it a tug. At this moment, the identities of wolf and weasel had already been claimed, leaving the rooms for gun, tiger, chicken, and scorpion unoccupied.

"This definitely resembles a food chain," Harley commented. "Could this be another instance of the bigger preying on the smaller?"

"Observe the apparatus above," Pamela suggested. "It appears capable of rotation, possibly distributing various items to different rooms. Perhaps our task involves guessing identities and engaging in combat?"

"In these types of games, selecting the biggest or smallest option is typically unfavorable; the largest can be overcome by the smallest, much like a hunter armed with a gun being poisoned by a scorpion. Conversely, choosing the smallest role offers no prestige at the bottom of the food chain. I propose we select the tiger."

Pamela concurred, and the pair opened the door to the tiger room and stepped inside.

Following them were Shiller and Bruce. Their timing wasn't ideal, having been slightly set back by the Exhaustion Method, and their interaction with the mechanism caused them to fall further behind the others.