Bunny informed us that the administrators who watched our game through the cameras were quite enjoyed. We are all surprised to learn that we were being observed.

But I do suppose that these trials do act as an game show for them.

This thought leaves a bitter taste in my tongue, to know that our possible failing friendship could just be another entertaining spectacle for them.

-From the administrators viewpoint-

"This looks like a strong friendship, don't you agree, Xeno?"

"It does, Sen, but it also seems like one of them has some conflicting thoughts," Xeno remarks.

"What an observant woman you are, as always," Sen praises Xeno.

"If you've been doing your work properly, you would know this too, Sen." Xeno replies.

"Oh well, anyways from what I've observed, these guys are going to make it out of here with their friendship intact. It's rare, but boring, so I'll be leaving," Sen comments then waving bye.

"Looks like you're leaving me with all the administrative work this time then." Xeno sighed, bidding farewell to Sen.

-end of administrators viewpoint-

Bunny revealed a secret door behind the cupboard in the classroom, which leads us to a long hidden passage. There are two doors in the passage, one at the end and another lateral to it. He says the second trial will take place in the room at the end of the passage.

Right now, I'm feeling quite confused about the layout of this structure we are in. Maria might have some insights as she's an architect, but I'm not keen on speaking with her or Mahin at the moment.

The room is very huge, with walls and a ceiling that mimic the sky. Oh the floor resembles a snake and ladder board....

Wait a minute, the next trial is snake and ladders? And why does the ceiling and walls all seem to be digital screens ?? Is it like this for the administrators to observe us ???

"Well well, everyone, this is the second trial—a game of Snakes and Ladders," Bunny announces cheerfully.

"Yes, we can see that," I cringe at myself for the sarcastic remark slipping out. Deva also hits my head as soon as I say the remark.

"Sorry, that came out a bit harsh. I tend to blurt out sarcastic remarks without thinking things through." I quickly add, trying to smooth things over.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

I don't think my remark was harsh but it's probably for the best that I don't provoke Bunny, considering he can change the rules to a certain degree.

" Aww no offence taken, I like sarcasm." Bunny replies in his usual tone.

Bunny takes a deep breath before addressing us, ''Alright, let me explain how we are going to play. Normally, we reserve this for groups of 6 or 7 people, but we're giving you all a shot since you all should be familiar with it."

I question silently why more than five players are needed, but it seems we're at a disadvantage.

"Your starting position is at the doorway, as the first square on the standard Snakes and Ladders board features a ladder. Instead of rolling dice to move, each of you will enter secrets or facts about yourselves or others, in the other room in the passage to here. The one mentioned in juiciest secret moves the furthest. If none of you decide to share any secrets, everyone will move one step forward."

"Wait so again if one person wins then the trial is over ?" Mahin questions.

"Well, yes, but the person who wins will have to face the third trial alone then. You can strategize so that everyone finishes the game at the same time, too," Bunny informs us.

I don't want to play this game.

"Can we skip this game?" Deva asks meekly. I really hope we can.

"Nope not an option" Bunny confirms with a smug smile on his face.

I hate that smug face.

Bunny continues, "Let me give you an example of how the trial will work. Imagine we have five entries for a round and they are:

"Deva has secret siblings-"

"A secret even I didn't know," Deva interjects.

"Safa got plastic surgery to look beautiful—"

"How rich do you think I am?" Safa retorts.

"Maria isn't an architect—"

"Might as well say I didn't go to college" Maria responds a bit annoyed

"Mahin is a high school dropout—"

"I was the topper of my class" Mahin clarifies

"The psychiatrist doesn't actually need glasses to see."

"Wait why am I being called the psychiatrist? I have a name. And for your information I am legally blind without my glasses." I quickly speak back

"Well anyways those were just examples so calm down. And I called you a psychiatrist because your name is weird."

This bastard, look at who is talking we literally refer to him as Bunny. Yet he says my name is weird. My name which I like very much

Sadly I can only bite my tongue and avoid an argument with Bunny. I think this is him getting back at me for my sarcastic remark from before. Quite childish if I say so myself.

Bunny starts talking again "continuing on with the game, the administrators will review the entries and rate them, the one rated the highest would move 5 steps, then the second most rated one will move 4 steps and so on. Remember, if someone tells a lie and the person they lied about proves it's false, then liar must move one step ahead of the player the closest to the finish line."

Bunny pauses to catch his breath before continuing, "In my example, Safa's entry would receive the highest rating, so she would move five steps. Maria's would receive the lowest rating, so she moves one step. Now, imagine if Safa proved the entry about her was false, then person who wrote it would move one step ahead of her. However, Safa's position will be unchanged."

Bunny pauses again before talking "and finally for the rules. No discussing what secrets to write and no violence. You all are free to talk throughout the trial otherwise. And once the trial finishes successfully, 1 million will be divided among you"

"Now are you all ready ?" Bunny asks with an evil grin.

I don't know if I can get out of this trial mentally intact.