A GAME

[opening_act]

Who: Exael & the Idols
Where: The Game Tower
When: Day 37, Afternoon

[ It's warm, humid, and rainy in Faukyo today, so the game alert isn't the worst it could be. Hey, an excuse to get inside! Whatever happens in the tower, at least you won't get rained on (probably!) And the last two games were fine!

This one won't be, though, judging by the screens flickering on and Exael's bubbly countenance visible on them.

"It's time to welcome our newest batch of idols! Today's game is one of wit, set your minds to the task and I'm sure you can figure it out! But with the clock ticking, remember, sometimes the smartest thing is knowing when to give up!"

Her hologram winks at the camera as you arrive.

You're not too many floors up this time, the room set with many polychromatic tiles lit up in the floor, with bright cords and fairy lights strung up every color imaginable and draped across the ceiling of the room. There's screens for puzzles to be displayed on podiums scattered throughout the room, and at the center of the room Exael's hologram is on a trapeze swing, waving down at you.

"Now let the games begin!"

Only now do instructions appear on your phone. ]

Comments

Re: PUZZLE AND HINT

[nohalation]

[mumbling to herself]

First, start with spades and work up to hearts. Second, sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow. First, start with spades and work up to hearts. Second, sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow. First, start with spades and work up to hearts. Second, sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow.

[hexsplosive]

[Angel. . .]

[. . . quirks a brow]

Can you make heads or tails of it, kiddo?

[nohalation]

First, start with spades and work up to hearts. Second, sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow. First, start with spades and work up to hearts. Second, sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow. First, start with spades and work up to hearts. Second, sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow. First, start with spades and work up to hearts. Second, sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow. First, start with spades and work up to hearts. Second, sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow. First, start with spades and work up to hearts. Second, sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow-

[Oh something is happening.]

[hexsplosive]

[. . . welp, something is happening indeed]

[time to watch this something with the most intent expression on her features]

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

. . .

[Yes, concentrate on the puzzle and not the person who is being slowly killed in the hostage tank]

[nohalation]

[too late buddy, I heard all of everyone reacting, didn't even get to solve]