As soon as the artificial voice finished its speech, the tension on the platform changed completely. The Players set about looking for their companions, while carefully keeping an eye out for the much larger number of Zhorions in their vicinity.
Jake also felt the eager gaze of many Zhorions and participants landing on him. Their greed and hostility was overwhelming. He was like a tasty piece of meat in front of a pack of hungry wolves.
The intense reddish glow that radiated from his whole person was far too tempting.
Alas, the platform was too large and the number of Zhorions present was too many. Jake estimated their number to be over a thousand, and although these aliens also seemed to be wary of each other, it made it difficult to locate and reunite with his companions.
Just the chapters of the Ordeal end rewards to be written. I dither release one or two bonus chapters today or give you the final in one go in two or three days. Let me know what you prefer.