The automated voice caught up after Elias crossed the next threshold.
Obstacle Seven cleared. Total time, twelve minutes and forty five seconds.
Elias did not celebrate. His arms still shook from the rope, his palms felt raw inside the gloves, and the next chamber had already decided to be unpleasant.
Mirrors waited inside.
Not normal mirrors. Tall panels filled the room in staggered rows, each one bending his reflection in a different way. Some stretched him thin. Some widened his shoulders until he looked like a stranger. Others delayed his movement by half a beat, enough to make his own body seem untrustworthy.
Dots floated beside the entry line.
"This one is going to lie with your face, which feels rude even for this course."
"The course has developed range and confidence."
Text appeared along the floor. Obstacle Eight, Reflection Hall. Find the exit. Avoid hidden strike panels. Visual alignment may be false.
Elias stepped forward.
