Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Please, wait!”

“Leave me alone, Baam!”

Unfortunately, between the two, the dark haired girl was faster and quickly caught up, knocking the older girl to the ground. Baam is staring down at Rachel, both panting from the run. Tears rolling down her cheeks, falling in the freckled girl.

“Rachel… please, don't leave me…” she begs desperately.

“Forget me, Baam. Let me be reborn.”

No! Baam doesn't want to be alone again. She doesn't want to be in the dark anymore. That's worse than death. “It's dangerous, Rachel, please stay with me…” her voice weak from grief.

Sadly, she couldn't stop her Light from opening the doors. 

Why are you leaving me?

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Baam wakes up in a dark cold room nursing a headache, the last thing she remembers is Rachel fading in her arms. She wants to cry immediately, how could she leave her alone? Why leave her, when they both were content in their own little world? Looking around, she notices paintings on the huge walls lit by strangely colored torches. Is she in the Tower? 

“Welcome to the Tower, young girl.”

A voice comes from behind her, Bam turns around scared. A strange creature is standing in the middle of the room, a kind of rabbit? With a long staff a little bigger than the creature itself. It looks intriguing at her. 

“It's been awhile since I had visitors. No need to be so scared, I won't hurt you. How may I address you, young girl?”

Well… it seems harmless, so there shouldn't be any problem trusting this creature at all. “My name is Twenty-fifth Baam, sir, like the night. What's yours?”

“My, such a polite girl. My name is Headon and I am the Guardian of the First Floor.”

So she is in the Tower. Okay. No problem at all. Rachel is here too, right? Rachel…

“Excuse me, sir, but have you seen a blonde girl with freckles around here?” Baam asks desperately. 

“I fear I have not, Miss Baam. Tell me, is she why you got in the Tower?”

“Yes! I followed her here! Please, Headon-ssi, are you sure you have not seen her?” 

Now, this is interesting. Headon almost couldn't hold his grin. 

“All answers are up there, Miss Baam. Whether you are looking for fame, power, knowledge, or vengeance. All the truth, glory and happiness are all at the top.” 

Rachel told her this. She remembers her quiet whispers longing for stars far, far away from the dark cave, how the Tower could grant all her wishes. But she can't understand any of that. Weren't they happy? Maybe they weren't that happy? Baam was sure the stars couldn't be that bright, not when they were the brightest with each other. 

“I-I don't wish for any of these things. I just don't want to be alone, I don't want to feel afraid…” I want Rachel back because then I wouldn't be alone in the dark again. How selfish of her. It's no wonder she was abandoned. Even so, Baam isn't going to give up now, she needs to do this for herself and for Rachel too. She is alone in a dangerous place now, she needs her help. 

“Then climb, Miss Baam, take my test and you will find what you seek, eventually.” 

Baam takes a deep breath.

“What test?”

Headon-ssi swirls his staff and the dark wall behind him transforms into a big cage. Baam could feel the powerful water inside. Water?

“Let's begin the test, shall we?” 

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Baam doesn't know if she should be grateful or mad to be kicked in the face. 

Princess Yuri is different for every person she has ever seen, but she doesn’t know many people - only Rachel, really - so it isn't her place to judge. She is a loud lady with a bad temper, but also really kind. She is, after all, trying to argue in her favor.

She is also beautiful. 

Baam prefers to think nothing of it. 

Evan-ssi, her partner, is also a kind gentleman. He gently explained many things to her while Headon-ssi and Princess Yuri, like how to use a pocket and what it means to be an Irregular. Apparently, she is supposed to be dangerous.

“Look at her, Headon! She is just a baby compared to other Irregulars.” The princess exclaims, turning to Baam. “A cute baby, of course. Baam, you can call me unnie! I will be your big sister starting today.” She finishes, squishing her in her arms. Strong… but warm.

It's the first time someone other than Rachel hugs her. Yuri-unnie is so kind. I can't let her down. That's what Baam thinks as unnie lends her a precious and forbidden sword just so she can fight fairly.

“Yuri-unnie, Evan-ssi, thank you for everything.” She says and offers her warmest smile, because Rachel said a smile can be the most precious thing in the world. 

Baam receives a smile back from Yuri-unnie, but she doesn't get why Evan-ssi’s face is so red. Or why unnie is teasing him.

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It went all wrong. 

Well, not everything, but it still went wrong. The ball simply doesn’t pop. She can hear Yuri-unnie asking Headon what’s wrong and Baam really would like to know why herself. Will it really be for nothing? Will she die here? She could see the white eel getting close again. Please… 

“Baam! Ask Black March for help! Tell her to ‘ignite’!” she hears Evan-ssi yelling for her. Right, they said Black March is a living weapon. It? She? has a consciousness like humans do.

“Please, Miss Black March, help!” she begs desperately, the fear of never seeing Rachel again closing up her throat. Help me make it up to the Tower. “ Please!!” 

And the world explodes in golden light, a beautiful woman appearing before her with a beautiful dress and elegant features. 

“Do you want to go up that badly? Are you that desperate?” the beautiful woman speaks to Baam, her voice like honey Rachel once brought for her. “Tell me, what do you wish at the top?”

“I want nothing. I just want my friend back.”

“A friend? Are they a handsome man or someone really powerful?”

“None of these things. She is just my friend, kind and simple. She is my everything.” Everything I could hope for. 

Miss Black March looks disinterested at that, but continues. “How boring. However, since you asked nicely I will help you only this time.” she approximates, squishing her cheeks between her fingers “But do me a favor, girl, once we are up there you should find a cute boy to go on a date with. Don’t waste that pretty face of yours, hm?” Baam couldn’t hide her flinch, but made sure to nod to make sure she heard well. Yuri-unnie's screams falling deaf in her ears. 

And the next thing she knew, she wasn’t on this floor anymore. 

Chapter Text

Again, Baam wakes up with a headache and Black March-ssi clutched in her hand. But this time, she is laying in a camp of golden grass. As she is getting up, she notices the grass is as tall as her. What is this? Is it edible? Rachel said some plants are edible. Baam soon discovered it was not edible. 

“Attention! Attention! To all regulars, the test is beginning!” a cheerful voice says from the sky. Sky? Wasn’t she inside a tower?

Right, the tests. She must pass all the tests to see Rachel again.

“Now for the first test. There are 400 regulars on this floor, you must narrow down to 200! The test finishes when the number of regulars reaches 200. Try every possible means. Good luck!” 

Try every possible means?! You don't mean… Her questions are answered when she hears a loud scream in the distance, dread filling her. With no hesitation, she starts running towards a random direction, perfectly timed as someone tries to swing a sword at her. 

I must survive! I must survive! I must survive!

A bloodbath is happening around her, killing after killing. Rachel called this a ‘conflict’ and said a lady should avoid it if they could, but sometimes fighting was necessary. And that’s why she won’t hesitate to survive, even if it means killing the giant with many eyes before her. She is trembling but she is going to do it. I must see Rachel again.

“You won't even snag a squirrel with this awkward posture.” a deep voice came from beside her.

Turning around, she sees the most beautiful man she has ever seen. All she could see for a moment was blue, blue, blue everywhere. Blue hair, blue eyes and perfect white skin. One time, Rachel brought to her a porcelain doll to show her; Baam is sure this man’s skin is made of porcelain, just like that doll. He is wearing a white shirt with a black tie and grey pants, simple but fitting.

Her face feels hotter. 

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Aguero is bored.

Which is unfortunately because he was actually excited to climb up. But everywhere he looks, he only sees boring and unworthy people. 

As he walks, things take an interesting turn when he sees a tiny girl facing one of the Da’an people. Is that girl stupid? Curiosity got him as he approached. 

“You won't even snag a squirrel with this awkward posture.” He pointed out. 

The girl turned around and now he is facing the most gorgeous eyes in the world. Golden eyes like the jewels he used to hide, short but silk brown hair, light pink lips and a cute button nose. She was wearing a red vest, dark grey scarf and a long beige skirt with brown boots. Is she a Princess of Jahad?

He watches as the girl stammers and faces him, definitely scared beyond her wits. Definitely not a princess. Amused, he continued. “He is from the Da’an tribe, they avoid conflict even in situations like this.” The girl seemed to believe him, relieved, and apologized to the guy, who nodded back accepting. 

“Thank you. I would make a big mistake if it wasn't for you.” she smiled at him. 

He smiled back, smoothly. “It was no trouble, but say, is this pet yours?” 

“Pet?!”

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A hot breath came down on her neck, making her hair stand. Slowly turning around, a massive creature is staring at her, a giant red spear in its hand. He is wearing some kind of black and red armour, a menacing look on his red eyes. 

“I’m not a pet. I am the hunter, Rak Wraithraiser..." He answers for her."...and you, black turtle, are my prey.” he finishes with a growl in his voice. 

W-what? Prey?? Turtle??

“Uhh…” she doesn't even know how to react. 

“Ohh, a talking crocodile. How much did he cost?” 

“SHUT UP, BLUE TURTLE. I AM NOT A CROCODILE! AND I’M NOT INTERESTED IN YOU, ALL I WANT IS THE BLACK TURTLE.” he yells at him, making Baam wince from the noise. 

“The girl, why?” the blue haired guy inquiries. 

“To hunt her, of course.” Rak-ssi says like it's obvious and the other mister looks pensive and Baam, between them, looks confused. Hunt me? Why? 

“Well, it's none of my business, I need to find people to climb with me anyway. Good luck.” The beautiful mister decides his mind and starts to walk away from them, leaving Baam to deal with her new predicament, but she doesn't blame him. I can't depend on anyone, a lady must know how to take care of herself alone! 

Rak-ssi is finally looking pleased and swings his spear to her, declaring they will fight. Baam asks why and he answers it is because of her weapon. But before he can continue to explain further, his cape is flung on his eyes and he is tripped up by the beautiful mister. 

“Let 's go!” He says and takes her hand in his, both running across golden fields to flee from Mister Rak. 

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They finally throw off Rak-ssi and go into hiding behind a big boulder. Both standing side by side, Black March-ssi clutched tightly in her hands. They could hear Mister Rak in the distance looking for them.

“Sooo…” The beautiful mister started. “I am Khun.” He introduces himself, offering a hand to shake.

“Hello Mister Khun, I am Baam.” She reciprocates the gesture, when Baam is pulled to him, Khun-ssi's face close to hers. “Tell me, Baam. Why does a simple regular have the Black March? You aren't a Jahad Princess, are you?” His warm breath is close to hers. “How did you get it?” 

“T-That’s…” Khun-ssi’s voice is threatening, his eyes sharp and smart. Baam is sure he would discover any lies she told him. I am sorry Yuri-unnie, I should have been more careful. “I can't say much, I am sorry. B-But! I didn't steal it, a princess lent it to me.”

Khun-ssi stares at her for a while, no words coming out. Then a sigh and a smile. “You are interesting. Would you like to climb the Tower with me?” 

“M-Me? Are you sure? I mean, I am not particularly strong or smart-...” she is interrupted by Khun-ssi laughing. “Don’t worry too much about it. I am sure interesting things will happen around you.” Baam smiles at that, she would like to climb with him. 

Suddenly, the earth trembled and Baam almost fell over Khun-ssi - oh gods - if he didn't stand his ground. Rak-ssi found them, though luck was on their side. “Attention! Regulars, the test has finished. Everyone who keeps fighting will be eliminated.” Even Rak-ssi stops at that. 

Now they have to form a team in five minutes or they will be all eliminated. Unfortunately, Rak-ssi doesn't care and still wants to hunt her.

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They have two options: kill the gator and find someone; or force him to be their teammate. Aguero wants to kill him, but he notices Baam might have a plan when she suddenly decides to stop. 

“Okay, Rak-ssi. Let's fight.” What.

“HA! FINALLY YOU DECIDE TO FIGHT, BLACK TURTLE. YOU ARE A SMART ONE!” He yells excitedly.

And surprising everyone, Baam drops the Black March and opens her arms. “Let's fight.” she declares calmly. 

“W-WHAT?! PICK YOUR WEAPON, BLACK TURTLE!”

“No.”

“PICK IT.”

“No.” 

“I SAID PICK. YOUR. WEAPON.”

“No.”

Heh. She got guts. Aguero understands Baam's plan immediately. She is distracting him so we can force him to be our teammate. He even tries to talk to the gator again but he is adamant on fighting. Whatever. Time’s almost up anyway. 

“3!”

Aguero moves forward and tangle himself in the gator’s neck, successfully distracting him from Baam.

“2!”

Now it’s Baam’s turn. She dashes to them, dodging his spear and picking up Black March.

“1!’

She jumps on his left leg while Aguero covers her blocking the gator’s view of her. 

“And finish! Keep holding on your teammates, you will be teleported to the next test spot!”

Perfect team-working. He thinks as shinsu flies around them.

Chapter Text

This time, Baam doesn't need to wake up. She is perfectly fine as she observes the new room she is in. 

Khun-ssi and her successfully tricked Rak-ssi into becoming their teammate, and now they are waiting in a large room with a lot of people. Khun-ssi comments off-hand that there are about a hundred people in the room. So many people, they must be strong.

But I don't see Rachel between any of them.

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“Want any, Baam?” 

“What is this?” She tilts her head curiously. 

They are in the middle of the room now, waiting for the test administrator to show up. Aguero gave the gator a pile of chocolate bars so he would shut up, when he offered some to Baam. Confusedly, he replies to her question. “It 's chocolate? You know, chocolate bars…”

“C-Choco-late?” She repeats softly, like she is experimenting the way the word sounds. 

What place in the Tower doesn’t know chocolate? Where did this girl live? He thinks darkly but equally intrigued, many theories forming in his head. “Yeah. It’s edible for humans too, not only for crocodiles, don’t worry.” he jokes which got a laugh out of her. “Here, try it.” 

She grabs a bar and opens it, smelling a little first. She takes a bite and her eyes sparkles like melted gold Aguero swears he could drown into, an expression of pure bliss and happiness on her face. Cheeks full munching on the chocolate like a squirrel, devouring the bar in seconds. 

His heart almost explodes for a second. 

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A fight between two regulars starts when she and Rak-ssi are eating those delicious chocolate bars Khun-ssi gave them while he is analysing at others regulars. Baam almost instantly loses her appetite. Nevermind she hasn't experienced that much conflict yet , she hates it already. Rachel was right when conflict should be avoided…

But before the fight escalates, a tall blonde man interferes. He presents himself as Lero-lo, the test administrator and a ranker . Khun-ssi explains to her that the rankers are people that successfully climbed the tower and they were extremely powerful. Yuri-unnie and Evan-ssi must also be powerful, just like Lero-lo-ssi. Yet, they have helped me so much… Am I really worth that trust? I can't disappoint them. 

“Now, more than we expected of you passed. We must do a pretest before we keep going.” Murmurs and protests are heard through the room, but Lero-lo-ssi ignores them all. “Let's begin the pretest… this way and that way, here and there, and everywhere.”

A torrent of shinsu flows out of his hand, flooding the whole room in seconds. Baam swirls her head around, seeing everyone in the room get thrown back, except  her . Some of them, like Khun-ssi and Rak-ssi, struggle a bit but eventually, they are all thrown back on the other side of the room.

“Shinsu is the life force of the Tower. It's in everything and has infinite possibilities. If you want to keep climbing the Tower, you must pass this wall of shinsu. That 's all.” Lero-ssi explains.

She can hear protests and questions behind her, Black March-ssi clenched tightly against her chest. People question why they must do a pretest or if there is a trick behind it because it's too easy. But all she could think is did I pass already?

Lero-lo-ssi is explaining something about luck and things she doesn't understand when she calls him. “Uhh… Lero-lo-ssi?”

Suddenly all eyes are on her. Lero-lo-ssi turns his attention to her. Here we go. “It seems I wasn't pushed back… S-Should I go back?” She can't help but stammer a little, the man’s eyes intense and heavy staring at her. I knew it. I shouldn't have said anything. I should have turned back and taken the test like everyone else. Stupidstupidstupid. Rachel would be disappointed. “W-Well I will just… uh… go back, don't worry about it I am sorr-”

“There is no need for that.” He interrupts. “You already passed. If I made a mistake and you weren't pushed back, that also is a part of your luck.” A soft grin in his face, so opposite of the stare she was receiving early. 

Relieved, she walks towards the stairs where Lero-lo-ssi is so she could sit while waiting for her teammate. Ignorantly, she doesn't notice the shift she caused in the room. 

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Lero-lo stares at the little regular who wasn't pushed back as she stammers and stands awkwardly. Clueless, she doesn't notice the stares of everyone else looking at her too. Naive and powerful. What a dangerous combination.

A monster has arrived.

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That 's impossible . Khun doesn't believe the meak excuse the ranker said. Baam simply wasn't pushed back like the rest of them. 

This girl will be powerful. He thinks as he stares at her in the distance. It's a golden opportunity Aguero won't lose. They are already teammates so all he has to do is to keep her on his side. She is a precious resource to climb the Tower. 

Just like a jewel.

Aguero sees Baam and the administrator having a friendly talk. He also notices some stares at Baam. Some curious, some jealous and hateful, and even hungry . The naive girl, of course, doesn't notice, but Aguero does.

He should protect her away, like he used to do with his jewels.

Next thing he knows, they are sitting in Rak’s body, side by side once again, waiting for their turn in the next test. The gator is murmuring in his sleep about chocolate and bananas. It seems he lost himself to his own mind for a moment.

A scream cuts the air. Another one. Aguero turns to Baam to see her reaction but she looks overall indifferent, only mildly surprised every time someone screams. Maybe a little scared.

Interesting.

His thoughts are interrupted by a neon talking balloon appearing between him and Baam, which makes the girl squeak in fright. The weirdo starts to talk about the test, how it is related to time and Aguero supposes it makes sense and Baam is naively believing in every word he says and it makes sense and Aguero is starting to believe his words himself but-

“Don't mind him, Baam.” He cuts the guy before he can spill anymore nonsense. “He just wants us to test his theory. If we follow his theory and we prove him correct, he will be at an advantage.” He throws him a sharp look. “Thanks but no thanks. We don't need or want your help.”

“Khun-ssi…”

“My, my, no need for such an attitude, mister.” His annoying voice keeps talking. “Did that princess hurt you that much, abandoned son of Khun? You should trust people more.” And Aguero snapped .

Before he can think about it, he jumps on the guy, knife to his neck. He briefly sees Rak getting up in a jump so he could fight too, Baam is knocked out of him when she doesn't get up quickly enough. She looks a little startled between him and the balloon guy.

He gives up immediately upon seeing her. Whatever. It's our turn anyway. He hears the ranker calling their names.

He doesn't look back as he passes the door. 

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Khun-ssi looks deeply disturbed during the test.

The three of them are inside the test’s room. Their instructor, Hansung Yu, told them to open a door in 10 minutes. Khun-ssi is trying to figure out which door but Rak-ssi…

“I CAN'T ANYMORE. I DON'T WANNA THINK I AM NOT THIS KIND OF CHARACTER.” 

Rak-ssi is crawling everywhere, including the roof. How does he do that? He is as disturbed as Khun-ssi, but in a different way somehow… She looks back to Khun-ssi, deep in thought and a broken gaze directed to the floor. Khun-ssi… Baam wants to help, but she isn't smart enough to do that. Maybe if Rachel was here, she would be able to help. She is so smart. A feeling of sadness washes over her. She hopes to find Rachel soon, maybe they could climb the Tower with Khun-ssi and Rak-ssi.

“ Maria! ” She turns her gaze when she hears Khun-ssi’s shout. He has a desperate look on his eyes directed to the ground. Who is Maria? Is she an important person to Khun-ssi? Maybe the princess from earlier… When Baam is about to go over and check on him she hears another shout from the other side of the room. She twirls her head again to find Rak-ssi losing his mind and about to open a random door. She screams in reflex. “RAK-SSI WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

“SHUT UP, TURTLE. I AM GETTING OUT OF HERE.” He screams back. 

He opens the door.

They passed.  

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The world never waits for you to choose and answer.

Aguero mulls over his words.

You need to find teammates who won’t hesitate for you.

His stupid words.

Don’t you want to protect those eyes?

His mother’s words echo his whole being. Never trust anyone , she said. But as he sees Rak show off to Baam, who is politely listening, he already knows what is going to happen.

Aguero has always been a bad listener anyway.

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Khun-ssi goes to the bathroom when Rak-ssi speaks to her.

“Black turtle, I am thirsty.” 

“Uh? Well, me too actually, I will go get us drinks.”

“Your leader is grateful.”

Baam goes to the machine she saw earlier. Apparently, people get drinks from there, or this is what she heard from some regulars before, but she has no idea how to do that. She is standing in front of it, pressing random buttons and the machine is making strange noises she doesn’t know what it means. 

When she is just considering getting someone to help her, a hand comes from behind her. It makes a sign and suddenly a drink is in front of her face. 

“Here, for you.” A voice says from behind her. She turns and sees a man taller than her in a purple vest. He is holding the drink to her and has a friendly smile on his face, amusement in his eyes. 

“Thank you, sir!” She says gratefully and grabs the drink. Banana flavor. Rak-ssi will enjoy it. 

“No problem! I am Shibisu.”

“Nice to meet you, Shibisu-ssi. I am Baam.”

“Say, Baam… me and you, we are a lot alike.” He starts. “We are ordinary people around extraordinary people, yet we made it up here. I sympathize with you.” Well, he is not wrong. “I wish to climb because I made a promise. Why did you come into the Tower, Baam?”

“I must find someone in the Tower.” She answers wistfully. Rachel… She is missing her again.

“Find someone? A regular? The Inner Tower is too huge, you know…” She visibly deflates at that, but then Shibusi-ssi keeps talking. “B-But I am sure you’ll find who you are looking for! Don’t worry.” He looks a little panicked, like he is reassuring her of something he didn’t believe, but Baam appreciates nonetheless. 

“Thank you, Shibisu-ssi.” She smiles at him. 

Ba-dump.

U-Uh? What a strange sound. Baam looks around to seek its source when she is grabbed in the shoulders. Shibisu-ssi has a serious look on his face when he declares. “Baam, my sweetie…” Sweetie?!! “... you may call me daddy.”

“ E-eh? ” She almost chokes at that. “I-I won’t call you that, Shibisu-ssi.” 

“I will be a good father.” He arguments back, still serious.

“I don’t want you to be my father!” By now, she is desperately trying to look for an exit. Baam can’t stand this situation anymore.

“Oi, tracksuit.” Relief washes over her. Khun-ssi is here. “What are you doing to Baam?” She turns to find Khun-ssi with a menacing gaze to Shibisu-ssi, hands on his pockets and laid back posture, but she knows better at his point.

And it seems Shibisu-ssi did too. He steps away from her but instead of going back he goes to stand in front of Khun-ssi and, surprisingly, takes his hand and starts to shake it immediately with both hands.

“Congratulations, she is a cutie.” He says, still so serious even Khun-ssi doesn’t know how to react, a dumbfounded look on his face. 

Shibisu-ssi says nothing more, he just turns around and leaves. Baam and Khun-ssi stare at his back, unable to comment on the strange situation they just witnessed. 

“So…” She starts awkwardly and only receives a hmm of acknowledgement in return. “We should go back…”

“Yeah, we should. He didn't say anything weird, did he, Baam?” He questions her.

“No, no. He didn't, Khun-ssi, don't worry.” She smiles in what she hopes is a reassurance smile. Well, besides the father thing he has going on...

They go back and as soon as they sit together with Rak-ssi again, with Baam handing him his drink, Lero-lo-ssi enters the room to announce they were granted a wonderful opportunity. A bonus game which they could participate in and, if won, they pass all tests and go to the next floor.

He called it The Crown Game.