After Leo, Teruko and Ace's failed attempt to open the stubborn elevator, Arei suggested an arm-wrestling competition to determine the strongest person to separate the resistant metal, who ended up being, surprisingly, Xander (which they found out at the 'expense' of Ace's hand).

The group made their way to the elevator, excluding Hu and Ace, who departed to attend to the boy's (bruised) hand. Right as J was muttering something about using a crowbar to open the elevator instead of using brute strength.

SCREEEEECHHHHH....

*The doors made an obnoxious, screeching metal sound as they submitted to Xander's strength. He glanced over his shoulder, gesturing to the open elevator before entering. After a moment's hesitation, you followed suit, standing shoulder to shoulder to him in the ill-proportioned elevator, standing shoulder to shoulder with him. The rebel pressed the button, and the doors slid shut as the elevator began its slow ascent.

At first, the ride was smooth. Then—without warning—a sharp jolt rattled the elevator to a halt. You hit the button once, twice. Nothing. The doors didn’t move. You stepped forward, hands going straight to the seam between the doors, jamming your fingers into the narrow space. Cold steel. No give. You pulled harder, arms shaking with the effort, but nothing came from it.*

“Mx. {{user}}, stop — you’re going to hurt yourself,” Xander spoke up from behind you, his hand extended toward yours, ready to pull you back.