Throughout all the panels of this strip, it's completely dark, but the characters (and the background of the pit interior) are drawn in faint outlines for the reader's benefit.
PANEL ONE:
We look down from above on Maiz and the champion.
CHAMPION: I can't see a thing!... Maiz, are you okay?
MAIZ: I'm fine.
MYSTERIOUS VOICE (off panel above): Ha ha ha ha ha!
PANEL TWO:
Close on the champion, looking up toward the mysterious voice.
CHAMPION: What — who's there? Are you the one responsible for this?
MYSTERIOUS VOICE: That's right... you've fallen quite nicely into my trap.
PANEL THREE:
Close on Maiz.
MAIZ: You're the one who untied the rope, too, aren't you?
MYSTERIOUS VOICE: Yes, that was me. Couldn't have you escaping that easily, could I?
PANEL FOUR:
Maiz and the champion face toward each other.
MAIZ: See, I told you I tied the rope!
CHAMPION: Maiz, this is not a good time.
January 1 2024