5% of the Labyrinth

I awaken to find myself in a vast labyrinth made of numbers. The walls shimmer with a cold fluorescence, constantly scrolling with various data: GDP, CPI, PMI… All of it revolves around a core number: 5%.

"5%," a voice echoes in my ear, low and mechanical, "This is the growth target for this year. You must find the path to 5%."

I don't know who I am, or why I am here. I only know that I must find "5%," otherwise, some unspeakable punishment will befall me.

The labyrinth's intersections are endless, and at each one hangs a giant screen, playing clips of press conferences. Spokespeople in suits announce expressionlessly: "We have made significant progress… The economic situation is generally positive… We are confident in achieving the 5% growth target…"

I follow a passage that seems to lead to an exit, only to find myself in a dead end. On the wall is a giant poster depicting a smiling worker, with the slogan: "Roll up your sleeves and work hard, together build the glory of 5%!"

I feel a wave of dizziness. What does this glory have to do with me? I am merely a prisoner in the labyrinth, a ghost chased by numbers.

I begin to wander aimlessly. I encounter others as lost as I am; some are frantically calculating data, some are praying to the air, and some have simply collapsed to the ground, giving up the struggle.

"Have you found 5%?" I ask a ragged old man.

The old man shakes his head, his eyes vacant: "5%… It's just an illusion, a shore that can never be reached. This labyrinth has no exit, only endless cycles."

I feel a surge of despair. I try to find the edge of the labyrinth, but I discover that it seems to be infinite, constantly replicating and extending itself, trapping me within.

I walk past a room, in the center of which is a giant sandbox, simulating a cityscape. Countless tiny figures, like ants, are busy transporting goods and building skyscrapers. A giant mechanical hand descends from the sky, constantly adjusting the layout of the sandbox, ensuring everything runs according to the "5%" trajectory.

I realize that we are all tiny figures in this sandbox, manipulated by an unseen hand, toiling for that ethereal "5%."

Suddenly, the walls of the labyrinth begin to collapse, and a flood of numbers pours down, engulfing everything. I am swept into it, suffocating, struggling, and finally losing consciousness.

When I awaken again, I find myself lying on a clean white bed, surrounded by cold instruments. A person in a white coat stands before me, expressionlessly saying, "Your '5%' experience has ended. Now, please return to your post and continue working towards the next '5%.'"

I open my mouth, but no sound comes out. Am I truly awake, or have I entered an even deeper labyrinth?