
But! I challenge you, MLR, to create a complete, reasonably satisfying track that does not exceed 40 seconds! (Reverb/delay tails can extend into the 41 second range, I guess, since mine kinda does

The ideal is a track that feels like it was meant to be that length, rather than sounding like something that was prematurely cut short.
WHY, you ask? Several reasons!
1. Does a music piece always need to be two to ten minutes long? Variety!
2. Challenge yourself!
3. Because it's only 40 seconds long, it will take less time to create than larger scale tracks. Maybe. Depending on how you do it. So, you can totally squeeze one of these out even if you're busy with other things!
4. Because Woona!

(Your argument is invalid)
Maybe it could be turned into an album eventually? If there's interest.
Semi-arbitrary deadline is November 23rd, AKA Black Friday, AKA the day after Thanksgiving!
Here's my example/submission, using an odd kind of style I've been exploring lately. I admit up front, I don't think it is necessarily the best example of a satisfying 40-second track. So you should make something better! :3