Chương 88: The Third Day of Tests – Part 11

The sun was almost setting when Valeria stepped onto an elevated platform in the center of the courtyard. All the remaining candidates were gathered. The atmosphere was heavy — many looked exhausted, both physically and mentally. Valeria looked at everyone with a serious expression before speaking: — The second test is over. Now begins the third and final test of this day. She paused, letting the silence weigh for a few seconds. — This test will be different from the previous ones.

You will be divided into groups of eight people again. However, this time, the situation will be more complex and with greater consequences. The goal is not simply to survive or protect something. The goal is to make decisions that affect many lives within a limited time. A murmur of tension ran through the candidates. Valeria continued: — Each group will be sent to a different arena.

Inside, you will face a simulated situation where you will have to choose between saving a small number of people or a larger number. The choices you make will carry weight. Time is short. Good luck. The groups began to be formed. Once again, Joker, Harley, Astrid, Rina, Marina, Sylvara, Lirien, and Kuroe were placed all in the same group. When the last name was announced, Harley let out a low, almost silent laugh and spoke: — Together again… — She slowly spun her hammer, a small smile on her face.

— Either they want to see the circus shine… or they want to watch us stress ourselves to death. Either way works for me. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Joker, who was beside her, replied in a calm voice, but with a slightly darker tone: — I bet it's the second option. They seem to enjoy watching people break from the inside. Astrid, who was right behind them, grumbled: — You two are messed up.

Harley turned her face and gave her a sweet smile: — Thank you. While they waited to be taken to the arena, Joker stayed silent for a few seconds, looking at the ground. Then he spoke in a lower voice: — Last test of the day… If we die here, at least we die together. How cute. Harley looked at him sideways. She didn't laugh. She simply answered in a more serious tone than usual: — Stop talking nonsense. We're not going to die. — She paused briefly. — But if it comes down to choosing between dying or breaking…

I prefer to break the others first. Joker gave a small, almost tired smile. — Deal. On the other side of the group, Rina watched the two with a worried expression. She approached Marina and murmured quietly: — They're… weird today. Quieter than usual. Marina nodded, also looking at Joker and Harley. — I think the day is weighing on them too. Just… in their own way. Sylvara, who was next to Lirien, stayed silent for a while. Then she spoke, almost to herself: — Even when they try to joke…

you can tell they're taking this seriously. In a strange way. Lirien replied in her hoarse voice: — It's their way of dealing with things. The heavier it gets… the more they try to smile. Even if the smile is crooked. Kuroe, who was a little farther away, simply observed Joker in silence. At one point, their eyes met. Joker raised an eyebrow, as if asking "are you okay?" Kuroe gave a slight nod in response. Shortly after, an evaluator approached the group and announced: — Group 7, follow me. Your arena is ready.

The group began walking. Joker and Harley went in front, side by side. This time, neither of them was joking. Harley was gripping her hammer tighter than usual, and Joker walked with his hands in his pockets, his gaze more serious than normal. Before entering the arena, Joker stopped for a second and looked back at the girls. He spoke in a calm voice: — Whatever's inside… we decide together. No drama. No stupid heroics. Harley added, in a lighter but still serious tone: — And if anyone tries to be a hero alone…

I'll break that person's face. With love. Astrid grumbled: — Understood. Rina slowly wagged her tails, looking a little more at ease after hearing that. Valeria was waiting for them outside the arena, along with Master Thalor. She opened the door and said: — Go in. And remember: the choices you make here will decide whether you continue or not. Joker was the first to step forward. Before entering, he looked at Harley and spoke quietly, only for her to hear: — If the test is bad… we endure it together.

Harley nodded. — Together. The two entered first. Astrid, Rina, Marina, Sylvara, Lirien, and Kuroe followed right behind. The door closed behind them with a heavy sound. Outside, Valeria stared at the closed door for a few seconds before murmuring: — This group… really isn't ordinary. End of Part 11 (continues in Part 12)