Chương 89: The Third Day of Tests – Part 12

The arena door closed behind them with a heavy, final sound. The space inside was large but simple. A wide stone hall with several closed doors around the edges and an elevated platform in the center. In the middle of the platform was a wooden table with several items on top: keys, bottles, scrolls, and a small sphere of light floating above it. As soon as everyone entered, a voice echoed through the arena (the same one belonging to Master Thalor): — Welcome to the third and final test of the day.

A magical projection appeared in the air, showing a small city being invaded by creatures. The images were realistic enough to cause discomfort. The voice continued: — This city has approximately 800 inhabitants. In less than 30 minutes, it will be completely destroyed. You have limited resources and limited time. Your choices will determine how many people manage to survive.

The projection changed, showing several situations at the same time: - A group of 40 children taking shelter in a building that is about to collapse. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. - A group of 12 healers and doctors who could save hundreds of the wounded, but are trapped in a burning building. - A group of 5 leaders and strategists important for the future reconstruction of the region.

- Around 300 ordinary civilians trying to escape, but trapped on a bridge that is collapsing. - A small group of soldiers who could hold the creatures back for longer, but are outnumbered. The voice echoed again, now more serious: — You have only 15 minutes to decide. You may use the items on the table to help in some of the situations. However, you will not be able to save everyone. Choose wisely. The time starts now.

As soon as the voice finished, a magical timer appeared floating in the air, already counting down from 14: 59. The group remained silent for a few seconds, absorbing the situation. Harley was the first to speak, her voice low and tense: — … Are they kidding? Fifteen minutes to decide who lives and who dies? Joker kept staring at the projection, with a more serious expression than usual. After a few seconds, he spoke: — It's not about who we like more. It's about who can save more lives in the end.

Astrid crossed her arms, clearly uncomfortable. — So we're going to have to choose between saving the children or the healers? Because saving both at the same time seems impossible. Rina wagged her tails nervously. — And the 300 civilians on the bridge? Are we just going to let them die? Marina looked at the table in the center and commented: — The items must be useful for something. Maybe we can use them to buy more time in one of the situations.

Sylvara was quiet, staring at the projection of the refugee children. Her face was more tense than usual. Lirien, beside her, spoke in her hoarse voice: — This isn't fair… No matter what we choose, a lot of people are going to die. Kuroe, who was a little farther away, spoke quietly: — That's exactly what they want to test. Our ability to make difficult decisions without panicking or hesitating too much.

Joker looked at all of them and spoke in a calm but firm voice: — We don't have time to argue about what's morally right. We have 15 minutes. Let's think about what we can actually do. Harley looked at him for a second, then nodded. — Right. Let's take it step by step. What can we save with the items on the table? The group approached the table and began examining the objects. The timer continued counting down. 14: 12… 14: 11… 14: 10… The weight of the decision was already in the air.

And they hadn't even started choosing for real yet. End of Part 12 (continues in Part 13)