If both parties forfeit, they can advance to the third stage together.
This is a benefit without any drawbacks, but it’s only beneficial for those in the front groups; the contestants at the back can only watch as the ones ahead advance.
When the number of advancing contestants in the front reaches ten, those who haven’t yet had their turn can pack up and leave.
Thinking of the contestants at the bottom of the pyramid all looking upward with hungry eyes, their expressions rife with jealousy or dissatisfaction.
and 1868, closest to the pinnacle of the pyramid, seem dazed, unable to believe such a good opportunity has fallen upon them; they’re the frontmost group.
The rules announced by Teacher Slaughter prompted so dissatisfaction from the upper-class spectators, who hissed, not understanding why there would be a rule enabling the lower-class to advance so easily.
"What trick is the host up to?"
"If everyone in the first five groups chooses to forfeit, does the second stage end just like that?"
"Let’s see if there are any other rules below; advancing just by forfeiting seems too easy."
To the audience’s disappointnt, Teacher Slaughter did not announce any new rules.
The content that was previously ntioned constitutes the entirety of the second stage.
In truth, Teacher Slaughter was also anxious inside; he didn’t personally design the programs for the second and third stages—the organizers had arranged them long before, and he was rely the host.
It wasn’t until last night that he beca aware of today’s program content.
Even upon seeing that forfeiting allows another person in the group to advance directly, he was baffled.
But having heard that this rule was designed by soone of high status in the program group, he believed there must be a rationale behind it.
Rembering this, Teacher Slaughter reinstated his signature smile, looking toward the spectators: "These are the rules; I presu everyone is already eager to watch the content ahead."
A wave of complaints surged from the audience seats, with Teacher Slaughter feigning deafness, swiftly shifting the topic to the two upcoming contestants.
"0175, 1868, your group is the first to take the stage according to the rankings." Teacher Slaughter stood at the pinnacle, looking down at the two lower-class individuals not far below.
The position of these two was closest to the pyramid’s peak, allowing Teacher Slaughter to see them without straining: "Based on the sequence of previous voting and drawing, 0175 is first on stage, and 1868 is second, therefore 0175 is the Judge, and 1868 is the Executor."
Despite the continuous complaints from the audience seats, Teacher Slaughter sped up his speech, hoping to quickly move toward the project phase involving the two contestants, thus redirecting the audience’s focus.
However, if these two both choose to forfeit, the audience’s anger will surely escalate further.
And the likelihood of this happening is quite high.
Concerned about this possible future, Teacher Slaughter found himself sweating.
Yet, he withheld expressing his inner worries, instead cheerfully looking at the two contestants: "Now, you have two minutes to discuss and make a decision within two minutes, then ascend to the peak to decide your fates."
Teacher Slaughter pointed to the nine-grid standing behind him: "Choose the most joyous and exciting project for the other party and see who erges as the winner in the end!"
He assud an inscrutable and confident deanor as much as possible, hoping his performance could initially stabilize the restless audience.
So audience mbers indeed were deceived by his deanor, believing the program had so hidden "big moves," thus patiently continuing to watch.
anwhile, 0175 and 1868 stood uneasily in place.
Several cara operators circled around them, filming from all angles, along with two upper-class photographers nearby aiming their caras at them.
Every action and word of the two was projected onto that giant encircling screen, with everyone watching them.
Having never received such attention before, they montarily dared not speak.
Teacher Slaughter watched the tir: "A minute and a half remaining, ti to hurry."
His anxiety was no less than that of the two contestants; what if these two do indeed forfeit together to advance...no, not if—it’s almost certain they will forfeit together.
Just like he said earlier, this is a benefit without any drawbacks; with such simple advancent conditions presented, any sensible person would choose this path, right?
Teacher Slaughter couldn’t fathom how the scene would play out then—would it truly result in the first five groups advancing painlessly?
What was the purpose of designing this advancent rule?
While Teacher Slaughter was rapidly thinking, 0175 and 1868 on the lower level finally showed so activity.
It was 0175 who first broke the silence: "Let’s forfeit; we can forfeit together. Once forfeited, we can advance together!"
Saying this, he nervously glanced at the amusent equipnt encompassing the spectator seats, devices he didn’t wish to experience.
Forfeiting would be advantageous for them both, so naturally 1868 was also willing.
Upon hearing 0175 was the Judge, 1868’s heart sank. The Judge doesn’t necessarily have to forfeit; if the Judge randomly chooses a project for him, he’d et his end without burial, and the Judge would advance directly—none of these projects seed survivable.
had just been contemplating how to propose a joint forfeiture, unexpectedly to have the Judge suggest it first.
He imdiately agreed willingly: "Forfeit, let’s both forfeit together, so neither of us has to participate in any projects."
However, he still worried about whether choosing to forfeit might be so sort of trap, as advancing through forfeiture seed too easy.
Although he thought this, he didn’t voice it out. He feared that expressing this concern might lead 0175 to hesitate, and should 0175 change his mind about forfeiting, he’d be forced to participate in those deadly projects.
If the Judge didn’t forfeit, he surely would die; but forfeiting, even if a trap, wouldn’t necessarily an death, 1868 thought.
Their minds aligned, and within re monts, they decided to forfeit together, hardly needing the two-minute discussion.
Teacher Slaughter’s tir still had over a minute left, yet the two contestants had already made their decision, together looking up at Teacher Slaughter standing at the top: "We’ve decided to forfeit together."
Teacher Slaughter’s face darkened slightly; he had been attentively observing them, listening to their conversation.
Upon hearing their unanimous forfeiture decision, Teacher Slaughter was once again perplexed by the person who designed this advancent rule.
He tried his best to control his expression: "Then please, both contestants co up to the top of the tower."
While speaking, Teacher Slaughter’s tone was almost uncontrollable, the voice carrying a chill.
The audience below furrowed their brows as well.
"We’ve decided to forfeit together; we’re not choosing." Perhaps overwheld by the joy of imminent advancent, 0175 failed to notice Teacher Slaughter’s expression and tone, just standing in place waving repeatedly, assuming Teacher Slaughter didn’t understand his choice.
Teacher Slaughter, reaching his limit, snapped: "Follow the procedure; you need to ascend to the top, stand on both sides, and then the Judge makes a choice first, followed by the other one. There’s no such thing as making a choice together, is it difficult to understand?"
Seeing Teacher Slaughter’s displeased expression, 1868 quickly urged 0175 upward, whispering: "You need to forfeit first, then I forfeit; we can’t make the choice together."
also realized he had joyously drifted earlier; in his eagerness to forfeit and advance, he forgot the rules previously stated by the host.
He stole a glance at Teacher Slaughter, noticing the host’s unpleasant expression, then bowed his head and hastily ascended to the top.
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