If both parties forfeit, they can advance to the third stage together.
This is a benefit without any drawbacks, but itâs 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 havenât 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; theyâre the frontmost group.
The rules announced by Teacher Slaughter prompted some 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?"
"Letâs see if there are any other rules below; advancing just by forfeiting seems too easy."
To the audienceâs disappointment, Teacher Slaughter did not announce any new rules.
The content that was previously mentioned constitutes the entirety of the second stage.
In truth, Teacher Slaughter was also anxious inside; he didnât personally design the programs for the second and third stagesâthe organizers had arranged them long before, and he was merely the host.
It wasnât until last night that he became aware of todayâs 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 someone of high status in the program group, he believed there must be a rationale behind it.
Remembering this, Teacher Slaughter reinstated his signature smile, looking toward the spectators: "These are the rules; I presume 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 pyramidâs 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 audienceâs focus.
However, if these two both choose to forfeit, the audienceâs 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 emerges as the winner in the end!"
He assumed an inscrutable and confident demeanor as much as possible, hoping his performance could initially stabilize the restless audience.
Some audience members indeed were deceived by his demeanor, believing the program had some hidden "big moves," thus patiently continuing to watch.
Meanwhile, 0175 and 1868 stood uneasily in place.
Several camera operators circled around them, filming from all angles, along with two upper-class photographers nearby aiming their cameras 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 momentarily dared not speak.
Teacher Slaughter watched the timer: "A minute and a half remaining, time 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 ifâitâs almost certain they will forfeit together.
Just like he said earlier, this is a benefit without any drawbacks; with such simple advancement conditions presented, any sensible person would choose this path, right?
Teacher Slaughter couldnât fathom how the scene would play out thenâwould it truly result in the first five groups advancing painlessly?
What was the purpose of designing this advancement rule?
While Teacher Slaughter was rapidly thinking, 0175 and 1868 on the lower level finally showed some activity.
It was 0175 who first broke the silence: "Letâs forfeit; we can forfeit together. Once forfeited, we can advance together!"
Saying this, he nervously glanced at the amusement equipment encompassing the spectator seats, devices he didnât wish to experience.
Forfeiting would be advantageous for them both, so naturally 1868 was also willing.
Upon hearing 0175 was the Judge, 1868âs heart sank. The Judge doesnât necessarily have to forfeit; if the Judge randomly chooses a project for him, heâd meet his end without burial, and the Judge would advance directlyânone of these projects seemed survivable.
had just been contemplating how to propose a joint forfeiture, unexpectedly to have the Judge suggest it first.
He immediately agreed willingly: "Forfeit, letâs both forfeit together, so neither of us has to participate in any projects."
However, he still worried about whether choosing to forfeit might be some sort of trap, as advancing through forfeiture seemed too easy.
Although he thought this, he didnât voice it out. He feared that expressing this concern might lead 0175 to hesitate, and should 0175 change his mind about forfeiting, heâd be forced to participate in those deadly projects.
If the Judge didnât forfeit, he surely would die; but forfeiting, even if a trap, wouldnât necessarily mean death, 1868 thought.
Their minds aligned, and within mere moments, they decided to forfeit together, hardly needing the two-minute discussion.
Teacher Slaughterâs timer 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: "Weâve decided to forfeit together."
Teacher Slaughterâs 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 advancement rule.
He tried his best to control his expression: "Then please, both contestants come up to the top of the tower."
While speaking, Teacher Slaughterâs tone was almost uncontrollable, the voice carrying a chill.
The audience below furrowed their brows as well.
"Weâve decided to forfeit together; weâre not choosing." Perhaps overwhelmed by the joy of imminent advancement, 0175 failed to notice Teacher Slaughterâs expression and tone, just standing in place waving repeatedly, assuming Teacher Slaughter didnât 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. Thereâs no such thing as making a choice together, is it difficult to understand?"
Seeing Teacher Slaughterâs displeased expression, 1868 quickly urged 0175 upward, whispering: "You need to forfeit first, then I forfeit; we canât 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 hostâs unpleasant expression, then bowed his head and hastily ascended to the top.