"1118, you know the rules. If you want to succeed 1003 as the executor of the second group, you must complete two projects chosen by the Judge. Are you sure you want to replace 1003?"
On the tip of the tower, Gu Mian and Teacher Slaughter faced each other.
stood not far from the two, watching Gu Mian with a gloomy expression. He had thought his advancement was a done deal, but unexpectedly, 1118 emerged on the scene.
Of course, he knew this person. This person was first in votes and popularity in the first phase, while he was near the bottom.
Aboard the cruise, he envied the big room and gourmet food 1118 enjoyed and had imagined what it would be like if he became first.
Unexpectedly, the second phase began with a reversal. The new voting placed him at the top, while 1118, previously first, was moved to last place.
Though 1118 had done nothing to offend him, he inexplicably felt a sense of revenge, as if he had finally avenged a great grudge.
"You used to be first, flaunting your superiority before me. But now the roles have reversed; my ranking is higher than yours, and you can only eat dust below" - he often thought to himself after the second phase started.
Yet he hadnât expected the arrogant 1118 would jump out at this moment, becoming his obstacle.
On the stage, Gu Mian took two steps forward, trying to get closer to the nine-square grid at the center of the tower tip: "I am sure I want to become 1003âs successor."
While speaking, Gu Mian secretly paid attention to the ground beneath him. The nine-square grid had risen from below, so there must be some kind of opening mechanism on this tower tip, generally weaker than other places.
He quickly found a straight seam on the floor below, which should be the opening position where the nine-square grid would rise. The principle is like an elevator door; when something needs to rise from below, the two doors move aside, revealing the inside of the pyramid.
Starting to saw from this seam, Gu Mian thought to himself.
"It seems our 1118 is really brave, perhaps his courage swelled after winning first place in the first phase. Even though the two previous heroes died tragically, 1118 still steps on stage with beautiful illusions, believing he can successfully clear two projects, truly touching," Teacher Slaughter sneered at Gu Mian during the hosting.
Even Teacher Slaughter himself didnât know why, but seeing 1118 made him quite displeased.
However, thinking about soon watching 1118âs tragic death, he happily looked at 1766: "Today, 1118 is confirmed as the successor, so itâs your turn to select the projects for him, choosing two of course. Ideally, choose projects everyone can watch."
He wanted to witness 1118âs death personally. Although the previous Ferris wheel was interesting, the process couldnât be seen, somewhat reducing the audienceâs enjoyment.
Gu Mian was quite popular among the Upper Class People and was the first in the second phase to replace the deceased executor, so the audience below cheered merrily.
They thought 1118 was off the stage, unexpectedly he jumped into the snare himself, how could this not make them delighted.
Unlike the audience, Judge 1766 gritted his teeth at Gu Mian; theoretically, the probability of the executor successfully clearing two consecutive projects is extremely small, so he didnât need to worry at all.
But 1766 was still uneasy. 1118 was the first in the previous phase; he couldnât underestimate the opponent.
His gaze wandered constantly in the venue, seemingly considering which projects could ensure a complete death.
After hesitating for a long time, he finally made a decision.
"I choose the roller coaster, twice." Previous experiences indeed proved useful; 1766 decided not to test projects that hadnât been tried, but chose ones with a history of brutal death.
Two roller coaster rides, aiming to ensure the executor dies thoroughly.
The audience seats resound with "boo" sounds, seemingly dissatisfied with his choice.
Everyone wanted to see new stories, not programs already performed before.
"I want him to sit in the seat model 0175 sat in." Finally, 1766 added, thinking it would guarantee 1118âs death.
This point counts as his extra requirement, making 1766âs voice somewhat guilty when stating it, glancing at Teacher Slaughter beside the nine-square grid, afraid he might find him meddlesome.
Although not liking 1766âs verbosity, Teacher Slaughter was, of course, pleased to trip up 1118.
"Of course, of course, you have the right to choose a seat for 1118," Teacher Slaughter said to 1766 before squinting to look at Gu Mian.
He wanted to take another good look at 1118. Once 1118 died, he wouldnât get another chance to see such a lively version of him.
"So, 1118," Teacher Slaughter subconsciously wanted to chat more, mock him a bit more, unsure why 1118 attracted him so, "Do you have any words to inspire yourself?"
"After all, this could be your last chance to speak in your lifetime, you must make the most of it."
Teacher Slaughterâs malicious intent almost overflowed, blatantly indicating that Gu Mian was on a one-way trip.
He wanted to see Gu Mian flustered, frightened.
The audience wanted the same, the camera drone thoroughly understood the audienceâs desires, buzzing around Gu Mian, capturing every angle.
Two photographers from the Upper Class People not far away carried cameras, also aiming lenses at Gu Mian to capture the most candid reaction.
But Gu Mianâs demeanor did not match everyoneâs expectation; he kept his head down, staring at the ground, seemingly watching something.
Despite being spoken to, he ignored it, focused intently on the floor.
"What are you doing?" Teacher Slaughter asked unhappily.
"I am hoping this stage would be a tofu-dreg project."
What?
Teacher Slaughter felt he must have misheard, not understanding why 1118 would inexplicably say such a thing.
As he doubted his ears, the person in front suddenly raised his head, leaning in: "I feel very sad because you donât remember me anymore. I thought the previous two meetings already left a deep impression on you."
Teacher Slaughter hurriedly stepped back a few steps, lest the suddenly approaching lower-class individual clings to him.
Retreating, he angrily spoke: "What nonsense are you talking about, youâre just a lower-class person, meeting me? Twice? I think youâre brainsick!"
Around them gathered many camera drones; these drones now converged like gossiping ladies at the village entrance, unwilling to miss any information.
The audience was also intrigued, craning their necks to watch the duo.
Seeing Gu Mianâs words draw everyoneâs attention, Teacher Slaughter promptly calmed himself to clarify: "Poor 1118, probably driven mad wanting to become Upper Class, incapable of distinguishing dream from reality."