[Third Test: The Most Hideous Thing]
'What a strange title...? It was quite obvious in the second Trial, but what should we do now?' Ethan pondered.
[Time has come to an end!]
After this message, stone pillars with runes carved on them appeared at the corners of the main square. Electric shocks spread from them, creating an impenetrable cubic barrier around the square.
"Wait! I'm already here!"
One of the students exclaimed, running up to the main square. He wasn't the only one who was running out of time, those who were unlucky enough to be far away from the main square physically couldn't make it that far through the normal paths. They had to act like Ethan if they wanted to be on time.
Angel glanced at the student and with cold eyes said, "The rules are equal for all. Your fate has already been determined."
At the same moment, all the students who were behind the barrier were punished. Their heads exploded simultaneously, leaving no hope.
"Aaaah!!!!"
Several girls cried out in fear as they crouched down, closed their eyes, and covered their ears with their hands. So far they had managed to survive, but they would do anything to get out of this paradise academy that had become hell with the appearance of the Angels.
"Fine. Now let's get started." Angel said calmly as his eyes sparkled.
In front of most of the people, blue flashes appeared. They weren't dangerous, they were a definite indicator.
'Hmm?' Ethan raised an eyebrow, 'I didn't get it, as well as he...'
Ethan stared at Magnus, no blue flashes appeared in front of them and a few others. They soon found out what the reason was.
[You completed the First Trial seventh!]
[The first ten people to complete the First Trial do not participate in the draw!]
Then, another flash appeared in front of Angel, it was red, exuding clear threat and danger.
The red flash began to spin rapidly over the main square, gradually narrowing as if choosing who would be its victim.
Every Trial was important, for even if you passed it, your accomplishments had consequences. What mattered was how you finished the trial, how you did, and what you did in the process.
Thus, those who finished the First Trial among the last had the highest chance of being selected by the flash.
Whoooooooooosh.
The flash headed sharply downward, stopping next to a girl. She had scarlet hair and blue frightened eyes. She was short, looking cute and innocent as if she deserved to be in this situation less than anyone else.
"What's your name...?" Angel asked calmly, looking the girl up and down.
"Alisa... Alisa Lowgriever..." The girl replied uncertainly.
"What a long name for someone as useless as you." Angel snorted, radiating arrogance.
A transparent chart with ancient runes appeared in front of Angel.
His eyes narrowed as he waved his hand and said, "You finished the First Trial second to last, so no wonder the Flash chose you. However, you're just as lucky."
"Agh...?" Alisa gave him a questioning look.
"In this Trial, you are guaranteed to survive."
As soon as those words were uttered Alisa smiled, she felt relieved. The atmosphere was getting more depressing by the minute, so knowing that she would survive was a blessing.
"Well, I wouldn't smile like that if I were you. It looks pathetic." Angel frowned, then he snapped his fingers.
Suddenly, a huge head appeared out of nowhere, with purple skin, without a nose, and a creepy grin with crooked teeth sticking out. The head had three eyes, but the third one on its forehead had no pupil, it was completely empty.
"It's a Nightmare Eater." Angel said nonchalantly, pointing to the head, "This thing will decide how well you did on the trial. The fifty people with the lowest score will be eliminated."
People shuddered, there were about a thousand people in the square in total, so even though the odds were 1/20, it was still too much when it came to life and death.
"But... What should we do...?" A man in an expensive suit asked. He had a thick mustache, gray hair, and a tightly tied tie. He was one of the teachers.
Angel nodded, "Sure. However, this is not my task. You'll find out for yourselves now."
At the same moment, a message appeared in front of each person describing a Trial.
[Red Flash has chosen a Victim.]
[Do the most disgusting thing to the Victim.]
[Restrictions: 1) You can't do physical damage that will cause bleeding or break bones. 2) You can't do anything that will cause the Victim's death, either immediately or over time.]
[Each challenger will only have 10 seconds!]
Whoooooooooooooosh.
The red flash began to rotate again as a transparent barrier appeared around Alisa, causing the others to step back a few meters.
Then, a bright golden flash appeared among the crowd. Everyone was puzzled, people turned towards the source, and they saw Ethan who for some reason had been picked out by the flash.
[Ethan Mercer finished the Second Trial first using four coins, so he has an advantage. He can choose his order of participation in the Trial.]
"Well, well, I'd rather not publicize it, but it can't be helped." Ethan muttered, throwing a glance at the surprised faces of the students, then he thought for a moment.
'If I go first, I can take advantage of the first impression effect and get a high score right away. Also, I can go about tenth to see what methods are most effective and use that...' Ethan rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then he glanced at the Nightmare Eater.
Ethan nodded, "Fine, I've made my choice. I'll go last."
Magnus as well as some of the students were surprised.
"W-Why...?" Magnus muttered, "It's obvious that acting last means you can't surprise... Everyone has tried everything before you..."
Ethan just shrugged.
Angel nodded, "The choice is made. In that case, it's settled. Now, let's get started. A red flash will select a random person every ten seconds. I suggest you exit the barrier when your time is up."
Then, Angel waved his hand, and the Third Trial officially began.
The red flash immediately headed towards the first participant.
"What... Me...?"
The chubby girl with round glasses mumbled baffled, pointing to herself. She was starting to get terribly worried, she didn't think she would be so unlucky right after being lucky, after all, she was the one who finished the Second Trial last and had the most chances of being a Victim.
"Hey! Hurry up! You don't have much time! Do it if you don't want to die!" Magnus exclaimed confidently, bringing her to her senses with his powerful voice.
"Y-Yes!"