The quiz continued with mounting intensity. Every class, every participant, knew that the next question could determine their fate in this new world. Tension enveloped the arena as Veranis announced the third question.
"Who is the author of 'The Art of War'?" he asked, his voice echoing throughout the arena.
Lucas from the hotel accommodation class immediately pressed the buzzer. "Sun Tzu!" he answered firmly.
Veranis beamed. "Absolutely correct, Lucas! Congratulations! Now, please choose your territory. You may discuss it with your teammates first, but you only have five minutes as the third respondent."
"I will discuss it," Lucas replied confidently.
"Jeez, everyone's discussing it first. Don't they have the guts to make a decision on their own?" Irvan mused, still smiling as he watched Lucas prepare to select his territory.
After conferring with his classmates, Lucas stepped forward with confidence. He gazed at the large map displaying continents and islands, each choice before him. After a moment of contemplation, he selected a region in the central continent—the same one Irvan had chosen—marking his territory to the west, leaving a buffer of land between his class and the Woodcarving class. A strategic choice, maintaining balance and avoiding direct proximity to the "mad hyenas" (as the Woodcarving students were known).
Veranis announced Lucas's choice loudly. "The central but somewhat western region in the central continent now belongs to the hotel accommodation class. Congratulations!"
Cheers erupted from Lucas's holographic supporters, reverberating through the arena.
Now it was Anna's turn, the last to choose, from the Culinary Arts class. She stepped forward, her eyes filled with determination and courage. Veranis gave Anna the opportunity to choose the final territory for her class.
"Please, Anna, as the last selector, you do not have the chance to discuss this with your friends," Veranis said gently.
Anna studied the map meticulously. She knew that each choice had consequences, and she had to make the right decision for her class. After a brief moment of reflection, she chose the far western side of the central continent, directly adjacent to the hotel accommodation class's territory.
"The far western region of the central continent now belongs to the Culinary Arts class. Congratulations, Anna!" Veranis announced enthusiastically.
Cheers filled the arena once more, this time from Anna's holographic supporters celebrating her success. All classes now had their territories.
"Alright, you have all chosen your respective territories," Veranis continued, looking at the participants with a joyful smile. "Now it's time to plan what your nations will look like."
A resounding cheer from the holographic audience echoed through the arena. Applause and cheers encouraged the participants who had fought hard to secure their territories.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a round of applause to these champions," Veranis called out, urging the audience to show their appreciation.
The arena erupted again with applause and jubilant cheers. The participants had secured their territories, and now it was time to embark on the greater journey of building their nations.
As the applause subsided, the participants began to return to their respective lifts with their companions. Mixed emotions filled their hearts—excitement, tension, and anticipation for the challenges ahead.
Irvan walked back to the lift with his head held high. Inside the lift, he saw his reflection in the polished walls, feeling a swell of pride for what he had achieved for his class. Yet, he knew the real task was only just beginning.