"Who did this? Speak up! Do you want to get us all killed?"
"Yeah, own up if you're responsible!"
"Please, whoever it is, just admit it! I don't want to die!"
Panic spread among the students, none of them wanting to suffer unjustly.
"I know, it was her! She spoke just now!"
A plump girl pointed at a beautiful girl beside her, her face filled with fear.
"You... How could you?"
The beautiful girl's face turned pale. She looked at her former friend in shock, unable to believe the betrayal.
"It's not my fault! I'm not dying for you. Besides, it was your mistake, and you didn't have the guts to admit it. You wanted to use ten people's lives to cover for yourself!"
The plump girl's voice grew louder and more confident.
"You vile woman, I can't believe you're this wicked!"
"Are you trying to get us all killed?"
Anger surged among the students, their eyes filled with disgust as they glared at the beautiful girl. She stood there, pale and despairing under their stares.
"Sir, it was Thomas who spoke just now! Thomas, you bastard, admit it! What are you up to?"
As the beautiful girl was accused, another boy was quickly blamed.
"Sir, it was Richard who spoke! Please believe me!"
Within minutes, six students had been pointed out.
"No... It wasn't me. I'm innocent. I didn't say anything!"
"I didn't resist at all, sir! Please, everyone, I was wrongfully accused!"
Three of the accused began to protest their innocence, pleading for mercy.
Overlooking the scene, Vegeta's face remained cold. He knew what was happening.
There were only four actual culprits. Among the six accused, three were being falsely blamed, while one true culprit remained hidden.
"Time's up."
"Unfortunately, you've only identified three of the four who spoke. Besides those falsely accused, ten random people will now take their place and be punished."
Vegeta's emotionless voice resonated, and before anyone could beg for mercy, he released energy orbs.
The orbs flew toward the three who had spoken out and also targeted others who had falsely accused or harbored malicious intent. Another orb randomly selected ten others for punishment.
As more lives were lost so easily, those who remained realized how cheap life had become. They felt relief for their survival but also anger toward those who had caused the trouble.
Vegeta watched their expressions and smirked. This demonstration wasn't just for show. He intended to instill fear and ensure obedience. After this, he knew they wouldn't dare to rebel.
The real test was whether they would direct their hatred toward him or those already dead. His position would be secure as long as the blame was misdirected.
But it wasn't over yet. Vegeta singled out the last person who had spoken but not confessed, trapping him in a beam of light.
"Since ten others have been punished in your stead, I'll let it go this time. Next time, there won't be any leniency."
The man, caught in the beam, felt his heart stop. Relieved at not being hurt, he sighed in relief. But Vegeta's words crushed any hope, leaving him feeling like he was in an icy pit.
With the crowd now aware of his identity, the man's future seemed grim. Everyone's hostility was directed at him, and he knew they blamed him for everything.
Regret filled him; perhaps admitting earlier and dying would have been a kinder fate.
"Alright, from now on, you'll be divided into three groups: Combat, Medical, and Support."
"Your department and contributions will determine your benefits. Those with talents or special abilities will receive better treatment."
"We'll establish a survival base here at the school."
Vegeta's calm voice instructed the crowd, who lowered their heads in submission.
"Mason, come forward."
At Vegeta's call, Mason hurried over, eager to please.
"You're now the chief administrator of the camp. You will manage operations, and you have the authority to deal with anyone who disobeys or rebels."
Vegeta's words startled the crowd, but no one dared oppose him. They quickly memorized Mason's face, knowing he now held power over their lives.
Some survivors looked at Mason with envy, wishing they were in his place.
"Thank you, sir. I'll handle it," Mason said, excitement gleaming in his eyes.