The entire group is in chaos; no one understands the meaning of the trial, and things only seem to be getting worse. Geal and Bredgy, along with the other aspirants, continue enduring the test, struggling under the massive blocks weighing them down. They persist as best they can, despite not fully grasping what is happening. Korkus clears his throat.
"One hour remains before the trial ends. From now on, we're going to raise the stakes a little," he announces.
Confused and immobilized, the aspirants have no choice but to follow orders.
"From this point forward, you'll endure the trial with a thirty-kilogram block on your back. You won't be free of it until you discover the correct answer," Korkus declares.
"I can't move! Not even a finger!"
"Ghh—! It's too much pressure."
Geal and Bredgy voice their struggles, respectively.
"From now on, anyone who wants to quit may do so. Just say, 'I give up' out loud," Korkus clarifies, mimicking the gesture.
Some participants begin to do just that, their faces filled with despair as one after another surrenders. Their determination is shattered.
"I-I give up! This trial isn't for me..."
"Trial of Strength? Nonsense! I'm out."
"Don't give up! Keep fighting!"
These are some of the comments that ripple through the group. As soon as someone says they want to give up, their block and shackles vanish, as if by magic, and they are freed.
"Alright, those of you who've surrendered may leave. Try again next year," Korkus concludes, gesturing for those who gave up to exit.
The defeated participants leave the temple amidst murmurs.
Though she is tempted to do the same, Geal remains focused. She refuses to give in, tears beginning to stream down her face. The pain is overwhelming, but she endures.
"I-It hurts so much..." she says through clenched teeth, tightening her fist with effort. "But... I've made it this far! I'll pass this trial no matter what! I'm going to be the Chosen One…!"
Outside the palace, Uruta perches nervously on a tree branch, watching the palace from afar.
"It's been so long since the trial started. I have no idea what's happening in there. But whatever it is, Geal, please, don't give up!" the bird thinks, trying to encourage her in spirit.
*
Time passes, and more aspirants surrender, one after another. Only about twelve or thirteen participants remain, including our heroines.
"Five minutes remain until the trial ends," Korkus announces with a smile. "I can see that some of you have already found the answer."
Despite everything, Geal presses on, though Bredgy begins weighing her options.
"Should I give up…? The trial is too hard; it would be reasonable to quit now. After all, I'm only doing this to complete my mission..." she ponders, uncertain.
"But if I do, Geal will be disappointed..." She shakes her head, dismissing the thought as she has every time it arises. "What am I saying…? If Geal says she knows the answer, I'll trust her and hold on. I must endure... for Mr. Dubh..."
By this point, Geal begins shouting aloud, drawing everyone's attention.
"I won't give up...!" she exclaims, clenching her fist, commanding the focus of the room. "Even if my arms or legs stop working! I promised Mr. Magnius I would face him, and I have to keep that promise!"
"I will become the new Chosen One!!!" she screams with utmost determination, her face solemn and her tears still flowing, her limbs already changing color from the strain.
Every second feels like an hour. No one has yet uttered an answer, but none are willing to give up. Not now, not when they've come this far. Just one final push!
"Time!" Korkus calls out, clapping his hands twice.
The Master of the Trial raises his arm, and instantly, the shackles and blocks vanish. Geal, Bredgy, and the remaining participants are freed, but none of them can stand due to exhaustion. They have been in the same position for too long, and some have already fainted.
"The trial is over," Korkus declares.
With great effort, Geal props herself up on her elbows and knees, lying face down as she breathes heavily, soaking the floor with her sweat. She cannot even speak.
"Did we... fail?" Bredgy wonders.
The punk girl punches the ground in her usual defeated manner. However, Korkus begins walking toward our heroines. Bredgy looks up at him with a mix of wariness and curiosity.
"Aspirants..." Korkus begins.
"Huh?" murmurs Bredgy.
"Congratulations... you passed the trial!" the Master announces, smiling.
Everyone's eyes widen in shock as they look at one another, trying to confirm what they just heard.
"Whaaat?!"
"All of you have the correct answer. You are worthy of challenging the Chosen One!" Korkus beams.
With difficulty, Bredgy gets to her feet, clearly just as confused as everyone else.
"Really?" Geal asks, a bit more animated but still unable to stand.
"But... why?" Bredgy questions.
"People believe the Chosen One's strength lies in their muscles or their powers. But that's not true...!" Korkus explains, his hands clasped behind his back.
Everyone listens intently.
"The strength that allows people to persist despite adversity is willpower!" the Master clarifies. "With it, we can overcome any obstacle and hold onto hope for the future. Willpower can even conquer emotions—you felt like giving up, but you didn't! Those who surrendered during this trial lacked this virtue. Their muscles may have been strong, but their wills were not. They didn't have what it takes. But you did! Somehow, you believed in yourselves until the end, and here you are. That is the greatest strength any Chosen One must possess, yes indeed!"
With his staff, the old man conjures glowing badges in midair. They float to each of the successful participants, who catch them in their hands. It is the shiniest medal Geal has ever received, and she looks at it with a mix of pride and astonishment.
"Take your badges; you've earned them!" Korkus proclaims.
"Bredgy! We passed! We passed! Yes!" Geal tries to stand, grinning from ear to ear.
"We've got all three badges now. We did it, Geal," Bredgy says, her spirits lifted—a rare sight.
Looking at her badge, Bredgy blushes. She begins to drift into one of her introspective moments.
"I can't explain why, but I feel happy when Geal accomplishes something... It's like she's a real friend." She stares at her badge, though her expression soon turns melancholic. "I wish I could keep traveling with her for much longer..."
"BWAAAAAHHHH...!"
Geal suddenly lets out a loud cry, drawing everyone's attention. Bredgy and the others turn to look at her.
"Hey, Geal, what's wro—?" Bredgy starts, but her words trail off when she sees.
Geal's face is completely red as a yellow puddle forms beneath her. She doesn't know where to look and is utterly mortified.
"Whaaat...?"
"S-S-Sorry! I couldn't hold it any longer..." Geal wails.
"Hey! How dare you defile this sacred place, young lady?!" Korkus scolds.
"I'm sorry...! I've been holding it in all day. I didn't want to, but I stood up, and it just came out! I... I'm so sorry!" Geal stammers, tears streaming as her expression grows increasingly ridiculous.
"What a disgrace! You won't leave until this temple is spotless!" Korkus orders, clearly annoyed.
With a wave of his staff, Korkus conjures a mop and a bucket filled with soapy water. He makes them levitate in front of Geal, who is still in disbelief.
"Sir Korkus, please forgive her! We traveled from far away, and there were no restrooms along the way—" Bredgy interjects, attempting to salvage the situation.
"Oh! So you're her friend, are you?" Korkus conjures additional cleaning supplies and hands them to Bredgy. "Perfect. You'll help her."
"Wh-What?! But—!" Bredgy protests, reluctantly taking the mop and bucket.
"If you want to leave, you'll have to clean the entire hall!" the Master insists.
"The entiiire...?"
Geal and Bredgy look around, finally realizing just how massive the hall is. Both girls let out a groan so loud it echoes outside. Meanwhile, Uruta sleeps peacefully, curled up on a branch. He's so lost in his dreams that he remains completely unaware of the chaos.
Thus, our brave heroines take on a fourth Chosen One's Trial, one that apparently unlocks only if you wet yourself—something that, well, not everyone has had the privilege of discovering.