As the voice announced the three-minute planning period, Finn's team huddled together, their faces tense but determined. Finn broke the silence first, his voice steady.
"We're in a good position, but we can't afford to be reckless. Based on the score, the only way they can catch up is by doubling +40 or +50. We need to block +50 to limit their chances."
Lucas frowned thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. "I agree, but there's something else. In the last round, the arrow landed on -50. If Greg's theory holds true, the next spin—if done with the lever—will likely stop between +50, -40 and -30." He paused, his tone sharp. "Whoever spins first is at a serious disadvantage. There's only one section between +50 and -30 that awards points, and that's +50 itself."
Lyra's eyes widened. "So, if we block +50, we're forcing them to spin into a minefield. But what if the arrow lands on the blocked +50?"
Lucas raised a finger, signaling for silence as he directed his voice toward the speaker. "What happens if the arrow lands on a section that's blocked?"
After a brief pause, a mechanical voice responded, "If the arrow lands on a blocked section, the player will be allowed to re-spin."
Lucas's lips curled into a smirk. "Perfect. If we block +50 and they have to re-spin, the next spin will fall between +40, -50, and -40. Their odds still don't look good. But," he added, his tone growing serious, "it's absolutely critical we go second when spinning the wheel. So far, the player who places their token second is also the one to spin second. We need to win the mini-game to ensure that advantage."
Greg nodded. "Then we are counting on you Lucas."
Finn nodded in agreement.
Lyra smiled. "Go win this for us Lucas."
…
Meanwhile, on the opposing side, Team Ronald gathered to discuss their next move. Clara was visibly frustrated, her fingers tapping rapidly against the table. "We need to figure out what they're planning and counter it. They're too far ahead for us to play this safe."
Max, who had been quietly observing the wheel during the previous rounds, finally spoke up. "I've noticed something about the mechanism. I can't be sure, but it seems like the arrow tends to stop near the section it pointed to before the spin. If that's true, the next spin could end up between +50, -40 and -30, based on where it last stopped."
Ronald's eyebrows shot up. "Are you saying the wheel isn't random?"
Max nodded. "There is some randomness but It isn't completely random. I don't know if they've realized this yet, but it's clear to me. If the first spin lands on +50, that's a potential game-changer. But if it lands on a penalty section, we're toast. We need to gamble on the modifiers. Also, we need to be the first to spin."
Clara leaned forward, her expression intense. "What do you mean?"
Max thought for a moment. "For us to have a chance at victory we need to spin first and hope that the wheel would stop at the blocked +50. They have no choice but to block +50 as if we double it, they don't block it and wheel lands on it then we will make a comeback. So, once the wheel lands on the block +50, we will be forced to re-spin. Of course, We have to be the first to spin. if they block +50, we should double +40. It's risky, but it's the best shot we have at winning. Our only chance at victory depends on the re-spin and hoping they block +50. To be truthful, this is a complete gamble. "
Ronald nodded. "Then it's settled. Max, you're going in for the mini-game. You have to lose and place the 'Double' token on +40. They have no choice but to block +50, we'll force them to play defensively for the rest of the round. If everything works out and we get to re-spin and if that re-spin stops at +40 as well then our double would result in us getting +80 points and our total would be +70. We can only pray that when they spin, it stops at -50. That is the only scenario for our victory."
…
Both teams prepared themselves, their strategies carefully crafted but filled with risks. The tension in the room was palpable as the speaker's voice echoed, signaling the start of the mini-game.
"Players, please step forward for the mini-game."
Lucas and Max stepped forward, their expressions mirroring each other's intensity. The platform rose, revealing the mini-game: "Perfect Match."
The rules were simple. A grid of tiles appeared, each displaying a symbol for three seconds before flipping over. Players had to take turns flipping two tiles, trying to find matching pairs. The first player to match three pairs would win.
Lucas and Max exchanged glances, their determination evident. The tiles flipped briefly, revealing their symbols: a star, a moon, a triangle, and several others. The pattern was straightforward, giving both players a fair shot but Max knew he had to lose this game. He lost intentionally and now he has to be first to place his token and first to spin.
"Players, because this is the last round, let's make some changes." The voice announced on the speaker.
Lucas and Max were shocked.
"I don't know if you noticed but the spin of the wheel wasn't completely random. There is some randomness but the wheel tends to stop near the position it was before the spin. In the last round, let's make the wheel spin completely random." The voice announced on the speaker.
"What?! Are you serious?" Lucas asked.
"I am in favour." Max on the other hand was in favour. Even with our strategy it is a gamble. I have lost the mini-game but our plan depends upon our spin stopping on the blocked +50. Then I will spin and the wheel will stop between +40, -50, and -10. Of the three only if the wheel were to stop on +40 does my team have a chance to win. So, making it completely random might give us a better chance at winning. - Max thought to himself.
"That will not be fair for my team as we are already leading." Lucas replied.
"I know that is why I will give you a benefit. You can spin twice but if you do then you have to accept the result of the last spin even if the result of your first spin was better." The voice replied to the speaker.
"I refuse. My team is already leading and has the advantage. I can't leave this to chance." Lucas replied.
"I see. But I have decided to make some changes anyway." The voice replied to the speaker.
"What?! Hey, this is against the rules." Lucas replied.
"I am the law here. I decide what goes. You should have accepted my proposal. Now, you won't get a second spin." The voice replied to the speaker.
"We will report you to the Hunter association." Finn replied. He was angry as well.
"That's right." Lyra joined.
"As they are saying, us four will report you." Greg said. This was the first time during the exam that he was angry.
"You can do that after the game. But let me tell you, no one will do anything. If you want to be Hunters then this change in the game shouldn't affect anything." The voice replied to the speaker.
This bastard!!! Yes, if we have Nen abilities that could help us then this change shouldn't affect anything but even I don't have a Nen ability yet. - Lucas thought.
"Well here are the changes. First, the wheel will be made completely random. Second, both of you can use all the tokens with Max placing his first then Lucas placing the next and alternate until you both have used all 3 tokens. Lastly, you can either play a game to decide who will spin first or randomly do that. The choice is yours." The voice replied to the speaker.
Fuck! Changes like this in the last round? He has spoiled the strategy that we planned. - Lucas said to himself.