Chapter 327
Bribe
"In most academies — especially ones like ours — a Student Council exists to maintain order among students, to mediate disputes, to uphold the institution's rules and values, to coordinate major events, and to act as a bridge between faculty and students. In more… combative academies, they also represent strength, stability, and leadership. They are supposed to embody discipline, judgment, and the ability to protect the academy's interests."
His eyes locked with hers.
"None of those priorities include slaughtering your fellow students."
!!!
Natsuki tilted her head slightly to the side, her long black hair shifting faintly over her shoulder. She didn't interrupt. She didn't question him immediately. She simply watched.
IAM nodded once and continued.
"First of all, let's recap the exact explanation from the woman. Number one: death in the path formation means automatic failure. Number two: we are allowed to kill each other… in the illusion. Number three: there are five black flags placed around the illusion. Number four: our actions will be judged by the current Student Council members. Number five: we will be facing a variety of deadline creatures — some even at the experienced level… along with a 'surprise.'"
He paused briefly.
Natsuki gave a small nod, signaling she was following.
IAM continued, and there was something almost academic about him now—like a scholar presenting a thesis rather than a student standing in a forest.
"The first thing I focused on was her choice of words. We are 'allowed'to kill one another. At first glance, that seems straightforward. There's nothing special. But when you bring your attention back to the first rule — death equals elimination —things becomes strange."
He gestured lightly with one hand.
"If the purpose of this trial was to kill each other, then what exactly would be the end condition? Does it end when a certain number die? When only a handful remain? When there's one person left standing?"
His gaze deepened.
"And if that were the case… what would the trial actually be evaluating?"
He didn't wait for her to answer.
"We're supposed to be candidates for the Student Council. They're not looking for the person who can butcher their peers the fastest. Strength is important—yes. But strength without control, without judgment, without restraint? That's useless. Worse than useless. It tells them nothing meaningful about who you are."
He shook his head slightly.
"So I ruled that possibility out."
A faint intensity entered his voice.
"That's when I looked at the only other things we can kill... The deadline creatures."
Natsuki remained motionless atop the boulder, sword resting across her lap, her eyes fixed on him without wavering.
"It was there that I had an epiphany," IAM continued. "I stopped looking at this as a 'trial' and started looking at the situation itself. Thirty-three students are placed in a forest filled with deadline creatures. They are in an unknown environment, facing real danger. All of them come from the same academy. All of them are ascenders."
He spread his hands slightly.
"In a real scenario—not an illusion—what would we do?"
His voice lowered.
"We would eliminate the deadline creatures... Not each other... This is an obligation of any ascender... Against the enemy of mankind!"
"…"
In a realistic situation, we would be working together to eliminate all of the deadline creatures. The black flags are likely objectives we're meant to secure along the way. Any student who attacks another would be treated as a liability and removed. That would make sense for a council trial."
He took a slow breath before continuing.
"Yes, we can go about this by killing each other while fighting the creatures. But if we do that… almost no one will pass. Think about it. She mentioned a 'surprise.' Most likely a powerful creature — something beyond experienced level. There's no way a single student takes that down alone. The crux of this trial is recognizing that point and uniting everyone against a common enemy. That's why I don't think there's a single pass objective. We could figure it out too late. Or not have enough strength left. Or fail because too many refuse to cooperate. But if we understand this early and act on it… most of us can pass."
There was a moment of silence.
Then—
"I see…"
"…."
"…."
"Is that it?"
"What do you want from me?"
IAM recovered quickly.
"I understand what needs to be done. The issue is putting it into fruition. Right now, I lack something essential — strength in numbers. It's easier to convince others when you're standing with a group rather than alone. If I have you, Henry, Reuel, Yohan, Zara… that's already six of us. That's enough to create momentum. If we move quickly before everyone thins themselves out, we'll be better equipped against the deadline creatures."
He held her gaze steadily.
"So I'm asking you to join me. I believe we can pass this trial if we follow this approach."
Silence answered him once more.
Natsuki did not look dismissive. She did not look impressed. She simply seemed to be dissecting his words, turning them over carefully in her mind.
Time passed.
And time mattered. With each minute, another student could fall — whether to a creature or to another participant. The fewer that remained, the harder his plan would become to execute.
"If you don't trust me," IAM added, sensing the narrowing window, "I have something I can give you to show my sincerity."
Instead of responding to that, she spoke unexpectedly.
"You seem different."
IAM blinked.
"Your eyes," she continued quietly. "They aren't as empty as before. There's something in them now. But… what has filled them is unpleasant."
His eyes narrowed faintly.
Was she somehow sensing what was left of Dushlok? The killing intent that had followed him back like a shadow he could not fully discard?
"I—"
"There's no need to explain," she interrupted gently. "I understand."
With that, she rose from the boulder and descended lightly, landing in front of him with grace.
She gave a small nod.
"What do we do now?"
Her gaze shifted slightly.
"And what is this 'something' you have for me?"