The afternoon trials began two hours after the morning session's grim conclusion. Three deaths, six new Champions, and one saboteur restrained in security holding. Eighteen candidates remained, their fates uncertain.
Sekar had called a brief recess. Families needed time to process the morning's horrors—watching Siti die from System rejection, then Sari and Gita murdered by mental attacks. The observation room still echoed with grief. Siti's mother had been sedated. Sari's mother was inconsolable. Gita's family had withdrawn entirely, unable to watch anymore.
But eighteen candidates still waited. Eighteen families still hoped. And the void war would arrive in thirty-two days regardless of grief or fear.
The trials had to continue.
Rama stood in the trial preparation area, addressing the remaining candidates personally. They deserved to know what happened. Deserved to understand the danger wasn't just System rejection—it was sabotage.
