Evening descended over Eternal Bond headquarters as the final eight candidates prepared for trials. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows through the observation room windows. Everyone was exhausted—twelve hours of watching young people face potential death had drained even the most hardened observers.
But eight candidates remained. Eight families still hoped. And Rama refused to let Hendra's public insult distract from what mattered.
Sekar returned from the gate confrontation looking murderous. Her hands were shaking—not from fear, but from barely contained rage. Rama met her at the observation room entrance, pulling her aside before she could address the assembled staff.
"He called you dead weight," she said quietly, voice trembling. "E-rank incompetent. Publicly. On camera. In front of twenty reporters."
"I know. I watched."
"Aren't you angry?"
