This was an unknown space.
Three hundred students from Chicago University appeared simultaneously. The entire area was shrouded in mist, with nothing but flat ground beneath their feet. Everything else was a blank canvas.
The freshmen looked around with curiosity, while the teachers, leaders, and other figures remained calm, unfazed by the strange setting.
"Everyone, please stay put and wait patiently," said Teacher Adore.
The students quieted down and waited.
Moments later, the mist cleared, revealing that they weren't alone. Countless other people appeared—groups from other schools.
Unlike Chicago University, most groups didn't arrive in full numbers. Interestingly, their neighboring group was from Sanford University.
The elderly man in front, likely the president of Sanford, smiled and nodded politely. Yet, among his group, several teachers and students looked over with eyes burning with fighting spirit.
Suddenly, every freshman received a prompt in their left eye:
[Each team, please select ten participating members within 60 seconds to stand in the red zone.]
The selected participants had already been decided. Upon seeing the prompt, Leo, Ben, and others stepped forward and entered the red zone.
Ben noticed a young man with a crew cut staring intensely at Leo. It wasn't a hostile look—more like a determined gaze.
"That's Conrad from Sanford University," said Joe Root in a low voice. "He has the Lava Fruit ability. Very strong. The university is grooming him as a top contender. I heard he's always seen Leo as a rival."
Ben then recalled that Conrad was from Chicago, same as Leo and him.
The 60 seconds passed quickly.
A holographic screen materialized in front of the ten selected participants. The school had prepped them for this, so no one was surprised.
The screen began scanning and registering their details before flashing a prompt:
[Please decide your team captain!]
Although Leo was expected to be the captain, the group had already discussed this. Without dispute, everyone tapped Ben's avatar to confirm his leadership.
From the sidelines, important figures watched with surprise. The fact that Chicago University didn't choose Leo, the top freshman, as captain was unexpected.
Even President Henry looked astonished. Could Ben, the son of the Mark family, possess some hidden strength?
[Captain confirmed: Ben]
[Challenge Mode Selection: Survival, Hunting, Escape…]
[All team members, please draw lots.]
As captain, Ben was the first to draw. He clicked a red balloon on the screen. It burst, revealing:
Hunting Mode!
Everyone smiled in relief. Hunting Mode was the easiest—just defeat everything in your path.
Leo drew next, clicking a balloon near the edge. Her result?
Survival Mode. Not ideal, but still manageable.
Then came Gaius, the muscle queen. Her balloon burst with four terrifying words:
Escape Mode.
Panic spread.
"Just one. It's fine," someone tried to console her.
But tension hung thick in the air.
"There's only 60 seconds total," Ben reminded. "We need to move."
Joe Root stepped forward and drew Hunting Mode.
But luck turned sour again—Escape Mode popped up repeatedly for the next few participants.
By the end, the tally was shocking:
Five votes for Escape Mode.
This was the worst-case scenario.
Watching from behind, the VIPs reacted with visible concern. Disappointment, anxiety, frustration—emotions flared.
"How could this happen?"
"Escape Mode is the most dangerous! It seals their powers!"
"Leo loses her edge completely…"
"Someone dies every time this mode appears!"
"Are we going to lose the spot we worked so hard to earn?"
"Forget that! Just hope nothing happens to Leo. She's part of an important plan!"
The faculty of Chicago University, including Teachers Adore and William, looked deeply worried.
Meanwhile, Sanford University was overjoyed—they drew four Hunting, four Survival, and only two Escape. This gave them options.
"We're definitely winning this round!" came the confident murmur from their team.
Back with Chicago University:
"What do we do?" Gaius asked anxiously.
"It's my fault," said Rickleton. "My bad luck drew Escape Mode."
"Mine too."
"Same here…"
"Ben, Leo, we're dragging you down."
Leo said nothing, turning her eyes toward Ben, who still wore a calm smile.
"It's fine," he said. "Escape Mode has its own merits. Though risky, we can earn points faster together."
Suddenly, a voice came from behind.
"Ben, as captain, if you pass the first stage, withdraw from the competition—understand?" It was the university president.
He clearly wanted to protect Leo.
Chairman Henry nodded. "Exactly. Don't take unnecessary risks."
In Escape Mode, you could exit after the first stage. You just had to "sacrifice" three teammates.
"I understand," Ben replied simply, though he didn't mean to follow that path.
He actually wanted Escape Mode.
Why?
Because William had previously told him enough about its rules that he felt confident. Here, he could hide his true strength better.
[Your mode is: Escape Mode. Prepare to begin…]
The holographic screen vanished. A massive door appeared, leading to a building similar to a cinema with a large viewing screen and rows of seats.
This was the Escape Mode's viewing hall.
Each mode had a different viewing area. Hunting Mode was displayed in an arena, while Escape Mode was shown like a suspense movie.
Spectators quickly filed in and took their seats.
Ben and the others were led to a door beside the main hall.
Their mission?
Escape the room.
Yes. Escape Mode was like a deadly escape room. Traps, mechanisms, countdowns—fail, and you die.
History showed that many teams were wiped out in the first stage.
Joe Root, Gaius, and others looked pale.
"If we can't escape… I'll sacrifice myself," said Rickleton. "I owe it to everyone for drawing Escape Mode."
"Sister Leo is too important to risk."
Everyone turned to him in surprise.
"You're not afraid to die?" Joe Root asked.
"Of course I am. Who isn't?" Rickleton said with a bitter smile. "But I don't want to drag others down."
"Count me in!" shouted Duminy, the Rubber Fruit user. "I'll go too."
This put pressure on the others who'd drawn Escape Mode. No one wanted to be the weak link, but self-sacrifice?
Not everyone was ready for that.
Sensing the tension, Ben clapped both on the shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm here."
"Yes!" Joe Root said. "Leo said before that Ben is great at analyzing spirit realms. He'll find a way!"
Others chimed in, hopeful.
Just then, the secret room door opened.
Tension shot up again. Even Leo looked anxious.
Ben took her hand gently and gave a reassuring smile.
She relaxed.
He then stepped forward confidently, entering the secret room. One by one, the others followed. They had no choice now.
From the viewing hall, the screen lit up.
Inside the room?
A sauna.
The heat surged as soon as they entered.
The crowd gasped.
Even Chairman Henry held his breath.
Inside the video feed, their voices echoed:
"I… I feel normal. My powers are gone."
"My claws vanished. My hands are back to normal."
"This sucks."
"Forget that! Find an exit or we're roast meat!"
"There's a thermometer—47°C and climbing!"
"There's a glass door—but it's locked from outside!"
"Look for clues! The teacher said there would be hints."
"It's too hot… I can't breathe…"
Watching the panic unfold, even the most stoic figures in the hall frowned deeply.
ter!
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