Ayu stood near the judges' chamber.
Yoi leaned casually against the wall, arms folded.
Shadow stood among the candidates—silent, unreadable.
Phase 2: Judgment Test
The candidates were called one by one into a sealed room.
No audience.
No cheering.
Only questions.
The first candidate entered.
A screen lit up with a simulation.
A burning apartment.
A villain escaping below.
Civilians screaming above.
A judge's voice echoed.
"You can only choose one."
The candidate hesitated too long.
Score: 18 / 50
Fail.
Another candidate entered.
"If the government orders you to retreat but you know people will die—what do you do?"
"I follow orders," the candidate answered immediately.
The judges exchanged looks.
Score: 26 / 50
Fail.
Sweat formed.
Shadow was called next.
The room dimmed.
A scenario appeared.
Two villains fighting each other.
Both claim innocence.
A crowd watches, waiting for you to act.
A judge spoke.
"What do you do?"
Shadow answered calmly.
"I stop the fight."
"And then?"
"I investigate later."
"Without arresting either?"
"Yes."
The judges paused.
Another question followed immediately.
"If one escapes?"
Shadow didn't hesitate.
"Then that's my responsibility."
Silence.
Scores appeared.
39 / 50
Pass.
Yoi smirked. "Knew it."
One by one, candidates faced impossible choices.
Some argued.
Some tried to be heroic.
Some tried to be perfect.
Most failed.