Omniscient Extra's ViewPoint: Supreme Adaptation-Chapter 26: Second Trial

So... it all unfolded as expected.

Failure was equivalent to victory—perhaps even less.

Some had learned from it.

Twenty squads had failed, accounting for forty per cent of the total.

The remaining thirty squads advanced to the next trial.

At the very least, they were among the squads that had passed.

Furthermore, Vorden had demonstrated excellent leadership qualities despite his limited experience in such matters.

Perhaps reading a few romance or fantasy novels centred around leaders and emperors had actually helped.

"You have all performed well in the first trial, securing a place for yourselves in the Academy. However, maintaining that position will depend on your ability to pass all trials. The next trial will focus on agility—The Phantom Gauntlet," the mechanical voice announced before falling silent.

The thirty squads that had managed to pass all wondered what awaited them next.

Squad Number Sixteen stood apart from the others, with Cherry being the only one attempting to hold a conversation.

However, anger lingered between the boys—Vorden and Damien specifically—and it was directed at none other than Luminen, the one who had nearly spelt their doom.

In truth, Cherry had suffered the most due to his mistake, yet she had chosen to swallow her frustration.

The same could not be said for the other two.

They even considered whether he should be barred from the second trial—if only they had the option to replace him.

Unfortunately, that was not possible.

The name 'Angel' had fallen, and the title of 'bastard' had been placed back upon him.

Both Vorden and Damien wore deep frowns.

Cherry let out a quiet sigh, muttering to herself, "So much for trying to keep the peace... it's pointless here."

Being the only girl among them was already a challenge, and she realised that if they managed to pass all the trials and gain actual entry, she would have to deal with this kind of situation far more often.

Why?

Because it was certain that Mr Bastard would continue to mess up due to his uncertainty and fear.

The mechanical voice resumed shortly after:

"This trial will be different. All squads will face it simultaneously, with each left to survive on their own. Your teamwork will be crucial. Any squad that fails to reach the finish line within 30 minutes will be automatically expelled."

Vorden scowled as a holographic timer appeared in the air, yet to start ticking.

This time, betrayal seemed inevitable.

It would be best to avoid contact with any other squad, as everyone would become an enemy in this trial.

Cherry's gaze flicked to Vorden, as if waiting for him to devise a plan with that sharp mind of his.

Although both she and Damien had already come to the same conclusion—to steer clear of the other squads—it was obvious.

Only a complete fool wouldn't realise as much.

Vorden looked down at his feet, suddenly grinning at his stylish boots.

He could feel their eyes on him.

"Well... what do we do? Since this trial focuses on agility, we'll have to work together, and Damien, you're—"

He was cut off before he could finish.

Damien already knew what he was about to say.

"No, you take the lead. For some reason, I'm certain you're stronger than you claim..."

Their eyes met with a brief but precise exchange of unspoken understanding (perhaps that).

***

Vorden decided he would need to assess the trial's terrain before forming a proper strategy.

That moment came quickly.

Beyond them, metres away, a vast maze began to take shape.

Walls rose from the ground, shifting and twisting, forming an intricate labyrinth of winding paths and dead ends.

The mechanical voice added to their apprehension.

"In this maze, you may encounter deadly traps, collapsing platforms, and other hazards—all at once."

Vorden completed the thought inwardly.

'So the maze will warp periodically... perhaps every few minutes, based on the time limit.'

He glanced up at the timer once more.

"This trial requires each squad to finish together. Leaving any member behind will result in failure."

At that, Vorden's gaze snapped to Luminen.

Without hesitation, he strode forward, grabbed him by the collar, and scowled.

"If you mess this up, I will kill you. And trust me, I'll gain something from it. The world won't even remember you existed once I'm done."

His eyes locked onto Luminen's, watching as fear overtook him.

Luminen trembled, struggling to break free, but Vorden's grip was unyielding.

Cherry quickly intervened, pushing Vorden's hand away with a firm effort.

She managed to pry him off.

"Don't start sowing fear in the squad before the trial even begins. We're not leaving anyone behind, and nobody is going to mess this up. So calm the hell down."

Vorden turned away, his expression remained dark.

But in his mind, he was certain of one thing—if Luminen failed midway through the maze, he would kill him.

He'd absorb his Special Sense, if he had one, and erase him from existence with the Tip of Cremation.

Assassination had its benefits now.

Especially when it came to the weak-willed and spineless... or the arrogant, powerful ones who lacked humility.

Vorden took a deep breath, pushing aside his irritation with Luminen.

Wasting time on him now would not help.

What mattered was ensuring their squad did not fail.

He turned to Damien.

"Your Attribute—how precise is it?"

Damien gave a short nod. "Strong threats are clear. Lesser ones are faint."

That was enough.

Vorden quickly formed a plan.

"Alright. I will take the front. Damien, you stay right behind me and focus on spotting danger. If you sense anything, call it out immediately—I will change our route before it is too late."

Cherry frowned. "And me?"

"You stay near the back and keep an eye on Luminen," Vorden said firmly. "If he slows down, push him forward. We are not leaving anyone behind, but we are not carrying dead weight either."

Cherry gave a small nod.

Luminen remained silent.

"We avoid other squads," Vorden continued. "They are competition. If they try to block us or lead us into traps, we do not engage—we just move."

In truth, Vorden had other plans.

If anyone genuinely attempted to obstruct his path, he would make sure to deal with them swiftly.

He would not necessarily kill them, but he would ensure they were in no position to cause further trouble.

Cherry glanced at Damien. "And if a trap is unavoidable?"

Vorden exhaled. "Then we deal with it. No hesitation."

His eyes locked onto Luminen.

"No mistakes."

Luminen swallowed but nodded.

Vorden turned back to the maze beyond as its walls shifted and rose higher once again.

This trial would require more than just speed—it would demand quick reactions and teamwork.

As much as he disliked relying on others due to past experiences, he would have to work with it.

They had a plan.

Now, they just had to execute it when the trial commenced.

And finally, a loud ding resounded across the arena.

The spectators leaned in closer for a better view.

On the special viewing platform, the head of the Academy focused his attention on Vorden's squad.

The man—who was not particularly old, just in his late fifties—was keen to observe the boy who had survived a Special Night Shift with nothing but his own strength.

"He is the one, correct?" he asked his assistant beside him.

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She gave a small nod. "Yes, Headmaster."

"Then increase the difficulty of their path," he ordered.

The young woman hesitated, her expression briefly showing shock and reluctance.

However, she knew better than to question him—her job depended on it.

Without another word, she relayed the command to the field operator.

Moments later, everything on Vorden's path began to change.

The heat burned hotter than expected.

Every strand of success, growth, and recognition came with its pain.