Chapter 136: The trap
despite the overwhelming exhaustion among the students. The difficulty of the trial was already so extreme that one had to wonder: what kind of fool would risk everything by continuing, potentially losing all their hard-earned points?
All twenty-one students, except for Alexandre, lay sprawled on the icy surface, barely capable of moving after enduring the intense physical and mental demands of the test. Who in their right mind would push themselves further under such brutal conditions?
Jack Blade raised his voice impatiently:
"Alright, slackers! It's time to decide. Those who wish to quit, move to my right; those brave enough to continue, step to my left!"
Several tense minutes passed.
Unsurprisingly, almost everyone immediately moved to the right. Nobody wanted to risk losing the fruits of their painful labor for a mere chance at doubling their points. Everyone knew the sadistic nature of Jack Blade's tests—winning double would undoubtedly demand sacrifices far beyond their imagination.
After a few silent moments, Jack Blade sighed and shook his head:
"Well, I suppose that's clear enough," he remarked dryly. With a deliberate gesture, he slowly removed his gloves, revealing a disturbing hand beneath—an eerie white skin clinging to a skeletal limb, grotesquely scarred and burned. Yet, this shocking sight wasn't the only thing that grabbed everyone's attention; on each finger glittered an array of Hunter artifacts—powerful rings, each radiating mysterious power.
He gently pulled one ring from his finger and snapped his fingers. Instantly, the ring began levitating softly above his palm, glowing faintly. With a mischievous smile, Jack Blade said: