Chapter 15: EX 15. Rankings
Leon looked around as dozens of other trial takers stood beside him. Each face bore the weight of survival. Some carried it in silence. Others in the subtle twitch of a hand or shift of a stance.
This showed how not all had it as easy as Leon. Most of them here would never forget this experience as long as they lived.
At the edge of the platform, a familiar figure stepped forward, it was the Overseer. The same man who had sent them off, now waiting for their return.
"Welcome back," the Overseer's voice rang clear and firm, projecting effortlessly across the platform.
The murmurs quieted as he spoke.
"You are no longer candidates," he said, pride evident in his posture. "You stand here today as pledged Takers—those who have faced death and walked away stronger."
Some people among the crowd straightened instinctively, their shoulders rising with a mix of pride and relief.
But the Overseer's tone turned grave. "However," he continued, "not all who began this path stand with you now."
The weight of his words dropped like lead.
"Four hundred entered the trial world. But only one hundred and eighty-three returned."
Everywhere became silent but a few gasps broke through. One girl's breath hitched. Another boy's hand curled into a trembling fist. Leon didn't flinch, but even he felt it—that tightening in his chest.