As everyone began heading toward the rest room, Ray turned to Gen with a playful smirk.
"Man, Gen… you're insanely strong," Ray said. "But I'm not gonna let that slide. You totally got me in trouble earlier — you screamed like hell, and then pinned it all on me!"
Gen chuckled, unbothered. "Oh, come on, don't take it personally. It was just in the moment. Nothing serious."
Ray cracked a smile. "Well, I'll admit it — the fight was kinda fun. I was terrified at first, but thanks to you, I remembered why I came here in the first place."
"Looks like we've officially formed a team now — you, me, Sam, and Max," Ray continued.
"You're right," Max chimed in warmly. "I'm really glad I met you guys. Thanks again for saving my life."
"Now that we're a team," Sam said with a shy smile, "no more thank-yous. That's what teammates do."
"But still," Gen added, "Gary is seriously cool — and super strong too. He had the highest kill count."
"Yeah," Gen said with a laugh, "he's stronger than me… but at least I'm better looking. Maybe that gives me an edge."
Everyone burst out laughing as they finally entered the rest room. It was equipped with everything — air conditioning, beds, a refrigerator, and other luxurious amenities. It was like a five-star lounge for warriors.
Suddenly, a giant screen lit up in front of them, capturing everyone's attention.
"Hello, Survivors," came a voice from the screen — it was Master Magnus.
Some of the trainees murmured in surprise, "Whoa… such a big LED screen…"
Master Magnus began to speak, his voice deep and commanding.
"Listen carefully, all of you. You may think you've passed the test… but that's not exactly true."
He paused, letting the tension rise.
"There were 44 of you in total — boys and girls included. And by sheer luck, all of you survived. But not all of you will move forward from here."
Everyone exchanged nervous glances.
"You see, in our world, whenever we hunt a clone or a Soul Devourer, we never go alone. We always move as a team. This test… was designed to see if you value your own life, how far you're willing to go to protect it, and — most importantly — whether you can function in a team."
He leaned forward slightly on the screen.
"At first, you all fought solo. But then Gen and his friends used their heads — they formed a team. Not only did they clear the test together, but they also helped others. That, my students, is the true mark of a sorcerer — teamwork."
The room grew quiet. Everyone listened intently.
"Because of their actions, others were inspired to form their own teams. And this tells us something important — whether it's a game, a war, or a mission… without someone stepping up to lead, without someone brave enough to make the impossible possible, it's all meaningless."
"That is true leadership — and Gen and his team demonstrated it well. Thanks to them, what seemed like an impossible test was made possible. And for that… I, Master Magnus, am proud of them."
Hearing this, Gen, Ray, Sam, and Max lit up with joy, exchanging wide smiles.
But the celebration was short-lived.
"However," Magnus continued, "there were also those who fought entirely alone. They ignored those in danger around them. They refused to help anyone but themselves. And today… those people will leave."
A red light began to shine above certain trainees.
"Out of 44, only 20 of you will move on. Those under the red light… your journey ends here."
The room filled with shock, sadness, and silence.
"What? Only 20 people will continue?" someone whispered.
"I don't want to hear a single sound," Magnus snapped. "If there's a red light above you, please leave the room quietly."
One by one, those under the red light began to exit, some in tears, others in disbelief.
"To the 20 who remain," Magnus said finally, "you may rest. We'll meet again at 6 p.m. The door to your left will open at that time. Be ready to enter. Until then, enjoy your rest."
The screen turned off.
"Well… guess we finally get to relax," Max said with a deep breath.
"Do you think there's another test at 6?" Ray asked Gen.
"Probably," Gen replied, "but hey — congrats, guys. We made it."
"Damn right you did," Gary said, stepping in with a grin. "You earned it."
"Where's Deo, though?" Gen asked, suddenly noticing his absence. "He had the third-highest kills, didn't he?"
"He's gone," Sam said softly. "But he was ranked third…"
"Yeah, but he fought solo," Gary explained. "Didn't help anyone. That's why he was cut."
"Oh well… no worries. At least I've still got you as my rival," Gen smirked at Gary.
"There's 15 boys and 6 girls left," Gary said, looking around. "Honestly, I didn't expect the girls to be this strong."
"What are your names, by the way?" Gen asked, turning toward the girls.
"My name's Nova," one of them said with a bright smile. "And I'm really glad I met you all."
"I'm Sofia," another added confidently. "I came here to be the best, and meeting you guys has been great."
"I'm Ember," the third one said. "Also… I'm a professional fighter."
"Wow," Gen said, clearly impressed. "You're incredibly beautiful. I've always liked fighters."
"Oh please," Max laughed. "She's a professional fighter — don't go falling for her now!"
Ember smiled, amused. "Don't worry. I won't kill you… yet."
"He's a little crazy," Ray said with a laugh. "But in a good way."
"You're right," Ember nodded, laughing. "He's a little crazy, but he's alright."
"And what are your names?" Ember asked the remaining girls.
"I'm Olivia," one replied.
"I'm Rose."
"And I'm Emi. It's been nice meeting all of you."
"All your names are beautiful," Gen said, smiling. "By the way, I'm Gen — but you probably already know that. These are my teammates: Ray, Max, and Sam."
The other boys introduced themselves one by one, exchanging greetings and forming new bonds.
"Alright, let's get some rest," Gen said. "There might be another test at 6."
"Yeah," Emi added with a smirk, "but seriously, this Master Magnus guy is way too strict. I feel like he might eat us alive or something."
"Right? He's totally scary," Rose agreed. "That guy gives off major horror vibes."
"Oh, I actually think he's kinda cool," Gen said, stretching. "Anyway, good night, everyone. I'm heading to bed."
"Look at Max," someone laughed. "He's already asleep!"
Everyone burst into laughter as the room settled into a comfortable calm.