Dar thought carefully. In the end, she knew Zane was right. He had done most of the work—and most importantly, if she had to choose between trusting Zane or Asphalt, it wasn't even a debate.
"I agree," Dar said softly. "You have my vote."
Zane turned to Asphalt. "That's three out of four. So I'm keeping them."
Asphalt looked at Zane with a serious expression but said nothing.
Zane pressed, "If you want my trust—and want me as your friend—then show it. This is just a bit of wealth. Why is it so hard to give a little trust in return?"
A moment passed in silence.
Then Asphalt suddenly burst into laughter. "Alright, alright. I trust you."
Then he gestured toward the waiting crowd. "But look at them—they're anxious. Let's call out their names and let them enter the gate."
"Agreed," Zane smiled.
The four of them began calling out names, letting students enter the Ruin.
Every time a name was called, Zane would neatly store that student's M.O.U. in his silver pouch.
