Chapter 212: Second Hurdle (1/2)
Theo and the others quickly followed the path that turned out to be a slope, leading to the next level. As soon as they arrived at the upper level, they found another white room precisely like the previous one, but smaller in size. At the same time, there were two doors on the opposite side.
They saw another screen in the middle of the room, saying, ”Congratulations.”
The screen changed when the room detected the signal coming from their bracelets.
”Congratulations for reaching this layer. This is the second challenge of the first round. To make it more interesting, there will be a bonus point for the team that passes this place first. The reward is as follows:
1st Place – 25 Points
2nd Place – 20 Points
3rd Place – 15 Points
4th Place – 10 Points
5th Place – 5 Points
”Behind the screen stands two doors. The left door will allow all people to cross easily, but the distance is too far. The right door will allow you to go straight to the finish line of the first round, but three people are required to remain.”
After that explanation, three tile floors emerged like the previous one as if telling them to choose. The three were so far apart that one person wasn't enough to hold two or all three of them down.
Even with Theo's clone, they still needed to pick two people.
Current progress:
1. Thersland (6 People) – 0 Point
”…” Theo narrowed his eyes as his group quickly came to discuss their plan.
”Theo, is it worth exchanging 10 to 15 points for 25 points?” Alea asked.
”I think it's worth it. With Theo's clone, only two of us need to remain here, giving us 15 bonus points.” Phyrill nodded in agreement. ”We can also prevent the other teams from getting those points.”
Theo, on the other hand, didn't share the same opinion as them. ”If we could go with all members and win first place, we would receive 55 points. And if we sacrificed two people, we would only get 45 points.”
The rest turned to him with a serious expression.
”I see. The purpose of this escape tower is to eliminate most participants, allowing only a few top groups to compete with each other on the surface. For example, if we can receive a total of 55 points in the first layer, the second layer and the third layer may give a similar amount of points, but in several hurdles like this.
”That's why there's a certain minimum of points we need to receive from each layer. If we sacrifice two people here, there's no guarantee that you can fight together with us on the surface, so it's not a good option to sacrifice someone here.” Theo shook his head before coming to a realization. ”I have a plan.”
Listening to Theo's explanation, they had realized that the puzzle was actually trying to force them to make a hasty decision. The run and this small bonus point, all of them influenced their mind.
Theo didn't wait for them to reply as he quickly walked toward the door while pointing at the three tile floors. ”Laust, Sihan, and Ellen. Stand on the tiles, please. Phyrill, you watch over the screen and tell me if there's another team appearing in the current leaderboard. Alea, you come with me.”
”Roger that!” The group smiled as they quickly went to their positions according to Theo's arrangement.