Time trial challange

As Team 16 delved into the challenge, the commentator's voice resonated once more, filling the arena with a sense of guidance and anticipation. "Now, for the crux of this trial," her voice carried a weight of significance. "Let me educate y'all on the sequence that follows once all three red buttons are simultaneously activated."

"The first challenge will test your unity and communication from the very start," the commentator explained, her voice carrying the weight of the task ahead. "Your initial objective is to locate and press three red buttons scattered throughout the forest. Here's the twist: all three buttons must be activated simultaneously to unlock two doors leading to the other 2 challenges."

As the commentator spoke, murmurs of understanding rippled through the crowd. "Meaning you have to complete the forest section before progressing to the rest," someone commented, capturing the essence of the challenge.

Her words hung in the air, capturing the attention of the audience and the teams alike. "Your strategy for tackling these challenges will depend on your team's approach. You can decide whether to tackle both the second and third challenges concurrently or one at a time. However, remember that time plays a crucial role in your overall performance and score."

Amidst the crowd, discussions began to brew. "I think working separately might be more efficient," one student murmured thoughtfully, his gaze locked on the stage where Team 16 stood. "They'll likely save time that way."

Another voice chimed in, "But working together could provide a strategic advantage in the later challenges. It's a tough call."

The commentator's voice carried forward, "The second door will lead your team to the lake section," her tone brimming with anticipation. "Here, you'll face a unique test that requires a mix of ingenuity and teamwork. Your task is to transport a lit torch to an altar on the opposite side of the lake. But here's the catch—the torch must remain lit throughout the journey. Should it extinguish, your team will face an automatic failure."

The screens flickered, showcasing the three doors that marked the challenges ahead. The first door, adorned with symbols of a lush forest, indicated the initial hurdle. Its depiction was simple yet inviting, depicting a path through a vibrant woodscape. It felt like a doorway to new experiences, with the Woodly symbols.

On the opposite side of the screens, the second door emerged, embodying a serene lake. The representation was straightforward, capturing the calm waters and the journey to the other side. The door seemed to beckon the teams to cross the lake, with symbols conveying resourcefulness and adaptability.

But the arena's attention wasn't solely focused on the lake door. As the screen shifted once more, a third door came into view. This one depicted the arid expanse of a desert, its sands stretching into the distance. The door was plain, almost unassuming, yet its symbols carried an aura of challenge and resilience.

"In this section," her voice held a note of intrigue, "you'll need to construct a raft to carry the torch. You'll be provided with ropes, logs, and essential tools to build the raft. However, there's an added layer of challenge, the tools are scattered in the desert area, while the logs and ropes are in the forest area."

As the commentator's words painted a vivid picture of the challenges, the atmosphere grew charged with excitement. Teams leaned in, strategizing and planning their approach, as discussions about teamwork and individual strengths reverberated through the arena.

The commentator's words painted a vivid picture of the obstacles awaiting the teams. "Team journey will require them to venture into the desert to retrieve these tools. The clock is ticking, and your resourcefulness will be put to the test."

"To foster communication and resource management," she continued, "each team will be given only five earpiece devices. These devices will serve as your means to relay information, allocate tasks, and ensure synchronization. The effectiveness of your communication will be pivotal in navigating these challenges successfully."

The visual display transitioned to showcase the desert landscape, scattered with tools waiting to be discovered. The commentator's voice resonated with a sense of the unknown and the thrill of the adventure that lay ahead.

Just as the excitement reached its peak, Professor Strive's voice resonated throughout the arena. Her commanding presence drew everyone's attention. "Attention, teams," she announced firmly, her gaze sweeping across the participants. "Remember, after successfully placing the torch on the altar at the other side of the lake, every single one of you must return to the starting area and stand in the designated circle. The timer will stop only when all team members are in place."

She paused, her tone unwavering. "Without any unnecessary delay, let's begin. Our teacher assistants will distribute five earphones to each team. Team 16, get ready to start in 30 seconds. We will initiate your timer, and your journey will commence." The air hummed with anticipation as the countdown began, marking the imminent beginning of Team 16's challenge.

As the commentator's voice faded, the arena buzzed with the ringing sound indicating that team 16 has already started their exam. Isabella turned her gaze toward Zero, "Should we organize our strategy now?" she asked quietly.

Zero considered her question before responding, "Yes, we should discuss our strategy, but let's hold off until we've watched Team 16's attempt. That way, we'll have a better understanding of what we're up against."

Max chimed in, "Who do you think should hold the earphones, Zero?"

Zero's gaze shifted thoughtfully, his mind already calculating. "We have five earphones, so give them to Camila, Lucas, Elena, Marcus, and myself." He paused for a moment before continuing, "I'll explain the reasoning behind this choice later when we gather to discuss our strategy. For now, let's focus on watching them fails."

"fail? what do you mean zero?" Marcus asked curiously

"look at them, currently still discussing who is taking the earphones even though the clock is already passing the first minute," Zero said.

"I feel kinda bad for the 16th leader, he looks like he's trying his hardest to keep his teammate composed," Elena said with a pity look.

"hes just not suited for the leader role." Lucas said sternly, before continuing. "look at zero and the other high-rank leader, they managed to form a strategy before we even came in the stadium."

Elena look at the other team and also realized. "I see, that's why. Now, after you told me that I realized that the other high-number team isn't even nervous at all," she exclaimed.

team 16 members finally huddled together, their attention fixed on the forest-themed door that stood before them. Zero then focused on his black ring "Watch closely," he said, "there will be patterns in how they find the buttons."

the team member nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. The buttons will likely be scattered randomly in the forest area, but if there's a pattern to their placement, we can use that to our advantage." Camila said.

The screens switched to display Team 16 in action, navigating the forest terrain in search of the elusive red buttons. The team members moved with a sense of urgency, their coordination and communication were messy. Zero's gaze instead focused on his ring.

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QUEST PENDING:

Target: [Get first place in first-year ranking]

Reward: 500 zen, +2 free attribute points

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QUEST PENDING:

Target: [get first place in the current exam]

Reward: 500 zen, +1 Power

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QUEST PENDING:

Target: [Join the Student Council]

Reward: 1000 zen, +4 free attribute points

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QUEST PENDING:

Target: [finish the exam within 4 minutes]

Reward: 300 zen, +1 free attribute points

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'4 minutes? the fastest known time for this test was 7 minutes 34 seconds, which included the history of my past life.' Zero sulked 'The system should add more rewards at least' Zero thought while pouting.

Camila realized this and asked while blushing, "Are you okay zero?"

Zero only gave a smile "Pay attention to how they communicate," he advised the team. "Their approach is the wrong way to do these challenges."

"concentrate so that you won't make any of these mistakes"

As Team 16's journey unfolded, their team coordination are messy it has been 7 minutes and they can't seem to press the 3 red buttons simultaneously, they also wasted more than 2 minutes because one of the groups that found a button didn't have an earphone piece so they have to send one to the group.

Zero's members exchanged glances, silently sharing their observations. Lucas leaned in, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Their communication seems a bit chaotic," he noted. "We can learn from that and strive for more effective coordination."

Elena added, "And it looks like they're talking too much in the communications. they are cutting each other information."

Marcus, always analytical, chimed in, "Yes I agree, I think we should have 1 or 2 maximum to do the call outs."

"Good," Zero responded with a nod, his focus on his team. "Now, I'll explain the strategy, so listen well."

"We'll organize into four main groups, with Elena at the center as the tower. Elena, your role is to gather information, distill it, and relay it to the other groups efficiently."

"The groups are as follows: I'll lead Group 1, Lucas will head Group 2, Camila, Isabella, and Max will form Group 3, and Marcus, Nathan, and Grace will compose Group 4."

"Each group will work independently during different parts of the challenge. Camila and Marcus, you'll be the leaders for Groups 3 and 4 respectively, taking charge of decision-making within your groups."

"As for the forest section, whenever any of us locate a red button, inform Elena. Once Elena confirms that all the buttons have been found, she will instruct us on when to press them simultaneously."

"After the forest section, Group 3 will focus on constructing the raft. Group 4 and Lucas, you'll return to the forest area to gather the required logs, ropes, and wood. I'll head to the desert area to collect the necessary tools."

Zero paused, allowing his words to sink in before concluding, "Any questions or clarifications?" He looked at his team, ready to address any concerns or uncertainties they might have.

Marcus shifted slightly, his brow furrowing as he posed his question, "Zero, is there a specific reason why you've assigned each of us to these groups?"

Zero considered Marcus's question thoughtfully before responding, "Absolutely. I judge the group within my vision. Elena's communication skills. Marcus and Camila, I trust your decision-making abilities, and Grace's intellect. Nathan's and Isabella's athleticism and Max's strategic thinking add to your group's overall dynamics."

Marcus nodded, absorbing the explanation, before another question crossed his mind, "And what about the tool gathering in the desert? Are you comfortable handling that task alone?"

Zero's answered, "Yes. In my analysis, I've determined that Lucas and I are currently the most athletic. You do not have to worry, if we don't get first place I will take responsibility."

Max replied," Woahh chill, as long if we do our best I think we should be okay," he said jokingly.

As the team absorbed Zero's reasoning, the foundation of their strategy felt even stronger. The decisions were based on careful consideration of each member's strengths, ensuring a well-rounded approach to tackle the challenges ahead.

As Team 16 failed their challenge, Zero's voice resonated. "we've talked enough, continue to observe" The team members nodded in agreement, as team 15 entered the arena.