"Now that the matter has been addressed, it's time to decide: Should we remain here, hoping for the government's intervention, or is it wiser for us to make our own move?"
Isaac's voice cut through the group, signaling the start of the crucial discussion he had called for.
"I believe our best course of action is to wait for the government"
Isaac continued, his tone resolute.
A heavy silence settled over e everyone, each person lost in their own thoughts, weighing the most prudent path to ensure their survival.
"I concur"
Jennifer added, her voice steady as she reclined into her seat, her gaze fixed ahead.
"Waiting for the government's assistance seems to be the most logical option"
"I disagree"
Elijah voiced, shaking his head with conviction.
Ella turned toward him, her expression thoughtful before she spoke.
"I, too, believe waiting for the government is not our best option"
She said, her voice steady yet firm.
She paused briefly, allowing her words to settle before continuing.
"We have no idea when they might arrive, and with the communication systems compromised, it's impossible to predict how much longer it will take. We cannot simply remain idle, placing all our hope in the hands of others"
A wave of realization swept over the group as they exchanged glances, their eyes narrowing in acknowledgment of the truth in her words.
How much longer could they endure this isolation, waiting for the military to come to their aid?
"What are your thoughts, Ethan?"
Elijah inquired, turning to the figure who had remained silent thus far.
Ethan exhaled a soft sigh before responding.
"Before I share my opinion, I have a question for Isaac and Jennifer"
He said, his gaze steady.
The two exchanged a brief glance, then nodded in agreement.
"Is the president's child enrolled at this institution?"
Ethan asked, his tone calm but probing.
Isaac and Jennifer shook their heads in unison, offering a definitive no.
"What about the governor's child? Or, at the very least, anyone with significant political influence or standing within the government? Are any of them here?"
Ethan continued, his eyes never leaving their faces.
Again, both Isaac and Jennifer shook their heads.
Ethan paused, allowing the silence to stretch before delivering his follow-up.
"Then, tell me, why would the government expend their time and resources on a group of students, rather than prioritizing those of true power and influence?"
The question hung in the air, and the room fell into another heavy silence, each person pondering the implications of his words.
"Moreover"
Ethan added, his voice taking on a sharper edge.
"Even if the government does decide to intervene, what then? Do you honestly believe they would allow you to wield your abilities as freely as you please?"
A flicker of uncertainty crossed their faces as they processed his words.
The truth was clear to them now, they knew full well that the government would never allow individuals with such destructive power to operate unchecked.
"And I believe you've all overlooked the most crucial factor"
Ethan continued, his voice calm.
A questioning look crossed Ella's face as she responded,
"And what might that be?"
Ethan met her gaze, his tone sharp.
"The points. Even if the government were to rescue you right now, it would ultimately be meaningless. A month from today, anyone without sufficient points will perish"
His words hit with an undeniable clarity, and the realization swept through the group like a wave.
How had they failed to consider such an obvious truth?
Even if they were saved and relocated to a secure facility, they would all face certain death once the month expired.
Jennifer's inquiry to the system had already confirmed this grim reality.
Whether they accepted it or not, survival hinged on one unavoidable truth, they had to fight.
With the ticking clock of a month pressing on them, and the looming uncertainty of the so-called Rebirth Phase hanging over their heads, it was clear: to survive, they had to kill.
"The government would be far too occupied gathering their own points to concern themselves with their citizens"
Jennifer mused, her tone contemplative.
"After all, what's the point of saving everyone, only to watch them perish after a month? It would be a waste of time, effort, and resources"
Her words hung in the air, a grim reflection on the harsh reality.
The woman who had once sought the answers to death itself, had now come to realize the gravity of her own miscalculation.
Her gaze shifted, observing the students huddled together in quiet discussion, their voices barely audible as they deliberated among themselves.
"Doesn't the same logic apply to us?"
Jennifer began again, her voice gaining strength.
"By that same reasoning, it means that the students and teachers you've worked so hard to protect will also meet the same fate"
At Jennifer's words, all eyes turned toward the students, a heavy silence falling over the room.
Isaac's voice broke the stillness, his tone heavy with resignation.
"This is only the first day. We must tell them the truth, everything we know. Those who are capable will fight for their survival. As for those with weaker wills, we cannot protect them..."
His words carried an undeniable sadness, but there was an acceptance in his voice, a recognition of the harsh reality they faced.
Ethan's gaze swept over those gathered, his thoughts drifting back to Logan.
If Logan lacked the will to fight, Ethan would force him to.
There was no choice in the matter.
Logan was, after all, the only person with whom Ethan had formed any kind of connection at the school.
It wasn't that Ethan didn't know how to make friends, people had approached him, of course.
But he recognized their motives all too well: they were drawn to him because of his wealth.
So, he had never bothered to invest in those relationships.
Too much effort, too little worth.
But Logan had never cared about that.
He had never sought Ethan out, never asked for anything. Not even once.
"Now that we've made the decision to leave, where exactly are we heading?"
Elijah's voice broke through the tension, his question practical and direct.
Ella, lost in thought as she absentmindedly tapped her finger against her thigh, spoke up next.
"We have families outside the university. It might be necessary for us to split up and search for them. We need to help them gather points"
Ethan, his mind already moving ahead, nodded in agreement.
"We should take a few days to rest here. We can scavenge what food we can around the university. With so many students gathered here, the supply won't last more than two days, even with strict rationing. Besides"
He paused, his expression turning more focused,.
"There's someone I need to check on at the boys' dorm before we leave"
"And during these few days of rest, we can also gather points around the campus while scavenging for food"
Jennifer added with a thoughtful nod.
Isaac's gaze swept across the group.
"Does anyone here have someone they're trying to save?"
He asked, his voice carrying an undercurrent of curiosity.
The group responded with nothing more than silent shakes of their heads.
At first, Ella, Isaac, and Ethan had harbored hopes of rescuing as many people as they could.
But with the grim truth of impending death looming over them, such efforts now seemed futile.
"Quite the gathering of friendless souls"
Elijah remarked with a low whistle, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Well, aside from you, Ethan"
He added, a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
"Risking your life to save a friend. Your friend better have a useful ability, though. After all, you only need a single scratch to end up dead"
Ethan's brow furrowed, his thoughts turning inward.
'This guy has no filter, he just speaks without thinking'
He shook his head, dismissing the comment, as Elijah's words echoed in his mind.