Alexandre was running out of options. He tried again to communicate with Marlon, shouting his na loudly, splashing his face with icy water in the desperate hope of bringing him back to consciousness, but it was futile. He even went as far as slapping Marlon firmly across the face, hoping to trigger so reaction, but Marlon remained paralyzed, trapped within his own terror. Panic had completely overwheld him, and nothing Alexandre tried seed to make any difference.
Seconds passed relentlessly, and Alexandre noticed with growing anxiety that the rescue rafts, tasked with retrieving candidates too far behind the group, were approaching slowly but surely toward their position. He imdiately understood the grim implication: anyone rescued would be instantly eliminated from the challenge, ending all hopes of success.
Alexandre found himself at a crossroads. He realized he only had a few minutes left to resu swimming toward Jack Blade if he wanted to avoid elimination himself. Helping Marlon by towing or carrying him forward seed impossible, given his friend's imnse strength and heavy build. In his current state of panic, Marlon could easily injure Alexandre or inadvertently pull him underwater. It was a risk Alexandre simply couldn't afford.
With a heavy heart, Alexandre began seriously considering abandoning Marlon to ensure his own survival in this rciless competition. This decision went against everything he stood for, but at this mont, it was a matter of life and death for his future at the Academy.
Just as he was about to turn away, a firm female voice suddenly rang out beside him, interrupting his thoughts:
"You have to show him his own blood!"
Startled, Alexandre swiftly turned towards the source of the voice. He instantly recognized Claire, the blonde young woman who had attacked him during the second trial. Unlike the other candidates, who were drowning in panic and desperation, Claire appeared remarkably calm, her eyes sharp and resolute, demonstrating complete self-control.
Alexandre hesitated for a mont, puzzled by this unexpected suggestion. "His own blood? What do you an by that?" he asked, uncertain yet desperate enough to try anything at this point.
Claire cast a nervous glance behind them, noticing the dangerously close rescue boats moving steadily toward their position, then replied sharply:
"No ti for detailed explanations! Trust , if you want to break your friend's hysteria, do exactly as I say—make him bleed!"
Alexandre understood imdiately that he had no other option but to comply. Taking a deep breath, he firmly grabbed Marlon's arm, and without hesitation bit down sharply and cleanly. Blood spurted forth briefly, flowing freely into the icy water.
Initially, this seed to have no effect. Marlon continued staring into the depths beneath them with mute terror. But after several tense monts, as the water surrounding them darkened, tinged with red, Marlon's fixed stare began to regain a spark of consciousness.
Gradually, Marlon's breathing slowed, becoming more regular. His previously panic-stricken face regained a faint semblance of lucidity. Though still pale as a ghost, it was clear he was slowly regaining control of himself.
Relieved, Alexandre asked softly, "Marlon... Are you okay?"
Marlon said nothing, simply giving a faint, tired yet determined nod. Alexandre felt a profound sense of relief wash over him.
Turning quickly to Claire, Alexandre offered a grateful look: "Thank you for your help..."
Claire opened her mouth to reply, but at that very mont, a sharp whistle echoed above them. The drones constantly hovering over the candidates made a cold, chanical announcent:
"Student 14532, Sophie Demarque, eliminated."
A few seconds later, Alexandre saw, just a dozen ters away, a raft reaching a struggling student. A rescuer swiftly injected a serum into her neck, instantly calming her struggles and marking the definitive end of her trial.
Claire frowned, acutely aware of how little ti they had left. She spoke firmly and without hesitation:
"No more ti to talk! We must get moving right now unless we want to be the next ones eliminated!"
Alexandre nodded resolutely. Marlon seed stable enough to swim again, even if each movent was awkward and labored. Together, the three students resud swimming forward vigorously, determined never again to succumb to the fear that had nearly destroyed them.
Ahead of them, Jack Blade's unwavering figure continued moving forward, relentless and unreachable. Behind them, the cries of eliminated students and the sinister drone announcents resonated as a chilling reminder of the ever-present danger looming over this terrifying trial.
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