Chapter 243: Chapter 243: System's Gamble 

Elio stood before the crystal at the entrance of the challenge. 

His mind was recovering from the events that had unfolded. 

The silence was shattered by the sound of the crystal's transportation.

The soldier, the lone survivor of the challenge, emerged from the crystal, his eyes blinking to adjust to the light. Before he could utter a word, he found himself trapped in a carbon barrier, courtesy of Brok.

Elio stepped forward, his voice as cold as ice. "Are you ready to die? Since you're alone, I want to hear your excuse now."

♢♢♢♢

A bit before the events that led to disaster...

While Zara and the main group discussed how to proceed with the newly discovered crystal, a murmur of discontent spread among a small group of soldiers. 

They were part of Milo's batch, those whom Taron had been watching for their questionable attitudes.