The second trial zone seemed easier than the first as the contestants only have to cross the trial region. There was no cringy illusion or pain-inducing memories, unlike the first trial. Furthermore, there was no life and death crisis as long as one doesn't confront the alien inhabitants.
Despite such lucrative features of the trial, almost fifty have contestants died so far.
The alien inhabitants in the area refused to give up without going all out. After all, losing Life Source Shard would not only result in their own death but also reduce the chances of having any future posterity. This was a fight to save themselves from extinction! Naturally, it resulted in the brutal deaths of their opponents.
In various areas of the crystal world, as contestants saw fellow companions dying, their desire for shards didn't reduce. And neither did they back away in fright!
Apologies but this was a necessary foundation chapter for upcoming chapters! Please do vote!! :)