The Ninety seconds rule

"Well then Animus, let me explain a few things for you; firstly, I never did say that the Combat test was the most important part of the defense exams, all I said was that it would be the last event.

                  I don't know if your scout has already told you this before but I'll tell you the D.O.D works in a team based system which means that we put more effort into team based effort than individual ones.

        A team provides a lot of options to those involved and the fact that we go up against dangerous criminals everyday should tell you that going in alone is dangerous regardless of how powerful you think you are.

        But then that doesn't me that individual effort is completely useless as it is known that if all the members in a team are weak, then it is safe to assume that the overall team stat won't be impressive which is why we placed the combat test last.

           Not because we don't value individual strength but that we value team effort over individual strength, I hope you understand what I'm saying."

Markov finishes up with Animus only nodding his head after which he gets back to the general audience to continue his speech.

"Where were we??...of course, The Combat test will see individual participants battle each other one on one in an arena that will be revealed in due time we have made it so that no two teammates are in the same group so no-one should have to worry about facing a comrade.

           As I said there will be three groups and all teams will be split into the three groups to face each other in a pyramid competition, the last three participants that emerge victorious from these groups will then take part in a final match up, now I know you might be wondering how that works so I'll explain it to you.

         Each group will be made up of fourteen different contestants and they will battle in single matches, after the first round the victors will move on to the next round which will then take place in the same manner.

           But if you notice there is mathematically one participant that won't have a partner to battle with, now we have solved this in a very exciting way."

Markov pauses for a bit to catch his breath with the participants listening attentively to his words.

"There will be a special spot that can be obtained by one out of the seven victors from the first round and the way to attain this spot is by defeating your opponent in ninety seconds."

Markov announces with surprised gasps emanating from the participants.

"Ninety seconds??"

A participant questions.

"How will that happen??"

Another asks.

"it's either the participant is that strong or his/ her opponent is that weak, either way that would be fun to see."

Dan voices out with Ilara and Sai looking at him.

"What??"

Markov puts his hand up calling the participants to order as he continued to speak.

"Now I know that this sounds like an uphill task but it is doable and I'm sure that once you know what this special spot entails you would try to get it."

"And what exactly does this special spit entail??"

"A chance to skip the second round and move onto the next one."

Markov replies expecting gasps but this time most participants merely stared at him.

"So all we get is to move up to the next round without fighting??... That's not what I was expecting."

Sai comments drawing a few stares from the other participants.

"Anyways…"

Markov felt awkward following the silence after he had told them what the special spot entailed so he decided to move past it to avoid further questions.

"The Combat test will go on for a month and the top three candidates emerging from it would stand a chance to be accepted into the D.O.D as this year's first batch."

Markov finishes up.

"Any questions??"

"What exactly do you mean by first batch??"

Okoye asks with a questioning look on her face.

"We will be accepting participants into the D.O.D using the batch system which is basically saying that the highest scoring teams will get accepted first but that doesn't mean that the other teams will be sent back instead we would carry out more tests on those teams to help them get better in other places they are lacking after which they would have to go through probation at the D.O.D so that the higher ups can be assured that you are able to handle yourselves properly."

Markov explains.

"Is the probation compulsory?"

Okoye asks again.

"Well not really, if after the cams you are unable to get into the first batch you can withdraw and no-one would question you."

Markov replies.

"If those are the only questions and everyone here understands everything I've said so far then you all should leave and prepare yourselves for tomorrow's activities."

Markov dismisses the participants after which he calls the gathering to a close with all participants heading out.