Cruel Leader

"...Thirteen Minutes left."

***

Beyond the towering wall, Squad Eighteen's voices were faint but clear to Vorden's ears.

They were arguing, trying to piece together a way out—just as Squad Sixteen was.

Cherry was the first to break the silence. She clenched her fists. "So... what now? We can't just stand here."

Luminen, still catching his breath, ran a hand through his hair.

"Twelve minutes left," he muttered, as if saying it out loud would slow time.

Vorden let out a short, almost amused breath. "We don't have to do anything."

Cherry blinked twice. "What?"

"We just let them fail," Vorden added.

For a second, neither Cherry nor Luminen spoke. They just stared at him, dumbstruck.

Damien watched their reactions without saying anything or reacting.

Cherry's gaze sharpened. "You're saying we let Squad Eighteen get eliminated?"

Luminen's breath hitched. "Isn't that… I don't know, a bit cruel?"