Synopsis

The chapter initiates the second trial, where contestants must form groups of eight and secure one of forty flags by sunrise to avoid elimination. This brutal condition causes contestants to scramble for teams, with some initially trying to exploit a perceived weak link, while others seek out strong allies. A main character is initially rejected, but then unexpectedly invited to join a team, and another character plans to use and then betray their team-mate. The competitive and strategic aspects of survival are brought to the forefront.