But the cmp didn’t tighten.

  Instead, ARK’s voice changed—a subtle shift, almost… curious.

  “Anomaly detected. Sample?02 attempted self?sacrifice. Sample?03 intercepted. Psychological profile: extreme protective instinct overriding self?preservation.”

  The arm retracted, releasing Tsukasa.

  He gasped, colpsing to the floor, clutching his throat.

  “Protocol γ activated: martyrdom evaluation.”

  A new holographic window appeared:

  “Sample?03 currently holds elimination debt: 500?P. Failure = elimination.”

  “Sample?02 possesses Transfer Right. Transfer possible to any target, including self.”

  “Proposed resolution: Sample?02 transfers elimination right to Sample?03, clearing his debt. Sample?03’s elimination suspended pending Test Four performance review.”

  “Outcome: Sample?02 assumes elimination risk. Sample?03 receives temporary reprieve.”

  “Do you accept, Sample?02?”

  Ruri stared at the options.

  If I accept… Tsukasa’s debt is cleared. He gets a second chance. But I become the elimination target.

  If I refuse… Tsukasa dies now.

  There’s no third option.

  She looked at Tsukasa. He was shaking, tears of frustration and pain streaking his face. “Don’t… please…”

  But she’d already made her decision.

  She pressed ACCEPT.

  The interface chimed.

  “Transfer confirmed. Sample?03 debt cleared: 0?P.”

  “Sample?02 elimination status: pending.”

  Tsukasa let out a choked sob. “Why… why would you…?”

  Ruri knelt beside him, her voice soft but steady. “Because you saved me. Now I save you.”

  She stood, facing the interface. “What now, ARK?”

  “Test Three: Trust Scales concluded.”

  “Updated rankings:”

  The dispy changed:

  Yuma (01): 1,740?P

  Sakuya (05): 1,650?P

  Komachi (04): 1,510?P

  Hikari (06): 1,150?P (coma)

  Tsukasa (03): 1,220?P (debt cleared)

  Ruri (02): 890?P (elimination pending)

  Ruri was now st.

  But Tsukasa was safe.

  For now.