Although they had a myriad of questions and much they wanted to say, seeing John's approach, they forcibly suppressed their curiosity.
The group reached the platform only to find that the entire square was already packed with people, all of them incredibly anxious.
When they saw John and his group arrive, some started to push forward in a slight panic.
"Is what we heard true? If we die here, do we really die?"
"What's going on here? Isn't this supposed to be a trial from the school? Why is it now endangering our lives?"
"Speak up, why did the Principal say we should follow your commands? What exactly is your relationship with the Principal? Or is this whole situation a plot of yours?"
"Let me tell you, my family is from Dubhe! If something happens to me here, my parents will not let you off easily, just you wait!"
"I'm telling you, you better let me out now, or else I won't let this go!"
More and more people began to shout frantically, trying to mask their inner panic with such outbursts.
Archibald looked down at the agitated crowd, feeling a mix of urgency and panic.
Given that this was essentially a team-based game, losing their trust would mean they could no longer cooperate, but rather would end up fighting alone.
But cooperation was crucial now, especially with the threat of breached walls that could mean death for everyone.
Previously, John's authoritative approach had kept everyone in check, but now there was a growing sense of rebellion among them.
If problems arose, what would they do? Were they really going to die here?
The thought brought a sense of despair to everyone's heart.
Archibald glanced at John, feeling that he had the capability to save them all.
John's lips curled into a mocking smirk, then he looked down at the crowd and raised his staff.
Boom!
A massive fireball crashed into an empty space on the ground, kicking up dust and creating a large crater.
Stones flew and hit some of the surrounding people, scratching and drawing blood.
But the loud noise indeed calmed many down, and they instinctively turned their attention to the man on the platform.
Their hands trembled, and a new fear appeared in their eyes.
"Can we now quietly listen to what I have to say?"
"Or would you rather experience the Resurrection Spell?"
Silence...
The scene was completely silent.
How could they have forgotten? This man was never one to speak gently with them.
"But what good does being afraid do? Why don't you just slit your own throat now? Rest assured, I won't save you."
The crowd gasped sharply.
Many felt an injustice and looked at John with a mix of anger and fear.
This man was truly unconventional!
"If you don't have the courage to seek death, then live properly! And complete the task of defending the city flawlessly, because if the walls break, we're all headed down the same dead-end road!"
Silence...
Once again, everyone fell silent.
Though they were loath to admit it, they couldn't deny that John was speaking the brutal truth...
These words hit them like a harsh slap in the face.
Lacking the courage to die, their only choice was to live, and live well.
"Today, from all the monsters we've killed, we've made 100000 arrows and 5000 sets of shields and armor from their hides, enough for two sets each of you."
"Moreover, our logistics are actively replenishing potions, and even if you die, there will be Resurrection Spells to revive you, although I hope you aren't foolish enough to actually want to experience what dying feels like."
John ruthlessly laid out the limitations and cooldowns of the Resurrection Spell, and once again, silence fell over the crowd.
"I've said what needed to be said. Now, you need to decide whether you plan to die or fight hard to live until after 15 days."
"Considering that we are all participants in the same trial, if you really choose to die, then I will personally ensure your passage, so you don't have to die at the hands of those monsters."
John's tone was mild, but his words sent chills down everyone's spine.
The crowd fell silent once more, not daring to speak.
They knew this man wasn't just talking—he could really do such a thing! What he says, he does!
"It seems that no one here wants to die yet, so go back, rest up, and prepare for tomorrow's monster siege."
After speaking, John once again looked out over the crowd.
People glanced at each other, ultimately returning to their rooms with heads hung low.
John was right; they really had no other choice.
Some truly wanted to resist, but John's overwhelming power made everyone toe the line.
Now, with death being final, who would dare to challenge him?
Archibald watched everyone disperse and looked at John with hesitation.
"Are we being too harsh?"
Everyone was already in a state of panic, and a heavy-handed approach might backfire.
"Absolute power is the only way to suppress a revolt."