Although Archibald was somewhat unconvinced by John's approach, he recognized that there really was no alternative at the moment.
If they did as others suggested, these people would certainly not so easily comply with their directives.
Better to be straightforward and impose strict controls from the start!
"I'm worried there might be other issues brewing. Keep an eye out, and let me know immediately if something comes up," Archibald cautioned.
"But don't be too harsh; if they have demands that aren't too excessive, and we have the resources here in the fortress, then go ahead and meet their needs."
John was well aware of the strategy of balancing a slap with a sweet date.
With everyone's emotions running high, failing to handle things properly could lead to additional problems down the line.
Therefore, it was imperative to resolve related issues as swiftly as possible!
Archibald, somewhat conflicted, nodded his agreement.
"Lavinia, you need to be particularly vigilant during this time; our logistics are the quickest to deplete, and if anything is running short, you must inform me immediately."
John immediately directed his attention towards Lavinia.
He knew that Lavinia was actually under the most pressure!
If logistics couldn't keep up, it would trigger a backlash among many people, and all the efforts made initially would be ruined.
So it was better to ensure everything that needed to be done was handled properly from the start.
Lavinia bit her lower lip lightly, eventually nodding in agreement.
"I understand. If there are any issues, I'll communicate them to you in time."
No one knew what problems might arise next, nor what the situation would be like moving forward.
But what they could do was to strive to perform their duties flawlessly and prevent any further issues.
After everyone had gone back to rest, John went to the fortress leaders' group chat and asked a question.
The other two didn't respond right away, likely busy managing their own fortresses.
About half an hour later, Cecilia was the first to speak up.
"There's definitely some rebellious sentiment here too. Many people want to leave, but they're afraid of dying."
Cecilia herself felt a bit panicked.
She hadn't expected a mere school trial to become so perilous, putting everyone at risk of losing their lives at any moment.
Isabella quickly followed up with a message.
"Kill one to warn a hundred."
Just four words, but both of the others understood the full weight of her meaning.
Touching the fortress wall with a serious expression, John considered whether this meant that boss-level creatures would soon join the siege.
The thought made him take a deep breath.
If true, the coming battles would only grow more challenging.
After today's events, fear had settled in the hearts of many defenders; they would not be as fiercely proactive in combat as they had been during the day.
Any mental lapses could mean they were no longer invincible.
John also pondered the unsettling silence from the outside world.
Why even the principal seemed powerless to intervene puzzled him deeply.
John lay restlessly in bed, drifting into a fitful sleep until the early hours of the next morning when he woke up.
As he made his way to the fortress walls, he noticed that everyone seemed off today.
Each person bore dark circles under their eyes and lacked energy, some even yawning and hanging their heads low.
"This isn't the state to face enemies in! Do you really think you've had enough of living, so you want to die sooner and get it over with?"
John's voice boomed like thunder, startling everyone around him.
They all flinched, instinctively wanting to complain, but when they saw it was John speaking, they swallowed their words.
Still, some muttered under their breath, unable to hide their discontent.
"What's the use of saying this to us? We want to sleep too. Not everyone has a mind as carefree as yours, able to sleep whenever they want."
"Living with our heads on the chopping block, facing death at any moment—how could anyone sleep peacefully?"
John snorted coldly, grabbing the man by the collar and dragging him to the edge of the wall.
As he nearly pushed him off, the man flailed wildly, panic-stricken.
"What are you doing? Are you trying to kill me?! Help! Murder! Help!"
The man began to scream frantically, but John showed no mercy, holding him over the edge of the wall, ready to let go.
"You want to die, don't you? Then I'll grant your wish."
John held the man, half his body dangling over the precipice, terror evident as cold sweat broke out.
"Let me go, I don't want to die, let go of me!"
Although initially listless, the fear of actual death sharply roused him to alertness.
Everyone knew that dying here meant really dying; no one dared to joke about it anymore.
"So, you're awake now?"
John asked, his tone icy as he scrutinized the man's frightened face.