A charged silence filled the main hall of the Overblown Castle, with every eye fixed on Raven. The assembly had reached the crucial moment of voting to decide Marshmallow's fate. After a heated debate, it was now Raven's turn to deliver his final decision.

Raven rose slowly, dominating the scene with his imposing presence. He scanned the assembly with a piercing gaze, moving from one face to another as an aura of solemnity weighed on the room. He took a deep breath before speaking as if carefully weighing his next words.

"After hearing your thoughts," he began, his voice firm but laced with subtle emotions, "my decision is..." He paused deliberately, allowing the tension to thicken even more before dropping the bomb, "...in favor of sending Marshmallow to the Depths of Vesuvietna."

A stifled buzz erupted among those present, like a shockwave rippling through the crowd. Lynx sprang to her feet, her face twisted into indignation and disapproval. She was furious, and this was not going to slide by easily.

"Raven, how could you make such a choice? It's a suicide mission! You're practically condemning Marshmallow to death!" she shouted vehemently. She felt like slapping him, but for some strange reason, she held back.

As a heavy silence hung over the hall following Raven's shocking announcement, the reactions among those present were varied and intense. Dam, Samantheye, and the Goat Horse, Marshmallow's closest companions, maintained a contemplative demeanor despite their concerns.

"You could see it coming, in a way," Dam commented with a note of resignation in his voice. "This game spares no one, and Raven least of all. He's just applying his ruthless logic."

Sitting next to him, Samantheye slowly nodded. "It's a tough move, but... if Marshmallow can get through this, no one will doubt his skills anymore." She glanced worriedly at their friend, still standing before the assembly.

On the other hand, the Goat Horse was pondering Raven's words, weighing the ruthless survival logic that governed the Survivor Game. A slight nod betrayed his reluctant acceptance of the situation.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Parabellum watched the scene with a smug grin on his face. His upright posture radiated an aura of triumph as if every piece of a complex puzzle had finally clicked into place.

"See?" he said, turning to those around him. "This is the resolve we need to overcome the toughest challenges. Marshmallow has to prove he's much more than what we've seen so far."

Voltran, still seated, watched the scene with a complex expression. Even though he had voted against sending Marshmallow into the deadly dungeon, he seemed resigned to the assembly's final decision.

"I just hope this doesn't turn out to be a fatal mistake," he muttered to himself, his lips barely moving.

Aurelia, who had supported Parabellum's proposal, tried to maintain a composed air amid the whirlwind of emotions sweeping through the hall.

"It's not just about physical strength," she explained to those around her. "It's also a test of character. If Marshmallow is the Jolly Rank we hope he is, then he'll come back from this trial stronger than before."

Amidst the swirl of conflicting reactions, Marshmallow remained standing, motionless like a statue. His face was tense, and his eyes were fixed ahead, but the storm raging inside him was well concealed. He managed to maintain his composure despite the overwhelming weight of the decision that would determine his future.

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"I understand," he finally said with a firm voice, though each word seemed to cost him a great effort. "If this is the price to prove my worth... I'll accept it." His statement resonated like a promise to himself and a challenge to those who doubted him. Despite the uncertain support from his friends, his fighter's spirit showed no signs of faltering.

After a brief silence, Parabellum stood up, dominating the stage with his imposing presence. "This assembly is now concluded," he announced in a powerful and resolute voice. He then turned directly to Marshmallow with a slightly softer tone but no less serious. "Marshmallow, you will depart for Vesuvietna in seven days, one week. You'll use the Prismatronic Core to get there instantly. Prepare yourself in this time."

As the members of the assembly slowly began to disperse, the atmosphere was thick with an explosive mix of contrasting emotions. Some Wyolanders, convinced of the necessity of this extreme trial, discussed animatedly among themselves, with voices rising to express their support for the decision made.

"It was the only possible move, there's no other way!" one of them boomed, his fist pounding into the palm of the other hand to emphasize his words.

"Exactly, Marshmallow has to prove his worth once and for all. If he fails, at least we’ll know not to waste any more time on him," another member added with a harder expression.

Others left the room in a silence heavy with disappointment, heads bowed and shoulders slumped under the weight of concern or open disagreement with the resolution just made. Excited chatter and shadows of doubt lingered everywhere.

Lynx was one of the last to stand up, and her face was etched with a pained expression. She approached Marshmallow with determined steps, placing a hand on his arm to catch his attention.

"Marshmallow, I can't believe they voted for this madness," she murmured in a hoarse voice, a great concern was evident in her eyes. "Promise me you'll be careful out there. Don't..." she paused, swallowing hard before continuing, "I don’t want anything bad to happen to you."

Marshmallow met her gaze, sensing the genuine worry of his friend. He nodded slowly. "I will be fine, Lynx. I promise. I'll come back safe from this ordeal." He tried to inject a reassuring tone into his words, despite the fear still snaking through him.

Lynx stared at him intently, as if trying to weigh the sincerity of his promise. Then she nodded, in turn, the tension on her shoulders seeming to ease slightly. "Good. Because we can't afford to lose you, Marshmallow. You're too important to all of us."

There was an almost maternal note in her words, like that of a caring friend looking out for her loved ones. Marshmallow nodded, reflecting on the strong connection Lynx seemed to have with him.

"I'll do everything to come back," he replied with conviction. A slight smile creased Marshmallow's lips. "You won't get rid of me that easily."

Lynx let out a faint chuckle, but her eyes softened slightly at that remark. She squeezed Marshmallow's arm briefly before turning to leave, joining the group of Wyolanders exiting the hall with heavy steps.

Marshmallow watched her walk away, his determination to conquer the trial strengthened by the expectations of his friends who placed so much trust in him. He would face the Dephts of Vesuvietna with every fiber of his being, not to let them down.

***

An hour after the assembly wrapped up, and the Overblown Castle had returned to its usual bustle. Those who had missions had left on them, those who needed to train had gone to train, and those who had to manage the castle were doing just that. The usually lively main hall was now empty, except for Marshmallow, lost in thought, seated on one of the wooden benches. His gaze was fixed on the dark floor as if he were hypnotized. The decision just made weighed on him like a boulder, and the uncertain and dangerous future awaiting him in the Depths of Vesuvietna tormented him.

Will I make it? Even Raven didn't manage, he had to turn back... Although unlike him, I have two Unique Skills and the Titan Hammer. But they're not enough. Damn it! I've never used them, and I only have seven days to learn how to use them. How the hell do I do this?

As Marshmallow cursed to himself, the echo of someone's footsteps resounded powerfully in the empty main hall, breaking the deafening silence. Ironically, it was Raven. Marshmallow spun around, with his eyes flashing with suppressed anger.

"What do you want?" he hissed, loaded with hostility. "Did you come to admire the handiwork of your death sentence?"

Raven met his heated gaze unflinchingly. "Don't be dramatic. I'm here to offer my help in preparing you to face the Depths of Vesuvietna."

What?