Since this was a monster infested area, most of their loved ones wouldn't be able to retrieve them.

Yet, Jessy had changed their fates. Using all of her mana to help them even at the cost of being defenseless.

So he asked her, "Jessy, what do you think power is?"

Jessy looked at him, she didn't get how that was relevant right now. "Are you trying to say that I should leave these people to their fates because they don't have power?"

If that was the case, then her opinion of him would change...

"Just answer the question." Kasen insisted. He kept his eyes on her face, not faltering in his gaze.

As if feeling the weight of his expectations, she tried to form an answer.

"I think power, is the ability to do anything you want?" She hadn't really thought about it before.

Power was power. It allowed you to do stuff, you wouldn't normally be able to do. Those without power had to bow to those with it.

There was never really more to explore.

Kasen nodded, "I like your answer. It resembles mine a lot."

Jessy looked at him curiously, "What about you then? What do you think power is?"

Kasen was decisive when he answered, "Power is the ability to change the world as you see fit."

Jessy chuckled, "I don't think our answers are all that similar."

"That's because you haven't seen other answers." Kasen said.

Jessy then looked down again, "But opinions aside, I don't know what to do. If I want to pass, I'll have to kill innocent people."

Kasen was conflicted about this, "We need points to pass. There are no more beasts to hunt so we'll have to settle for humans."

Kasen looked at the candidates still asleep, "How many points do you think all of them are worth?"

Jessy slapped his arm, "Don't say that! It makes you seem cold."

Kasen laughed, "Sorry. But others would certainly ask the same question."

'Hmm, now that I think about it... yes, that could work.'

Kasen smiled. He turned to Jessy, “Jessy, why did you save everyone here?"

She regarded him in confusion, "Why would you ask that now."

"So that I can know whether you're an idealist or a naive fool." Kasen said flatly.

Jessy pouted her lips, "That's quite a mouth you've got there."

But she answered seriously. "Just because they were my supposed enemies doesn't mean I shouldn't aid them."

"Supposed?" Kasen asked skeptically. "Their victory could lead to your failure. Wouldn't you want some of them to fail so you could get ahead?"

Jessy shook her head, "That's just how life is. If they failed, then that's that. But my success is only tied to me and no one else."

Kasen nodded, "You're quite the talker."

He stood up, "So what do you plan to do now?"

Jessy followed him, looking at the bright day that promised an arduous journey.

"Come to think of it, I never told you what deity I served." She looked at him.

"I serve the Deity of Justice Tobem. As such no matter what I do I will act just."

Kasen stared in surprise, 'I should have guessed from the blindfold.'

"...Wait, so you're not actually blind?" He asked stunned.

There was an awkward pause.

Jessy looked to the side and said in a small voice, "No..."

Kasen said "I see."

"Well then, you heard her!" Kasen shouted. "So, I give you an option. Either follow Jessy or endure this hopeless trial alone!"

Jessy was surprised by Kasen's sudden shouting, "Who are you talking to?"

Kasen gestured to the 'sleeping' participants, "You guys can stop pretending now."

There wasn't any response for a while, before the sounds of bones creaking and clothes ruffling rang through the forest.

Jessy watched as the masses of mana in her vision started moving about the place with life. They were all looking at her.

"Umm, what is it?" Jessy asked, "Why are you all looking at me?"

Kasen shook his head, "It's simple. You're our only chance of getting out of this alive."

Some members of the audience nodded. Kasen stepped towards Jessy and said, "As long as you keep your word of being just..."

"I don't think we'll have a problem with you leading us."

Jessy was still quite confused, "But... but I don't have any experience leading."

Kasen walked to her side and faced the crowd of 47, "I'll help you."

"Like an assistant of sorts?" Jessy asked nervously.

"Whatever suits you." Kasen said.

Jessy looked at the crowd of people who would be following her for the foreseeable future.

"I guess, let's do our best?" Jessy said shrugging her shoulders and making what she assumed to be a confident smile.

Kasen snickered inwardly, 'This is going to be one hell of an experience!'