She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 321

In the dim light, Athena watched the organizer, the Messenger.

Their average build was hidden beneath a flowing black robe that concealed their hands and feet, making it impossible to determine their gender. What struck her was the tall, authoritative presence they commanded, exuding the calmness of a general ready to face any challenge.

From the top of the stairs, the Messenger scanned the gathered participants and spoke in a voice that had been altered to be indistinct. "Welcome, everyone, to tonight's gathering. As tradition dictates, please hand over your phones before we dive into our game. After that, pick a seat and help yourselves to your favorite desserts and drinks." Athena shared a silent glance with Matthew before she handed her phone to a masked attendant.

The attendant placed their phones into clear plastic bags, sealing them with tape, and reminded them, "Remember the number on the seal. Just say it when you want your phone back."

Athena noted that the seal bore a lengthy 14-digit number. The attendant gave them only a brief look at it before swiftly taking the bags away.

It confirmed her thoughts: this gathering was solely for those sharp-minded.

She and Matthew exchanged another look before making their way to the round table.

As they walked, the "Baharia Lady" brushed past her, whispering, "Make sure you come in first and fulfill my request. I'll reward you handsomely." Athena was here under the name Daniel.

Both she and Matthew had pinned on the brooch Zoe had given them. It was clear that the "Persian Lady," or Zoe, recognized them as her allies immediately. Athena merely nodded in response.

When she reached the table, she noticed that each seat was spaced 3 feet apart, and each had a number on the back. The only exception was the seat labeled "O," which had a 1.5-meter gap on either side and was the closest to the stairs. It was obvious that this spot was saved for the Messenger.

That wasn't hard to guess.

The Messenger waited until everyone was seated before descending the stairs and taking the "O" seat. Their voice now carried a playful tone as they said, "You're all geniuses, and there are three reasons to be here: to play games with smart people, to win rewards, and for mutual benefit. Since your time is valuable, I won't waste it any longer. Let's get started."

An attendant placed a box on the table.

The Messenger continued, "Inside this box are pure gold cards, each weighing 0.2 pounds.

"Each card comes with a question. You'll draw in order, and if you answer correctly, you keep the card. If you get it wrong, others can jump in, and the first correct answerer gets the card. Your performance will count towards your overall score." Athena nodded slightly, impressed by how well the Messenger understood people.

Not every genius was wealthy, and this kind of reward would certainly entice many in the room Sure enough, as soon as the Messenger finished speaking, some participants couldn't contain their excitement.

The Messenger said, "We'll start with the participant in seat number 1 on my left."

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The attendant placed the box in front of the first participant.

They drew the first card and handed it over.

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After reading it, the attendant announced, "This question needs to be answered in the dark, so I'll turn off the lights temporarily. Don't worry, they'll be back on shortly."

With that, the candles at the center of the table flickered out instantly.

Everyone was engulfed in darkness.

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Athena suspected that the chandelier above was rigged with an automatic lighting system-no one had to light or extinguish candles manually.

The attendant announced, "Here's your question: How many people walked through the villa's entrance earlier, and how many are seated at this round table? Exclude the Messenger, who's in seat 'O. Seat 1, you have one minute to answer."

The person in seat 1 took a moment to think, about 20 or 30 seconds, then finally answered, "There were 68 people who entered the villa, and 42 of them are seated here."

The attendant asked, "You still have time. Do you want to change your answer?".

Seat 1 responded confidently, "No, I'll stick with it."

The attendant said, "I'm sorry, but that's incorrect. Anyone else can answer now."

The moment those words were spoken, several buzzers lit up, only milliseconds apart.

fastest one came from seat 35-Athena's

66 people who walked through the villa's door, and 41

correct. This gold

flickered back

walked over, placing the gold card from seat 1 into a

next person, "Seat 2,

believe in ghosts? What's your reasoning for either believing or not believing? It's an open-ended question, and others can share their opinions too. The most persuasive answer will be determined by a vote." Seat 2

ghosts, but not the creepy supernatural kind from myths. I

they're just leftover information

a ghost myself, but you can't

turned into a full-blown debate, with these brilliant

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Matthew stayed quiet, just listening

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the majority agreed that seat 2 had the

had voted

that sparked even more interest: "Do you believe in aliens? What's your reasoning for believing or not believing? This is also an open-ended question, and others are free to give their opinions. The most convincing answer will be chosen by vote." Seat 3 answered with certainty, "The universe is way too big for humans to be the only intelligent life. I believe aliens

question grabbed everyone's attention even more than the

conversation, and the discussion lasted

historical records and archaeology, even diving into philosophical and theological arguments to back their views. Athena remained

when it came time to vote, she cast hers

the participants voted the same, and seat 3

3 took up a

cash. How would you turn that

and explain how to fix them." "You've earned 20 million through gambling. How would you launder that money?" "You're playing rock-paper-scissors with another person. There are five rounds,

to crack them, these people could solve them in just a few minutes.

it was Matthew's turn-seat

to answer, and Athena understood he was doing it on purpose. He was giving her the chance to take the lead because he knew how much she wanted

buzz of whispers filled the room as everyone began to

the

many of them were quiet and kept to themselves, barely interacting with anyone else. Trying to figure out their professions would be a challenge worthy of a seasoned

a thick raincoat. His fingers were intertwined on the table, but as soon as he caught Matthew's gaze, he instinctively shoved his hands

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a moment of observation, Matthew began, speaking deliberately, "You've been pretty lively during this gathering, so I can tell this isn't your first time here. Yet you didn't have any alcohol; you opted for

choose to wear raincoats in everyday life, and they certainly don't help to conceal one's figure or looks. So it seems like you chose it because it's comfortable or perhaps it's just

one, which could be either a job requirement or a personal choice. "You're

low in fat and calories, showing you're health-conscious and mindful

and surgical procedures, meaning you're probably

area.

nails neatly trimmed, and the way you used your knife and fork to cut the bread was very precise

say. I believe you're a

bit

42, who was bundled up in a hooded puffer

and your glasses are heavily prescribed, indicating your eyes are overworked and you probably suffer from dry

the table, your fingers tap lightly as if you're typing

you headed straight for seat

chose a math problem, and in the living room, you went for a

sipping an energy

in your jacket, and you've got earbuds in your

you're

moment, then broke into an enthusiastic grin. "Wow, you're observant! You must know your

who had a noticeable belly. He simply said, "You're involved in some

shifted to

man in seat 27 wore a large mask and

"I'd say seat 34 did an outstanding job. Here's a

was Athena's

the Messenger announced, "Please