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.

19

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.

came from

66 people who walked through

correct.

flickered back to

the gold card from seat 1 into a small box in front

turned to the next person, "Seat 2,

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 didn't hesitate and shook their head. "I don't believe in ghosts. Ever since humanity's been around, there have been countless stories about ghosts,

creepy supernatural kind from myths. I think they're just projections

real, but maybe they're just leftover information from someone's

in confidently, "I've seen a ghost myself, but you can't catch them

debate, with these brilliant

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quiet, just listening

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agreed that seat 2 had the most reasonable answer, earning them

had voted

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

even more than the ghost

jumped into the conversation, and the discussion lasted

and physics discoveries to historical records and archaeology, even diving into philosophical and theological

came time to vote, she

of the participants voted the same, and seat 3 won a gold

took up a good amount of time, the following questions

would you turn that into 20 million,

in these accounts 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, and each round has three

it might take someone ordinary an hour to crack them,

it was Matthew's turn-seat

the chance to take the lead because he knew how much she wanted to shine in this competition. Matthew's card read, "Analyze the professions of the participants

the room as everyone began to

the question

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

thick raincoat. His fingers were intertwined on the table, but as soon as he caught Matthew's gaze, he instinctively shoved his hands into his pockets and turned his head slightly to hide his

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11

deliberately, "You've been pretty lively during this gathering, so I can tell this isn't your first

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

suggests you usually don't have one, which could be either a job requirement or a personal choice. "You're not wearing contacts, and your vision seems fine, which indicates you take good care

desserts that are low in fat and calories, showing you're health-conscious

about human anatomy and surgical

area.

you used your knife and fork to cut the bread was

say. I believe

turned to him, a bit reluctant

hooded puffer jacket. "You've got noticeable dark circles under your eyes-you must be burning the

a lot, and your glasses are heavily prescribed, indicating your eyes are overworked

your fingers tap lightly as if you're

you came in, you headed straight for seat 42 without a

the entrance test, you chose a

an

in your jacket, and you've got earbuds

say you're a

enthusiastic grin. "Wow, you're observant! You must know your

in seat 27, who had a noticeable belly. He simply said, "You're

eyes shifted

man in seat 27 wore a large mask and remained

34 did an outstanding job.

it was Athena's

announced, "Please watch