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.

came from seat

who walked through the

"That's correct.

flickered

from

next person, "Seat 2, it's your turn

pulled a card and read the question aloud: "Do you 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 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

added, "Ghosts could be real, but maybe they're just leftover information from someone's life, only showing

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

into a full-blown debate, with these brilliant

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Matthew stayed quiet, just

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came time to vote, the majority agreed that seat 2 had the

had voted for "don't

are free to give their opinions. The most convincing answer will be chosen by vote." Seat 3 answered with certainty, "The

everyone's attention even more than the

participants jumped into the conversation, and

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

when it came time to vote, she cast hers

same, and seat 3 won

took up a good amount

turn that into 20 million,

discrepancies in these accounts and explain how to fix them." "You've earned 20 million through gambling.

might take someone ordinary an hour to crack them,

was

he was doing it on purpose. He was giving her the chance to take the lead because he knew how much she wanted to shine in this competition. Matthew's

filled the room as everyone began

the question

else. Trying to figure out their professions would be

in seat 5 wore a 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

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Chapter 321

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11

during this gathering, so I can tell this isn't your first time here. Yet

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

you usually don't have one, which could be either a job requirement or a personal choice. "You're

and calories, showing you're health-conscious and mindful

surgical procedures, meaning you're

area.

and the way you used your knife and fork to cut the bread was very precise your fingers are quick and

all I have to say. I believe you're

5 turned to him, a bit

who was bundled up in a hooded puffer jacket. "You've got noticeable dark circles

are heavily prescribed, indicating your

fingers

you headed straight

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

an energy

your jacket, and you've got earbuds in

say you're

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

turned to the man in seat 27, who had a noticeable belly.

eyes shifted

27 wore a large

interjected, "I'd say seat 34 did an outstanding job. Here's a gold card

it was

the Messenger announced, "Please watch a