The Will of the Many

Nequias treats Vis with the same unrelenting pressure that he treats every Third student, though his dislike is clear. Vis is challenged by the classes and even more challenged by their time running the Labyrinth. Just as Vis begins to progress, Nequias announces that they will begin preparing for the Iudicium. All current student rankings are now fixed, placing Indol at the top and Vis at the bottom of Class Three.

The specifics of the Iudicium remain a secret. However, each Third student competes against the others and must choose two lower-ranked students to be under their command during the test. Most Third students will choose teammates from Class Four. Unsurprisingly, Vis intends to ask Callidus and Eidhin.

Vis asks Callidus and Eidhin, despite knowing the dangers involved. Eidhin readily agrees but Callidus hesitates. He shows Vis the census documents he originally gave to Belli to make sure Vis understands what he is asking of them. Then Callidus agrees.

Vis confirms his choices with Veridius. Veridius approves of Vis’s choices, based as they are on trust rather than ranking. He explains that the subordinates will be given more detail about their roles but are not allowed to share this with Vis.