Transform into a magical girl after getting off work-Chapter 653 - 211: Long Dan the Emotional Guide

In the final stage of the exam, everyone held their breath and focused on obtaining the last reward points. Even though most people did not know where the final node was or what stage the current strategy had reached, it did not stop them from being ready for it to "end soon."

Emerald Sparrow also did not know the location of the final node.

Indeed, if she really utilized her Flower Level perception skills and Magic Power, she could probably uncover all the secrets of this labyrinth in an instant, but she would never do that. So, at this moment, even she did not know when this examination would end.

Currently, Team 277 has already accumulated a lot of reward points. After leaving the third node, they even solved another puzzle on the way. Their points have reached a level where they no longer need to exert effort. Like excellent students finishing their test long before it ends and having time to recheck their answers and perfect their steps, they were probably one of the most relaxed teams in the labyrinth.

However, Emerald Sparrow also knew that there were still many candidates who remained anxious.

After all, even now, there were several teams trailing closely behind them, maintaining a subtle but obvious distance.

"Are we being targeted?"

Dogtail Grass noticed this and said a bit oddly, "Why? Is it because our team's points are relatively ahead... or some other reason?"

"It's probably because they think we might find the exit."

Emerald Sparrow casually guessed, "After all, we were previously quite efficient at locating puzzles and nodes, so they might feel that by following us, they could hitch a ride out of the exit... although I don't know from where they learned about our team's identity and position, this possibility is quite high."

"I agree." Tu Dinggui nodded, "At this stage, there shouldn't be teams still thinking about fighting others. Since they're following us, it's likely in hopes of gaining some advantage."

"Eh? But why? We actually don't know the location of the exit either, right?"

Dogtail Grass still didn't understand, "Then following us would be a waste of time?"

"Because they believe we will know, so they are doing it, irrespective of the truth."

Emerald Sparrow shook her head, "Or perhaps they are spies sent out by those 'large teams,' considering aside from them, I can't think of any candidates who could pinpoint our location and identity during the exam."

Undoubtedly, for the vast majority of candidates in this exam, just ensuring they don't get lost while solving a few puzzles was already quite commendable. To want to take the exam while simultaneously being aware of other candidates' progress and movements in this labyrinth, with just a three-member team, is almost a pipe dream.

These candidates following Team 277 must have known the progress and could ascertain their identity and location, allowing them to catch up. Such an intelligence-gathering ability is undoubtedly beyond a typical candidate's capacity.

Although the Examiner would occasionally announce accomplishments of some leading teams, he would never disclose details about these teams' members, making it impossible for candidates to glean information about other teams from these words. To achieve this, either a team has professional relevant abilities, or it's those temporarily allied "large teams," using their numerical advantage and internal communication means, acquiring more information.

But now, the origins of these "followers" are actually not important to Team 277, as long as there's no obvious hostility, they can let them follow behind.

"But if we don't find the exit soon, wouldn't they also waste their time following us?"

Dogtail Grass looked tense, "If they follow us and wander around more, once out, would they talk bad about our team, something like 'no big deal'?"

"Low probability." Emerald Sparrow frankly answered.

"Hmm... also possible." Tu Dinggui nodded.

Obviously, although both felt Dogtail Grass's thoughts were rather pessimistic, it was not without basis.

"What should we do then?"

Now Dogtail Grass was more panicked, "Should I go talk to them, honestly tell them that we actually haven't found the way?"

"...Do you think they would believe it?"

Emerald Sparrow lowered her eyelids and glanced at her, "No matter what we say to them, it's useless; admitting 'found the exit' is a confession; denying it is like giving away secrets. They've already followed, so how could they believe our words?"

"Uh..."

Dogtail Grass thought for a moment, realizing Emerald Sparrow was right and felt defeated, "So what now?"

"Just let them follow. After all, we haven't done anything against the rules."

Emerald Sparrow turned around and continued forward, "Being under the scrutiny of others makes one want to perform better—such emotions are normal, but giving one's best is enough, you can turn pressure into motivation, but don't let your motivation become pressure." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"Ha..."

Dogtail Grass's expression suddenly dulled, and she followed Emerald Sparrow, saying softly, "Long Dan senior, sometimes really says a lot of very adult-like things."

"Treat it as my tendency to be whimsical and enjoy saying grand ideas."

Emerald Sparrow casually replied, without any intention of elaboration, after all, having been together for almost a day, it was not her first time saying things "not like a kid," so hiding it further would not look good.

This conversation should have been just a brief interlude; Emerald Sparrow did not care about those trailing teams. But after she took a few steps forward, she noticed Tu Dinggui, who had been walking steadily, suddenly slowed down.

"What's wrong?"

Noticing the pensive expression on her face, Emerald Sparrow instinctively asked.

She had begun adapting to her role as the emotional guide within the team. Since there wasn't much work to do, helping these two teammates adjust their mentality to avoid affecting performance could be considered assistance.

"...No, nothing, just remembered something."

Tu Dinggui shook her head, hesitating, "By the way, I think what you said just now was quite reasonable."

"Which one?"

"Motivation and pressure."

Tu Dinggui returned to her composed demeanor, "Since other teams believe we can find the exit, perhaps making an extra effort is good."

She again placed her palm on the wall and closed her eyes, this time not as casually as before, clearly using more of her strength to sense the surrounding paths...

——[Notification, Notification].

However, the abrupt announcement interrupted Tu Dinggui's actions.

[Due to unforeseen circumstances causing changes in the examination process, although there are still labyrinth nodes not yet conquered, the labyrinth exit will open in 60 seconds, please candidates take note.]

[Repeating, due to unforeseen circumstances...]

It wasn't only Tu Dinggui; across the labyrinth, everyone diverted part of their attention to seriously consider the content of this announcement.

[Furthermore, although it's quite sudden, the first team to leave the labyrinth in this exam has already emerged. Let's congratulate Team 582 for gaining the first place, and...]

The voice in the announcement suddenly became somewhat profound.

[...A remarkable contribution from Miss Xiao Jin within the team.]