Shadow Husband:I Have a Hidden SSS-Class System-Chapter 70: THE STAKES RISE

72 HOURS UNTIL TRIALS

Eternal Bond’s war room at midnight looked like a military operation center.

Screens showing building schematics. Personnel files. Equipment manifests. Medical supply chains. Security camera feeds. Every system involved in champion trials under microscopic review.

Sekar stood at the center, coordinating eight teams simultaneously.

"Medical team—re-verify every piece of equipment. Serial numbers. Manufacturers. Chain of custody. If anything was delivered in the last two weeks, flag it for inspection."

"Security team—background checks on every staff member with trial access. Cross-reference with Dragon’s Gate connections. Even distant ones."

"Tech team—audit all System interface equipment. Look for unauthorized modifications. Firmware tampering. Data logging that shouldn’t exist."

Rama watched her work with admiration. Guild Master Sekar was terrifying when protecting her people.

Hendra (Vice GM) approached with updates. "We’ve found three issues so far. One medical scanner delivered last week—manufacturer confirms the order but can’t verify the delivery driver. One support staff member whose cousin works for Dragon’s Gate. And one piece of System interface equipment with firmware dated two days after official release."

"Three potential sabotage points in twelve hours," Sekar said. "How many more are we missing?"

"Unknown. But we’re checking everything. If Arif planted sabotage, we’ll find it."

"Before trials begin," Rama added. "Not after. We can’t discover sabotage by losing candidates."

Sri entered with a tablet. "Guild Master. We have a problem. Family of one candidate—Budi—just withdrew their son from trials. They received an anonymous message claiming trials have been sabotaged. That mortality rate will be thirty percent instead of fifteen. They’re terrified."

"How many other families received this message?" Sekar asked.

"Seven so far. Two more candidates just withdrew. We’re down to thirty-eight."

"Arif’s pressure campaign," Rama said. "Scare families. Reduce candidate pool. Make us desperate enough to accept Dragon’s Gate’s help."

"Then we counter it." Sekar grabbed her phone. "I’m calling all forty families. Personal assurance from Guild Master. Explaining our security measures. Offering full transparency on what we’re doing to ensure safety."

"That might not be enough," Sri warned. "Anonymous sabotage threats are effective because they’re unfalsifiable. We can’t prove trials are safe until they’re complete."

"Then I’ll be honest. Tell families we found potential sabotage points. That we’re eliminating them systematically. That we’re doing everything possible to keep mortality at expected rates." Sekar looked at Rama. "Truth builds trust better than false reassurance."

"Agreed. Transparency over comfort."

Sekar spent the next three hours on calls. Forty families. Personal conversations. Honest about sabotage threats, security measures, her commitment to candidate safety.

By 3 AM, they’d recovered one withdrawn candidate. Two others remained withdrawn—families too scared despite reassurances.

Thirty-nine candidates. Down from forty. But better than losing more.

60 HOURS UNTIL TRIALS

Yanto arrived at dawn with intelligence files on Arif Santoso.

"Former military intelligence. Specialized in asset denial—preventing enemies from using valuable resources. After military, went private. Dragon’s Gate hired him three years ago." Yanto pulled up operational histories. "Seventeen documented operations. All successful. Methods vary—blackmail, leverage, creating dependencies, sabotage, occasionally violence."

"Violence?" Sekar asked sharply.

"Three incidents. All deniable. All where targets refused cooperation and needed to be... encouraged." Yanto’s expression was grim. "Arif doesn’t kill directly. He creates situations where accidents happen. Equipment failures. Medical complications. Things that look natural."

"Like trial sabotage making deaths look like expected casualties," Rama said.

"Exactly. If ten candidates die instead of six, everyone assumes bad luck. Trials are dangerous. People die. Who can prove sabotage versus natural System rejection?"

"We can," Sekar said. "With proper documentation. Medical monitoring. Post-incident analysis. If casualties exceed expected rates, we investigate thoroughly. Make findings public. Dragon’s Gate can’t hide behind plausible deniability if we’re documenting everything."

"That requires candidates to die first," Rama pointed out. "I’d rather prevent deaths than investigate them afterward."

"Agreed. Prevention priority." Sekar looked at Yanto. "What else do we know about Arif’s methods?"

"He works through proxies. Never direct action. Always layers of separation. Finding the sabotage is hard. Connecting it to him is harder. Proving Dragon’s Gate ordered it is nearly impossible."

"But finding the sabotage is enough," Rama said. "We don’t need to prove Dragon’s Gate’s involvement. We just need to prevent candidate deaths."

"Then focus on equipment and personnel. Those are Arif’s usual vectors." Yanto highlighted sections of his files. "Equipment sabotage—modifications that cause failures under stress. Personnel sabotage—bribes or blackmail to make mistakes during critical moments. Medical sabotage—contaminated supplies, incorrect medications, delayed emergency response."

"We’re checking all of that," Sekar confirmed. "What else?"

"System interface tampering. That’s newer in Arif’s playbook but he’s used it twice successfully. Modifying the equipment that connects candidates to the System during trials. Making the connection unstable. Increasing rejection rates."

Rama and Sekar exchanged looks.

"The firmware anomaly we found," Rama said. "System interface equipment dated two days after official release."

"That’s the sabotage point," Yanto agreed. "Almost certainly. Arif’s signature move—small modifications that look like software updates but actually destabilize System connections."

"Then we replace that equipment," Sekar decided. "Use backup units. Verified clean."

"Already ordered," Hendra reported, entering the room. "New equipment arrives in six hours. We’ll swap out everything with firmware irregularities."

"Good. What about personnel?"

"The support staff with Dragon’s Gate connections has been reassigned. No trial access. We’ve also increased background check depth—anyone with even distant rival guild ties gets extra scrutiny."

"Medical supplies?"

"All equipment delivered in the last month is being replaced with freshly verified stock. Chain of custody documented at every step. If someone tries to contaminate, we’ll know immediately."

Sekar nodded, satisfied. "We’re covering the obvious vectors. What about non-obvious ones?"

"Those are harder to predict," Yanto admitted. "Arif adapts. If traditional sabotage is blocked, he finds creative alternatives."

"Like what?"

"Psychological warfare. Stressing candidates before trials. Sleep deprivation. Anxiety induction. Anything that compromises mental state increases trial mortality."

"The anonymous messages to families," Rama realized. "That’s psychological warfare on candidates. Making them doubt. Making them scared. Compromising their mental state before trials even begin."

"Exactly. Scared, stressed candidates have higher failure rates. Even without physical sabotage, mental sabotage increases deaths."

"Then we counter it." Sekar made notes. "Mandatory counseling for all candidates. Group sessions. Individual support. Address fears directly. Build confidence. Ensure mental preparation matches physical preparation."

"Thirty-nine candidates," Sri said. "We can manage individual attention at that number. Rotate psychologists, combat trainers, medical staff. Keep candidates supported and confident."

"Do it. Starting today. I want every candidate meeting with support staff daily until trials begin."

48 HOURS UNTIL TRIALS

The new System interface equipment arrived. Tech team spent twelve hours installing, calibrating, verifying. Every connection tested. Every firmware version confirmed.

Meanwhile, candidates underwent intensive support sessions.

Rama sat in on several. Watching how they handled fear, pressure, doubt.

Dewi was nervous but determined. "I know the risks. I know some of us won’t make it. But I also know that if I succeed, I become something more. Something necessary. Worth the risk."

Sari, the daughter of the crying mother, was shaking. "My mom is terrified. She made me promise to withdraw if I got too scared. And I am scared. But I’m also... ready? I don’t know how to explain it. Scared and ready at the same time."

"That’s normal," Rama assured her. "Fear means you understand the stakes. Ready means you’re committed despite fear. That combination produces the best Champions."

A male candidate named Adi was angry. "I heard about the sabotage threats. Dragon’s Gate trying to kill us to force cooperation. If I die because of their games—" He cut himself off. "My family better sue them into oblivion."

"You’re not going to die," Rama said with certainty. "We’ve found the sabotage points. Eliminated them. What remains is natural trial risk. Fifteen percent. Six candidates statistically. But I’m going to do everything possible to minimize even that."

"Can you see it? In your visions? Which of us survive?"

"No. System visions show possibilities, not certainties. The future changes based on choices made now. Who survives depends on mental preparation, physical readiness, System compatibility, and luck. I can’t predict individuals. But I can create optimal conditions for everyone."

Adi nodded slowly. "Then create them. We’re trusting you."

"I know. I won’t let you down."

By evening, all thirty-nine candidates had received counseling, support, and direct assurance from Rama and Sekar.

Mental states improved. Confidence rebuilt. Fear acknowledged but managed.

The psychological warfare was being countered.

36 HOURS UNTIL TRIALS

Dragon’s Gate made their next move.

A public statement. Released to major media. Carefully worded.

STATEMENT FROM DRAGON’S GATE GUILD

"Dragon’s Gate has become aware of concerning safety issues regarding Eternal Bond’s upcoming champion trials. We offered partnership and resource sharing to ensure candidate safety. This offer was rejected.

We respect Eternal Bond’s independence. However, we cannot in good conscience remain silent about potential safety compromises. We encourage independent safety audits of trial procedures. Candidate welfare must take priority over guild politics.

Dragon’s Gate stands ready to provide medical support, System expertise, and safety consultation if requested. Our doors remain open for cooperation in the interest of candidate safety."

The statement was masterful. Positioning Dragon’s Gate as concerned about safety. Eternal Bond as reckless and political. Creating public pressure.

Social media exploded.

#TrialSafety trended within hours.

#ProtectTheCandidates emerged as rallying cry.

Public opinion shifted—some still supported Eternal Bond, but others questioned whether guild rivalry was endangering candidates.

Sekar read the statement and smiled coldly.

"Arif’s work. Professional. Effective. Making us look dangerous while they look caring."

"They’re creating pressure," Sri said. "If trials have higher mortality, public blames us. If we accept their help, they get leverage. Win-win for Dragon’s Gate."

"Unless we prove trials are safe AND successful without their help," Rama countered. "Then the statement backfires. Makes them look like fear-mongerers."

"That requires perfect execution," Hendra warned. "Six deaths maximum. Preferably fewer. If we lose eight, ten, twelve—Dragon’s Gate’s concerns look justified."

"Then we execute perfectly." Sekar stood. "I’m issuing our own statement. Transparent. Detailed. Showing every safety measure we’ve implemented. Every sabotage point we’ve eliminated. Every candidate support system we’ve built."

She drafted it personally. Released it two hours later.

STATEMENT FROM ETERNAL BOND GUILD

"Eternal Bond appreciates Dragon’s Gate’s concern for candidate safety. However, we must address the facts:

Dragon’s Gate offered ’partnership’ only after aggressive recruitment of our Champion was rejected. Their sudden safety concerns emerged only after their recruitment failed.

We take candidate safety seriously. In the past 72 hours, we have:

Replaced all equipment delivered in the last month Re-verified medical supplies with documented chain of custody Implemented enhanced background checks on all support staff Provided daily counseling and support for all candidates Eliminated three potential sabotage points identified in our systems

Our trials proceed with comprehensive safety measures, transparent documentation, and full candidate support. We welcome independent audits AFTER trials complete—results will speak for themselves.

Candidate welfare is our priority. Guild politics are irrelevant to that mission."

The counter-statement was effective. Showing proactive safety measures. Acknowledging sabotage threats openly. Demonstrating competence.

Public opinion stabilized. The narrative shifted from "Eternal Bond is reckless" to "Guild rivalry is creating drama but Eternal Bond seems prepared."

Not perfect. But manageable.

24 HOURS UNTIL TRIALS

Final preparations consumed the entire guild.

Medical bays prepared. System interface equipment calibrated. Support staff briefed. Emergency protocols reviewed. Backup systems tested.

Rama spent the day with candidates. Final checks. Last-minute questions. Personal reassurances.

"Tomorrow, trials begin," he told the assembled thirty-nine. "Some of you won’t make it. That’s the reality. The System judges worthiness through ordeal. Not everyone survives judgment."

Silence. Fear. But also determination.

"But I promise you this—every safety measure possible is in place. Every sabotage threat eliminated. Every support system active. What remains is you and the System. Your worthiness tested fairly. No external interference. No political games. Just pure trial."

"And if we fail?" someone asked quietly.

"If you fail, you’ll be honored. Remembered. Your sacrifice will contribute to humanity’s survival by proving the path for others. You’re pioneers. Win or lose, you matter."

Dewi raised her hand. "And if we succeed?"

"If you succeed, you become Champions. You gain abilities that let you coordinate teams perfectly. See threats before they manifest. Save hundreds of lives through superior perception. You become exactly what humanity needs for the void war."

"Thirty-three days," Adi said. "Until the Herald."

"Thirty-three days. And when it arrives, successful candidates will be Champions ready to fight. Ready to coordinate. Ready to save lives." Rama looked at each candidate. "That’s why you volunteered. That’s why you’re risking everything. Because you believe in something bigger than yourselves."

Affirmatives around the room. Fear remained. But so did purpose.

"Get sleep tonight. Rest. Prepare mentally. Tomorrow at dawn, trials begin. And we’ll find out who the System judges worthy."

The candidates dispersed to quarters. Families waiting. Final goodbyes. Last moments before everything changed.

Rama and Sekar stood alone in the trial chamber.

"Tomorrow," she said quietly. "Thirty-nine candidates. Six expected deaths. Maybe fewer if we’re lucky. Maybe more if Arif has sabotage we missed."

"We found everything. I’m certain."

"How can you be certain?"

"Because I’ve seen what Arif-level sabotage looks like. In the visions. In possible futures. This timeline—the safety measures we implemented, the equipment we replaced, the personnel we screened—matches the successful timeline. The one where casualties stay at expected levels."

"You can see that? The successful timeline?"

"I can see multiple possibilities. I’m making sure we’re on the right one."

Sekar leaned against him. "Tomorrow, some of those candidates die. People we’ve been supporting. Protecting. Preparing. And we have to watch it happen. Accept it as necessary."

"Yes."

"How do you do it? Accept necessary deaths?"

"By remembering unnecessary deaths. In the visions where we didn’t prepare. Where void entities arrived and millions died. Six deaths tomorrow saves thousands later. The math is clear."

"Math doesn’t make it easier."

"No. But partnership does." He wrapped his arms around her. "We carry the weight together. Always."

"Together," she agreed. "Through trials. Through deaths. Through whatever comes."

They stood in the trial chamber, the space that would test thirty-nine candidates tomorrow, where six would likely die, where Champions would be born.

The stakes were clear. The preparation was complete. The sabotage was eliminated.

What remained was execution.

And faith that the System would judge fairly.

Rama’s phone buzzed at midnight. Unknown number. Against his better judgment, he checked it.

Unknown: Impressive safety measures. You found most of my work. But not all. Trials begin in 7 hours. Sleep well. You’ll need the energy for damage control tomorrow. -A.S.

Arif’s message was clear. He still had sabotage in place. Something they’d missed.

Rama showed Sekar. Her expression went from exhausted to alert.

"He’s bluffing. Trying to shake us. Make us doubt our preparations."

"Maybe. Or maybe we missed something."

"We checked everything. Equipment. Personnel. Medical supplies. System interfaces. Background checks. What’s left?"

"I don’t know. But Arif’s confident. That suggests—"

His phone buzzed again. Different number. Message from Yanto.

Yanto: Emergency. Just discovered—one of your candidates isn’t who they claim to be. False identity. Real person is Dragon’s Gate plant. They’re inside your trial group.

Rama’s blood went cold.

"Sekar. We have a bigger problem."

He showed her Yanto’s message.

Her eyes widened. "A plant. Inside the candidate group. Someone who’ll sabotage from within during trials."

"That’s Arif’s final move. Not equipment. Not personnel. The candidates themselves. One of the thirty-nine is Dragon’s Gate’s agent."

"Which one?"

"Yanto’s investigating. But trials start in seven hours. If we don’t identify and remove them before then—"

"They sabotage from inside. Cause casualties beyond expected rates. Make trials look deadly and incompetent. Force us to accept Dragon’s Gate’s help."

They stared at each other, the implications sinking in.

Seven hours. Thirty-nine candidates. One secret agent planning sabotage from within.

Find them in time, trials proceed safely.

Miss them, catastrophe.

The countdown had begun.