Analysis

"One thing we know for sure is that different squads are assigned to different positions when they enter this maze."

In another part of the maze, Xia Liang was squatting on the ground, using magic to slowly outline the square shape of the maze on the ground, and then marked a star in a certain position:

"Now, let's assume the maze has a fixed exit, and this exit is located at the position of a star. What would happen then?"

"What will happen?" Mountain Lily squatted opposite Xia Liang, looking blankly at the diagram on the ground.

"Won't that become unfair?"

Leaning against Mountain Lily, Tiger Lily seemed to have figured something out. "If each team's position is different, but the exit already exists and is fixed, then some teams will definitely be closer to passing through, while others will be farther away."

Yes, that's exactly it.

Xia Liang pointed to the stars on the diagram:

"Without restrictions, in the worst-case scenario, some test takers might even be teleported directly to the vicinity of the exit upon entering the maze. A senior member of my team once said that when solving problems, one should try to see things from the perspective of the question setter. If I were the examiner, I would definitely do my best to avoid this situation."

"Then, can't we move the test takers to locations as far away from the exit as possible?"

Tiger Lily frowned and countered, "If this cube is the maze we're in, then dividing this cube-shaped maze in two, and when initially placing the examinees, not placing them on the half closest to the exit, would..."

She stopped mid-sentence.

"What can I do?"

Xia Liang suddenly laughed and continued, "It can make the assessment easier, right?"

"Yes... In that case, as long as the test takers share the information and confirm this method of distribution, they can ignore nearly half of the maze and only need to find the exit in the remaining half. And no matter how it is distributed, whether three-quarters or a quarter is left empty, it will always lead to unfairness in the positions, because there will always be a team that is closer to the exit when they enter the maze."

Tiger Lily hesitated for a moment before speaking, "According to what you said, thinking from the perspective of the question setters, if the examiners want to ensure the fairness of the assessment without making it too easy, they should give the candidates hints at the beginning, allowing us to explore this maze more..."

"The best approach is to not set up an exit point at the beginning, and then add it in after the assessment has been conducted for a period of time."

Xia Liang controlled the star pattern in the simple drawing, moving it around within the rudimentary diagram. "This way, we can even dynamically adjust the difficulty of the assessment. If the candidates' exploration doesn't progress well, we can place the exit in a relatively obvious location; if their exploration is quite thorough, we can place the exit in a hidden location."

"That explanation does indeed make a lot of sense..."

Tiger Lily nodded unconsciously. "But is it possible that we're overthinking it?"

"It never hurts to think things through a little more."

Xia Liang propped herself up on her knees and stood up, smoothing a strand of hair that had fallen in front of her ear. "Anyway, exploring the maze should be our top priority first, and we can see if we can find an exit while we're at it. What if we actually find something?"

After a thorough analysis, she and Tiger Lily had reached a consensus. However, even though the two of them had a clear action plan and were even ready to set off, Mountain Lily was still squatting on the ground, staring blankly at the spot where she had drawn the simple sketch earlier.

"Sister, it's time to leave."

The Tiger Lily offered a reminder.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Xia Liang asked with extra concern.

"...I didn't understand," Mountain Lily said in a low voice.

"What?" Xia Liang tilted her head in confusion.

"I said I didn't understand yet! Don't just finish your analysis and then leave me hanging!"

Mountain Lily slapped the ground and raised her voice, "Hurry up, explain it to me again! I feel like I'm just a little bit away from understanding it!"

"Sister..." Tiger Lily looked at her with a hint of helplessness.

"I think as long as it's been proven and everyone knows the conclusion, that's fine." Xia Liang clearly didn't want to waste any more time, so she tried to laugh it off.

"Say it again!" Mountain Lily insisted.

"Um, Little Brocade..." Tiger Lily looked at Xia Liang apologetically.

Ah, this guy is really nice Lin Xiaolu.

Xia Liang couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

I wonder how things are going for the junior and Xiao Lu themselves. The junior should be able to handle any teammates, but if Xiao Lu is also a troublemaker, then I really don't know what will happen to their team.

Could it be that I really am the one with the worst luck in drawing lots?

She thought this to herself, but on the surface, she still showed a well-behaved and friendly smile, and said to Mountain Lily:

"I really can't do anything with you, so I'll just say it again, okay?"

"Go forward 20 meters, then turn left 30 meters, and then go downstairs."

At the same time, Team 277 was making steady progress under the command of Tudingui.

Unlike most teams, Team 277 had Tudingui as their obvious "big brother," so the other two members had no desire to compete for the right to speak.

Among them, Larkspur wanted to hide her talents as much as possible, so she didn't say much from beginning to end. Foxtail Grass was simply introverted. Previously, she could only speak freely when she was with "Gentian," whom she considered a "like-minded" person. But when a great master like Tudingui joined the team, she wilted like a frostbitten eggplant.

"I do want to find a strong teammate, but don't give me such an intimidating teammate..."

In the dim light, the Larkspur seemed to hear what she was muttering to herself.

In the entire team, only Tudingui made the decisions, and she herself didn't seem to think there was anything wrong with it, so she naturally became the de facto captain.

She's ranked fifth on the Carry Ranking -tier magical girls, so her abilities must be quite strong. Normally, even if her teammates are all average or even weak magical girls, they should be able to pass the test easily with her leading the team. So, it seems there's no need for me to show off; I'll just continue to pretend to be a quiet, ordinary magical girl.

That's what the Larkspur planned.

Or rather, that was her original plan.

However, after the team had traveled some distance through the maze, she finally couldn't hold back any longer and spoke up, "Um... Senior Tudingui."

She kept her current position in mind; as a newcomer, it was proper etiquette for her to address the other person as "Gentian."

"What's wrong?" Tudingui looked down at her.

"While I appreciate you being there to pave the way, could you please stop standing behind me and rubbing my head all the time?"

Larkspur sighed, "It's really inconvenient to move around like this."