"First," she announced, her voice carrying the weight of absolute authority, "no more than five participants may simultaneously engage a single target. Any group that exceeds this number will be immediately disqualified as a unit, regardless of their individual contributions to the violation."
The rule was brilliant in its simplicity and complexity.
It prevented overwhelming gang-ups while still allowing tactical cooperation, creating a dynamic where alliances had to be carefully managed and constantly evaluated.
Groups that grew too large would eliminate themselves, while individuals had to balance the safety of numbers against the risk of accidental rule violations.
"Second," she continued, "no participant may remain motionless or deliberately avoid combat for more than sixty consecutive seconds. This trial tests your ability to fight and survive, not your skill at hiding or waiting for others to eliminate each other."
