"This is the first lesson you must learn. People must rely on themselves." The steward said, "Other than yourself, anyone can betray you."
Some of the children began to sob quietly, and the cries quickly spread like a plague, filling the deck with the sound of weeping. The steward shouted: "Silence! Anyone who dares to cry, I'll throw them overboard immediately!"
The cries instantly quieted, leaving only the occasional sniffle.
"If you want to survive, remember what I'm about to say." The steward continued, "When you reach the Path of Ascension, you can likely choose whether to participate together or alone. It's best for you to choose solo participation. With a survival rate of one in seven, at least four or five of you can make it."
"When you encounter a chance on the Path of Ascension, immediately retreat. Do not listen to anyone outside. If they ask you 'Continue or leave,' always say leave immediately!"
