and had virtually no effect on the plot.
This is what bothered me about the "rival," yes, I agree. Otherwise, she's a pretty normal character. Not "super," of course, but just a good girl, a pretty normal character overall.
Regarding the test, I didn't like the way it was formulated. Why is toughness tested specifically by killing an animal? And what do you think of the logic: "The dog is my best friend and companion in all trials, but you, man, are completely unknown, maybe even an enemy spy, since you're making me do this? So I'll shoot you, or at least knock you out with the butt of the rifle, and then I'll figure it out..." Isn't that also toughness? ) Besides, it turned out that it was perfectly acceptable to shoot the man... My logic works!
As for how the good girl handled the test... Well, there's a version that she figured out that the bullets were blanks. Fortunately, she's so smart and good, so she could have. Well, if not, then you can only marvel at what sometimes lurks in quiet waters. That's the way it is.
