They Were Eleven!

"They Were Eleven!" (11人いる!, Jūichinin Iru!) is a Japanese science fiction manga series written and illustrated by Moto Hagio. The story revolves around ten space academy applicants from various planets who are sent to a derelict spaceship for their final exam. Upon arrival, they discover there are eleven people on board, leading to suspicion and mistrust among the candidates. As time progresses, the spaceship's orbit deteriorates, causing temperatures to rise and a deadly infectious disease to spread. To survive and pass the exam, these eleven candidates must overcome numerous challenges, identify the extra person, and solve the crisis facing the spaceship. The manga is renowned for its intricate sci-fi setting, suspenseful plot, and profound exploration of human nature. It won the Shogakukan Manga Award and has been adapted into various forms, including a television drama, an anime film, stage plays, and audio dramas, gaining a large audience. "They Were Eleven!" is not just a sci-fi piece; it blends elements of mystery, friendship, and love, showcasing the complexity of human nature in extreme environments.