it's actually B. At the beginning of the story (for apex)
for me it shows that c and d are the same.
I believe the answer is serfs who defended the village though.
Allusion: Diamonds were not a girl's best friend, she realized, as the attendant pointed at the astronomical number attached to the ring.
Simile: Her eyes were clear and blue like sapphires.
Metaphor: A steady trickle of ruby droplets ran from the corner of his mouth, interrupted by a wet cough and the subsequent heaving of his chest.
B) a severe economic recession