Chapter 163: Trials of Ambition

“If you enter and the trial arena turns out to be open, you might run into Yenir.”

“Then tell him—make him come out at once! There’s no need to drag it on any further!”

Before a swirling cyan vortex, as many as 30 trialists quietly listened to several high-level figures take turns urging them on, many on the verge of tears.

They were also set to participate, and might even perform admirably, yet not a single one of the third-stage or even the high-level figures backing them cared in the slightest.

Everyone’s attention was solely on Yenir—they seemed to have become mere bystanders.

Worried, Fang Hao even added in a low, almost commanding tone:

“If that kid proves too stubborn, just tell him we can wait forever!”

“And if he’s not feeling up to it or gets injured, have him come out first! The Capital won’t downgrade his rating just because he bails midway!”

“If he’s in danger, do everything you can to keep him safe!”

The orders were sincere and heartfelt.

Even after speaking those words, the worry in Fang Hao’s eyes did not abate in the slightest.

Yenir had already performed exceptionally! As a Strength Type, Fang Hao fully understood just how high Yenir’s potential was! Even if his later performance was disastrous, Fang Hao would spare no effort to push Yenir into the top tier—even if he had to carry him out himself!

Although he wondered if Yenir had any trick up his sleeve, for now he just hoped nothing would go wrong!

After all, speculation is just speculation.

There are even three peculiar traits in one’s talent—completely abnormal ones, of which he had never heard!

Hearing Chairman Fang’s repeated reminders, the trialists preparing to enter mustered their resolve. They responded one after the other, though many did so with a hint of tearful resignation.

Were all the high-level figures waiting together? To protect Yenir?

What an honor—one might think Yenir was the illegitimate child of a top high-level figure…

Could it be that no one cared about their own feelings?

In the team, the only Second-Stage Peak Fighter, Huang Lingyu, bit her lip tightly, her heart filled with bitterness.

Everyone cared about Yenir—no one cared about her…

As the only girl in the trial team, her talent was rated as S-class.

Few knew that as an Agility Type, in order to keep pace she entered the trial early, paying an enormous price.

With her frontline combat ability already weak in the early stages, her backing Private Faction sacrificed several third-stage fighters to level her up quickly—and she almost died in the instance.

From the day her talent was assessed, her entire faction saw her as their next beacon of hope. To outdo her contemporaries, the effort and blood she shed far surpassed that of any other trialist!

She had believed that this trial would let her shine and earn the recognition of the Authorities, but now it seemed her dream was shattered.

Faced with the world’s top record, no matter how outstanding she performed it was all futile.

There was nothing that could be done—Yenir’s performance was simply too remarkable. So impressive that even if they weren’t of the same type, she was completely overshadowed.

Unless she too could break the global record, maybe she would once again attract the high-level’s favor.

But that was impossible…

She knew her limits; she might perform well, but she could never match that perverse brilliance.

Downcast, bitter, resentful…

Amidst these negative emotions, she could only curse the fact that she was in the same batch as Yenir!

Within the hall where many third-stage teams gathered at the periphery, a high-level Third-Stage Awakener cast a glance at the girl and sighed softly. He was the supporter behind Huang Lingyu and one of the high-level figures of the Starshine Safe Zone.

As one of the few from a prominent private faction in this trial, he was specifically sent to look after the leader’s daughter, determined to secure a spot in the top three!

But seeing that the girl, clearly overwhelmed due to her young age, was disheartened and completely devoid of fighting spirit, his heart pounded with anxiety.

He immediately sent a private message—Huang Lingyu had to shake off her gloom and perform brilliantly!

“Don’t be disheartened, Lingyu!”

“Don’t worry about Yenir! We never intended to clinch first place anyway. Don’t let his performance affect you!”

“Look at it this way—Yenir has attracted enough high-level attention. This is actually your chance!”

“Think about it! Zhang Yang was already crushed. If you perform well and clinch first in this trial, even if you can’t break the record, the high-level will still see you as far superior to Zhang Yang! That’s a win!”

His words spilled out in a rapid rush.

As an experienced veteran who knew human nature well, the old Third-Stage Awakener genuinely believed the current situation gave Huang Lingyu the upper hand.

“Didn’t we discuss this before? If you aim for a top-three spot, Zhang Yang and a few other trialists are your competition! But now they’re no threat—this is your chance! Yenir may be exceptional, but he can’t possibly surpass you in an agility trial!”

“After all, you are a bona fide S-class Agility Type!”

A jolt ran through her. Listening to her mentor’s advice, the oppressive feelings in her heart suddenly ignited into fierce determination.

Yes…

Zhang Yang and those Second-Stagers were utterly trounced by Yenir—the gap was disheartening, but why should it matter to her!?

Even if she didn’t perform dazzlingly, beating Yenir would still leave a deep impression on the high-level figures.

At the very least, when others recalled her name, they’d remember she had the best performance in the agility trial—even besting Yenir.

That might even give her a shot at the second tier, even if her overall performance wasn’t as stellar as Zhang Yang’s!

Her fighting spirit surged.

In just a few words, Huang Lingyu nodded resolutely, a determined smile breaking on her face!

Her teacher was right! Perhaps she should even thank Yenir for creating this opportunity!

………

“Buzz.”

As a broad flash of white light passed, the girl instantly snapped back to focus, eyeing the scene of the agility trial.

A single-player trial in a maze—not an open arena…

Almost as soon as the system’s prompt sounded, she assumed a combat stance.

Can’t touch him…

But that was fine; at least she wouldn’t be troubled.

If she were to run into Yenir, she had no doubt her recently sparked confidence would be crushed once again…

“The trial will begin in 1 minute.”

“Performance is determined by how fast you complete the maze.”

“Monsters hide in the maze. When you can’t counterattack, you’ll have to rely on your speed to dodge.”

“Once you locate the exit, you advance. The faster you exit, the better your score!”

After reading the brief system description, Huang Lingyu anxiously glanced toward the maze entrance not far away, continuously adjusting her stance. Dodge attacks? Test her speed?

With her innate swiftness, it was perfect for her!

Her direct combat power wasn’t strong, but her evasion skills were unmatched—this scene was tailor-made for her!

Meanwhile, the other Second-Stagers who had entered simultaneously flexed their hands, waiting for the trial to start. Some clever ones even realized that this agility trial might be their only chance to surpass Yenir.

Though it might not mean much, it was still a fortunate opportunity!

In another separate space, Yenir himself now regarded the towering maze entrance with a puzzled expression.

“What a complicated maze…”

“Unbreakable walls, dodging monsters to find the exit…”

“And the maze’s size—why does it feel like halfway through, you might as well use a Dimensional Slash…”