Chapter 194: Duel of Fates

What!?

His steps suddenly halted.

A jolt of alarm struck Lu Wanzhou’s heart. As he glanced toward the dais, his eyes locked with those of a committee member. In that silent exchange, he unexpectedly noticed that the other man had sensed something amiss and gave him a subtle nod.

Seeing that Lu Wanzhou might have just arrived from the Military Region and still been out of the loop, a subordinate murmured:

“Comrade Lu, you know that although this duel is said to rank competitors by the rules, everyone understands that the top slot has been reserved for Yenir. The duel is merely a formality.”

“The higher-ups approved the duel purely to give Yenir face—and to gauge his actual combat prowess.”

“Everyone’s curious about his strength; his performance in the trial was nothing short of terrifying.”

“One bout with Yenir is one thing, but throwing several at him makes his abilities clearer. It’s all just a test.”

While speaking, the subordinate glanced around before adding:

“Besides that… some in higher command wouldn’t want Commander Zhang’s son to get into trouble either.”

“They say the man backing Commander Zhang has already planned to protect Zhang Yang…”

“Let the others test Yenir’s fighting ability, and if the duel can be skipped, then it’s better to skip it. After all, if something goes wrong, nobody wants to lose face.”

After listening to his subordinate, Lu Wanzhou fell silent and slowly nodded.

He hadn’t expected the duel to be entangled in so many twists.

The higher-ups’ plan wasn’t bad at all. It not only tested Yenir’s real combat skills but also safeguarded Zhang Yang. In both cases, someone got appeased—after all, even the Military values personal favors.

Since Yenir’s actions forced Zhang Yang into the duel by the rules, naturally others could also challenge him under the same terms.

After nine rounds, Yenir would eventually know when to retreat. With his Spirit Energy drained, persisting in the duel would be nothing short of self-humiliation.

As for those early challengers…

Lu Wanzhou instinctively glanced at a group of newly minted Third-Stage mid-levels, each sporting a spark number on their chest.

Clearly, these people were nothing more than cannon fodder—mere pawns used by powerful factions to secure their slots. Their lives were expendable.

Moreover, with three senior Third-Stages watching every move, even if Yenir took out his anger on them, he wouldn’t be able to kill them all.

“Understood. Notify Yenir and have the duel begin immediately.”

After a moment’s silence, Lu Wanzhou sighed. He had no intention of joining the fray himself, yet his gaze turned complex as he looked at Yenir.

He knew exactly why Yenir had to duel.

But no matter how resentful or aggrieved one might feel, the higher-ups always had ways to ensure obedience.

………..

“Director Wang, aren’t you going to let Wang Kai also challenge Yenir?”

“It’s rare to have so many Third-Stage protectors around—one bout could even provide valuable experience.”

Listening to Zhang Meng’s urging, Wang Hong, the Director of Supplies, chuckled dryly and shook his head in refusal.

“My kid definitely can’t beat Yenir; there’s no need to go up against him. Besides, even a win wouldn’t amount to much.”

He added with a hint of detachment.

Wang Hong watched the upbeat Zhang Meng and couldn’t help but mutter a couple of curses under his breath.

Truly, quite the talent.

What began as a death duel had been swayed by Zhang Meng’s persuasive tactics and his connections, morphing into a regular contest.

Having reviewed the list, he was well aware that Zhang Yang would face Yenir last—ensuring zero risk. Even if Yenir pressed on despite depleting his energy, he might even lose to Zhang Yang.

Do they really expect his son to serve as a sacrificial pawn against Yenir? Are they out of their minds?

Seeing that Wang Hong wasn’t buying it, Zhang Meng turned his attention to his beloved son.

“Yang, make the most of this opportunity.”

“This time you’ll face no risks. I’ve arranged everything; if Yenir dares to prolong this duel, it’ll only be self-inflicted humiliation!”

Encouraged by his father’s words, the once disheartened Zhang Yang now brimmed with fighting spirit, his eyes locked intently on Yenir in the distance.

He might lose in a one-on-one match, but in a grueling series of battles, even Yenir’s strength wouldn’t save him!

Once afraid for his life, Zhang Yang now remained unnervingly calm—almost even worrying that Yenir might back down if the fight got too tough.

With so many Third-Stage protectors around, he doubted that Yenir could ever kill him!

“Dare to challenge me? You don’t stand a chance! This time… I’m certain to win!”

Gasping for breath and charged with excitement, Zhang Yang’s mind was filled with visions of Yenir, drained of Spirit Energy and utterly defeated. Whether the victory was glorious or not didn’t matter.

Winning is all that matters!

That thought nearly became an obsession!

…………

With all the high-ranking figures now in place, Yenir calmly stepped to the edge of the sparring platform on a silent, battle-ready square.

Yet, as he observed Zhang Yang incessantly sneering at him from not far away, doubt crept into his heart.

Is this useless wretch afraid that he doesn’t dare kill him?

“Yenir, here’s the list of challengers. Take a look.”

“If everything looks fine, let’s begin now.”

Unperturbed on the platform, Lu Wanzhou noticed Yenir’s confusion and, without further comment, handed him the list.

At the same time, a tall Third-Stage youth ascended the duel platform.

Hmm?

Momentarily taken aback, after glancing at the list, Yenir’s face darkened sharply as he asked Lu Wanzhou in a low voice.

“What does this mean?”

“I’m supposed to duel Zhang Yang, so why are there so many names on the list?”

Facing Yenir’s challenge, Lu Wanzhou managed a bitter smile and calmly explained:

“According to the rules, you can challenge anyone—initiate duels against all ranks.”

“Likewise, every spark can challenge you as well.”

With that, Lu Wanzhou sighed inwardly. Though he showed no favoritism, he couldn’t help but think it was a bit unfair.

It can’t be helped; the world is as it is. Even the mightiest Peak Third-Stage commanders have their limitations.

In the eyes of the higher-ups, Yenir might be an utterly gifted prodigy, but in the end, he was just a tool.

A tool must obey.

With a steely gaze, Yenir felt as though he saw Zhang Yang laughing mockingly at him. Scanning the surroundings, a chill welled up inside.

No one objected or protested—a clear sign that the list had been approved by the higher-ups.

Heh…

Yenir let out a cold laugh as he slowly clenched his fist.

Although he had expected unforeseen twists in this duel—with higher-ups unlikely to let him kill Zhang Yang—he had assumed that senior figures would serve as impartial judges.

But he never imagined they’d simply toy with the rules.

Zhang Meng once almost got him killed, and now he wouldn’t even let him strike back?

It was a stark reminder that though Yenir was significant, he still had to obey—no matter how frustrated, he had to swallow his grievances for the sake of the greater good!

Sure enough… it was just like his past life.

I bet in the eyes of the higher-ups, initiating a duel with Zhang Yang was viewed as excessively retaliatory.

“Yenir, your opponent is me!”

“I’m very curious—just how big is the gap between us!”

Watching as Yenir gradually fell silent, the youth on the duel platform glared at him. Though he knew no one cared about him, Yenir’s disregard left him thoroughly vexed.

Some high-ranking figures had assured that challenging Yenir meant safety, thanks to the protection of senior Third-Stages.

As long as they could drain Yenir’s Spirit Energy, they’d bag a hefty sum of Credit Points back home!

A free bonus like that was too good to pass up—and if he performed well against Yenir, he might even catch the eye of a big shot.

Lifting his eyes, Yenir slowly scanned over the queued challengers, all eager to test him.

“So, I have to duel ten opponents?”

“And I can only face Zhang Yang once all challengers have finished?”

Yenir’s tone was neutral as Lu Wanzhou silently nodded after a brief pause.

“Yes, that’s exactly the rule. The order of fights is random.”

With a light laugh—missing the resignation he’d expected from Yenir.

In the next moment, Yenir glanced back at the dais and softly said:

“Let’s not make it so complicated.”

“Everyone, come on up together.”

“I want to…”

“Fight ten at once!”