Chapter 201: Moonlit Reflections

Stepping out of the courtyard for a stroll, Yenir silently gazed up at the moon as only the whisper of wind through the trees caressed his ears.

In the coveted Capital Safe Zone, the Military had arranged an extravagant residence for him, complete with an abundance of lush greenery.

Although all seemed tranquil, he knew that plenty of Third-Stage fighters were secretly patrolling the area.

It was at the Doomed Duel Arena that he unearthed the mystery behind his sword techniques.

He had assumed that the SSS-Level Sword Technique conferred by the Sword God System would show no significant change from his first to second stage—merely a result of his low attributes.

Yet testing it on the arena left him astounded as he discovered the technique’s power was, in fact, constant.

Precisely Third-Stage mid-level—no more, no less.

However, when he channeled his Spirit Energy, the impact notably increased thanks to the attribute bonus.

The difference wasn’t vast, but it was only because his level could only boost the technique this far. With his attributes improving, he was confident his own sword skills would eventually surpass the system’s.

“Is it because the Sword God System hasn’t been upgraded?”

“Or will its power forever remain capped at this level?”

He voiced these concerns with a faint note of worry.

Yenir lowered his head in deep thought, a flicker of irritation stirring within him.

He sincerely hoped it was the former, not the latter.

The Sword God System was simply too effective. Had it not appeared out of nowhere, Yenir doubted he’d still be slogging through level-ups in Tianfeng with the others. Not to mention, clinching the top spot and leveling up at lightning speed!

Even at Level 0, it granted him Third-Stage combat power.

Once he reached Third-Stage, his strength effectively doubled.

Relying solely on his talent might only offer a 20-30% chance to avert disasters, but if the Sword God System’s power isn’t locked, his odds could double!

In just a few days, after acquiring two more skills, he’d command six SSS-Level Sword Techniques!

Combined with his inherent Spirit Energy reserves, he could unleash them 8 or 9 times in one explosive burst!

And should system upgrades eventually cut down cooldown times as he speculated, the potential would be even more terrifying.

Slash the downtime to just an hour or two…

That would mean a full day’s effort could allow him to single-handedly obliterate an entire corps! With enemies no more than two levels below him, dispatching them would be as effortless as rounding up strays.

Reloading his skills came every few hours.

At Third-Stage, beginners have six skills, mid-level fighters eight, advanced warriors ten, and peak experts twelve…

Combined with his own prowess, it all sounded almost overpowered.

“It can’t possibly be capped at this level,” he murmured.

“If it were, there’d be no point in the system assigning me upgrade tasks.”

“Surely, it wouldn’t be that when I hit Peak Third-Stage, the system’s sword technique would still only operate at mid-level power. In that case, I’d rather not have it at all.”

After much reflection, Yenir gradually began to reassure himself.

He couldn’t accept that the mysterious Sword God System would become so lackluster in later stages. Besides, he suspected that even when enhanced to SSS-Level, the true might of his techniques had yet to be fully unveiled.

SSS-Level… Aside from vague descriptions in his own potential, he hadn’t heard of anyone else wielding skills of this caliber anywhere.

…………….

At Capital Square, a massive crowd of survivors gathered, their eyes wide with wonder as they fixated on the center where soldiers held court.

The entire Safe Zone, home to millions, had converged around the square, eagerly awaiting the commencement of the honors ceremony.

Notable figures began to appear one after another, stirring the crowd into a frenzy of excitement.

Not only had high-ranking officials arrived, but even two of the revered Four Commanders—figures held in extremely high regard—made an appearance. Essentially, aside from those on missions or far-off top-tier Huaguo, everyone expected to be here was present.

Furthermore, the constant roar of Spiritual Energy Fighters overhead announced the arrival of representatives from various regions.

“Announcement: Vice Commander Yang Zheng of the South China Battle Zone has entered…”

“Announcement: Army Commander Chen Zhigang of the 12th Corps has arrived…”

“Announcement: Chief of Staff Hong Chan of the First Route Foundation Strategic Corps has arrived…”

“Announcement: Zhao Qian, Head of the 04 Safe Zone and Political Chair of the Eastern Battle Zone, has arrived…”

High-level Battle Zone representatives descended from the Spiritual Energy Fighters, their faces reflecting astonishment as they exchanged glances.

The entire military airport was nearly packed with fighters, clearly filled with hastily assembled arrivals.

As announcement after announcement rang out, many representatives were rendered speechless.

With so many regional delegates present, one might easily think the Capital was on the brink of launching a full-scale war…

…..

“Such an imposing formation… isn’t this a bit excessive?”

Among the Third-Stage fighters entering, a middle-aged man from the Huanghai Corps, his throat parched, stared at the throng of people.

As a representative of the Private Faction invited to attend, his strength was around Third-Stage mid-level.

Within his own faction, he was a renowned top fighter, nearly unbeatable throughout the provincial capital.

Yet here, he suddenly felt as insignificant as a mouse, his presence virtually nonexistent.

Scanning his assigned spot, he realized he was positioned on the fringe of the viewing platform. Initially, he fumed at feeling slighted as a representative of the Private Faction.

But upon arriving, he recognized that the Capital’s arrangements were, in fact, quite honorable.

Among the high-ranking Third-Stage figures, beginners, mid-level, and even advanced warriors were overwhelmingly abundant.

And standing at the forefront of the platform were two Commanders boasting Peak Third-Stage strength, flanking a young man in the center.

Such opulent treatment sent shockwaves through the gathered high-level figures.

“Is that Yenir?”

“The very same Yenir who clinched the global top spot?”

In the crowd, many Third-Stage fighters craned their necks, marveling at Yenir’s silhouette. They had only heard of him; none had seen him up close.

“What do you think?”

“I heard this conference was organized just for this kid. Damn, if I had this kind of recognition, I’d die happy…”

“Watch your tone—he’s a big shot now! One wrong word and he could crush you in an instant!”

Among the external Third-Stage fighters, an Awakener representing his Safe Zone shot a disapproving glare at the Burly Man beside him.

He sneered, clearly annoyed that his companion, a fool sent by some faction, was drawing unnecessary attention from all the Military around them.

To have two Commanders stand aside as mere backdrops—it was evident that this conference was far more than simply choosing the top candidate.

“Something just doesn’t feel right…”

“Even an election for the next Prime Minister wouldn’t be this extravagant, would it?”

“Who knows? Perhaps it’s because he seized the global top spot?”

“With such honor, it’s no surprise the higher-ups are taking it so seriously. Though admittedly, it is a tad over the top…”

“Alright, stop speculating.”

“Maybe his powerful background is paving the way for his appointment as the next Commander?”

Amid hushed murmurs, many began to speculate about the underlying story.

But regardless of the theories, everyone knew that the young man in the distance was destined to emerge as a rising star in the Huaxia Battle Zone!

They committed Yenir’s image deeply to memory, convinced he was fated to become one of the future elite.

At the red-carpeted entrance guarded by elite Military forces, Xiao Hai stood beside a lady, his face alight with excitement as he gripped his invitation tightly.

Fate must be kind—seeing so many distinguished figures gathered, he trembled with exhilaration.

Among those present, every individual was a top-tier presence, capable of shaking the ground with their mere steps. Yet today, they had all come because of Yenir.

“The heavens are watching… I’ve struggled all my life, and now I’ve finally caught a break!”

Once a dominant figure in the Talent Safe Zone, Xiao Hai felt tears welling up at the overwhelming turn of events.

He had expected Yenir’s entry into the Capital to attract attention from the top echelons, but he never imagined it would cause such a sensation—a truly shocking event!

Just weeks ago, he had stood next to Yenir, offering encouragement and admiration. Now, in a matter of weeks, their statuses had been completely upended…

It all felt utterly surreal, like living in a dream.

Amid his excitement, he carefully guided Ye Xiaoan, respectfully leading the way.

He knew his presence here was nothing more than a byproduct of his association with Yenir.

Meanwhile, Chen Kailai, who had just disembarked from a fighter and now stood at the very edge of the viewing platform, wore an expression of wistfulness, a trace of regret flickering in his eyes each time he glanced back at Yenir.

Damn it.

He couldn’t help but curse, thinking that he should have thrown his granddaughter into Yenir’s bed back then.

Back when Yenir was only at the Second-Stage, though he could unleash Third-Stage attacks, Chen believed that if he had risked everything, he might have tamed both of them.

If that had succeeded, wouldn’t the Commander of the Southern Battle Zone now affectionately call him ‘Old Master Chen’?