Chapter 500: A Calculated Bet and Unyielding Resolve

I got it.

You know, and you’re still not scared?!

Listening to Yenir’s utterly indifferent tone, Fang Hao was momentarily taken aback before he felt compelled to speak up.

“Yenir! That’s Lu Haishan – Lu Tianming’s father! He was once one of the commanders of the Northern Battle Zone, on the same level as me! No, under the military reforms back then, his rank was even higher than mine!”

“His power is at Peak Third-Stage! Aren’t you worried that he might come over and slit you open with one swift strike?!”

Helplessly, he offered a bitter smile.

After speaking, Fang Hao fixed his gaze on him, expecting that by now the kid would be panicking.

He wasn’t exaggerating in the slightest.

In fact, Lu Haishan was even more fearsome than Fang Hao let on. It was said that his prestige shone like the noonday sun. Whether due to internal factionalism or not, he only stepped down twenty years ago to retire in comfort.

The new generation might not fully grasp what Lu Haishan represents, but those of his era grew up hearing his name.

With Lu Haishan’s capabilities, it was virtually assured that if he wanted to mobilize troops, a legion of old subordinates would rally behind him!

Chances are, given the Prime Minister’s bizarre behavior, he’s already learned that something major has gone down!

And yet, everything remained calm.

Clutching Ye Xiaoan’s hand, Yenir remained as impassive as a block of wood—as if he were completely unaware of the gravity of the situation.

Instead, he turned the question back on him:

“According to the rules of the Death Duel, killing is not a crime, and life or death means nothing.”

“If he were to attack me, would the Military just stand by? Or can’t you protect me?”

“Does being at Peak Third-Stage mean you’re above the rules?”

As he spoke, a glint of coldness—and a rare note of inquiry—flickered in Yenir’s eyes.

Of course he knew who Lu Haishan was; he’d long considered the consequences of killing Lu Tianming.

If Lu Tianming weren’t backed by this man, how could anyone dare target him time and again? Plainly put, the higher-ups were turning a blind eye, largely because, until now, Yenir’s value hadn’t even come close to Lu Haishan’s!

But Yenir was well aware of his own reality.

He was utterly tired of these power plays and the endless scheming.

If the Military continued to coddle him in handling this affair and failed to recognize his true worth…

then everything else would be simple…

Once he randomly picked ten lucky bets and decimated his opponent with one sword stroke, Yenir wouldn’t bother staying in the Capital any longer.

At his current rate, reaching Peak Third-Stage was just a matter of months.

Continuing his plans in the Far Frontier wasn’t out of the question either…

Of course, that might stir up a storm, make things difficult, and even cost many lives.

But he had already pushed himself to the limit.

It’s hard to reason with a damned fool; yet, Yenir convinced himself he had done enough for the Military and everyone else!

With a sigh, and watching Fang Hao rendered speechless by his questions, Zhao Hongtu shook his head and spoke up in his place:

“If Lu Haishan dares to lay a hand on you, we’ll protect you with everything we’ve got.”

“Rules… well, forget it. Let’s not even go there.”

“Yenir, you need to trust the Military. No matter what, they won’t let anything happen to you.”

“I’m just really curious—what kind of strength do you actually have, kid?”

Not wanting to dwell on the details, Zhao Hongtu sensed that the young man before him harbored many unspoken concerns. He didn’t want to pry or interfere.

To him, all the bureaucratic nonsense of the authorities was none of their business. Instead, he was curious about where Yenir’s boldness came from and just how strong he had become.

Once the words died away, even the previously speechless Fang Hao couldn’t help but become intrigued.

He knew Yenir’s journey better than anyone else!

Just two months ago, this kid was an ordinary, impoverished youth, and in such a short time he not only surged to Third-Stage Mid-level but his combat power now crushed even those at the Advanced level!

Damn it—’monster’ doesn’t even begin to describe Yenir’s genius!

Back in the day, he was touted as someone who could crush an era, yet compared to this kid, there was simply no comparison!

“For conventional combat strength, he’s at Third-Stage Advanced.”

“I’ve already said it—my innate talent automatically enhances my Spirit Energy. Lu Tianming will die because he was too careless.”

He explained offhand, and Yenir just smiled without wanting to say more.

He knew full well that after this battle, many would be curious about his talent.

But he couldn’t, nor did he want to, explain.

It didn’t matter.

His growth was completely transparent. No matter how curious everyone got, they could only think of his innate talent and nothing else.

Not to mention wondering if he’d secretly acquired some powerful equipment or an incredibly fearsome system tool.

“Conventional combat power? Third-Stage Advanced?”

Almost reflexively, Fang Hao and Zhao Hongtu began to mull over the deeper meaning behind Yenir’s words.

Damn, conventional? Could it be that his unconventional combat power actually rivals theirs?!

If that were true, then it’s downright terrifying!

Once again, they couldn’t help but size up Yenir in front of them; at that moment, both men suppressed their urge to ask further.

They could tell that Yenir didn’t want to reveal too much.

Which was understandable—every Awakener guards their innate talent as their greatest secret. Especially someone like Yenir, whose gift is downright mind-blowing!

Here in the Capital, they had cut off all external communications for everyone present—wasn’t that exactly because of this?

Just like during previous trials, the Military’s first reaction to spotting a genius was to control the spread of information.

But later, Yenir was just too high-profile; even a fool could see that his true combat power was absolutely jaw-dropping.

For safety’s sake, the Military could only assign Liang Lie to protect him.

Yet this time, things were even more over the top than before, and it was highly likely that the news would spiral out of control.

Who knows how many people got to watch this Death Duel? Everyone betting on Third-Stage outcomes must have seen Yenir dispatch Lu Tianming in seconds…

After a quiet sigh—and not wanting to drag this on—Fang Hao seemed to recall something and cautiously asked Yenir once more.

“Hey, Yenir.”

“There’s one more thing I’m really curious about.”

“How much did you win this time?”

Licking his lips subconsciously as he spoke, Fang Hao, Zhao Hongtu, and even Ming Luo at the back immediately perked up their ears.

Staying here was getting boring. Remembering the betting pool behind the Death Duel, everyone suddenly realized that if Yenir had bet on himself… wouldn’t that mean he won a huge sum? How much exactly?!

They even began to suspect that the entire betting pool might have been set up by Yenir himself.

Especially Fang Hao.

Although Yenir hadn’t really intended for him to bet in the end, on the way over, under Zhao Hongtu’s urging, Fang Hao had symbolically backed Yenir with 10,000 points.

Now, looking back, he was almost green with regret!

Facing everyone’s curiosity, Yenir paused for a moment but didn’t try to hide anything.

He casually opened up his off-field betting pool and began to make his estimates.

A few seconds later, he let out a light laugh and slowly said:

‘Less than 4,000, I guess.’

“Not a huge sum, either.”

“Less than 4,000!?”

Everyone was stunned; the calm way Yenir stated it made them think it was just 4,000 points.

Could it be that Yenir bet only a few points on himself!?

No, no, that can’t be right!

Based on the odds, a 4,000-point bet would only be a tiny fraction—there’s no way he’d bet that little!

So…

Then, as reality set in, Fang Hao’s face suddenly turned ashen as an astronomical figure, magnified to infinity, exploded in everyone’s mind.

It couldn’t just be a 4,000-point bet—that meant it was…

400 billion!!?

“You bet 40 million on yourself?! And made 400 billion?!”

His voice trembled with such fervor it almost warped.

Even as a top commander, Fang Hao had honestly never seen so much money in his life! Even if an entire legion were flush with cash, it wouldn’t compare to this!

Stifling their astonishment, the entire Special Operations Department nearly fainted. Even Zhao Hongtu shuddered, his eyes fixed on Yenir in sheer terror.

With a slight furrow of his brow, watching everyone’s hearts race with excitement, Yenir remained impassive:

“Didn’t I say it? Less than 400 billion.”

“Around 380 billion, give or take… not a huge amount.”

“Not a huge amount!!?”

As his words fell silent, those gathered around him collectively drew in a sharp breath.

The number 380 billion struck them like a thunderclap.

In the next moment, Fang Hao suddenly grabbed Yenir’s arm tightly, his expression earnest as he looked at him:

“Brother Yenir! From now on, you are my best brother!”

“The first time we met, I felt we were destined—as if we’d known each other in a past life!”

“Rest assured, even if Lu Haishan shows up, or the whole world turns against you, I’ll protect you with my life!”

“From now on, we’ll share both fortune and hardship! Your problems are my problems!!”

“Ahem.”

Completely disregarding his own image, an earnest and excited Fang Hao looked at him as if he were gazing upon a priceless treasure.

“Brother Yenir, would you be interested in becoming the deputy commander of my Demon Hunting Legion?! Of course, if you prefer, I can just back you up!”

“I’ll call you Colonel, and you call me Big Brother! And if that doesn’t work, call me Xiao Fang—even 200 billion or ‘Haozi’ will do!”

“Fang Hao! After all, you’re a commander—can’t you behave properly?!”

Seeing Fang Hao, ever the show-off with his heroic airs, fawning over Yenir with wild enthusiasm, Zhao Hongtu couldn’t stand it any longer.

He then, as if overcome with heartbreak and indignation, scolded Fang Hao before swiftly pulling Yenir behind him.

“A dignified Military commander should never be so blinded by money!”

“Yenir, don’t listen to him.”

“I actually have a daughter—she just turned eighteen this year!”

Yenir: ……?