Chapter 554: The Labyrinth’s Looming Challenge

72 hours later.

Slowly setting down the Spirit Energy Crystal in his hand, Yenir exhaled deeply as the fierce, fiery gleam in his eyes faded away.

Gazing at Dongyang kneeling before him, he gave a subtle nod, signaling that he was already in the know.

In just four hours, the second round of selections would begin.

Casually stretching his muscles with the crackle of bones echoing, Yenir lazily strolled out of the room.

He craved the Divine Warrior reward.

But he had to admit – staying in the Japanese Battle Zone was dreadfully boring.

These past few days, after reorganizing his plans, he spent all his remaining time absorbing Spirit Energy to strengthen himself.

Though progress was slow, at this rate he’d have to deliberately hold back and remain at Third-Stage Mid-level before the National War even began.

There was nothing he could do; with contestants limited to Third-Stage Mid-level, any attempt to conceal his true power would be exposed.

Spirit Energy quality could soar high, but it must never exceed Third-Stage Advanced.

Stuck at the peak of the mid-level, Yenir could only sigh in resignation—he’d be confined to this level for a while longer.

“Sir, this brawl is set in a special arena,”

“It’s a miniature, special venue—almost like a half-dungeon. Within it lies a maze where you must survive until you’re among the top thirty.”

In a respectful tone, Ping Ye, acting as his guide, relayed the intel from the Safe Zone. Yenir listened calmly and nodded in thoughtful agreement.

“Is this battle a mix of melee and battle royale?”

“But it seems there’s a loophole to exploit?”

Hearing Yenir mutter under his breath, Ping Ye paused before softly replying:

“Yes, sir.”

“Because you turned down the proposal to team up with several major factions—even though we accepted some investment, overall we’ve been subtly sidelined.”

“So even though the labyrinth escape appears to be a solo venture, they might band together inside and sweep up all the spots in one go.”

“According to our intel, the Safe Zone led by the Gangster Alliance has already united twelve contestants for training.”

“Rumor has it that once inside, they plan to collectively expel the other contestants to secure their own places.”

“You… need to be careful…”

Although they had witnessed Yenir’s formidable mental strength and unfathomable prowess, they also recalled his feigned injury on the arena.

Thus, in Ping Ye’s eyes and those of his colleagues, there were lingering worries that Yenir might actually get injured under a coordinated assault.

Especially since, being a transformed Otherworldly Ghost, that concern hit a particularly sensitive spot.

Without further comment, after hearing Ping Ye’s rundown, Yenir merely smiled.

Banding together for a pincer attack, huh?

So he was left out?

So be it.

He was more than eager for these misfits to clump together; once everyone formed teams, a few well-aimed Sword Storms from him would clear the field in one go.

As for the loophole he mentioned earlier, it turned out to be entirely different from what Ping Ye and the others had imagined…

“Survive until you’re in the top thirty, and that’s a win.”

“So…”

“So, once I fight it down to just thirty contestants, it’s game over?”

A mysterious smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as a hint of cold, calculated killing intent flashed in Yenir’s eyes.

………………………..

Three hours and three minutes later.

At the entrance of the labyrinth arena.

Crowds milled about as numerous Awakeners and high-ranking figures from various factions anxiously observed the genius contestant their side had sent.

Yet, amid the clearly demarcated territories, the sight of three teams of Awakeners clustered together immediately drew everyone’s attention.

Their overt display of alliance, with no attempt at subtlety, instantly caused the representatives of other factions to grow visibly sullen.

“They actually teamed up!? The selection is supposed to be for individual talent! Isn’t this against the rules?! How is this fair?”

“Who knows? The authorities set it up this way. I suspect the top brass from Kyoto orchestrated it. After all, their offspring are determined to secure their spots—likely with an entourage of Protectors in tow.”

“Fair? How can you even think that? One’s faction is a measure of strength. Haven’t you figured it out? Unless you’re a super genius, I reckon this Divine Warrior selection is just a pretext for the higher-ups to swipe the Artifact.”

“Enough talk—why don’t we team up too? If we don’t stick together, we’re just signing our own death warrant!”

….

Debate erupted all around.

Within the Gangster Alliance Safe Zone, several Third-Stage Mid-level Awakeners among the contestants sneered at the chaotic scene with eyes full of disdain.

Only thinking of teaming up now? A shrewd, major faction would have spotted the flaws in this competition from the very start.

No matter how strong an Awakener is on his own, taking on two is a struggle—three attackers would be fatal.

In this 300-person brawl, going solo was sheer idiocy.

Thinking of forming an alliance now? The truly powerful had long been co-opted, leaving only a bunch of misfits.

Of course, with the exception of a few individuals.

For instance.

“Once inside, center your group around Lord Zhenyi! He carries a special gathering device that lets you track his coordinates!”

“Though the labyrinth is complex, it actually works in our favor! Once grouped, we can clear one side immediately!”

“These are our primary targets!”

“Fukuda Safe Zone – Daiki Maya.”

“Shadow Dance Style – Long Xinyi.”

……………

“Dongyang Safe Zone – Ye Ze Ming!”

“Beware—Ye Ze Ming is extremely powerful. Handle with caution.”

“Commander, why fear? No matter how strong he is, he’s just one man. If he dares defy us by jeopardizing our top qualifying spot, it’s nothing short of a death sentence.”

After quickly assigning battle plans, one contestant casually glanced toward Yenir standing in the distance.

Unlike the hasty alliances forged among the major factions, at this moment, Yenir – like a few Awakeners from minor groups – was effectively ‘unclaimed.’

“I’ve seen his fight footage—his burst power is impressive. But that was on the arena stage; up close, he loses his enormous advantage!”

“On the real battlefield, by the time he rushes in, we could concentrate fire and take him out in one swing.”

“I even suspect that his innate talent leans towards extreme aggression—I haven’t seen him use a Spirit Shield once.”

The commanding Middle-Aged Man listened to his team’s interruptions; though a bit displeased, he reluctantly agreed.

That’s right.

Representing Nagasaki and the major powers of the surrounding region, everyone had taken notice of Ye Ze Ming.

His lethal attacks undeniably imposed immense pressure on them.

Just two days ago, several major factions had privately approached the Dongyang Safe Zone, urging Ye Ze Ming to relinquish the top qualifying spot in exchange for a guaranteed win!

But needless to say, their request was flatly denied.

Thus, despite his solid power and a relatively strong backing, Yenir had become a thorn in their side, unanimously ostracized.

One couldn’t help but wonder if it was just an illusion.

After finishing his remarks, one contestant suddenly noticed Yenir smiling at him from afar.

Momentarily taken aback, he quickly recovered—then a chilling sense of foreboding surged within him.

Yet moments later, his expression twisted into a bitter sneer.

Sneer?

Once you’re in, let’s see if you can still afford to smile!