Chapter 561: Shadows of Genius

Huaguo Capital, Prime Minister’s Office.

Inside the modestly decorated Prime Minister’s Office, Li Xuanguo looked curiously at the report that had just been delivered to his desk.

Though he had reviewed it countless times, it wasn’t a major event—merely something rather peculiar.

Yet at that moment, an unshakable sense of bewilderment lingered in his mind.

He glanced up at the Military personnel and members of the External Intelligence Unit before hesitantly speaking:

“Ye Ze Ming? The genius Awakener expected to clinch first place in Japan’s Divine Warrior Project?”

“Innate talent rating… SSS+!?”

“Yes, Prime Minister!”

“This report was sent not long ago by a covert source within the Ministry of Home Affairs! The individual appeared out of nowhere—in the Japanese Military’s internal statement, he’s labeled as a talent mutant!”

“His combat prowess is off the charts, and he’s very likely to take part in the upcoming dungeon battle!”

“We must be prepared as well.”

After executing a precise salute, the Military Awakener responsible for the report grimaced as he shared his thoughts.

Under normal circumstances, such an occurrence wouldn’t draw this much attention—after all, it was just the rise of a super genius.

But with the dungeon confrontation looming, and Japan’s Battle Zone launching the Divine Warrior Project in a mirror of their own methods, the stakes were high.

The implications spoke for themselves.

This was a silent, localized conflict—one that had already claimed lives!

Though the Awakener, Ye Ze Ming, was currently only at Third-Stage Mid-level, his power was alarmingly close to that of a high-level fighter!

Based on their estimates, he should reach Peak Third-Stage within the next few years. By then, not only could border issues arise, but his combat power would be terrifying—intensifying their pressure even further…

If the Military were as impenetrable as a steel fortress, capable of mobilizing every resource, an extra super Peak wouldn’t be an issue for the Japanese Battle Zone.

However, as a man within Li Xuanguo’s faction, the officer knew their forces were already stretched thin—any emergence of a Peak Third-Stage fighter would bring enormous pressure.

Moreover, an Awakener with such innate talent, upon reaching Peak Third-Stage, would wield power equivalent to at least three peers!

In short, this was nothing less than another Yenir!

Yet as he listened to his subordinate’s anxious tone, Li Xuanguo fell silent for a moment and couldn’t help but mutter an inner curse.

SSS+ level? And a swordsman?! His performance during the selection match was shockingly brutal—taking out a vast number of Third-Stage candidates?!

While outsiders might view this as nothing extraordinary, they’d likely marvel at how well Ye Ze Ming’s combat style suited the battlefield.

However, upon learning that Yenir might have fled to the Japanese Battle Zone, a ludicrous thought instantly popped into his mind!

Damn… Could it be Yenir?!

That kid actually joined the competition in the Japanese Battle Zone?!

It’s no wonder he thought that.

Although their intelligence indicated that the super genius, Ye Ze Ming, displayed many differences from Yenir…

Yet, paradoxically, these obvious differences only made Li Xuanguo more convinced of an uncanny resemblance to Yenir.

In his shoes, to avoid any suspicion about his identity, he probably would have done the same.

As one of the few who knew Yenir’s true strength, he understood that the kid could mask his abilities however he wished!

Not to mention…

Yenir… he even intends to use the Military’s highest-level disguise gear!

A storm of emotion churned within him, as if a tidal wave were sweeping through.

Though he had grown accustomed to Yenir’s unconventional methods and his knack for making headlines,

the thought of that kid openly joining the Japanese Battle Zone competition made him break out in a cold sweat!

It’s like a general swapping uniforms and infiltrating enemy lines as a commander during wartime!

If exposed, it would set off a global uproar!

Not only would Japan be engulfed in shame, but the entire nation would hunt down Yenir—while other countries would quickly recognize the sheer terror of such a move!

His heart was gripped by both concern and an eerie foreboding.

Li Xuanguo himself was uncertain—did he wish it were Yenir in disguise, or not…

Plan to con the Japanese Battle Zone out of their national artifact? To then kill off their people and still have him celebrated as a genius?

The idea was exhilarating… but if it all backfired, even if they tried, they wouldn’t be able to rescue Yenir.

It’s downright perilous… too dangerous indeed…

Suppressing his inner turmoil, Li Xuanguo waved his hand to signal that he was well aware of the situation.

He knew that if it was indeed Yenir, it was entirely justifiable for him to keep his silence, leaving them none the wiser.

The fewer people who knew about this, the better—ideally, he’d act as if it never even happened.

“Keep tracking this, and report any updates immediately!”

He sighed inwardly, a bitter smile tugging at his lips as he resolved not to dwell on it any further.

He couldn’t understand how Yenir, despite his disguise, would get the Japanese Battle Zone to help fabricate his identity; for now, he could only wait for events to unfold.

They had already placed their hopes for the national conflict on Yenir. Furthermore, recent border deployments forced them to stake everything on him.

If this kid slipped up, they’d instantly find themselves in a major bind!

It sounds incredulous, yet that was the grim reality.

Yenir’s next moves would not only test the older Peak Third-Stage contenders itching to make a play, but also influence those choosing to remain neutral.

Had Li Xuanguo and his peers picked the right man, or had they only chosen a prodigy—talented yet unfit for the heavy responsibilities ahead?

Nobody had imagined that the brewing conflict between two major factions would converge so entirely on Yenir.

Just as history is steered by a few exceptional individuals, no one could predict where the future might lead.

…………………

Meanwhile, in the Nagasaki Battle Zone and the Dongyang Safe Zone.

After rejecting meetings with a cadre of high-level schemers and encountering only Kamimoto Yamashiro, Yenir—who had planned to rest and recalibrate his strategy—now coldly glared at a middle-aged man who had suddenly appeared in his room.

Like a ghost, it wasn’t until the intruder came within ten meters that Yenir sensed his presence.

For Yenir, it was nothing short of an overwhelming threat!

Trouble is afoot!

In the silent standoff, Yenir spoke first, ready to activate an escape skill at any moment.

The opponent was incredibly powerful and charging straight at him, forcing Yenir to stay on high alert!

“Who are you?!”

No sooner had he spoken than the middle-aged man, noting his wariness, broke into a smile and raised his hands to show no ill intent.

“Mr. Ye Ze Ming, it’s a pleasure to see you.”

“Pardon my forwardness, but I believe you’ll be very interested in what I have to say next.”

Getting straight to the point.

Once his words faded, the powerful Peak Third-Stage Awakener casually scrutinized Yenir. Fortunately, thanks to Yenir’s disguise gear and formidable will, he barely noticed anything off.

With a half-smile, he stated his purpose outright.

“Mr. Ye Ze Ming, I’m here to present you with a wonderful opportunity.”

“Join our Yamamoto Corporation.”

“Agree to marry our chairman’s daughter, and with our support, I guarantee you’ll secure the top spot among the Divine Warriors!”

Startled, as the other man clapped and footsteps suddenly echoed from outside, Yenir’s senses immediately picked up that three Awakeners were escorting a young girl right to his door.

The creaking sound of wooden sandals rang out, eerily echoing in the deep, quiet night.

Yenir: ?????