Chapter 564: The Predetermined Arena

New Capital.

Inside the vast Senate, Yenir observed the building, which had been hastily transformed into a competition arena.

Everywhere he looked, a sea of people stretched out before him.

The instant he appeared, countless curious eyes fixed on him.

Of course, amid those feigned-friendly glances, he keenly detected a fair measure of hostility.

By all accounts, they were likely one of the three major factions – the group representing the former Self-Defense Forces Military.

Moreover, Yenir could faintly sense an even deeper vein of hostility emanating from a particular group of contestants.

“Thirty competitors in a gauntlet battle – only one will prevail.”

“The General’s Son and I advance directly to the final round, while the victor among the other twenty-eight will join us.”

“In other words, a three-way showdown.”

“However, the awakening contestant who wins among the twenty-eight is also incredibly unfortunate – hardly any major faction is willing to back him…”

Thanks to an introduction from the Yamamoto Society, Yenir learned that he, too, was enjoying special privileges.

His innate talent was indeed formidable; he skipped the preliminary battles and advanced straight to the final round.

Clearly, Japan’s top brass had already decided to reserve first and second place for him and another Awakener – the struggling contestant had long been discarded.

After a series of grueling fights, the other contender’s innate talent and combat prowess fell short compared to Yenir and the General’s Son; even if they were equal, his Spirit Energy was drained.

So Yenir understood that sensing hostility was only natural.

He casually glanced toward the Awakener who fancied himself a genius with a shot at first place.

Yenir shook his head slightly, indifferent to the unwavering stare aimed at him.

“Think it’s unfair? Hate me but not the General’s Son? Is it because I come from humble origins?”

He snorted inwardly, too disinterested to respond.

He clearly felt that one competitor—whose talent wasn’t too shabby—was clenching his fists and glaring at him, as if Yenir’s mere presence had robbed him of even a shot at second place.

He dared not harbor any ill will toward the General’s Son.

Yet the fact that Yenir, despite his even humbler background, had the backing of the Yamamoto Society only fueled his anger.

Why was Yenir chosen instead of me?!

Pushing his way through the crowd, Yenir took his seat and patiently awaited the start of the final match.

…………………..

In the private lounge, although the first match had begun, no one seemed inclined to watch.

Nobody cared about the outcome of the twenty-eight-contestant battle.

For the well-informed high-ups, all eyes were on the final bout.

An elderly man in a black short robe swept his gaze over the assembled Third-Stage fighters and then spoke gravely:

“Did you tell Ye Ze Ming that he simply wouldn’t be able to take first?”

Bowing his head respectfully before the Elder, the Peak Third-Stage—who had once faced Yenir—hesitantly shook his head and replied in a low tone:

“Lord Yamamoto, I hinted at that, though it’s not easy to explain.”

“It’s just that Ye Ze Ming, after all, is our chosen one, and even the Deputy Councilor holds him in high regard.”

“With Ye Ze Ming’s innate talent, he should logically be able to secure first.”

“Aren’t we going to fight for him?”

Listening to his subordinate’s discontented question, the Elder merely shook his head and replied coolly:

“Not a chance.”

“The Self-Defense Forces are, after all, one step ahead of us. That weapon is their war trophy – using it as a reward is already their limit.”

“If our chosen candidate were to actually obtain it, do you think they would accept it willingly?”

“Especially since clinching the Divine Warrior title would secure abundant resources from the Council; they wouldn’t let it go.”

“I’ve discussed this with the Deputy Councilor. The cost of contesting would be too high; it’s best we let it go.”

“Besides, the outcome is far from certain.”

Hearing the Elder, the Middle-Aged Man paused, then sighed.

But as if a thought had struck him, he hesitated before asking once more:

“But sir, what do you mean by ‘uncertain outcome’? I’ve had a glimpse into his power. I’m not exaggerating when I say his strength hides more than he lets on—it’s not like he’s claiming that all his Spirit Energy has been converted into other attributes!”

“Frankly, I feel he might even be able to track my movements!”

“That sensing ability is downright abnormal! In actual combat, his chances of victory would be enormous!”

After reviewing their combat records, the Middle-Aged Man had to concede that Yenir’s fighting prowess was truly exceptional. The General’s Son, though powerful, largely depended on his equipment.

He wasn’t necessarily adept at life-and-death skirmishes!

“I just don’t understand—if first place is already preordained for that candidate’s descendant, how do we justify it publicly? One fight would make the victor obvious!”

Noticing the Middle-Aged Man’s unwavering confidence in Yenir, the Elder raised his eyes and gave him a look filled with meaning:

“Of course I know—our chosen one’s strength is undeniably the best for this Divine Warrior title.”

“Otherwise, I wouldn’t have chosen him.”

“Do you wonder how we plan to ensure that candidate’s descendant takes first?”

“Heh, it’s simple.”

“In the final match, the Authorities will modify the rules, citing the need to minimize casualties.”

“The three won’t face each other; instead, they will be sent separately into special arenas to battle mutated foes!”

“That candidate’s descendant is required to slay a Third-Stage Mid-level mutant!”

“Likewise, the victor among the twenty-eight will have the same task.”

“And Ye Ze Ming…”

“If he wants victory, he must endure three minutes under the assault of a Third-Stage Advanced mutant—one that even borders on Peak levels!”

“It’s quite fair, isn’t it?”

As his words hung in the air, the Middle-Aged Man’s eyes widened in surprise.

Good heavens, it seems the challenge is the same for all—Yenir’s task doesn’t even involve killing a mutant.

But…

Survive three minutes while being chased by a Third-Stage Advanced mutant?! How is that any different from slaying a monster?!

Is this merely a ruse to force Yenir to throw in the towel, giving up first place under the guise of fairness?!

What a clever scheme!

This setup leaves no room for objections!

………………