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墨書 Inktalez
Thirty-Six Contestants each have the shadow of Major Forces behind them. This brutal competition that engulfs all participants is less about the contestants using any means necessary to eliminate their opponents and more about a reshuffling among the Major Forces behind them.
In past Qualification Challenges, such occurrences have been tacitly accepted by everyone. Whether it is a mid-level dynasty or a principality, any region swept by the Holy Light Academy during the Qualification Challenge will take this opportunity for a new distribution of resources.
Each force sends representatives from their camp to participate in the Qualification Challenge, and resources are allocated based on the honors and rankings earned by their contestants.
For example, if Bu achieved first place in the Sparta City Seed Selection Tournament, then the Aldra Family he represents will gain significant benefits, including priority access to prime commercial locations or valuable mineral deposits in Sparta City.
Once the Aldra Family has made its selections, the remaining resources will then be divided among the forces with lower rankings.
The benefits derived from just a single Seed Selection Tournament are immense, not to mention the larger scale and fiercer competition of the Peak Showdown. If any contestant from a Major Force can break into the top ten, their affiliated force will reap substantial rewards, potentially expanding their influence several times over.
Once the Holy Light Academy Qualification Challenge begins, this method of reshuffling power among forces is an accepted norm from mid-level dynasties to hundreds of principalities. No force would openly oppose it, and few would remain uninvolved.
Over time, the Qualification Challenge has evolved into not only a contest among participants but also a strategic game among various Major Forces. Those who play their cards right enjoy glory and benefits, while all participants uphold the rules of the game. Even many judges from the Holy Light Academy turn a blind eye to these dynamics.
Throughout previous Qualification Challenges, especially during the final stages of the Peak Showdown, numerous contestants have fallen victim to conspiracies and schemes. However, many judges from the Holy Light Academy refrain from intervening; they need students who are adaptable and resourceful, and they are also wary of disrupting the interests of various Major Forces.
Individuals like Sean Sterling, who directly intervene and disrupt long-standing rules, create tension. While all Major Forces may not openly express their discontent due to their respect for the Holy Light Academy, they will secretly unite against any infringement on their shared interests and exert pressure on the academy.
As a result, many high-ranking officials at the Holy Light Academy become overwhelmed, placing responsibility for these issues squarely on Sean Sterling and imposing severe penalties on him.
After all, one must remember that benefits come from within. The Holy Light Academy recruits students every ten years; if they become targeted due to violating interests upheld by all Major Forces, their recruitment plans could be jeopardized, hindering their ability to attract fresh talent and sustain the academy's prosperity.
Currently, Bu remains unharmed and unbothered by other contestants or entangled in conflicts among participants and their backing forces, all thanks to Sean Sterling's strong support. Even Reynold and Kalandor find temporary peace due to Sean Sterling's influence, as few dare to target them.
The unparalleled master of Quasi-Advanced in the Crook Duchy was almost an invincible presence, sweeping through everything. Although Sean Sterling broke the rules, all forces could only swallow their anger and resentment, and many factions, while feeling dissatisfied, were more inclined to gloat over the situation.
After all, the Star Moon Alliance and the Miso Family suffered significant losses due to Sean Sterling's actions, with two Intermediate Level 4 overlords and six Intermediate Level warriors being wiped out in an instant. This loss was substantial, akin to severing an arm from these two Major Forces.
For the various factions harboring ulterior motives and competing against each other, this was undoubtedly a welcome development. Some leaders even raised their cups in celebration, eagerly hoping that the Star Moon Alliance and Miso Family would foolishly confront Sean Sterling again, leading to further elimination of their experts and leaving them in a state of disarray.
Thanks to Sean Sterling's protection, Bu found a moment of respite before the intense Peak Showdown, allowing him to focus on cultivating his internal energy without worrying about poison in his food or being followed while using the restroom. Life had become exceedingly comfortable.
Even powerful figures like Gaia, backed by the formidable Arthur Royal Family, found Bu quite challenging due to Sean Sterling's protection. Although Gaia looked down on Bu, he could only suppress his displeasure for now, preparing to unleash his frustrations on the day of the Peak Showdown.
Time passed quickly, and soon the day of the Peak Showdown arrived!
On this day marked by unpredictable weather, dark clouds hung low in the sky as thunder rumbled ominously. Suddenly, a torrential downpour began.
The rain fell endlessly, splashing up misty droplets that blurred visibility. Such heavy rain was rare in winter, especially after a recent snowfall; it was indeed a remarkable occurrence.
Bu stood by the window of his castle room, gazing at the rain outside. He extended his hand to feel its temperature and the impact of each drop as it fell.
As he watched the rain descend and settle on the ground, he seemed to see a steadfast determination that he should emulate—a belief in the indomitable spirit of rain.
"To fall to the ground, even if it means shattering into pieces, is to fight for a complete life; this is the belief of rain. To descend and settle is the life of rain," Bu realized with clarity. At that moment, he found the direction he should pursue with unwavering dedication—a path for which he would strive throughout his life.
This life would be guided by steadfast belief and would end without regret or shame.
“Brent... Once you're ready, let's head out. Today's competition won't be easy to get through.” A wave of mental energy resonated from the adjacent room, and the familiar voice of Sean Sterling echoed in Step's mind.
“Not easy to get through...?” Step gazed out at the dancing raindrops outside the window, a light smile curling at the corners of his mouth as he turned and strode confidently toward the door.
From Sparta City to this imperial capital, he fought his way through countless obstacles, successfully advancing as one of the nine seed players in the Seed Selection Tournament, enduring hardships to climb to the top.
Now, the thirty-six strongest seeds gathered in the imperial capital for this moment of Peak Showdown.
Who is the strongest? Who truly stands at the pinnacle?
Step's eyes sparkled with fiery determination, inspired by Wendy's distant gaze, Sean Sterling's unwavering support, and for himself... he aims to reach the summit in the Peak Showdown!
The location for the Peak Showdown was chosen within the Training Ground of the Imperial City Inner City. This Training Ground is vast, surrounded by rows of seating, and there are also some elevated platforms with VIP Seats. From these heights, one can clearly see the eight square Arenas set up within the Training Ground.
Due to the heavy rain, and considering the outdoor conditions of the competition venue as well as ensuring that many spectators could watch normally, the four Court Mages from Crook Duchy, who had reached Intermediate level 4, worked together to cast a barrier-like magic that completely blocked out the downpour, ensuring that the Training Ground remained clean and dry.
As for the final stage of the Qualification Challenge, not everyone is qualified to watch this Peak Showdown. Those who can take their seats in this Training Ground are all either wealthy or influential. The VIP Seats in those elevated platforms are reserved exclusively for royals and nobles; however, the special status of the twelve Judges allows them to bypass these rules.
When Step, Reynold, and Kalandor arrived at this Training Ground with Sean Sterling, many spectators were already seated inside. Looking around, some were engaged in lively discussions, others were drinking quietly, and there were also quite a few who remained silent.
The atmosphere here was no longer as boisterous as it had been at Sparta City Aris Arena. A place where ordinary people could not tread naturally carried a sense of restraint and solemnity. Even those conversing with each other were limited to their own circles; there was an air of separation and vigilance towards strangers.
Perhaps it is only during the intense moments of the Peak Showdown that these noble individuals will cast aside their constraints in excitement and join in cheers and gasps.
Thirty-Six Contestants After yesterday's fierce competition, many were severely injured. If it weren't for the miraculous elixirs provided by their respective backing forces, many would have seen a significant drop in their abilities. However, even so, the tragic deaths of four contestants served as a wake-up call for everyone.
This is the brutal Peak Showdown, not a mere sparring match. Here, treacherous enemies far outnumber loyal friends.
Even before the Peak Showdown began, four contestants had already been eliminated. This did not lessen the competition; rather, it intensified it.
After all, those who managed to survive amidst numerous plots and schemes must possess extraordinary qualities, regardless of the support from their backing forces.
Among these individuals, Arthur Royal Gaia, Star-Moon Alliance Mu Yan, the two His Highness titles, and the rising star of the Mercenary world, Arno, are particularly formidable.
Following Sean Sterling, Bumenlu stepped into a pavilion and looked around with a sense of wonder. Twelve pavilions were arranged in a winding formation around them, each separated by patches of lush grass and adorned with exotic flowers. From above, they resembled a long dragon coiled on the ground.
At this moment, the Peak Showdown was about to commence. Excluding the four deceased contestants, thirty-two participants were almost fully gathered.
In fact, the identities of the four contestants who died yesterday had already spread. Bu received the news almost immediately from the gossiping Kalandor.
Upon hearing the news for the first time, Bu couldn't help but sigh.
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