Chapter 31 Preliminary- Part One
Stepping into the arena, Zane took a moment to scan the terrain and the students around him. His eyes narrowed in calculation.
"494 participants, including myself," he muttered. "The terrain is just a flat white platform with cubical walls—no cover, no elevation. This is going to be chaotic. Best to hold my ground and let them come to me. No need to rush. There’s still thirty minutes."
With that thought, Zane positioned himself in a corner, calmly observing the scene as chaos erupted all around. Students clashed instantly—fists flew, skills were unleashed, and some didn’t hesitate to knock their opponents out cold. Apparently, brutality wasn’t against the rules.
Above the arena, representatives and selectors from the six major factions watched the mayhem unfold on a massive wall of partitioned screens. Some displays zoomed in on particularly intense or promising fights, highlighting the frontrunners.
Twelve students stood out quickly, their names climbing the rankings as they racked up cards with explosive efficiency.
Meanwhile, Zane remained motionless in his corner—serene as a stone Buddha amidst the storm.
Eventually, someone noticed him. A student grinned as he approached, eyes gleaming with hostility. Zane recognized him immediately—Mayor, from Whistler Town.
"I’ve been looking all over for you—and here you are, hiding like a scaredy cat," Mayor sneered, unsheathing his longsword. "There’s a bounty on your head, you know? Pretty generous, too. You might not remember me, but I know you. The whole town hates you. I’m just one of many."
His voice grew venomous.
"Take this, you evil spawn!"
Mayor charged, sword gleaming as it sliced through the air with surprising speed.