"Now, representatives from each, please step forward to draw lots and determine your opponents for the first round." Announced Reynolds, unveiling a colossal lottery box.


    Enzo, representing Alfa, approached and withdrew a slip of paper from the box. Upon unfolding it, he saw the words  Betta" inscribed.


    Enzo mused inwardly,"It seems our first adversary is Betta."


    Once the drawing concluded, Reynolds proimed, "Well then, you all now know your opponents. You will have one week to prepare. In one week, we shall gather here for the first round ofpetition."


    As Enzo departed from the conference room, he began to strategize a training regimen for the prodigies of Alfa. He recognized that this contest would not only test the talents but also serve as a trial for his leadership.


    Explore more stories with mvl


    Upon his return to Alfa, Enzo went to the temple and recounted the information he had gathered.


    The leader of the Envy temple inquired, "Enzo, what are your thoughts?"


    Enzo proposed,"With thepetition just a week away, we shouldmence our selection of five prodigious youths. I believe the Temple of the Seven Gods could each nominate representatives, who would thenpete to secure the top five to represent us. What do you think?"


    "That sounds feasible." Replied the Lust temple. "However, I have an additional suggestion. We should send some skilled individuals to gather intelligence on Betta. Knowledge of both ourselves and our opponent ensures victory in every battle."


    Enzo nodded, finding this to be an excellent idea. "This proposal ismendable. Understanding ourselves and our adversaries is key to invincibility. However, who shall we dispatch for this task?"


    All eyes turned expectantly toward Cruise Main. Despite his youth, Cruise Main had demonstrated remarkable strength and potential in previous contests, undoubtedly making him the ideal candidate for this mission.


    Cruise Main sensed the gazes of those around him, rising resolutely to dere, "I am willing to undertake this mission."


    Enzo regarded Cruise Main with a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Very well, Cruise, this task is entrusted to you. However, bear in mind that safety is paramount. While intelligence is vital, your life is even more precious."


    Cruise Main nodded in acknowledgment. "I understand, Lord Enzo. I shall exercise utmost caution."


    Enzo retrieved amunication crystal from his pocket and handed it to Cruise Main. "Take thismunication crystal with you. Should you encounter danger or make any discoveries, contact us immediately."


    Cruise Main epted the crystal, carefully stowing it away.


    Enzo inquired,"When do you intend to depart?"


    Cruise Main replied,"I am ready to set off at once."


    Enzo said,"Very well, take care on your journey."Then EnzopattedCruise Main on the shoulder in a gesture of encouragement.


    Cruise Main nodded, turning to leave the temple and embark on his voyage to the Betta.


    He traversed the vastness of the cosmos, ultimately arriving at Betta. This boasted advanced technology, with towering skyscrapers and cutting-edge transportation weaving through the bustling city. Cruise Main navigated the throngs of people with caution, striving to remain inconspicuous.


    His first stop was the arena of Betta, a venue where prodigies showcased their prowess.


    Blending with the audience, Cruise Main observed thepetitions intently. He noted that the talents of Betta were formidable, excelling not only in magic and martial arts but also wielding an array of sophisticated technological weaponry.


    As he observed, Cruise Main utilized themunication crystal to ry updates to Enzo.


    Cruise Main whispered, "Lord Enzo, I have arrived on Betta and am currently observing thepetitions at the arena."


    From the other end of the crystal, Enzo''s voice resonated, "Well done, Cruise. Stay vignt and avoid revealing your identity."


    "Iprehend." Cruise Main remarked, and resumed his vignt observation of the contest unfolding before him.


    He noticed a prodigious young talent d in ck armor, whose swordsmanship was remarkably formidable. Nearly every strike he executed seemed destined to pierce his opponent''s vital points. Cruise Main felt a surge of astonishment within, recognizing that this youth''s prowess was undoubtedly on par with his own.


    Cruise Main reported, "Lord Enzo, I havee across an exceptionally gifted young swordsman whose technique is truly remarkable."


    Enzo remained silent for a moment on the other end of themunication crystal before replying, "Cruise, endeavor to gather as much information as possible about this young man. He may prove to be our principal adversary in thispetition."


    "Iprehend." Cruise Main reiterated, then turned his attention back to the talented youth.


    He observed as the young man departed the arena, surrounded by a throng of admirers. Determined to follow discreetly and uncover the boy''s residence, Cruise Main trailed behind him cautiously, navigating through the bustling streets until he reached the entrance of an opulent vi. The youth entered, prompting Cruise Main to find a concealed spot nearby to observe.


    He retrieved themunication crystal and reported the boy''s whereabouts to Enzo."Lord Enzo, I have located the residence of the prodigious young swordsman. He resides in avish vi."


    Enzo responded, "Excellent, Cruise. Do not act rashly. Continue to monitor his activities and report any new developments immediately."


    "Iprehend." Cruise Main affirmed, settling into his concealed position, intent on watching the vi''s movements.


    He noted that those entering and exiting the vi were formidable warriors and magicians, suggesting that the young man held a significant standing within the Betta''s society. Cruise Main resolved to remain hidden, hoping to unearth further intelligence regarding this extraordinary youth.


    In the days that followed, Cruise Mainy in wait near the vi, keenly observing the movements of the young boy and the happenings within the estate. He noted that the boy trained daily in a practice arena, engaging in aprehensive regimen that epassed not only magic and martial arts but also the use of advanced technological weaponry.


    Cruise Main meticulously reported these findings to Enzo, who responded with great satisfaction."Cruise, you have performed admirably. Continue your observations. We must gather as much information as possible regarding this young prodigy."


    Nodding in acknowledgment, Cruise Main resumed his covert mission. However, just as he was about to leave his vantage point in search of a ce to rest, he unexpectedly spotted several suspicious figures approaching the vi.


    Though their presence was well-concealed, Cruise Main''s keen instincts alerted him to their arrival. A jolt of rm surged through him—were these individuals intent on harming the boy?


    He swiftly retrieved hismunication crystal to contact Enzo, only to find the signal inexplicably jammed. In that moment, Cruise Main realized these intruders were prepared, and he had to act without dy.


    Trailing the figures stealthily, he confirmed his fears—they were indeed after the boy. Panic surged within him. He needed to devise a n to thwart their malicious intent and safeguard the gifted youth.


    Yet, he knew that facing such formidable foes alone would be perilous. Time was of the essence, and he must find a way to dy them until Enzo and his allies arrived.


    Thus, Cruise Main deliberately created amotion to draw their attention. As expected, they immediately pursued him.


    While escaping, he employed his knowledge of the terrain, weaving through the viplex in an attempt to outmaneuver his pursuers. Nheless, the relentless strength of these adversaries soon closed in on him.


    One of the men shouted,"Kid, don''t run! You can''t escape!"


    Cruise Main felt a surge of dread. He needed to devise a strategy to contend with these pursuers. ncing around, he spotted an abandoned warehouse in the vicinity and resolved to exploit its terrain to buy himself some time.


    He dashed into the warehouse, with the men hot on his heels. Utilizing the obstacles and shadows within, Cruise Main evaded their assaults while simultaneously searching for a way to reach Enzo.


    However, themunication crystal remained blocked, leaving Cruise Main in a state of mounting anxiety. He had to find a means to circumvent this interference and establish contact with Enzo and his allies.


    In a moment of inspiration, he devised a rudimentary conductive device using the metallic items scattered throughout the warehouse, aiming to disrupt the signal jammer.


    After a concerted effort, he seeded in breaking the signal barrier and promptly connected with Enzo."Lord Enzo, I''m in trouble. A few suspicious individuals intend to harm that brilliant young man. I''m stalling for time. Pleasee quickly!"


    Upon hearing this, Enzo replied without hesitation, "Cruise, hold on! We''re on our way!"


    With that, Enzo quickly summoned the elite warriors of Alpha, preparing to head to Beta to assist Cruise Main.


    Meanwhile, Cruise Main continued to elude his assants. He realized that he could not prolong this standoff indefinitely. He needed to confront these adversaries.


    Carefully observing their attack patterns, he noted that while they were formidable, their methods were rather straightforward. Leveraging this weakness, Cruise Main formted a counterattack n.


    Deliberately exposing a w in his defense, he lured one of the men into striking at him.The individual was indeed deceived, lunging recklessly towards Cruise Main. However, Cruise Main adeptly evaded the assault andunched a counterattack, subduing him with his mastery of shadow magic.


    The onlookers were astonished, rushing to engage Cruise Main. Unfazed, he wielded his profound expertise in shadow magic, entering into a fierce conflict with them.


    Yet, the adversaries were formidable, and Cruise Main gradually felt the strain. He needed to devise a swift resolution. Otherwise, he would be in peril once their reinforcements arrived.


    In that moment, a brilliant n struck him. He feigned defeat and sprinted toward the warehouse''s exit. Believing he was making a hasty retreat, they pursued him en masse.