Chapter 42: Earth Arena Member

"Can't expect less from a superior's recommendation. You indeed are worthy." Elder Yan climbed up the platform, declaring Atlas victorious.

The Warriors who lost in the duels, including Frank who sadly had to face a Tier 2 Expert, was sent back up via elevator, returning to the airport in a bus covered with Spiritual Projection repellent material.

"Congratulations new recruits! You have proven yourself in today's physical combat." Wang Mou and a few other ambassadors stepped beside Elder Yan. "These staff shall be introducing you around the Coiling Dragon Arena and giving detailed information regarding datas you require. Feel free to ask questions around here."

"Elder Yan." Atlas put up his hand like a curious student in school. "How does the system work here? And what is Sky Arena? I'm assuming the system revolves around a pyramid format."

"That's correct." Wang Mou was given permission to speak by Elder Yan. "As you can see on the way here, there are government officials, engineers and scientists working here to maintain and repair this underground headquarter."

He glanced towards the crowd, referring to Mr. Ma. "The handsome man over there is the head chief of these people, including us. Mr. Ma is a Sky Arena member too."

He paused to clear his throat. "This is gonna be a little time consuming, so try your best to stick with me. In the Coiling Dragon Arena, there are 4 stages. Earth Arena is for Warrior like all of you here, ranging from Tier 1 to Tier 3 Axonns. Sea Arena is for Tier 4 to Tier 6 Axonns. As you asked, Sky Arena is for Axonns of Tier 7 or Tier 8."

His tone was obviously very proud, and everyone else understood why. Tier 7 or 8 Axonns? They are so close to reaching the legendary class of cultivation, an Azoth.

"That's not it. The fourth Arena is called the Galaxy Arena. It's specifically for Tier 9 Axonns to Tier 10 Zenith Axonns!" His face reddened with excitement just from mentioning that phrase. "I've seen one of them up close. It was truly amazing! Of course, I also admire Mr. Ma and Elder Yan very much!" He didn't forget to flatter them both, and they both smiled with pride.

"Good presentation... Wang Mou? Am I correct?" Mr. Ma patted his shoulder with approval and whispered an inaudible cadence, only to be heard by Wang Mou. "You are definitely getting a raise. Just sayin."

Wang Mou trembled with exhilaration as he walked down the platform. A Sky Arena member remembered his name! Hallelujah! Symptoms of a successful future!

"One last thing to add. It isn't necessary to cultivate to Tier 4 in order to be promoted to the Sea Arena. As long as your strength reaches the minimum requirements of a Tier 4 Axonn, there's no doubt you can cope in a higher Arena. Any more questions?" Elder Yan scanned across the audience, spinning a brand new pen in his hand. "No? Great! The staff will be leading you to your bunkers. Y'all deserve a good rest."

"I can't wait to train here."

"I know right!"

"Yu Ren, good job winning!"

Chattering broke out as soon as the Sky Arena members left. While most Warriors were solo and enervated, following their guides to the bunkers to regenerate, there were also garrulous friends who all aced the elimination round, embracing one another to celebrate. Atlas and Nova were one of the pairs.

"Nova, I spotted you trying to ask a question, why didn't you?"

"Bro, didn't you see him spinning that pen!" Nova frowned. "I don't want a hole in my body."

"Makes sense." Atlas nodded with stark approval.

"Skol! Marvelous victories!" Wang Mou praised Atlas and Nova, grabbing their attention. Petal was behind him, tying a pouch with a knot.

"Follow me victors. We will be using one out of the many elevators here!"

Typical elevator music was playing in the metal lift, Petal and Nova were discussing with Wang Mou about what to do in the Coiling Dragon Arena.

Leaning against the railing, Atlas rubbed his pendant with concern.

Nam has been in solitude ever since he explained to him the cause of the assassination and the appearance of the love of his life. It must have hurt severely.

The texture of dolefulness was unbearable.

"Wang Mou. I understand that this place is incredibly deep, but is it necessary to have that many elevators?" Atlas cut off their conversation, knocking on the metallic container to dull his gloomy thoughts.

"About that... I'm actually not sure either. There were rumors about the interior designer being a fan of lifts, and that is probably the closet to the truth. Many here were ordinary people, granted cultivation techniques to dig out their talents and ensure loyalty to the government or powerful, enigmatic families and sects. For one, I was a reconnaissance for the military before the government discovered my talent and invigorated me."

He exhaled. "There are numerous evil out there, secretly raising their own kingdom and territory to bring chaos and fear. It's essential to search for talents and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Oh, we're here."

The door shuffled open with a 'Ding', cool, air-conditioned wind dispelling the serious mood.

"Walk down the corridors. You'll see your room number." Wang Mou provided them three badges, each with one shiny, brown stripe and their names behind.

"These badges represent your status. The higher arena you are in, the more stripes you receive. Earth Arena badges are only applicable for certain machinery and training material." He tapped a button on the panel. "The activity area is on the negative tenth floor, few floors below the Earth Arena dueling platforms. Get good rest. Tomorrow will have a packed schedule."

His face moved out of sight as the elevator ascended.

[14378. Is this my room? Are those the number of Warriors here?] Atlas read the number on his badge. Nova's badge said 14379 while Petal's was 14380.

It was a long walk, but as Axonns, they could take on the exhaustion without trouble.

The rooms were concave structures, dug into the earth like caves. The modest appearance and its internal structure were combinations of completely different aspects of motif, culture and modernization.

The bunkers were basically hotel rooms with nearly 200 square meter of area, being pretty refined and generous with the decoration and expenses. There were utilities and technological wallpapers that can be altered to cater to the preferences of the Axonns living here.

A manual on the wooden table was the first to invite him.

[Monthly salary. Earth Arena members: 10k. Sea Arena members: 30k. Sky Arena members: 100k. Galaxy Arena: unlimited.]

Atlas scanned through the manual with temporary astonishment from the drastic increase in salary, slumping on the red, puffy sofa in the corner.

Money. Merely numbers. Not that alluring as it used to be. But the Dragon points. Atlas skimmed lower.

These Dragon points can be exchanged for respective, precious training material. And they were exactly what he needed to cultivate to the pinnacle.

Disconsolation and steadfastness engulfed him. And most importantly, to also rescue Vanellope.

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Capital City. Summer Family.

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While claiming to be running one of the major and profitable business company, the Class 2 Summer Family was their true identity.

Within the grand, luxurious shell of Warrior families, lay a flawed, unfair and corrupted system that ruined the lives of so many.

Through one of the many windows of the glamorous facade, an exceptionally beautiful girl with breathtaking caramel brown irises clasped her hands together, praying silently.

"Atlas, I hope you're alright."

Kristine heard a knock on the door.

"You may enter."

"Sorry to disturb." A well aged, sybaritic woman holding a sliver tray filled with an array of delectable dishes walked in. "Kristine, time for dinner."

"No thanks Auntie, I'm not very hungry."

"Kris, don't be stupid. It's not healthy to skip a meal." She tried to kindly persuade, but eventually failed.

She sighed, placing it beside her desk.

The door creaked open and she bumped into someone.

"So sorry mum, I was entranced by some urgent news. Is Kris here?" Kraig bowed awkwardly.

"Of course she is! Why would I come in here with a tray of food?"

"Geez. Different attitudes to different genders." Kraig complained.

"Shoo, shoo. I'm going to have dinner now." She left the room.

Kraig spotted Kristine. "Why don't you eat first?"

"Not hungry."

"Qin Feng has invited you to have lunch together tomorrow."

"Lost my appetite even more. Kraig, could please stop with the dallying and inform me the good news?!"

"Fine." Kraig smiled with content, giving her a firm nod. "I've received sources from my good friends in the Coiling Dragon Arena. A new star named Atlas has been recruited and currently is an Earth Arena member."

"Thank goodness." She sighed heavily with relief and buoyancy.

"There is a chance that it might be someone else with repeated names."

"No. That's impossible. It must be Atlas. It must be him. I'm confident." Elated, she pleaded coquettishly. "Please Kraig. Tell me more about him. Help me find more information!"

"All right. All right. You're my little cousin, so fair enough." Kraig rubbed her head, messing her tidy hair up.

"I'm not a kid anymore, stop touching my head like I'm a shorty. You're just too tall." Kristine puckered her lips in irritation, pushing Kraig out of the room as he chuckled playfully.

Gazing out the window in affection, she tightened her grip with sheer belief. "I trust you Atlas. You will achieve great power, and we'll meet sooner than expected!"