Chapter 409

Chapter 409: Gaining Freedom

The territory challenge ended decisively with six wins and two losses. For years, the Wolfspider tribe had been suppressed by the Blue Serpent, but with powerful slave warriors and the sudden rise of Alexis, victory came swiftly.

The Blue Serpent’s Great Warrior Monks died in battle, while their second warrior Cuide was reduced to charred remains by Midi. The Blue Serpent Tribe would now face relentless challenges, risking annihilation if careless. Soon, familiar faces might reappear among the Wolfspider’s slave warriors. Such was the Shaded Realm—a merciless land where strength alone ensured survival.

Alexis emerged as the Wolfspider’s greatest triumph. By obliterating a Level 63 sword soul in seconds, he silenced all doubters. Even Galantis, who harbored resentment, could only bite her tongue and focus on healing Midi.

Zaride, however, wrestled with conflicting thoughts. Eager to curry favor with the Great Warrior yet wary of subordination, the proud Black Dragon Priestess tread cautiously.

Midi, unfazed by Alexis’s display, knew psychic energy was his domain. With the Inheritance of the Sea Emperor and the Eighth Apostle Rot at his side, mind-related abilities posed little threat. Alexis, though formidable, avoided further clashes. Having secured victory, Midi earned his freedom—alongside Zaknavan and Mason, now warriors of the Wolfspider Tribe.

With the Black Dragon Conference nearing, the tribe spared no cost to strengthen its selection team. Such “favors” were expected. Yet becoming a Tribe Warrior wasn’t enough. Only by rising to Tribe Warrior status could Midi claim a place in the Conference.

“A Tribe Warrior is merely the first step,” Galantis said, her gaze uneasy. “To walk the Black Dragon’s path, one must become a Tribe Warrior.” She struggled to reconcile the frail human she’d once dismissed—lacking even Night Vision Abilities—with the record-shattering figure now standing before her.

Midi ignored her bewilderment. “How does a warrior become a Tribe Warrior? More trials?”

“Traditionally, yes. But the Conference demands flexibility,” Galantis replied. “Challenge a current Tribe Warrior—they cannot refuse—or gain the elder council’s recommendation.” She paused, then added firmly, “Leave it to me.”

“You?” Midi raised an eyebrow.

The priestess nodded. The Wolfspider’s six Tribe Warrior slots filled their nine-member Conference team, leaving no room for excess. Galantis intended to replace one of her three loyal followers with Midi.

“One will step down,” she stated. “You’ll take the vacant spot. Clean. Simple.”

“Honestly, I never expected Lady Galantis to go this far for me,” Midi said with a friendly smile, joking.

Though their relationship had been tense initially, as they gradually understood each other better and witnessed Galantis’s protective stance during the territory challenge, Midi now felt comfortable enough to joke lightly.

Still, Galantis clearly remained flustered by such remarks.

The dark elf’s cheeks reddened before she snorted and deliberately turned away. “This is an investment, human. I’ve cleared a spot for you—you’d better keep winning. If you lose, I’ll make you regret it!”

“Don’t worry. Since you’ve placed such faith in me, I’ll give my all,” Midi replied, then sobered. “But I’ve a better plan—one that spares your followers any sacrifice.”

“What scheme is this?” Galantis asked skeptically. Warriors couldn’t be replaced on a whim.

Midi’s eyes glinted. “Three warriors support you, meaning three others don’t—correct?”

Clearly, those three backed Zaride. Otherwise, the two Black Dragon Priestesses wouldn’t have remained evenly matched so long. With no hope of reconciling with Zaride, removing his allies became necessary. Striking first aligned with Midi’s nature.

As a slave warrior, he’d been powerless, but now as a Wolfspider warrior, choices existed. Galantis’s plan saved effort but only aided Midi personally—merely bringing him into her camp. While grateful, Midi sought grander moves.

His new strategy? Partner with Zaknavan and Mason, fellow Wolfspider warriors eyeing Tribe Warrior titles. Together, they’d challenge all three opposition warriors. Success would tip the tribe’s balance, potentially weakening even Alexis’s standing through Galantis’s strengthened position.

Would Midi balk at making enemies? Never.

When approached, Zaknavan and Mason initially hesitated about angering Alexis. But the lure of reaching the Black Dragon Conference selection overpowered their fears. Better to risk enemies than live as coddled life slaves. Besides, any retaliation would target Midi first.

The dark elves acted swiftly. Next dawn, Zaride’s three warriors received challenge notices—from Midi, Zaknavan, and Mason.

Zaride’s face darkened worse than his warriors’. This was Midi’s counterpunch. Normally, he’d stall using priestess privileges, but with the Black Dragon Conference nearing, refusing challenges meant public cowardice. He grudgingly consented.

Crowds packed the arena come challenge day. Results proved predictable.

Zaknavan, once a City of Fierce Wind elite, and Mason, with comparable hidden skills, outclassed ordinary warriors completely. Their victories came effortlessly.

Midi’s opponent had seen him best Lizardmen, hurl half-giants, slay Ice Mages, and kill Blue Serpent Tribe’s famously powerful Cuide. When Midi’s gaze landed on him, the warrior ignored Zaride’s commands and crowd jeers, immediately forfeiting.

Better humiliation than death. This “frail human” showed neither mercy nor hesitation when killing.