Chapter 470

Chapter 470: Predicting the Matches

In the eyes of an expert like Midi, that battle held little interest.

Both sides had clear weaknesses and no hidden trump cards, relying only on their visible strength to endure.

Most core disciples from the major families, especially the prideful ones from the Death Scorpion family, closed their eyes to rest, indifferent to the early warm-up matches.

Yet Midi watched.

And he watched intently.

His focus wasn’t on the selector’s battle itself but on deciphering the combat style of the Death Scorpion family through that fighter, hoping to deduce Simon’s abilities.

He observed every preliminary round match with the same thoroughness.

To other core disciples, Midi’s behavior reeked of insecurity—treating these selectors as serious threats hinted at self-doubt.

Though impressed Midi became a Death Scorpion core disciple at Level 63, they still dismissed him as no real enemy.

Nym, the fourth-ranked assassin, and Akdina, the third-ranked, however, showed no such scorn.

Each time they remembered Midi slaying Kanis—renowned for defensive power—in three strikes, they sensed deeper motives behind his scrutiny.

As matches concluded, half a day passed, and the preliminary round winners emerged.

Boosted by Midi’s encouragement and rare potions, Zaknavan and his group advanced to the finals.

Still, Midi knew their chances of winning were slim.

Zaknavan and Mason, lacking family support after years adrift, lagged in levels. Risen the Black Dragonkin, Level 64, had taken a Calming Potion but remained weakened.

Alexis’s Psychic Explosion Seeds left lasting damage, hindering recovery.

The Black Dragonkin couldn’t fight at his peak. Yet Midi felt confident they’d rank within the top thirty-six.

Now in the finals, core disciples from major families—those who’d secured fighter qualifications early—finally turned their attention downward.

Even Thor, the Level 67 “Warrior,” opened his eyes, scanning the qualifiers with a piercing gaze. His scrutiny held no mockery, only sober assessment.

“Overpowering everyone in level yet staying flawlessly cautious… Truly a lion using full strength even against a rabbit,” Midi mused, stealing a glance at Thor. Most young elites grew arrogant, but Thor’s calm made him formidable.

Midi wished such a foe could become an ally.

Thor’s lightning-lit eyes suddenly locked onto him. “Midi Asreks. You studied the preliminary rounds closely. Probing the major families’ tactics?”

Midi wasn’t surprised. At Level 67, Thor could monitor everyone in the stands. And his caution meant he’d notice a newcomer.

Midi nodded openly. “The real opponents are the core disciples. I wanted to learn the Three Major Families’ tactics through their selectors.”

This guy is definitely setting a trap!

As soon as Midi spoke, both Akdina and Nym felt their hearts tighten. Even Loki, who had always maintained a low profile as the second-ranked fighter, couldn’t help glancing at Midi.

"Inferring core disciples’ techniques from these level of battles? Interesting." Thor nodded. "Let’s run a test."

"What kind of test?" Midi asked.

"Predict the top thirty-six rankings in the final match. If over half are accurate, you win. Otherwise, you lose," Thor stated plainly.

"What happens if I win or lose?" Midi pressed without hesitation.

"Win, and I’ll give you everyone’s combat data – including our four core members here." Thor waved dismissively. "Lose, and you’ll work under me in Crystal Dragon Fortress. Fair terms?"

What?!

The three Death Scorpion core disciples paled. They were shocked Thor possessed detailed information about all participants – including themselves – rendering their secrets useless. More astonishingly, the level 67 Chief was indirectly recruiting a mere level 63 Demon Swordman!

While families theoretically formed teams in Crystal Dragon Fortress, the entry mechanisms made early teamwork impossible. Even when united later, members would harbor personal agendas. Thor’s demand to claim Midi early was unprecedented.

For Midi, gaining a level 67 protector’s favor outweighed risks. But no one in the Shaded Realm acted selflessly – there were always hidden motives. Still, refusing a senior expert’s reasonable offer meant losing face. Midi’s only choice was victory.

"A fair bet. Accepted." Midi grinned.

He immediately wrote thirty-six names with corresponding rankings. Having fought Zaknavan, Mason, and Risen, he knew their capabilities well. Others he’d only observed in preliminary rounds, but their modest levels made predictions manageable.

The true challenges were the level 65 elites matching core disciple strength. Without direct combat experience, Midi simply ranked these enigmas at the top. Completing the list quickly also showcased his analytical skills – pointless to hide before a level 67 expert.

"Impressive for a Master of Potion Making and Mechanics." Thor scanned the list. "Let’s see the outcome!"

As battles erupted below, the arena became blood-soaked chaos. Fighters revealed trump cards or fell defeated. Dark horses with unique bloodlines or skills occasionally surprised spectators, yet none matched Midi’s three-strike slaying of Black Dragon Knight Kanis.

When dust settled, over sixty percent of Midi’s predictions matched Mososbury City’s official rankings exactly.

"Commendable." Thor showed no disappointment, satisfaction gleaming in his gaze. "Expect the data tonight."

"Gratitude."

"Two days remain before Crystal Dragon Fortress opens. Core members must give their all."

With those words, Thor vanished in the teleportation magic array’s glow.