Chapter 406

Chapter 406: Exchange of Strength and Weakness

Black Dragon Dust Crystal stood as an extremely valuable tonic within the Shaded Realm. Though countless connections existed between the Shaded Realm and Dark Dragon City, treasures carrying the aura of the Black Dragon remained rare beyond measure.

This Black Dragon Dust Crystal not only aided experts in comprehending its essence but could also help practitioners break through their final barriers upon reaching the peak of their level. Thus, even a prideful Great Warrior like Alexis couldn’t resist such treasures—he readily accepted them without hesitation.

After all, Alexis remained confident that even if Midi lost this battle, he’d still secure overall victory against the Blue Serpent Tribe. Gaining both the crystal and making Zaride owe him a favor? A perfect deal.

As for Midi? Though he appeared close to Galantis and possessed notable personal strength, it meant little. To Alexis, every member of the Wolfspider Tribe served as disposable pawns. Sacrifices were inevitable.

Zaride’s reason for targeting Midi—even gifting precious Black Dragon Dust Crystal—was simple: to suppress Galantis. Currently, the two Black Dragon Priestesses maintained a delicate balance while the cunning Great Warrior watched their rivalry. But if Midi gained freedom and joined the tribe, this equilibrium would shatter.

Midi’s proven strength, his bond with Zaknavan, and his mercy toward Mason meant his stance influenced three powerful experts—each matching Wolfspider champions in might. This pressure forced Zaride to act swiftly.

With her attempts to recruit Midi rejected, Zaride had to strike before Midi’s liberation. Otherwise, how could he be constrained?

A man craving power and a man clinging to Status—their interests aligned perfectly. Midi became the sacrifice in their transaction.

“Hmm? What’s their discussion about?” Midi suddenly detected faint hostility. His gaze shifted to Alexis and Zaride whispering nearby.

With his growing psychic energy, Midi had become acutely sensitive to hostility without using telepathy. Though puzzled by their alliance, he sensed their topic centered on him.

Yet knowing changed nothing. Zaride held nominal leadership, while Alexis commanded absolute authority. None dared defy him.

But Midi refused passive acceptance. Testing the waters seemed necessary.

Approaching Alexis, Midi volunteered: “Let me fight the next match.”

“Hmm?” Alexis paused, surprised by the request, then coldly waved him off. “Don’t overestimate yourself, human. You fight when I command it—choices aren’t yours to make. Understood?”

Though failing to disrupt their plans, Midi deduced Zaride intended to manipulate his opponents. Yet this posed no issue. Fresh from his promotion, Midi eagerly awaited battles against True Experts to temper his will!

The second battle concluded with Zaknavan claiming Victory by a hair’s breadth.

With this, the Wolfspider Tribe secured two consecutive victories.

Following tradition, the Wolfspider side now held the power to choose between "Challenge" or "Respond."

Alexis naturally chose "Respond," believing it advantageous to let the opponent reveal their fighter first.

This time, Monks sent out a slave warrior, having learned from past mistakes.

Yet Alexis remained unfazed. After briefly studying the slave warrior, he smirked and selected his own weakest fighter.

"Monks, you’ve acquired a decent slave. We’ll concede this match," Alexis declared bluntly, then ordered his warrior, "Protect yourself. You may surrender if needed."

The Wolfspider side lost as expected, but no cheers came from the Blue Serpent camp.

This was a classic case of pitting a top-tier fighter against a lower-tier one.

Though the Blue Serpent’s slave warrior triumphed, he’d only defeated a weak opponent, leaving their stronger fighters untouched. The Blue Serpent now faced tougher battles ahead.

"Why not send Midi?" Zaride asked Alexis, masking his dissatisfaction with feigned curiosity.

The Wolfspider’s Great Warrior shrugged. "Patience. Didn’t you want that human to face the strongest after the Great Warrior? That slave warrior isn’t their best. We wait."

"Your assurance comforts me," Zaride replied, relieved. He knew better than to challenge Alexis, who seemed to be keeping his word.

The Wolfspider and Blue Serpent continued alternating fighters. Mason entered the arena, followed by others.

Alexis played a cautious game, trading minor losses for major gains. His sharp eyes dissected every detail of the Blue Serpent’s forces.

After six battles, the Wolfspider held four victories and two intentional losses, pushing the conflict to its tipping point.

Alexis had declared earlier: upon securing five wins, he’d personally challenge Monks to claim final victory.

Whether Level 62 Alexis could defeat Level 63 Monks remained uncertain, but five victories would mark the critical threshold.

During the seventh match, the desperate Blue Serpent deployed their second-strongest fighter – peak Level 62 Asura Cuide.

"Now’s the time," Alexis nodded at Zaride before glaring at Midi. "Human. You’re up."

"Wait!" Galantis protested. "Cuide’s a renowned Blue Serpent expert! Shouldn’t we sacrifice a weaker fighter against him? Save Midi for their mid-tier warriors!"

"Territory challenges aren’t won by rigid rules," Alexis scoffed. "We crush their spirit now. If this human’s strong, let him prove it against strength."

"Since when?" Galantis frowned.

Alexis ignored her, locking eyes with Midi. "Hear this, human: no surrender allowed. Win or die trying. Lose, and you’ll die a slave."

With those words, Alexis shredded the elder council’s promises, backing Midi into a corner.

The manipulation became obvious – even Galantis noticed.

"Alexis, explain this!" Galantis demanded before whirling on Zaride. "This is your doing!"

"Baseless accusations!" Zaride sneered. "You slander a fellow black dragon priestess?"

"The next battle decides our tribe’s fate. This is necessary," Alexis declared, silencing further debate.

Nearby, Zaknavan and Mason exchanged worried glances. Midi, however, showed no surprise.

"Pity," Midi sighed. "Facing Cuide instead of their Great Warrior? Where’s the challenge?"

Gasps erupted. By tradition, only Great Warriors could challenge each other. Midi’s words insulted Alexis openly.

The Great Warrior merely snorted. "Enough talk. Win this."

"I’ll win – but not for you," Midi replied, rising.

He paused as Galantis tossed him a necklace.

"It holds a magic shield for emergencies. I’ll stop the fight when needed," the priestess insisted. "I’ll secure your freedom with the elder council."

Midi sensed genuine concern in her gaze, untainted by ulterior motives.

Women.

So concerned for his life now, yet she’d enslaved him earlier. The irony wasn’t lost on him.

But voicing this would earn him bruises, not answers. Perhaps he needed priestess allies.

Smiling reassuringly, Midi tossed the necklace back.

"Protect yourself, Galantis. I’ll manage." He patted her shoulder. "But… thanks."

With that, Midi marched toward the blood-stained sands.