Chapter 429

Chapter 429: Undoubtedly

"Hmph, my luck was a bit poor." Upon seeing the draw results, Alexis showed no joy, instead appearing visibly dissatisfied.

Though the remark seemed odd, Midi quickly realized what he meant.

Alexis clearly wanted to build his reputation by overwhelmingly defeating famous experts, aiming to impress major families and secure a stepping stone for advancement.

But since both Risen and Ulhan ended up among Midi’s group of eight competitors, even flawless victories on Alexis’ side would hold little meaning.

After all, without demonstrating true strength, winning first place at the bonfire gathering wouldn’t guarantee qualification for Mososbury City’s fighter selection.

The unbalanced draw couldn’t be altered, however.

This outcome had been sealed by the blood oath ritual, representing the absolute will of the Dark Dragon God.

Not even Mososbury City’s most powerful factions dared interfere with such results.

Legends told of a mighty organization that once tried monopolizing Black Dragon Conference slots. Their bloodline soon found itself barred from the dragon fortress, Dragon Tooth Arena, and Dark Dragon City.

Within years, the organization crumbled into demise.

Since then, nobody dared manipulate any selection tied to the Black Dragon Conference—not even minor ones.

This could only be the Dark Dragon God’s will.

Does the Dark Dragon God mean to test me?

Staring at the mountain-sized Dragon Head above, Midi found this strange thought crossing his mind.

He wasn’t being vain—during the slave warrior selection, he’d fought three consecutive matches among five participants.

During the territory challenge, circumstances forced him to battle Cuide, second only to the Blue Serpent’s Great Warrior.

Now at the bonfire gathering, the top fighters from three groups lined up to challenge him.

Midi couldn’t help but chuckle darkly at the pattern.

Neither he nor Eighth Apostle Rot noticed the Dragon Head’s eyes briefly slit open during this moment, gazing downward through half-closed lids.

The movement lasted but an instant before the colossal visage returned to frozen immobility.

With the final match draw completed, the bonfire gathering’s first day concluded.

Twenty-five Shaded Realm battles represented extreme intensity, requiring proper rest for victors to recover fully.

Returning to camp, participants didn’t simply sleep—they consumed prepared potions to replenish their strength.

Midi used this time for deeper reflection.

Slaying Uday had further tempered the Horn King Greatsword, its aura increasingly harmonizing with his own.

Never in his past life had he encountered a weapon resonating with his bloodline like this. He focused intently on strengthening their connection.

He felt the greatsword stirring awake, animated by his Dragon’s Blood.

Simultaneously, the blade’s primal draconic energy seeped into him, gradually purifying his blood at a steady pace.

The gray dwarf from the "Dragon Spear" weapon shop had called this merely a broken relic from the dragon fortress.

What opportunities might await in Mososbury City’s Crystal Dragon Fortress itself?

Thinking of this, even the usually calm Midi felt restless.

The uneventful night passed, and warriors with mixed thoughts finally faced the second day’s final match.

According to Wolf Spider’s leader – the old mage who’d attended many bonfire gatherings as both selector and guide – this year’s event ranked among the grandest in two decades.

Fifteen tribes participated, their average combat strength reaching unprecedented heights, making competition fiercer than ever.

Yet in these finals, true suspense only existed between four undefeated champions.

These experts who’d dominated every battle differed completely from practitioners who advanced through accumulated points.

Major families awaited the champions’ clashes, while others like Zaknavan and Mason needed exceptional displays to gain recognition.

Midi predicted both would struggle in Alexis’ group.

Even Mason’s "Illusion Formation" couldn’t overcome Alexis’ mind-related abilities. Zaknavan, who couldn’t beat Mason, faced worse prospects.

Most warriors understood these power gaps, but some still attributed others’ success to luck – like Midi’s first opponent.

A Level 63 roaming gunslinger had surrendered to Ulhan’s ice wind in Group 4, his fire bullets freezing mid-air. Though armor-piercing rounds pierced the storm, they failed against Ulhan’s defense.

This gunslinger blamed his single loss on the Level 63-64 gap and Ice Mages countering agile professions. As his tribe’s Great Warrior, he considered one defeat acceptable.

Now facing Level 62 Midi – a melee fighter – in the finals, he thanked the Dark Dragon God for this fortune.

He’d witnessed Uday’s death: Midi’s greatsword shattering defenses like the Great Mountains falling. Yet he believed Uday died from slow reflexes, not skill.

"Once someone jumps, you predict their landing," the gunslinger reasoned. "Dodge with teleportation skills when he leaps. Easy." Confident he’d avoid Midi’s "Mountain Shatter", he planned to exploit distance against the heavy-sword user.

Imagining outmaneuvering Midi, his confidence soared. No doubt remained!

"I won’t hold back in finals. Surrender now if you value life." Midi’s calm warning carried across the arena.

Though countless Vengeful Souls haunted his blade, Midi avoided unnecessary kills. His words held no mockery – just fact.

The gunslinger bristled. "A Level 62 Demon Swordman dominating? You got lucky against a slow Ice Mage! Face my pistols!"

He backflipped, firing dual pistols’ fiery barrage – tactic Midi once countered painstakingly against Mason. But now, even Mason opened with "Illusion Formation" against him.

Bullets rained. Unfazed, Midi leapt skyward, greatsword descending!

His original Demon Swordman skill – Mountain Shatter "Heavy" Slash – now flowed smoother though less dramatic. Exactly Uday’s finishing move.

The gunslinger grinned, calculating Midi’s Trajectory. He teleported aside, awaiting Midi’s post-impact vulnerability.

Mid-air, Midi snorted. Switching to one-handed grip, his free right arm slashed sideways.

Golden-Red Sword Lights whiffed, their backlash altering his course! The adjusted strike crashed toward the dodging gunslinger.

"Impossible!" The gunslinger gaped as Midi redirected mid-flight. No time remained.

Horn King Greatsword fell like collapsing peaks.

No doubt indeed.