Chapter 38: Smooth Journey, Yuan Si!
At this point in the tournament, the competition was nearing its end. After the second round of eliminations, there were only a handful of contestants left, yet the venue remained packed to the brim. Among the crowd were many recruitment officers sent by various schools. Although they lacked the status of official reviewers like the prestigious academies, their presence was essential for their own enrollment purposes. Whenever they spotted a student with promising abilities, they would extend an olive branch early on; after the top academies finished their recruitment, these schools would then secure their chosen students.
Lin Han and Wang Qiang had fought through several rounds, overcoming each challenge, and soon the contest reached the stage for the final eight. Wang Qiang took the stage once again, but this time he faced a second-tier assassin whose formidable strength proved overwhelming. In the end, Wang Qiang narrowly lost.
“Lin Han, I’m sorry. I thought I’d meet you in the finals,” Wang Qiang returned to the spectators’ area, dejected. Despite having the Silkwood deck at his disposal, he hadn’t managed to defeat the second-tier assassin.
Lin Han comforted him, saying, “It’s perfectly normal you weren’t his match. The gap in strength can’t be bridged by a single piece of equipment. Reaching this rank is already impressive, and I’m sure some colleges are interested in you based on your performance.”
“Lin Han, you don’t need to console me,” Wang Qiang replied, still crestfallen.
“I’m not just trying to comfort you. I’ve observed that assassin—he’s highly experienced, likely trained from childhood, and although his dagger isn’t as high-grade as your Silkwood deck, it’s certainly an excellent weapon. Losing to him isn’t shameful; he’s crushed all his previous opponents, while you managed to hold your own against him and even fought to a draw for a while. That’s already remarkable.”
Hearing Lin Han’s words, Wang Qiang’s spirits lifted a little. Making it into the top eight was an achievement he had never dared hope for. This was the least he could ask for.
Lin Han smiled and said, “Don’t worry. If I encounter him, I’ll avenge you.”
“Just don’t push yourself too hard. Your strength is indeed astonishing, but if you come up against some truly strange opponents, it’s better to be cautious.” Wang Qiang wasn’t doubting him; it was simply that at this critical stage, everyone left was a real contender. One misstep could mean defeat.
Lin Han laughed, “Relax. I’ll bring home the championship.”
…
As time went on, Lin Han fought his way through every challenge and finally reached the finals. Now, he merely had to wait for the person on stage to finish their match before the championship bout could begin.
The one on stage was none other than the second-tier assassin who had defeated Wang Qiang. Whether in agility or decisiveness, this person displayed a maturity far beyond his age. After all, to awaken a main combat role, one’s training and upbringing were inevitably part of the equation. Lin Han, on the other hand, was a complete anomaly.
“It looks like the victor will be that assassin,” the two observed the match. The assassin was toying with his opponent, darting about with such speed that his foe couldn’t even grasp his movements. By all appearances, it was only a matter of time before he won.
“Winner: Yuan Si!”
As the referee announced the result, the tournament transitioned into its final stage. The day’s matches, which had begun that morning, were now drawing close to the dawn of the next day.
“Now, the two finalists will rest for half an hour before the ultimate championship match begins!”
Hearing this, Wang Qiang grew excited, tugging at Lin Han’s sleeve. “Lin Han, you’re in the finals! You’re about to compete for the championship!”
Lin Han replied calmly, “Don’t get so worked up. Isn’t reaching the finals perfectly normal? Who knows, maybe I’ll win the championship as well.”
Wang Qiang grew even more enthusiastic. “I heard the prize for this contest is extremely generous. The city government has increased the reward considerably to boost morale. Compared to previous years, this year’s prizes and awards are truly something to look forward to.”
Wang Qiang was now convinced Lin Han would take the championship. Though the assassin was formidable, he believed Lin Han, as a mighty battle priest, would easily overpower him.
“Lin Han, if you really win the championship, don’t forget to treat me to a meal!”
Lin Han laughed and replied, “Don’t worry. If I win the championship, not only will I treat you to a meal, I’ll even consider treating you for a whole month.”
Wang Qiang was delighted to hear this promise. “I’ll remember your words. Just don’t go back on them!”
The two chatted for a while, and before long, the half-hour break was over. With ample time to recover their strength, both contestants were now in peak condition.
“Contestants Lin Han and Yuan Si, please take the stage.”
Upon hearing the referee’s call, the two stepped forward. The referee was, once again, the same one who had accompanied Lin Han through every match.
“Still you, referee?” Lin Han greeted warmly. It must have been fate that this referee officiated every one of his matches, from the very first in the morning until now.
The referee, seeing Lin Han, could only sigh and said, “I must be cursed. Yet again, it’s you. Well, this is the last match. Just go easy on me and don’t cause any trouble in the final round.”
After a day of matches, no one understood Lin Han’s strength better than the referee. With such terrifying explosive power, he believed that if Lin Han unleashed his full might, even a level ten second-tier professional would be flattened with a single punch. In this tournament, Lin Han was truly a prodigy. Whoever faced him would likely develop a lifelong fear of the priest class.
“Well, what are you waiting for? Your opponent isn’t me. Get going.”
The referee urged him on. Lin Han smiled and stepped onto the stage, where Yuan Si was already waiting.
“Greetings. Yuan Si, second-tier Shadow Assassin.”