Chapter 53 - The Tournament Begins: Preparations
The night passed without incidents, and after chatting for a while longer, everyone eventually headed to bed. Katya joined the other two girls and the boy in the large bed, though sleep didn’t come easily for her. She was still a bit nervous after what had happened with Kazue earlier. Meanwhile, the men settled onto the couches, which were so large and soft that they hardly had anything to envy from a conventional mattress.
Adam, unable to sleep due to the restrictions of his own racial traits, remained awake throughout the night and found himself regretting not bringing one of the books he still had pending to read. However, he wasn't entirely alone. Falk joined him, offering some company and catching up on everything Adam had missed during the first few hours in the lobby.
Eventually, to avoid disturbing the others, both of them made their way to the balcony of the room. The view was truly beautiful, at least in Adam's eyes; the darkness of the night was interrupted in many places by the bright, incandescent lights of numerous buildings and establishments that seemed to never close. From their vantage point on the fourth floor, the cityscape appeared quite picturesque, with vibrant colors cutting through the night, giving the scene an almost surreal quality. The quiet hum of the city below provided a strangely calming backdrop to their conversation.
"Are you sure you're satisfied with your new life?"
Adam asked slowly, finally addressing the most sensitive topic—the fact that Isaac’s soul was now bound to a small mechanical bird.
"The truth is, yes… As I mentioned before, the prospect of visiting different worlds, exploring their technologies, and learning new things without limits is something I never would have believed possible, even in my wildest dreams."
The scientist's voice remained as lively and recognizable as it had been while he was alive, although now it carried a subtle, almost imperceptible mechanical tone in the background. However, that excitement seemed to fade slowly as he spoke, eventually trailing off at the end of his sentence.
"But... I would be lying if I said I wouldn't miss the life I had and, even after everything that happened, I hope my son can live with the consequences of his actions. There are still things I wish I could tell him, but let's be honest, it’s not like I could go back even if I wanted to."
"No, I suppose not. I’m sorry."
Adam stood on the balcony, gazing out at the city, his eyes tracing the glowing lights that pierced the darkness below. The distant hum of the streets echoed faintly, but his thoughts were miles away, and a strange melancholy had settled over him, its weight unfamiliar, pulling at his chest. He wasn’t sure why he was feeling so deeply—these extreme shifts in emotion were unlike him. What he didn’t realize was that his racial trait, ⌠Half-Undead Psyche⌡, had changed since his variant transformation. The trait no longer automatically suppressed his conflicted emotions like it once did.
For the first time in a long while, Adam thought of his parents, still out there in the real world while he was trapped in this deadly game. He hadn’t been one for constant communication with them, but that didn’t mean the absence of their presence was easy... He missed them. A faint tear rolled down his cheek, surprising him with its warmth, so he blinked it away, unwilling to let it go any further.
“I hope they’re okay.”
The thought made his chest tighten, but before he could delve deeper into it, he felt something brush against his back, startling him. Adam flinched, turning sharply. His hand instinctively twitched toward the front, ready to invoke his Spectronomicon, but then he saw her—Chloe. She was leaning lightly against him, her face half-lit by the dim moonlight. Her expression was soft, different from the teasing grin she usually wore.
“What the… Chloe?”
Adam’s voice was tinged with both irritation and confusion.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to spook you. I woke up to go to the bathroom and saw you two out here, figured I’d check what you were up to.”
Chloe said with a mischievous smile, although her tone wasn’t quite playful this time. Adam, on the other hand, sighed, the annoyance still lingering.
“You should be asleep. It’s the middle of the night.”
The pink-haired girl shrugged, but her usual energy wasn’t behind it.
“I heard you talking. You miss them too, huh? Your family, I mean.”
For a moment, Adam didn’t know how to respond. He wasn’t used to people digging into his personal thoughts. But Chloe wasn’t teasing him this time, she looked almost sad, which was a bit uncomfortable to watch, so he turned away from her, staring back at the city lights.
“Yeah... I do.”
His voice softened, more vulnerable than he intended.
“It’s just... strange. Being here, knowing I can’t go back. Even if we didn’t talk much lately, I was... always beside them. I just hope they’re okay. I vanished without a trace.”
Chloe remained silent for a while, as if choosing her words carefully. Then, in a softer voice, she spoke again.
“I get it, you know.”
Adam raised an eyebrow, glancing at her over his shoulder.
“Being stuck in this place, this “game”... it should be terrifying for most of us, but... it’s different for me.”
Curiosity flickered in the boy’s eyes, but he kept his tone flat.
“What do you mean?”
Chloe hesitated, a rare vulnerability crossing her face.
“I was paralyzed in the real world. Couldn’t walk, not for years. Then I ended up here, in this weird place, but... I could walk again. For the first time, I felt free… I know I’ve been going overboard with the excitement, and I’ve probably been a nuisance... I just couldn’t help it. It’s like I’m living again.”
Her confession took Adam by surprise. He’d never seen her in such a light before—always the loud, playful one, never stopping to think, always a step ahead of herself. Now, hearing her say this, the pieces clicked into place.
“So that’s why.”
Adam muttered, understanding dawning on him, while Chloe offered him a faint, apologetic smile.
“Yeah. Sorry for being a pain. I’ll try to tone it down.”
For a moment, the air between them felt different, charged with something neither of them could quite name. Even though Adam was usually stoic, something about Chloe’s honesty softened his stance. She gave him a tired, appreciative look.
“By the way, thanks for catching me when I passed out earlier, I barely remember what happened, it felt like my consciousness just dissolved without me being able to do anything about it.”
She said, a small, playful smirk returning to her lips. Adam shrugged, his face impassive but his eyes carrying a flicker of warmth.
“You don’t have to thank me. just be more careful next time.”
Chloe yawned, her energy finally beginning to wane, so she smiled again and said her final words, softer this time.
“I should head back to bed, goodnight, Adam. And... thanks. For everything.”
“Goodnight.”
He replied quietly, watching as she disappeared back into the room. As soon as Chloe was out of sight, Falk—perched on the railing—chirped.
“That was cute.”
The Aviatrix said in his softly mechanical yet somehow teasing voice.
“Could’ve sworn there was something in the air.”
Adam shot him a sidelong glance, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks but still annoyed to some extent.
“Shut up...”
The next day flew by in a blur. Time seemed to slip through their fingers as hotel room service took care of their meals, leaving them with little to worry about in terms of daily needs. Li had already set a plan into motion, taking Sebastian, Nikolai, Kazue, Chloe, and Katya out to investigate Adam’s theory. He wanted to see if one of the girls was indeed being mistaken for a member of the ‘White Flower Divination School’, and if true, take advantage of it.
They left in the late morning, leaving Adam, Drake, Gregor, and Emir behind. With the room quiet, the first two spent the entire afternoon focused on training. Adam practiced controlling his cursed energy, honing his ability to manipulate the dark power swirling within him. Meanwhile, Drake worked on his physical skills, particularly his body weight control, something he had mastered through intense inner training and during their sparring sessions in the lobby.
As the two pushed their limits, they took the time to explain their techniques to Gregor and Emir, the soldier and the boy watching with interest.
Gregor found himself intrigued by Drake’s physical prowess and training style. There was a soldier’s discipline in his gaze as he observed the controlled movements, already calculating how he could adapt it into his own routine. Emir, on the other hand, was fascinated by Adam’s skills, so much in fact that his eyes lit up when he saw the Spectronomicon floating around its master, cackling with a chilling laugh. Strangely, Emir demonstrated the ability to touch it, something that shouldn’t be possible, which startled both Adam and Drake. Adam tried to confirm whether Emir possessed some hidden skill, but nothing about the boy’s stats indicated any special ability, leaving him puzzled, yet intrigued.
As night began to fall, the rest of the group returned, bringing exciting news with them, but what caught everyone’s attention was their attire. They were all dressed in outrageously fancy clothing, the type that turned heads even in a world like this, even Falk had a tiny top hat perched on his metal head and a matching tie. But the most striking transformation came from the three girls.
Kazue was dressed in a form-fitting blue gown that flared at her hips, accentuating her legs in a way that could draw every eye in a room. Chloe, who often masked her appearance with a playful attitude, now had a red dress that highlighted her curves, especially her generous chest, which was hard to ignore. And then there was Katya—her beauty now fully unleashed. She wore an ethereal, flowing white dress that gave her the look of a runway model, the dress shimmered with a soft glow, enhancing her already delicate features. She looked both regal and vulnerable, her face flushed with embarrassment as she shifted under everyone’s gaze.
Kazue and Chloe began to fangirl over Katya's stunning appearance, almost like they were presenting a supermodel to the rest of the group. They circled her, smiling brightly, making sure everyone could fully appreciate just how breathtaking she looked.
"Isn't she gorgeous?"
Kazue exclaimed, her voice full of admiration.
"Katya, you're absolutely beautiful! I’ve never seen anyone look as radiant as you do right now. I mean, just look at you!"
Said the girl, still containing her desire to hug her due to cuteness overload, meanwhile, Chloe chimed in with a playful, flirtatious tone.
"Oh yeah, everyone’s eyes were on her today! I lost count of how many times guys asked her out 'for some tea'. Even the executive guy we met, who by the way, was total hottie, couldn't resist her charms."
She winked mischievously, adding.
"But Katya here? She wasn’t impressed. Told him he wasn't her type!"
Katya’s face turned an even deeper shade of red, utterly flustered. She didn’t dare speak, too embarrassed by all the attention, especially after Kazue’s heartfelt praise. The fact that the executive didn’t take her rejection as an insult and simply continued their meeting only added to her confusion, leaving her even more mortified.
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“Wait a minute, did you meet a group executive?”
Adam asked abruptly, somewhat relieved to put an end to the rather trivial conversation that had formed. Though he didn’t show it completely, the situation had started to irritate him a little bit, and now he saw the chance to steer the topic toward something more useful. Thankfully, Li, who didn’t seem too thrilled by what the girls had been saying either, responded directly.
"Yes, an underground executive, and quite a powerful one. Sebastian’s Plot Device is still active, so it made things a lot easier."
Adam crossed his arms, focusing on what was coming next. At least now the conversation was moving in the direction they needed. Li continued.
"We couldn’t get anyone to specify who among them was the one that looked like the ‘White Flower Divination School’ for some reason, it happened the same as with the restaurant owner at least three times, it was weird, but that doesn’t matter now, thanks to the girls and Nikolai’s skill, we managed to establish contact with a guy who’s not only well-connected but also a major firearms dealer. And yes, firearms exist in this world, and they’re in the hands of some pretty dangerous people."
That revelation left Adam deep in thought. The possibilities it opened up in a world seemingly focused on mysterious ki energy and hand-to-hand combat were both intriguing and dangerous.
The next hours passed with the group discussing their plans for the following day, as the first round of the tournament was set to begin in the morning, meaning the best course of action was to get a good night's rest, and everyone agreed without much resistance. Shortly after, their dinner arrived, courtesy of the hotel room service, and they all ate to their fill.
The atmosphere had shifted, becoming more jovial than usual. Socializing seemed to flow naturally now, as the group grew more comfortable with one another.
Li conversed with Drake and Gregor, discussing strategies and potential outcomes for the tournament. Meanwhile, Sebastian and Adam exchanged thoughts on the day's events, both pondering the significance of the information they'd gathered. On the other side of the room, Nikolai was chatting and laughing with the girls and Emir, recounting the evening’s adventure in animated detail. They all seemed to find amusement in the absurdity of their encounter with the underground executive and the weird, yet funny, string of events that followed.
The odd moment came when Nikolai casually placed his hand on Katya's shoulder while caught up in the conversation. Almost immediately, he was met with an electric shock that startled him. It was Kazue's doing—her subtle way of reminding him to keep his hands to himself, all without a single word spoken. Katya, red-faced and flustered, sat quietly throughout it all, still too embarrassed by the attention she’d received earlier.
As the night deepened, the group changed out of their fancy attire, slipping into their usual clothes before preparing for bed. Slowly, the room quieted as everyone drifted off to sleep.
Adam, however, remained wide awake, as he always did. His inability to sleep left him staring at the ceiling in the dark, but tonight something was different. Ever since dinner, an ominous hunger had gnawed at him, a sensation deep in his stomach that no amount of food could satisfy. It was an unfamiliar feeling, one that came from his current condition rather than any physical need for sustenance.
Restless, Adam rose from his spot and made his way to the balcony, seeking the solitude of the night. The city stretched out before him, still illuminated by countless lights, bustling even in the late hours. As he stood there, Falk flew over and perched on his shoulder, a silent companion as Adam contemplated the unsettling hunger that wouldn’t leave him. The night air offered little comfort, and the ominous sense of something more profound—something far more dangerous—lingered in his mind.
"I know what you're thinking, kid, and I don't think you have a choice. Better to test it now than let your condition become a problem later."
Falk's voice rang softly from his perch on Adam's shoulder, his mechanical tone carrying a hint of concern, yet tinged with his usual pragmatism. The boy’s gaze remained fixed on the city, knowing that what he was about to do could be a definitive dismissal of the humanity he still has left.
"Can I count on you not to say anything to anyone, for now, Mr. Isaac?"
Adam's voice was low, almost pleading, though he kept his usual calm demeanor as he addressed Falk. The soft mechanical hum of the bird was the only response at first, the quiet night amplifying the tension in the air.
“Don’t worry, kid, I’ll go with you, need to know what you’re dealing with if we want to help you.”
After the small aviatrix gave a reassuring nod, Adam felt a slight wave of relief wash over him, though it did little to ease the dread of what he was about to do, then his stomach growled again, the sharp pain following close behind, reminding him of the severity of his condition. Steeling his mind and pushing aside his hesitation, he took a few slow steps forward until he reached the edge of the balcony, and without a second thought, he jumped, allowing himself to fall toward the ground below, the city lights blurring in his peripheral vision as he descended.
Given that it was a fourth floor, the fall would take a moment before he crashed into the ground, but that was not what would happen. Almost immediately, his Spectronomicon manifested beside him, taking on its spectral book form and allowing Adam to access one of the skills he had been practicing during all those sparring matches.
[Skill: Drake-Type Manifestation Lv1] [Mid-level skill that allows the user to summon an ‘Aetheros Mortivagus’ either fully or partially from their body. This entity is independent and has its own ego, it requires some form of control to be used properly.] [Cursed Vision Knowledge] [Notice: The creature is being fully controlled by the user due to the effects of the skill ⌠Hivemind Lv1⌡.] [Hint: While in full control, the user can use the ‘Aetheros Mortivagus’ skills at will.]
Massive spectral wings, resembling those of a bat but with a sharp, menacing appearance, erupted from the boy's back. His fall was instantly halted, and he soared into the night sky, blending seamlessly with the darkness as he glided through the city. The glowing lights and bustling streets faded beneath him until he reached a more secluded area, far from the bright flashes of the commercial district. Finally, he descended into an isolated zone, cloaked in shadows and silence.
Adam dismissed his spectral wings, letting them dissolve into the night air, while Falk circled above, quietly observing from the shadows, keeping a watchful eye on the boy below. He wandered through the dark, narrow alleys, his steps aimless yet deliberate as if searching for something in the depths of the night, anything should be fine, even rats, there should be some in these abandoned alleys. The hunger gnawed at him relentlessly, his stomach rumbling louder with each minute, the pain twisting in his gut. His senses sharpened as desperation grew, yet he found nothing to quell the growing need.
Without warning, a sharp blow struck Adam's face, jarring him from his thoughts. More hits followed, forcing him to stumble and eventually collapse. A group of robbers had appeared, their strikes precise and well-practiced, as if trained in some martial art. Despite their violent efforts, Adam did not attempt to defend himself, his body limp against their assault, so one of the men grabbed him by the collar, hoisting him up as they rifled through his belongings, looking for valuables.
But Adam began to chuckle, a low, unsettling laugh that grew louder as his stomach's growls echoed ominously. He slowly lifted his head, his eyes glowing a bright, unnatural purple, noticeable even in the deep darkness of the alley, spirals of madness swirling within them. The attackers froze in confusion as thin, twisting tendrils began to emerge from the boy’s mouth.
"I'm glad, that there are people like you here."
Adam murmured, his voice chilling.
“Dinner time.”
The alley erupted in screams—bloodcurdling cries that pierced the night air, too horrifying for anyone nearby to ignore. But the alley was empty, and no one came. The cries faded into the darkness as the night continued in silence, the alleyways consumed by shadows once more.
——————————
Time passed swiftly, and the first rays of sunlight began to seep through the hotel room's curtains, casting a warm glow across the space. One by one, the team members stirred from their slumber, groggy but determined to face the day ahead. Adam and Falk, however, seemed entirely unfazed by the previous night's events. The boy felt invigorated, a surge of energy coursing through him that was both exhilarating and troubling as a flicker of guilt tugged at his conscience, but he quickly dismissed it. After all, what he had done was necessary, and it was only directed at actual criminals. There was nothing wrong with that, right? It still left a bitter aftertaste.
As the morning unfolded, the atmosphere in the room transformed from sleepy to lively. Kazue was at the center of it all, meticulously brushing Katya's hair with the utmost care in such a fashion that most of her companions couldn’t help but watch at least for a while. The gentle strokes of the brush danced through Katya’s silky locks, transforming her into a vision of elegance; Kazue’s concentration was palpable; she carefully crafted the blonde’s hair into a lovely braid adorned with a small flower-themed pin she had bought last night, a testament to their friendship. Katya, slightly flustered yet grateful, looked in the mirror, her cheeks tinted with a rosy hue as she admired the transformation, her eyes sparkling.
Breakfast arrived soon after, courtesy of the hotel room service. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes wafted through the air, bringing a sense of comfort and normalcy amidst the chaos that surrounded them. A vibrant spread filled the table, featuring delicate rice cakes glistening with a hint of sesame oil, stir-fried vegetables tossed in fragrant soy sauce, and steaming bowls of congee topped with slivers of pickled vegetables and scallions, all of them “Ki-infused delicacies”, the perfect food to have before the start of a fight.
As they finished their meal, a maid entered the room, holding a letter addressed to the group from Zhou Tianhe, providing essential details about their upcoming tournament. She explained that they would be guided to the designed location and outlined the specific phrases they needed to recite to verify their identities upon arrival.
Li, taking charge of the situation, surveyed the group with a determined expression, reminding everyone to prepare. The mood shifted from lightheartedness to a shared sense of purpose, and with that, they began to gather their belongings and steel themselves for what awaited them.
The road to the tournament location was brief, and as the group approached, the grand sight of the venue unfolded before them. An enormous palace loomed in the distance, its architecture a breathtaking display of ornate craftsmanship. The air buzzed with anticipation, thick with the excitement of the crowd that had gathered outside.
Numerous citizens milled about, their voices a harmonious blend of chatter, laughter, and eager speculation. Various groups stood clustered together, some dressed in flowing robes that hinted at age-old traditions, while others donned sharp suits and fashionable attire that exuded an air of authority and confidence. The participants of the tournament formed distinct factions; their diverse outfits reflected the uniqueness of their schools, gangs, and alliances. Some wore armor that shimmered under the sun, while others showcased an array of weapons—swords, staffs, and even more exotic armaments.
As the group split, those participating in the tournament, Li, Drake, Adam, Kazue, and Gregor, moved toward the registration area. The girl bounced on her heels, a wide grin lighting up her face, while Drake gently urged her to focus and breathe. Adam, meanwhile, surveyed the other contenders, noting their weapons and the intensity in their eyes. Curiosity piqued, when it was finally their turn on the registration table, he approached and inquired about the tournament's weapon policies. The official informed him that any kind of weapon was permitted, a revelation that, instead of adding tension to the team, was reassuring.
With their letter in hand, the group stated their affiliation with the ‘White Flower Divination School’ and verification was swift, so they were ushered into the arena alongside the other participants. Meanwhile, Katya, Chloe, Emir, Sebastian, and Nikolai managed to secure front-row seats thanks to the latter convenient skill.
As the contestants settled into their places, a stunning woman emerged to take the stage. Dressed in a tight-fitting, intricately embroidered dress that accentuated her graceful figure, she commanded attention effortlessly, and with a confident smile, she introduced the tournament as a grand event organized by "Don. Park Zhen", the regent of the city, who, while absent, was reportedly observing from afar. Her voice rang out, clear and melodic, as she outlined the rules: a raffle would determine matchups, with simple elimination determining who would advance. Weapons were permitted, and although it was allowed to kill one's opponent, surrender or unconsciousness would require a halt to hostilities. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere thickened with tension as she warned of immediate disqualification for external assistance.
As anticipation reached its peak, the announcer revealed the results of the raffle on a massive screen at the end of the arena. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd as the names flashed before their eyes, being the most significant one for the team was the announcement of Drake's fight: it would be the first match of the day and he would face off against a formidable opponent named Hao Yang from the ‘Golden Crow School’. The arena buzzed with excitement, and the energy in the air was electric as the crowd eagerly awaited the clash of warriors, each participant ready to prove their mettle in the contest that lay ahead.
“Good luck.”
Adam, Kazue, and Gregor said in unison, directing their words toward the blond warrior. He simply smiled at them, his expression radiating determination as he made his way toward the arena. This display caused a flicker of concern among the others, for at the same moment that Drake positioned himself, his opponent stepped forward as well.
Hao Yang towered over Drake, his imposing figure a stark contrast to the smaller fighter. Muscles rippled beneath his martial attire, a testament to his strength and training. The golden-clawed gauntlet he wore gleamed under the arena lights, a fierce emblem of the Golden Crow School. It was evident that he had both power and skill, and the spectators could feel the tension rise as the two combatants faced each other.
"Eh... Wouldn't it have been a good idea for you to use your buff spell on him before the fight started?"
Kazue asked, somewhat nervously, glancing at Li, who hadn't said anything to the blond before the match.
"Why would I do that? First of all, I have a limited number of uses for those spells. Second, he didn't ask me for it at any point."
Li said as a gong sounded loud, signaling the start of the match. The fight began with Hao Yang launching himself violently at Drake, his golden claw extended forward.
"And third, and most importantly..."
Drake had not moved at all as his opponent approached. At the last moment, he took a step forward and jumped a couple of meters into the air with a grace and ease that seemed completely unreal, as if gravity did not affect him whatsoever.
[Skill: Great Weight Control (Innate)] [Current Weight: 10 pounds / 4.5 kilograms]
“... He doesn’t need it.”
Li finished with a broad, shadowy smile as he watched Drake's body rise above his opponent, only for him to come crashing down an instant later, delivering a powerful downward kick to the head of the startled warrior.
[Current Weight: 500 pounds / 226 kilograms]
The blow was so strong and forceful that Hao Yang's body followed the trajectory of Drake's kick, crashing headfirst into the ground with such violence and guided by the immense weight now carried by the blonde, that a portion of the stone floor of the arena cracked beneath them.
"Huh, maybe this is going to be easier than I thought."
Li concluded calmly, maintaining that malicious smile.