Chapter 481: Preliminary Tournament
“Make way! Make way! No报名 if you’re not signing up!”
“Keep order! Line up for registration!”
“You’re actually entering the Preliminary Tournament? Wow, I thought you were a life-style Player?”
“Hmph. Just playing dumb all this time. Time to show my real Status.”
“Come on, give it a try—maybe you’ll even get matched with a legend. If I get to face Autumn Rain herself, I’d gladly burn to death!”
“Alright, enough.”
“I just want to face Wandering Beast. I owe him a rematch.”
Before the Isdalia Registration Desk, the crowd was a sea of people, buzzing with energy, stretching into an endless line of thousands of Players. The Preliminary Tournament registration was in full swing—frenzied, intense, and electric.
The entry fee was surprisingly affordable: only fifty Silver Ginnar and 100 Experience Points (XP). Even brand-new Players could easily afford it. Right now, Ailezegai had a total of four hundred thousand Players, and one hundred thousand of them had signed up for this event—generating a massive influx of income for the Empire: fifty thousand Golden Nael and one million XP.
“These Stellarfallen are absolutely insane.”
“You said it.”
“They won’t die anyway, so let them fight. We’ll just enjoy the show.”
“I heard there’s actually a Dragon-Blooded Noble participating this time.”
“Oh? Then I have to watch this! Let’s see what kind of madman this is!”
“Hah! Let’s hope they give us something worth watching!”
In the “Blood and Fire” Tavern beside the Isdalia Arena, a group of burly men raised their mugs, laughing and drinking deep. They were die-hard Gladiator enthusiasts from the Empire. The Empire had released a flood of tickets for both the Preliminary and Elimination Tournaments, allowing not just Players but ordinary citizens to join in the spectacle.
The Isdalia Grand Arena had long been a hub for gladiatorial combat. Over the years, it had built a loyal fanbase. The Gladiators were mostly war prisoners or death-row convicts, trained specifically for battle. Armed with shields and short swords, they fought each other—or even tamed beasts like Lions and brown Bears—just to entertain the crowd.
For the Empire’s people, watching these fights was considered a “noble” form of entertainment. With the end of the Northern Regions Unification War, many of these Gladiators were former Northern Nobles or officers—once arrogant and supreme, now fighting for survival. For those who had once been low in status in the old Northern Territories, watching their downfall was a deep, satisfying thrill.
Some even went further—buying a combat license, swearing a life-or-death oath, and becoming so-called “Free Gladiators.”
Now, tickets to this grand gladiatorial spectacle were so sought after that they’d been scalped to astronomical prices. Everyone knew the strength of the Stellarfallen, and they were eager to see what tricks these players would pull.
The Preliminary Tournament wasn’t held at the Isdalia Grand Arena. Instead, it took place across 114 common arenas scattered throughout the Ashen Empire, lasting seven days. The top one thousand Players would advance to the final Elimination Tournament, held in the grand Isdalia Grand Arena—a dream opportunity for countless Players.
In the crowded line, a Player near the front trembled with excitement, his hands shaking.
“From six in the morning until now… finally, it’s my turn.”
His nickname, emblazoned above his head, read 【Worldly Wanderer】. A Warrior-class Player, specializing in the Champion Warrior branch, he’d consumed Dragonvein Elixir—but at a low concentration.
Worldly Wanderer wasn’t an Internal Test Player, nor was he part of any elite club. But driven by the spirit of a Gamer Titan, he’d lived inside the Game Pod for three meals a day, grinding dozens of quests daily, pushing himself to the absolute cap of this version—Level 8.
His dream? To make a stunning debut in the tournament, catch the eye of the elite clans, and become a true Professional Player.
Had you seen the Hill Giant canyon at 2 a.m.? The misty hills at 4 a.m.?
Worldly Wanderer had. And he’d completed every quest there.
Now, he lowered his head, covering his eyes with trembling hands, his whole body shaking.
“Hahaha… countless trials, countless battles… finally, my time has come! All you mighty warriors—come at me!”
“Are you seriously this much of a delusional idiot?”
A sharp, impatient voice snapped him back to reality. His dramatic monologue died mid-sentence.
“Hurry up—don’t block the path.”
“Yeah, there are thousands behind you. Don’t waste everyone’s time.”
“Dude, you’ve been reading too many novels, huh?”
“Oh.”
Worldly Wanderer slowly lowered his hands, composing himself. He stepped forward, shoulders squared.
“I’d like to register for the Preliminary Tournament.”
He handed over fifty Silver Ginnar and tapped the “Agree to submit 100 Experience Points” button on his Character Sheet.
The Serpent Folk attendant at the counter offered his usual gentle smile. He accepted the coins, counted them swiftly, then pulled out a copper badge from the counter.
“Here you go. Your competition pass. Please keep it safe.”
“Competitor 22054, please proceed to the First Arena, located in the southwest outskirts of Isdalia.”
Worldly Wanderer clutched the badge like a sacred relic. The brief irritation from being interrupted vanished instantly. He was once again buzzing with excitement.
“First Arena?!”
“22054… 22054… the number just rolls off the tongue! I am the chosen one!”
“Let’s go.”
“Done registering—why are you still blocking the toilet?”
More impatient shouts echoed from behind.
This time, Worldly Wanderer didn’t argue. He turned on his heel and walked away, a flicker of steel in his gaze.
Hmph. You’re witnessing the birth of a Legend.
Thirty years east, thirty years west—never underestimate the young and poor!
I’ve endured trials no ordinary man could imagine. I’ve poured sweat and soul into this journey.
And now, the Legend of my profession—Worldly Wanderer—begins… right here. Right now. In this Preliminary Tournament.
On the way to the tournament venue, he ran into a few familiar faces.
“Whoa, is that Worldly Wanderer?”
“Of course—he’s here too!”
“Worldly Wanderer! The one who grinded for three days straight and ended up in the hospital!”
Hearing the praise, Worldly Wanderer remained silent, trying hard to maintain the aura of a stoic, unshakable master.
But he couldn’t help but smirk.
“Oh? You’re here for the tournament too? Maybe we’ll face each other in the next round.”
If his opponents were them, he might not even need to break a sweat to advance.
The group shook their heads. The one with the ID 【AAA Building Materials Brother Wang】 laughed.
“We’re all latecomers from the Empire era. We didn’t grind like you. No way we’d embarrass ourselves up there.”
Worldly Wanderer raised an eyebrow.
“Then why are you even here?”
Brother Wang grinned.
“To watch! Today’s First Arena has some real stars.”
He paused, his tone shifting slightly.
“Wait… Float Life… you’re not actually competing today, are you?”
“Yeah.” Worldly Wanderer nodded firmly. “No matter who I face, I’ll meet them head-on. If they come with steel, I’ll answer with earth.”
“Uh… well, good luck then.”
Brother Wang scratched his head, watching Worldly Wanderer walk away with a confident stride. A look of pity crossed his face.
Once the man was out of earshot, another Player whispered,
“Wang Ge, do you think Float Life can make it?”
“He’s grind-level is unmatched in the entire server. Sure, he started late, but he’s not going to miss the Elimination Tournament, right?”
“Yeah, that’s why he’s called the ‘Willpower Emperor,’ isn’t he? I last saw him in the Ancient Ruin—it took him a whole month to survive there.”
“Float Life might be a bit dramatic, but his raw power is real.”
“Champion Warrior is strong enough, even among Warriors.”
The group murmured in agreement.
But Brother Wang shook his head, his expression suddenly grim.
“He won’t make it.”
“What?!”
“Why not? He’s that strong? That’s absurd!”
Brother Wang stared into the distance, toward the Great Arena, his voice solemn.
“Float Life is strong. But what waits ahead of him? Hell.”
A promotional flyer drifted down from the sky, its image still crisp in the air.
“Imperial Glory, Rivalry of Heroes! First Arena—Officially Open!”
Today’s Star Players: Steel Tide, Great威 Tianlong, I'm Going to Eat a Steamed Bun
The First Arena was a three-tiered circular amphitheater, its outer walls towering thirty meters high, capable of holding tens of thousands. Majestic and grand, it was a scaled-down replica of the Isdalia Grand Arena.
Inside, the crowd was deafening. Every seat was packed. Players roared in cheers, while countless Empire-born citizens filled the stands, shouting encouragement.
Bells rang out. Fireworks exploded in the sky—colorful bursts lighting up the air.
“Flesh is frail, machines shall ascend!”
“War狂哥, go! For Omnisea!”
“Great威 Tianlong! Monk Player’s last hope—crush them all!”
“Can you win, Stuffed Bun? You can win! Don’t get eliminated in the first round!”
Even the Preliminary Tournament was already this wild—because today’s event had drawn a host of star Players. Tickets had been resold at triple the original price.
“This… is real competition?”
“This is the beginning of my undefeated Legend. The starting point of my career!”
Worldly Wanderer stood in awe, heart pounding. In his mind, he vowed:
One day… I’ll make them all shout my name. I’ll make them cheer for me.
He took a deep breath, then began polishing his Longsword with “Sharpness Oil” and “Precision Oil”—enhancing its edge.
This rare-quality weapon, 【Chilling Blade】, dealt extra Cold Damage. To common Players, it was a divine artifact.
He’d found it in a Noble Tomb after slaying countless Undead. It had been locked inside a coffin, only freed after a brutal battle.
He glanced down at his wrist—【Mist Bracelet】, a Warrior Gear that could cast the 2nd-level spell 【Phantom Step】.
He’d spent a full month as a slave in the Northern Orcish Tribe, waiting for the Overseer’s moment of carelessness—then stole it in one swift move.
And on his back—【Feather Wing Bow】, a bow he’d earned by killing several Anzeta Giant Eagles.
“All of this… I earned it step by step. Through hardship and danger.”
“It’s time for the world to witness the true strength of a Warrior.”
As a Champion Warrior, he focused solely on honing his physical body to perfection. He could unleash a relentless chain of Enhanced Heavy Strikes using the “Tide of Armor Classtions” ability.
With the Chilling Blade’s Cold Damage, the Mist Bracelet’s mobility, and his own iron will, he believed no one could stand against him.
His strategy was simple:
Use Phantom Step to close the distance.
Then unleash a storm of Enhanced Heavy Strikes—finish the enemy in one blow.
The simpler the tactic, the more effective it was.
He’d once used this method on the battlefield, cutting down a Northern Regions Mage like a stalk of wheat.
Thinking of it, his confidence surged. He closed his eyes, memories flooding back—every moment in Ailezegai.
“Competitor 22054… Worldly Wanderer.”
“Who’s that?”
“I think I’ve heard of him… wasn’t he the one who grind-hacked himself into the hospital?”
“Hahaha, now that you mention it, I remember!”
The announcer’s voice echoed through the arena. The crowd erupted in murmurs.
“Finally… it’s my turn.”
Worldly Wanderer slowly opened his eyes. A flash of light flickered in his pupils.
It’s time. Soon—those sneers, those insults… will all vanish under the weight of absolute power.
Suddenly, the arena exploded into a roar.
“He’s here!”
“Damn… so cool!”
Worldly Wanderer froze.
Are they cheering for me?
No… he hadn’t even started. His fame couldn’t be that widespread yet.
So… they must be cheering for my opponent.
Is my opponent a famous Professional Player?
Perfect. Then let him be my first subordinate’s defeat. The best starting point for my career.
Let these fame-chasers witness true strength!
A cold smirk curled on his lips. He turned toward the arena, eager to see the one he’d crush.
Then—his jaw dropped.
“…What the hell?”
“Competitor 00003… Steel Tide!”
The entire arena erupted. The crowd went wild—especially the fans of the Mechanical Divinity faction, their faces flushed with excitement.
“War狂哥!”
“Flesh is frail, machines shall ascend!”
“Ring the great bell three times! Sing in unison—praise the God of All Machines!”
“Boom!”
“Boom!”
The ground trembled. Dust billowed into the air as the arena shook.
A towering, imposing armored figure stood upon the earth—its metallic surface gleaming under the sunlight, casting a shadow like a mountain.
On its left arm, an Arcane Lightning Elemental Cannon pulsed with blinding energy. On the right, a Field Shield stood like a city wall.
“Hahahaha!”
“In the name of Sacred Binary—this championship is ours!”
Inside the transparent cockpit, the Half-Dragon, Half-Human Steel Tide waved to the crowd, grinning wildly.
As he pushed the joystick, smoke erupted from the back of the mech, and a roar shook the air.
And poor Worldly Wanderer? Still frozen in place, mouth agape, eyes wide in disbelief.
It took him a long moment to snap back. Then came a cry—raw, desperate, and filled with despair.
“…What the hell am I even fighting for?!”
All his tactics, his planning, his opponent analysis—shattered in an instant.
That Gundam-like Aether Armor—every inch screamed wealth and advanced technology. It wasn’t just different from his style. It was from a completely different world.
He let out a wail, voice cracking.
“I can’t fight this kind of thing—what’s the point?!”
(End of Chapter)
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