NOVEL WEB Chapter 675: Arriving
"The mana pool in the empire is artificial," Lyra began calmly, her eyes focused on the horizon as the void shuttle flew. "It's created from mana stones collected from dungeons and various parts of the world. Since people can't absorb mana directly from those stones, they're processed—broken down into a more refined form like liquid essence, which becomes the base of the pool. After that, the pool is infused with multiple layers of profound rune formations that regulate, compress, and refine the mana, making it absorbable for people."
She paused briefly before continuing, "If you manage to win the mana pool in the Bluewind Region, the pool itself will be relocated to the empire. But even then, the raw pool can't be used immediately. It'll need to be modified—transformed into a mini version of our existing mana pools, complete with the proper rune formations and structural adjustments to make it suitable for absorption."
"I see," Max nodded, absorbing every detail she shared. It all made perfect sense. For any normal people, the raw mana of a natural pool would be too wild, too chaotic to absorb without serious consequences.
That was why the empire had developed such complex systems. But deep down, Max knew he wasn't like the others. Thanks to his black flames and their devouring ability, he didn't need those rune formations or processed liquid mana. He could absorb the raw, wild mana of the pool directly and safely.
That little secret, however, he chose not to reveal to Lyra just yet. It wasn't that he didn't trust her—after all, she had gone out of her way to bring him this opportunity—but some cards were best kept hidden until the right moment.
If he did win the competition and secure the mana pool for the empire, then maybe he would tell her the truth. Until then, he would do what he always did—quietly prepare, and let his actions speak for him when the time came.
Some time later, the void shuttle slowed as it hovered above a vast forest covered in a gentle layer of morning mist. The dense canopy stretched far into the distance, but soon, the shuttle descended near a valley nestled between low hills.
With a soft hum, it landed on a flattened area just outside the tree line. As the door opened, Max and Lyra stepped out into the fresh, earthy scent of the wild.
A short distance away, two groups of people were already gathered—both emanating powerful auras that made the air itself feel heavier. Elder Drew stood between them, his presence steady like an ancient mountain.
But the moment Max's presence was noticed, scoffing laughter broke the air.
"8th level of Expert Rank?" The voice was cold and mocking. It came from the group belonging to Thunder Monarch Hall. The man who spoke had sharp, piercing eyes and a haughty expression that suggested he was used to being obeyed.
"Are you intentionally forgetting the rules, Drew? Or has the Great Ruler Empire finally begun its decline?" he spat disdainfully. This was Elder Bras, the First Elder of Thunder Monarch Hall, and from the looks of it, he wasn't hiding his contempt.
Elder Drew's expression darkened, his jaw tight with restrained anger. But he said nothing. Not a word. His silence was heavy, but it also carried weight—he wouldn't waste words on fools.
Suddenly, a shift in aura spread from the Thunder Monarch Hall's group. One of the young geniuses there locked eyes with Max, and a ripple of raw killing intent surged into the air. "It's him!" the youth hissed through clenched teeth.
It was Travis—Thunder Monarch Hall's notorious 3-star genius. Rage flickered across his face like wildfire as memories of his previous humiliation at Max's hands resurfaced. His body tensed, fists clenching by his side, but he forcibly suppressed himself. After all, they were in the presence of Divine Rank elders. Acting out here could mean death.
From the Bright Buddha Palace, only two figures had come. One was an old man, his face calm and composed, exuding an aura of profound serenity. Eyes closed, hands clasped behind his back, he seemed entirely unmoved by the tension in the air.
Standing beside him was a young man—quiet, alert, and observant—his gaze shifting curiously between Max and the others. His demeanor was calm, but there was something in the way he held himself that hinted at confidence not born from arrogance, but capability.
As all eyes focused on Max, he stood there unfazed, letting their ridicule, curiosity, and hatred wash over him like water on stone. His expression didn't change.
"Let's start the competition," Elder Drew said firmly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. He had clearly grown impatient with the condescending stares and mocking comments, and no longer wished to delay. "The rules are simple. The three of you will fight one another. Each of you gets two battles. The one with the most victories will be declared the winner. Do you all understand?"
Max gave a slight nod. The young man from Bright Buddha Palace nodded as well, calm as still water. The genius from Thunder Monarch Hall smirked and cracked his knuckles, clearly eager to prove something.
With a flick of Elder Drew's wrist, a small metallic sphere floated into the air and buzzed softly. A moment later, a large holographic screen blinked to life in the sky above them. On it, the first matchup was displayed: Great Ruler Empire vs Thunder Monarch Hall.
Max narrowed his eyes at the names glowing on the screen. So, he was going to fight first. That was fine with him.
"Go," Lyra said gently, her tone unwavering. Her eyes, however, carried the weight of expectation.
Max nodded once and strode toward the center of the clearing with unshakable calm. The breeze brushed past him, tousling his hair, but his expression remained stone-like. Each step he took was firm, without hesitation.
"Humph," Elder Bras scoffed from the other side, folding his arms with disdain. The idea that Max—someone still at the 8th level of Expert Rank—was representing the Great Ruler Empire seemed laughable to him.
His lip curled in contempt as he leaned toward his own candidate, the muscular youth radiating the aura of a 3rd level Champion Rank. Kai Bell
"Go. Destroy him," Elder Bras ordered coldly. Then, he leaned closer and added in a whisper, "Even if you heavily injure him, leave the rest to me. I'll handle the consequences."
The young genius Kai nodded, but before he could move, Travis suddenly stepped in close and leaned toward his ear. He whispered something, voice low and poisonous.
Whatever he said, it changed the youth's demeanor completely. The confidence in his eyes turned to cruel bloodlust, and a twisted grin stretched across his face as he walked toward the battleground.
Soon, the two of them stood face to face at the center of the open field, the wind brushing past their clothes as silence blanketed the area. The air grew tense, every observer watching with focused eyes, waiting for the battle to erupt.
Kai, the 3rd level Champion Rank genius from the Thunder Monarch Hall, stood with arms folded, a twisted grin stretching across his face. His eyes burned with contempt as he looked Max up and down like a farmer inspecting a sickly weed.
"Today is your bad luck," he sneered, voice low and sharp, clearly relishing what he thought would be a quick and brutal victory.
Max, however, remained unfazed. He didn't react to the words, didn't even blink. Instead, he reached for his blue dragon sword, its polished blade gleaming under the morning light. He didn't say anything back—his calm expression and composed stance said everything that needed to be said.