NOVEL WEB Chapter 80: Selection Competition
The next day, John, Maki, Venus, and Ryuzen headed to Deck 3 for the Selection Trial.
It was held under the open sky, with thousands of curious eyes watching from every corner.
Approximately 300 participants from all 9 airships had gathered here, hoping to be chosen as members of the 2nd Blood Legion.
Even the six members of the original Blood Legion were present, silently observing the trial from a raised platform.
This wasn't just about level or age. The Selection Trial focused on talent and potential.
The first stage involved verifying the kind of Systems the participants possessed.
Combat Types were welcomed. Healer Types, Rangers, and Beast Tamers were also accepted. However, those with Diviner Systems, Crafting Systems, and other non-combat types were eliminated immediately in the first round.
John and Maki both had Combat Type Systems, so they passed without issue.
Finally, it was Venus and Ryuzen's turn.
"Ryuzen De Manus, state your System name," a tough-looking proctor demanded. Then added sharply, "Don't even think about lying. We have Evolvers here who can detect falsehoods."
While Ryuzen hesitated for a moment, Venus stepped forward and answered confidently.
"I have the Strongest Body System. It's said to help me become the most powerful Body Evolver."
Her voice was steady and calm, showing no trace of hesitation.
Her words echoed across the platform, leaving the crowd in stunned silence.
Then gasps rippled through the audience.
"The Strongest Body System?" someone whispered, almost in disbelief.
"No way… isn't that one of the rumored Unique Systems?"
"Yeah, only a handful of Evolvers across the continents have anything close to that."
"She must be lying."
"No. Didn't the proctor say there's a lie detector present?"
"Yeah. But If she's telling the truth, then this girl… she might really surpass us all in physical strength one day."
"Just how strong is she?"
The members of the original Blood Legion, seated at the edge of the platform, exchanged glances.
Noah flash a smirk. "Look like we've got a wild one here, Aurora. "
Aurora smiled. "It's good that she revealed it. Otherwise we wouldn't even have known such talented evolver exist among us."
Dama and others also nodded. Their expression said it all. Venus was going be Core member of Second Blood Legion for sure.
Meanwhile, the main proctor raised an eyebrow, surprised but intrigued. He nodded to the side, and a white-robed Evolver with glowing eyes stepped forward, scanning Venus with a faint pulse of mana.
"No signs of deception," the Evolver confirmed calmly.
A fresh wave of murmurs ran through the crowd.
Venus stood still, calm as ever. Her brown eyes didn't flicker.
Behind her, Ryuzen exhaled softly.
"She really said it out loud," he muttered under his breath.
John grinned wide. "Damn, Venus. You sure know how to make an entrance."
Maki crossed her arms. "Let's hope she backs it up in the combat trial."
High above, the sun shone down on Deck 3. And for the first time since the apocalypse began, the people of the airships felt a spark of excitement stir in their chests.
But Ryuzen still seemed to be in a dilemma. Noah and Aurora immediately noticed.
"What's wrong, Ryuzen? Do you not wish to speak about your System?" Noah asked calmly.
Ryuzen took a breath and answered, "Yes. I'd prefer not to reveal its name. It's... personal and sensitive. But I can assure you—it's a Combat Type System."
The white-robed Evolver stepped forward again, his glowing eyes scanning Ryuzen.
"He's telling the truth, commanders." he confirmed. "There's no deception."
Noah and Aurora exchanged a glance with the other four members of the Blood Legion.
It appeared as if they could communicate with their mind.
After a pause, Noah gave a nod.
"Alright. Considering your previous battle records during the Wave, we'll let you pass this round. But remember—in the next phase, the combat trial—you must rank within the top 20. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand," Ryuzen replied respectfully, grateful for the leniency.
A few of the rejected participants began to grumble in discontent, but one sharp glance from the Blood Legion commanders was enough to silence them. No one dared speak against their decision.
And just like that, Ryuzen advanced to the next round—with expectations heavy on his shoulders.
In the second round, approximately 200 participants engaged in intense one-on-one duels, each battling for victory and a chance to enter the Blood Legion.
The sounds of clashing swords and skill activations echoed like thunder across the open deck. The air trembled with power, and the shockwaves alone sent shivers down the spines of those watching from the stands.
For the ordinary people in the audience, it was their first time witnessing the true strength of Evolvers up close. Many were awestruck. Some dreamed of gaining such power for themselves.
But deep down, they knew the truth.
Without Mana in their bodies, they could never awaken a System.
It was a cruel fact—one that crushed countless hopes. Yet no amount of desire could change it.
They had no choice but to watch from the sidelines.
The battles continued as the sun dipped below the horizon, gradually bringing them closer to their destination.
The top 20 participants for the Blood Legion were selected based on their combat skills and potential, not just their level. This was because the Blood Legion represented the elite, those who stood above Evolvers in both power and promise.
Even participants at Level 40 were disqualified if their skills lacked substance or depth.
Ryuzen fought two opponents. One was a Level 20 Evolver, and the other, a formidable Level 35. He defeated the first with effort, but lost to the second. Still, the display of his abilities left an impression.
Using only basic skills from his Skill Tree, MANUS, such as Firestorm Emission and Fire Breath, he held his ground with impressive control and timing.
That was more than enough to secure his place in the top 20.
He hadn't intended to join the Blood Legion at first, but realizing the opportunities it held—the secrets of this world and a path to greater strength—he decided to take the chance.
John and Maki also managed to pass the selection, surprising many with their coordination and grit. Venus, too, advanced easily. Her terrifying bodily strength, enhanced by her gloves, left even some veterans wide-eyed.
But what lay ahead was the true test.
Only six out of the twenty would be accepted into the Junior Blood Legion.
The real competition was just beginning.