Chapter 29: The Realm of Survival
Garion leaned back in his seat, eyes narrowing in surprise.
So even death is considered normal here. This is a really different world.
A tournament where losing might mean more than just embarrassment, which was your own life.
That was something that will never ever happen in his world’s competition. There was no comparison.
Still, curiosity tugged at his mind.
But still, what kind of Treasure Realm are they using for this Battle Royale? And what happens to the treasures inside?
Before he could think further, teh announcer’s voice boomed across the arena again.
"And also, this Treasure Realm is not just a simple one. It was structured like a battle arena itself."
"Although it wasn’t shaped like this arena, but a small forest, still..."
"The competitors would fight each other in the arena, and there were even roaming beasts inside."
The announcer then raised a hand, explaining the rules.
"In this realm, defeating beasts will earn points and defeating fellow competitors... will earn even more."
Another voice shouted from the stands.
"And what about the treasures inside?! Are they for the winner to grab directly?"
The announcer’s smile turned sly.
"Those treasures have already been taken. This treasuyre realm is basically empty, aside from the beasts and hte battleground itself."
"So there will be no distraction. There would only be battle and survival."
Garion was a bit surprised.
An empty realm, huh? That means it’s just a pure battleground. I wonder if Dahlia can survive it.
The announcer raised his hand, and the crowd hushed again.
"The first stage will last for one full day. When the realm closes, those with the highest points will move onto the next round."
He clapped once, his voice booming through the arena.
"Now, let’s not waste any more time. Competitors, prepare yourselves!"
The arena shook with cheers as the first stage was about to begin.
---
Inside the waiting hall, the announcement dropped like thunder.
For a moment, the vast room went silent before a huge chatter exploded.
"To think they’d change the toinrament like this!"
"A Treasure Realm as the first stage?! Are they nuts?!"
"Isn’t that basically throwing us to die there?"
Some of the younger or less confident competitors trembled where they sat.
For many, it would be their first time stepping into a Treasure Realm.
Even the thought of fighting all others already made their faces pale, not to mention fighting the wild beasts inside.
A few whispered around desperately, trying to form a team, and some clutched their robes as if seeking reassurance.
Meanwhile, those from the larger sects were practically buzzing with excitement.
"This is perfect! We can work together to dominate the first stage."
"Hah! With our sect techniques, those beasts will be easy prey!"
"This is what real cultivators live for. Danger and reward!"
Their grins were wide, their eyes burning.
Clearly, they saw this change as an opportunity to display their superiority.
Meanwhile, Dahlia sat quietly in a corner, watching the chaos around her, and her heart was beating loudly.
So this is it. My first time in a Treasure Realm.
She tightened her fists under her robe. She was quite excited, but a knot of worry twisted her stomach.
Her training with Garion had focused on form, strength, breathing, and one-on-one techniques.
But this wasn’t going to be one-on-one.
This was a battle royale in an unpredictable space, filled with beasts and competitors who might gang up on her the moment they saw an opportunity.
What if I’m surrounded? What if they come at me from all sides?
She took a slow breath, just as Garion had taught her. She inhaled deeply and exhaled steadily to calm her nerves.
"No panicking. If it happens, I’ll adapt. Master said strength is in the body and discipline is in the mind. If I keep my form, I’ll find a way."
From across the room, a boy in a red uniform smirked at her.
"Hey, robe girl. You don’t look like much. Better hope you’re not the first one eaten by the beasts."
A few of his friends laughed, but Dahlua only met his gaze silently, her eyes cold. She didn’t answer as she didn’t need to.
But still inside her head, her thoughts sharpened.
Laugh now. When we’re inside, I’ll make you regret opening your mouth.
---
The hall quickly buzzed with nervous chatter as the officers entered.
"Competitors, follow us. The first stage will begin shortly."
The crowd of youths shifted uneasily but obeyed. Step by step, the young cultivators were escorted out of the hall toward the fields outside the city walls.
Ahead stood a massive swirling portal, making the cultivators’ skin prickle.
Murmurs ripple through the competitors.
"So this is the realm gate..."
"It feels dangerous already..."
"I can’t wait to crush the beasts inside."
The officers formed a line at the front, holding boxes filled with jade tokens.
Each competitor stepped forward, one by one, and received their own jade token.
Dahlia held hers tightly when it was handed over.
The officer’s voice boomed as he explained, repeating the rules clearly so none could feign ignorance later.
"This jade token will protect your life. Crush it, and you will be instantly teleported outside the Treasure Realm."
Then, he raised a finger, warning them.
"But remember, your points will be cut in half the moment you use them. Use it only if you have no other choices."
He then paused again, his eyes scanning the crowd.
"Your goal is simple. Hunt beasts and defeat fellow competitors to gain points. At the end of the day, only the highest scorers will advance."
Another officer stepped forward, holding up a parchment with bold writing.
"From over one thousand competitors... only thirty-two will pass to the next stage."
The words hit them like thunder, making them erupt instantly.
"What?!"
"Only thirty-two?!"
"That’s impossible!"
Faces paled, whispers turned into shouts.
Some clutched their jade tokens nervously, while others grinned with excitement.
"Good! That means just the weaklings get filtered out faster. Survival of the fittest!"
The officer raised his hand, silencing the uproar.
"Enough! The rules are final. Prepare yourself. The gate will open shortly."
The air grew heavy with anticipation as the realm gate began to open.