Chapter 438: End of the Newcomer Trial
Clearly,
the top players at Moonlight Tavern ultimately placed their chips on Rai Pi Snake.
Levi from the world of Titans, the unlicensed rider from an unknown alternate world, and even the Saint Lord who tried to challenge [Lotus] were no longer being considered by the top players.
Initially, everyone had the most hope for the Saint Lord, thinking he could contend with Ying Zheng for the top spot on the leaderboard.
But the Saint Lord was dead set on going head-to-head with Lotus.
That creature, even in a weakened state, under multiple seals, still maintained terrifying power at the [Tier-2] pinnacle—suicidal to challenge.
So, by default, the second-strongest, Rai Pi Snake, received the boost.
This led to Rai Pi Snake's score visibly skyrocketing. Like a snowball, it kept rolling—opening treasure chests one after another, equipping itself and slaying more demonic monsters.
Other players struggled.
"Damn it, it's a deep-sea-type monster! Stronger water magic than even the water demon Basha, and mental attacks more powerful than Curse Blue…"
The Saint Lord looked rather ragged.
He had already opened a treasure chest that helped restore his physical form. Though not fully back to peak, he was at least mobile again.
But with that came unprecedented pressure.
[Lotus] seemed even more powerful than he imagined.
Whoosh.
The Saint Lord raised his thick dragon-man arm, bound by a chain.
[Seal Ring (Tier-2)]: A ring that seals magical power.
Originally, this item was meant for imprisonment.
But the Saint Lord used it to seal the residual magical power left by Lü Dongbin's statue seal, finally breaking free.
However, Lü Dongbin's power was simply too strong—the ring could only barely suppress part of it.
So though he escaped, his power hadn't fully returned.
And with his twelve charms—the sources of his power—scattered across the world, he wouldn't regain his true form until they were recovered.
"Just wait, Lotus. The fire demon's wrath cannot be provoked. When I'm at full strength, I'll come for you again!"
The Saint Lord barked threats through gritted teeth.
Even if he knew full well that even at his strongest, he'd lose, he was too proud to admit it.
At this moment,
he reached the deepest part of the Sky Whale's spine—the temple ruins at the First Vertebra—and sensed a massive black octopus.
[Lotus's Pet: Black Octopus (Boss)].
"I'll make you pay for your disrespect, even if it's just by killing your pet!"
He drooled at the black octopus. If he could kill it, maybe it would drop a higher-quality treasure chest?
...
Levi was covered in blood, one arm broken, and only after drinking a recovery potion was he restored.
Behind him lay countless corpses of cat demons and minotaurs.
A treasure chest dropped. He opened it without hesitation.
[Soul of the Ogre (Material)]: The main ingredient in crafting the [Berserker Elixir]. Also requires Vengeful Soul Stone, Small Red Crystal. Drinking the full potion grants the Berserker class.
Hint: Vengeful Soul Stones can be found in the Dark Thunder Ruins.
"Boring. Berserker… sounds like one of those guys who fight drenched in blood."
Levi muttered his dislike, but his body moved anyway, heading for the ruins mentioned in the game's hint.
Though he didn't outwardly show it,
his desire to lead a world free from the control of fate had never been stronger—especially after witnessing the world's destruction.
Sssss…
Wisps of icy wind slid down his collar and into his chest.
Levi's face grew serious as he scanned his surroundings.
Roar.
A red zombie lunged out of the dense forest, slashing its claws and hurling a ball of black energy.
He crossed his blades and shattered the ball.
Launching his grappling hook, Levi soared forward and decapitated the red zombie.
But he didn't relax.
These monsters always hunted in packs.
Sure enough,
a dozen zombies staggered out, drawn by the scent of the living.
Just as Levi was about to strike, he sensed something wrong and leapt.
Too late.
Frost formed underfoot, and a chilling explosion tried to freeze his legs in place.
Thankfully, his reaction spared him—only his left shin was caught.
Smash.
He shattered the ice with his blade hilt and quickly escaped on one leg.
Normally, this would've crippled him.
But thanks to previous treasure chests, he had enhanced physical stats—his resilience now matched some of the titans.
"That must be the monster that drops the Vengeful Soul Stone…"
Levi's pupils shrank as he saw his attacker.
A zombie with flesh peeling from its bones, wrapped in icy energy. Even its bones and rotting tissue were a deep, frigid blue.
It held a massive scythe.
Each swing stirred icy wind that cracked the air.
[Corpse Thief: Bone Prison Breath (Boss)]
"The Survey Corps never retreats!"
Levi took a deep breath, gripped his blades, and charged.
...
[Newcomer Trial Complete…]
When the countdown ended, all newcomers were teleported back to the game town square, exchanging bewildered looks.
Some laughed maniacally—they clearly made out big.
Others looked glum, likely too scared to hunt anything and just hid the whole trial.
[Newcomer Leaderboard]
Rai Pi Snake: 380 points
Ying Zheng: 350 points
Saint Lord: 330 points
Levi: 276 points
...
Hint: Top five will be awarded the special title [Newcomer King] by the Game Master.
Hint 2: Wearing [Newcomer King] gives 10% discount on all Tier-1 items (personal use only, not tradeable).
"Damn it."
Mei Terumi's face darkened. She'd expected it, but it still pissed her off.
The [Newcomer King] title was the main reason factions wanted to recruit newcomers.
The 10% discount effectively shortened the time and cost of nurturing that player.
[Bet-placed players will now be teleported to Moonlight Tavern…]
Whoosh whoosh whoosh.
Light flared as the chosen newcomers appeared on the tavern's second floor—face to face with the top players.
Levi scowled. "Bets? A noble's twisted game, huh? Disgusting."
Back in the Titan world, it was said nobles liked sick games like this.
So he felt nothing but disdain.
"You're too narrow-minded."
Tsunade shook her head seriously. "All of this is to better select exceptional, high-potential players—to fight the corrupted world."
That was indeed the Game Master's goal. Making money came second.
"A human… dared to bet on a demon? Courting death!"
The Saint Lord bared his fangs. His enormous body nearly scraped the ceiling.
He looked down at the former human slaves who once trembled before him, now wearing calm smiles.
"Don't be so angry. It's just a game,"
A calm smile still on his face, Aizen was unbothered by the demon's wrath.
A demon?
Interesting. He wondered if this creature could withstand his Kyoka Suigetsu.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1