"I never expected your Luminary Arbiter to be this powerful," Turck said, his voice broken and interrupted by streaks of blood at the corners of his mouth. "I admit defeat."
"The victor is Hong!" The system announcement echoed across the arena.
Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the stands. The battle had exceeded everyone's expectations, and the final clash between the two colossal forms left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
Rofeng leaped to his feet in excitement. "Incredible! Hong actually won! He really won!"
Rowan smiled slightly. "As expected. Hong's Luminary Arbiter is indeed formidable, but the key was his control over the battle's rhythm. He waited patiently for Turck to overextend."
Thunder laughed heartily. "Haha, that kid usually keeps a low profile, but he had this hidden ace all along! Luminary Arbiter so cool!"
In the arena, Hong walked calmly toward Turck and extended his hand. "A fine battle."
Those four simple words were the highest praise Hong could offer.
Turck hesitated briefly, then gave a bitter smile and shook Hong's hand. "Indeed, a fine battle. I never imagined my Earth Ultimate Form would be defeated by the Laws of Light. I still have much to learn."
Hong nodded without speaking further. He helped Turck to his feet, and together they walked toward the teleportation platform. Despite being rivals, a unique bond of warriors' respect had been forged in the heat of battle.
The teleportation light flared, sending the two of them back to the resting area. Rowan, Rofeng, and Thunder were already waiting, and the moment Hong returned, they rushed over.
"Fantastic, Hong!" Rofeng patted Hong on the shoulder, eyes sparkling. "That Luminary Arbiter was absolutely breathtaking!"
Thunder grinned broadly. "Haha, I knew you had a secret move! Never thought it would be this impressive!"
Rowan remained composed and handed Hong a bottle of healing elixir. "How are your injuries?"
Hong took it, downed it in a single gulp, and replied briefly, "No problem."
After a moment, his complexion visibly improved, and the burned areas of his skin began to heal rapidly. The advanced elixir accelerated recovery, mending most non-lethal injuries in a short time.
"We've all cleared the third round," Rowan said, looking at the four of them, a rare smile appearing on his face. "This is no small achievement."
Indeed, in the Virtual Universe Corporation's challenge tournament, each round eliminated a large number of participants. All four advancing simultaneously was an exceptionally rare accomplishment in the tournament's history.
"What's next?" Rofeng asked, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
"Three days of rest, then the fourth round begins," Rowan explained. "The fourth round will have a different format, though the specifics have not yet been announced."
As they discussed, a man in the official uniform of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire approached. His black attire was sharp and precise, the empire's emblem embroidered over his chest a coiled black dragon encircling a mountain peak.
"Greetings, four of you," he said politely, bowing. "I am Adams, the liaison officer from the Black Dragon Mountain Empire stationed at the Virtual Universe Corporation. His Majesty the King has learned of your outstanding performance in the tournament and has personally extended an invitation for you to visit the royal palace."
The four exchanged glances, clearly surprised by the unexpected invitation.
"His Majesty the King?" Thunder asked, unable to hide his curiosity. "Why would he want to see us?"
Adams smiled faintly. "Although you all come from the Summer Universe, in this tournament you competed under the Black Dragon Mountain Empire's banner. Your exceptional performance has brought honor to the Empire, and the King naturally wishes to express his gratitude."
Rowan's expression shifted to understanding. "I see. We did register as representatives of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, but only because we happened to be in their territory at the time."
Adams nodded. "Regardless, according to tournament rules, you did compete in the Empire's name. And your performances were indeed remarkable, which the King takes very seriously."
The four exchanged glances again. Finally, Rowan nodded. "We accept the invitation. When shall we meet the King?"
"This evening," Adams replied. "I have arranged a teleportation chamber that will bring you directly to the palace. Please follow me."
Guided by Adams, the four navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the Virtual Universe Corporation to a dedicated teleportation zone. This area was far more luxurious than ordinary teleportation chambers, clearly designed for VIPs.
"Please prepare yourselves," Adams indicated the adjoining changing room. "Formal attire suitable for an audience with the King has been prepared."
Inside, they found four tailored noble outfits of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire. The fabric was high-quality, finely crafted, and unmistakably valuable.
"This is over the top," Rofeng muttered, holding up one of the outfits, a little overwhelmed. "We're only representing them in a tournament do they have to treat us like this?"
Rowan studied the outfits thoughtfully. "The Black Dragon Mountain Empire has always valued talent, and our performances have been eye-catching. I suspect the King may have other intentions."
"What intentions?" Thunder asked.
Hong, unusually breaking his silence, said, "Recruitment."
Rowan nodded. "Exactly. It's likely they see this as an opportunity to recruit us. The Empire has a long tradition of welcoming talent, especially young and promising warriors they spare no effort to bring them in."
"So how should we respond?" Rofeng asked, concern in his voice.
"Simply be honest," Rowan said calmly. "We did participate under the Empire's name by chance, but our roots are in the Summer Universe. There's no need to refuse outright just remain polite and respectful."
After changing into their formal attire, the four returned to the teleportation chamber. Adams looked them over with a slight smile. "Now you truly look like the Empire's promising young talents. Please enter the chamber; the journey will take approximately ten minutes."
One by one, they stepped into the chamber. As the doors closed, a slight dizziness washed over them a normal effect of long-distance teleportation.
Ten minutes later, the chamber came to a halt, and the doors opened automatically. They stepped out into a magnificent palace.
The architecture exuded the Black Dragon Mountain Empire's characteristic grandeur and luxury. Towering stone pillars were carved with lifelike black dragons, the ceiling featured a massive star chart, and the floor was paved with rare black crystal stone, echoing crisply with every step.
A contingent of court guards in formal attire awaited them. At the front stood a middle-aged man in a black robe with golden trim, exuding a commanding presence.
"Welcome to the Black Dragon Mountain Palace," the man said with a bow. "I am Minister Edmund, sent by His Majesty the King to receive you."
Rowan, representing the group, replied with a bow. "We are honored by His Majesty's invitation."
Edmund smiled faintly. "Please follow me. The King awaits in the Audience Hall."
They passed through several grand halls before arriving at an even more magnificent chamber. Its entrance was framed by two towering twenty-meter doors of black metal, engraved with the Empire's history.
"This is the Audience Hall," Edmund explained. "His Majesty the King is inside. Observe proper etiquette: bow upon entering and wait for His Majesty's signal before approaching."
The four nodded in understanding. The massive doors slowly opened, revealing the hall's interior.
The chamber was enormous, surrounded by towering pillars and giant murals depicting the Empire's glorious history. A broad red carpet led to a raised throne at the far end. The throne, crafted from black metal and encrusted with precious gems, shimmered mysteriously in the light.
Seated on the throne was a middle-aged man, roughly fifty, with the signature dark green hair of the Black Dragon Mountain royal family and golden vertical pupils. He wore a black-and-gold robe embroidered with jewels and a crown set with countless gemstones, radiating an aura of natural authority.
This was the King of the Black Dragon Mountain Empire, Nicksius Hedson VII. A seasoned ruler with thirty years on the throne, he was rumored to have achieved Stellar Rank 9, making him one of the Empire's most formidable figures.
"Your talents from the Summer Universe have arrived," Edmund announced respectfully before stepping aside.
The four performed a standard Black Dragon Mountain bow.
"No need for formality," King Nicksius said in a low, commanding voice. "Young warriors, I have heard of your outstanding performances in the Virtual Universe Corporation's tournament. Representing my Empire so well brings me great satisfaction."
Rowan, as the group's representative, stepped forward. "We are grateful for Your Majesty's praise. We only did our best."
The King smiled faintly. "No need for humility. I have reviewed all your matches, each impressive. Especially you, Rowan you displayed rule comprehension beyond many seasoned warriors in your fight against Valendo."
Rowan bowed modestly. "Your Majesty overestimates me."
The King's gaze shifted to Rofeng. "And you, young Rofeng, mastering telekinesis and preliminary mastery of the Gold Law at such an age your potential is limitless."
Rofeng quickly bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The King then looked to Thunder. "As for you, Thunder, your Ninefold Thunder Domain and God of Thunder skill reminded me of certain ancient techniques of the Empire. A remarkable application."
Thunder blushed slightly. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I developed them myself."
Finally, the King's gaze fell on Hong. "And you, silent Hong your Luminary Arbiter skill demonstrates extraordinary command of the Laws of Light. In my view, you are only one step away from achieving mastery."
Hong simply nodded, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes.
The King's expression softened. "Today, I have invited you not only to thank you for bringing honor to the Empire but also to present rewards."
He clapped lightly. Servants immediately stepped forward, each holding an exquisite black box.
"Please open them," the King indicated.
The four opened the boxes to reveal beautifully crafted medallions. Each was circular, forged from an unknown black metal, engraved with the Black Dragon Mountain motif and surrounded by ancient runes. At the center of each medallion was a gemstone, color-coded to each warrior: Rowan's was red for the Fire Law, Rofeng's gold for the Gold Law, Thunder's blue for the Thunder Law, and Hong's white for the Light Law.
"These are the Black Dragon Mountain 'Dragon Crest Medallions,'" the King explained. "Each is tailored to the bearer's law affinity. Wearing it grants VIP status within the Empire, free access to major cities and resource zones, and a 10% discount at all stores."
The four stared at their medallions in surprise, clearly not expecting such valuable gifts.
"That is not all," the King continued. "I have prepared a special gift for each of you."
Four cloaked attendants brought crystal containers, each holding a fist-sized crystal in red, gold, blue, or white.
"These are Law Crystals," the King said proudly. "Each contains pure energy corresponding to your law. Absorbing these crystals will greatly accelerate your comprehension of your respective law. They are extremely rare; the Empire has no more than twenty in total."
The four stared wide-eyed in astonishment. Law Crystals were among the rarest treasures in the universe, typically reserved for top-tier warriors. The King had offered four at once a truly unprecedented gift.
Rowan hesitated. "Your Majesty, these gifts are far too generous. We might "
"No need to refuse," the King waved him off. "This is my sincere intention and an investment in your future. The Empire always values talent, especially young warriors with boundless potential like yourselves."
Seeing the King's insistence, the four accepted the crystals respectfully, repeatedly offering thanks.
"One final matter," the King said, his tone formal. "After the tournament, I hope you will consider joining the Black Dragon Mountain Empire as full citizens. I guarantee positions and resources befitting your status."
The proposal left the four speechless. They had anticipated the King might try to recruit them, but they hadn't expected a direct invitation.
Rowan spoke carefully on behalf of the group. "Your Majesty, we are honored by your invitation. However, our roots are in the Summer Universe, where our families and friends reside. This decision requires careful consideration."
The King nodded, unsurprised. "I understand your concerns. There is no need for an immediate answer. Consider it after the tournament concludes. I trust that with your wisdom, you will make the choice best suited to yourselves."