The young lady is currently lost in a trance.

Five or six more teams gradually entered the arena, most of them made up of mercenaries. Both their appearances and equipment could only be described as “utterly mediocre”—they looked as if they’d been dragged in from some corporate security team just to make up the numbers.

The viewership ratings dipped slightly, and even on Twiblog, the trending topics about the Grand Tournament were filled with mockery:

“Why are all the contestants in this round so boring?”
“‘Nuclear Rebirth’ episode five is out, everyone, go watch it!”
“So dull, so dull, I’m off to catch the Draconian Maid Brigade’s live stream~”

Flavi, who was hosting the event on stage, suddenly received a call from the organizers and had to cut in with an advertisement.

“Hello? You’re saying the audience thinks this round is boring and want me to liven things up? Please, have you even looked at this group of nobodies? Even the most skilled cook can’t make a meal without ingredients!”

With a helpless expression, Flavi held the phone and quipped in his trademark sly tone, “You’ll pay me more? Fine, fine~ I can’t deal with you people. I know what to do! I’m a professional host, just leave it to me!”

After hanging up, Flavi gestured to the director’s team, signaling them to cut the ads at the right time.

Just as viewers, bewildered after five minutes of commercials, were about to change the channel, Flavi’s infectious laughter rang in their ears once more.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to our live tournament! Up next, we introduce the heavyweights of this competition!”

No sooner had he spoken than three plainly dressed mercenaries walked up beside him, ready to introduce themselves: “Hello, everyone, we are—”

“Sorry,” Flavi interrupted just in time. “Due to time constraints, you can skip the introductions and head straight to the arena for preparations!”

After all, they were likely actors hired by the Xu Corporation. Rather than let them ruin the audience’s mood, it was better to send them off quickly. The trio of mercenaries left, shrugging it off; perhaps getting to the arena early suited them just fine.

Following new instructions, all the “actor teams” had their introductions cut and were led straight into the arena.

Before long, a particularly distinctive trio was brought before Flavi.

The leader was a man nearly two meters tall, his robust frame enhanced by a massive mechanical arm. He bared his chest, showing off bulging muscles and flamboyant tattoos. Removing his sunglasses, he flashed a confident smile to the camera, his dazzling white teeth glinting in the sunlight.

“Hello, everyone~ I’m Thoreson Jr. Ali, ace boxer from Whitechapel!” The iron-fisted giant introduced himself in a rich, magnetic voice. “We’re the Fist Gods, sponsored by Xu Corporation, and our goal is to claim the championship in the most spectacular fashion! We hope for your support!”

Standing behind Thoreson were a tough female soldier in camouflage and a mysterious male mercenary in a tattered coat, presumably his teammates from Xu Corporation.

“Oooh! To claim the championship in the most spectacular way?” Flavi feigned amazement, praising, “You can tell at a glance you’re the heavyweights of this round! Best of luck to you!”

Under the host’s enthusiastic commentary, the audience’s interest was finally rekindled.

Compared to the previous string of forgettable mercenary teams, this group’s brash introduction made an impression, and Thoreson, the half-mechanical man, certainly looked formidable.

Catching a glimpse of the rising viewership numbers on his monitor, Flavi flashed a satisfied grin. “Then, Fist Gods, please head to the arena for preparations. Our match is about to begin!”

With the headline act sent off, Flavi signaled for the final team to be brought up.

This was the only “wild team” in the tenth bracket that hadn’t withdrawn. If they insisted on competing, it was likely doomed.

To show them respect, Flavi made an exception, allowing them to introduce themselves on stage—at least granting them a moment in the spotlight before meeting their end.

“Mm-hmm, next up, we have the last team… Wow!!!”

Flavi’s words cut off, replaced by a comical exclamation.

He hadn’t had high expectations for this team, but their entrance far exceeded anything he’d anticipated.

First into the frame was a white-haired, fox-eared woman clad in a form-fitting leather suit with a gas mask covering her face. For many, “white hair” and “fox ears” conjured images of cuteness and innocence, but this woman’s figure—accentuated by the tight suit—was anything but demure. Her gas mask, modified by Chen Shang, had been swapped for a fierce, punk-inspired wolf mask.

The stark contrast of her alluring look ignited a frenzy of discussion, with viewership and social buzz on Twiblog soaring once again.

“Foxy lady is so hot! Step on me, please!”
“White hair, fox ears, leather suit… hehehe, bliss…”
“The moment I saw her, I realized—I must be a furry at heart…”
“Just liking beast ears doesn’t make you a furry! Don’t underestimate us, fool!”
“What a shame, with that body she’s wasting time at a tournament. I’d move to the Upper City to be her sugar daddy!”

But the white fox said nothing, merely waiting for her teammates to join her.

Under the expectant gaze of the crowd, the second contestant appeared.

He was a burly man, nearly six feet tall, encased in powered armor and carrying a massive mechanical greatsword almost as tall as himself. Moving with steady steps, he entered the frame. Though his outfit was less eye-catching than the white fox’s, many could tell at a glance he was no mere cannon fodder.

He was the representative sent by the Azure Flame Star Poaching Crew, the strongest solo hunter in the group, known by players as “Greatsword Bro.”

“My name is Hentel,” he introduced himself simply. Despite the offhand manner, he radiated the unmistakable presence of a formidable warrior.

After a wave of cheers, the last to step forward was a young man in black-rimmed glasses, dressed in a long black coat and looking barely of age.

If the first contestant exuded “contrast” and the second “strength,” then the third emanated “mystery.”

The boy didn’t bring his usual light crossbow, but carried a compact submachine gun and, at his waist, a knife on one side and a metal-bound book on the other.

Perhaps it was an illusion, but none of the audience could clearly make out his features. It was as if a thin mist or a digital blur obscured his face.

“Hello everyone, my name is Planner~” Chen Shang greeted the camera with a courteous bow and a smile.

His weapons were unremarkable, but the book at his waist caught Flavi’s attention.

“Young man, could you tell the audience what that book is?” Flavi asked curiously. “It’s the first time I’ve seen someone bring a book to a tournament.”

“It’s a weapon called knowledge~” Chen Shang replied, maintaining his enigmatic air.

“Well, you’re certainly more distinctive than the earlier teams~” Flavi didn’t miss a beat, smoothly changing the subject. “I hope to see you shine in the arena.”

Though he said this, Flavi silently mourned their fate for a few seconds.

As the camera followed Chen Shang and his teammates into the arena, the scene quickly cut to commercials.

...

Tokugawa Corporation, Longmen Branch

Chiyo Asougi sat upright, her gaze locked on the giant screen before her.

“It’s really him!” Chiyo could never mistake him—even with those mysterious glasses, she would recognize him anywhere.

Though she had known all along, seeing Chen Shang on the live broadcast made her heart race uncontrollably.

Calm down… Chiyo Asougi, you must stay calm! He’s just a commoner from the year below—you can’t let him distract you!

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

“That’s right, just like that…” Chiyo strode to her desk and began reviewing documents from the Tokugawa Corporation.

Ten minutes later…

“Who are his two teammates? Who is that white-haired woman? Why is her figure so… No, could he be in danger? Ahhhh!”

With a pained expression, Chiyo tossed the file onto the desk and returned to the sofa. Her slender fingers unconsciously reached for the remote, switching back to the Grand Tournament’s live broadcast.

“It’s not because I’m worried about him… I just want to see if he’s using the techniques I taught him… That’s all… just that…”

Pressing her trembling knees with both hands, Chiyo muttered softly to herself.