"Are you sure about this news?"
Although Bu was eager for the rich rewards that came with securing first place, he also feared that if he worked hard only to find out the information was wrong, it would all be in vain.
Locke nodded confidently in response, stating firmly, "This isn't a secret. The Holy Light Academy holds a Qualification Challenge for its students every ten years. News like this has been circulating for a long time; otherwise, so many powerful individuals wouldn't be flocking here."
After hearing Locke's answer, the last bit of hesitation in Bu's heart was completely cast aside. At that moment, a fire ignited within him.
With a tiger's roar in his chest, he felt the thrill of the deep forest.
First place was his goal. No matter how strong his opponents were or how fierce the competition became, no one could stop his forward momentum.
He desperately needed to grow stronger—for Wendy, for himself, and to complete the Ultimate Mission in Three Years. He had to fight and strive for it.
Time was what he lacked the most; the Ultimate Mission wouldn't grant him over a decade to prepare.
Securing first place in the Crook Duchy Qualification Challenge would be a shortcut, the best channel for him to become stronger.
Even without mentioning the luxurious Amplification Equipment, becoming a student at the Holy Light Academy after winning first place would provide him with abundant resources for training and various powerful Combat Skills that he could learn.
At the Aldra Family estate, a lavish carriage stood by the street outside the grand entrance.
Unable to resist Wendy's insistence, Warren Earl agreed to take her along to watch the Qualification Challenge. Of course, Vulture-faced Bill accompanied them as well.
The carriage was spacious enough that Bu and the other three felt no sense of crowding inside.
The interior was lined with a carpet made from beast fur, which felt exceptionally comfortable underfoot. In the center of the carriage was a square table made of sandalwood, adorned with some pastries and drinks.
Six family guards on tall horses surrounded the carriage, and Locke rode alongside them.
“Brent, keep it up! I believe in you; you will definitely perform well in the Qualification Challenge.”
Wendy's sea-blue eyes were fixed on Bu, her fists waving in the air as she encouraged him with a charming dimpled smile.
Bu smiled and nodded, just about to say something when Vulture Face, buzzing like a fly nearby, suddenly spoke up with a sarcastic tone.
“Hey, sis, it's better not to have too high hopes. There are many strong competitors in this Qualification Challenge, like our Sparta City's top young contender, Reynold. He entered the Low-Level tier over a year ago. Brent Brothers, he’s just there to get familiar faces.”
After finishing his taunt, Vulture-faced Bill turned his gaze toward Bu, wearing a mocking smile that seemed to challenge him with an expression that said he was asking for trouble.
With a scoff, Bu ignored the fly and shifted his gaze away.
Since Warren Earl invited Bu to represent the Aldra Family in the Qualification Challenge, Bill had been harboring resentment against him.
Especially today, seeing Bu wearing the Thorned Heart outfit that originally belonged to him made Bill's facade of civility completely fall apart; the venomous hatred in his eyes could kill.
When Bu glanced at him and then disregarded him completely, Bill felt even more enraged, his mind swirling with malicious thoughts.
Wendy was also somewhat displeased by her Second Brother's interruption.
She never liked this Second Brother much anyway; she felt he lacked any qualities of an older sibling and always wore a gloomy face with insincere words. Seeing him mock Bu now only deepened her dislike.
Noticing the atmosphere had grown tense, Warren Earl cleared his throat a few times and smiled at Bu, encouragingly saying, “Nephew, don’t put too much pressure on yourself for this Qualification Challenge. Although there are many strong opponents and fierce competition, you shouldn’t underestimate yourself. After all, with your abilities, you could be a dark horse.”
Upon finishing his words, Warren Earl immediately shifted his gaze to Bill, frowning as he warned him not to speak out of turn. Seeing this, Bill's expression darkened even further, and he lowered his head in silence.
Warren Earl was well aware of his second son's thoughts. However, the current situation was the biggest card he held, and he intended to leverage it to gain more glory and benefits for his family. It would not be wise to tear their relationship apart at this moment.
"Uncle, you can rest assured that no matter who the opponent is, winning against me won't be that easy."
Seeing that his uncle had spoken, Bu had no choice but to give him some face and issue a hollow promise to let the Old Guy feel good for now.
"Brent, I will cheer for you. Come, let's toast to your triumphant return." Wendy's eyes sparkled with joy as she lifted the wine jug and filled two silver cups with wine, handing one of them to Bu.
"For your words, it seems I must give it my all. Cheers."
Bu teased the Girl lightly, smiling as he accepted the cup and clinked it gently with Wendy's before tilting his head back to drink.
After drinking, Wendy's cheeks flushed a rosy red, and her gaze towards Bu changed noticeably. Warren Earl observed everything with a smile on his face while secretly calculating in his mind.
The carriage moved slowly along the bustling streets of Sparta City, filled with people and noise.
As one of the Twelve Great Cities of Crook Duchy, Sparta City was always saturated with foot traffic.
Currently, it was hosting the grand Qualification Challenge organized by Holy Light Academy. As one of the competition venues, countless warriors from nearby cities flocked here, along with many onlookers who came to join in the excitement. The influx of people reached a terrifying level.
In crowded places like this, not only was it lively, but incidents of crime and brawls were also inevitable. The security forces in Sparta City were nearly all deployed, with the number of patrolling guards increased several times compared to usual.
The number of warriors coming to Sparta City for the Qualification Challenge was unknown, and most were young individuals who often could not withstand provocation and ended up fighting.
In a tense situation where bloodshed occurs frequently, the vigilante actions of heroes violate the law. To maintain order in the city and prevent panic among residents, the patrol guards have taken to the streets, conducting thorough inspections and guarding every corner.
The carriage of the Aldra Family bears a unique family crest, symbolizing the family's honor. Accompanying the carriage are several strong guards of low-level strength, all clad in shining silver armor, with indifferent expressions and sharp gazes, exuding a formidable presence.
As this convoy passes through, they encounter no obstacles; no one dares to offend such major forces.
After half an hour of travel, the group has arrived at the venue for the Qualification Challenge.
The carriage stops at the nobles' exclusive parking area, where a clever attendant rushes over to take charge.
Stepping down from the carriage, they look up and realize that they are at the renowned Aris Arena in Sparta City.
They can't help but wonder if the Qualification Challenge is being held in the Gladiatorial Arena.
The building before them is massive, covering an area of about twenty to thirty thousand square meters. It is constructed entirely from neatly cut bluish-gray stones, resembling a giant bowl turned upside down on the ground, forming a semicircular shape.
This colossal structure resembles a terrifying monster with dozens of eyes; the eyes being the entrances to the Gladiatorial Arena. Strangely enough, aside from the grand central entrance, which is particularly magnificent and tall, the other entrances appear quite ordinary.
These doors connect together to form the walls of the Gladiatorial Arena, creating a wall made up of dozens of large doors.
Aris Arena is one of Sparta City's most magnificent and unique buildings, renowned for its peculiar architectural style.
At this moment, more and more people are gradually arriving; the vast square of Aris Arena is bustling with activity and filled with lively sounds.
Looking at the crowd gathered like ants before them, they feel somewhat speechless. The scene resembles that of an Olympic Games held once every four years in their previous life.
“Brent, Keep it up. We will be watching you perform well from the audience.” Wendy’s clear and melodious voice rang in Bu’s ears like the sound of a bell.
Hearing this, Bu smiled slightly. He turned around to look at the girl behind him. Wendy’s eyes, filled with gentle affection, gazed at him, her expression full of encouragement.
At that moment, in Bu’s eyes, Wendy’s innocence was as captivating as a cluster of fragrant gardenias. Pure and beautiful, like the first ray of sunlight breaking at dawn, it brought an infinite warmth and softness.
In a daze, Bu lost himself for a moment, simply staring at the girl. He felt a deep sense of tranquility and warmth; in this unfamiliar land, he was no longer a stranger passing through, nor an eternally lonely vampire. He had something to care about, something to protect.
“Foolish Brent, hurry up. We need to head to the competition venue now.”
Feeling shy under Bu’s gaze, Wendy blushed slightly. Remembering that her father and Second Brother were still nearby, she pouted in mild annoyance.
The girl’s playful pout snapped Bu back to reality. He was momentarily taken aback and then noticed that Warren Earl and Vulture Face were staring at him intently. Realizing this, his thick-skinned demeanor felt a bit flushed. He quickly laughed awkwardly and changed the subject, saying, “Uncle, let’s go in first. More and more people are arriving.”
Warren Earl nodded slightly, his meaningful gaze making Bu Xin feel uneasy.
The group was surrounded by guards as they made their way toward the main entrance of the Aris Arena.
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