It was already evening. The plants had turned dark under the fading light, while a bright moon hung high in the sky, illuminating the land below.

  All around the competition grounds, food stalls had been set up. The organizers had prepared all kinds of arrangements for both spectators and competitors.

  It was the first day of the competition, and the crowd was even larger than during festivals. Traders who had temporarily moved into town had also gathered there, making the entire area feel even more cramped.

  After a few minutes, Drayen was breathing roughly, sweating all over. “Thank God they made a special entrance for competitors.”

  Here they saw some seats, unlike the viewers' seats which were already filled. A few were still empty. They quickly took their seats. Before they knew it, the competitors’ section was also filled to full capacity, and some had to stand.

  The crowd was angry. “What happened to the organizing this year??”

  “We have to suffer in this cramped space before even the match begins.” The competitors were also complaining.

  Kael, who had a bad mouth, was cursing nonstop.

  Some parts of the crowd went silent. Soon more and more people fell silent. Drayen used his Butterfly Jewel Eyes to see the man who was coming inside and moving towards the center of the arena. He was openly releasing his Rank 3 aura. Even Rank 4s didn’t receive this much respect, but the crowd going silent showed the respect the man had.

  Drayen was good at getting information. He was already chatting with the girl beside him and was getting to know some details.

  “Who is that, Ara?” Drayen murmured.

  Ara was the girl he had just befriended. She had brown hair that reached her shoulders and wore a bandana that made her forehead appear slightly wider. Her expression was serious as she answered.

  “He is the judge of this year’s competition. He’s a respected teacher throughout the town and often teaches for free.”

  She paused before continuing.

  “Before he was injured, it was said he had reached the peak of Rank 4, even stronger than Miss Clara. After all… he is her father.”

  Ara's eyebrows knotted and with a sad tone she said. “Recently I heard his injuries resurfaced, so he hadn’t come out. I hope he is fine.” Her expression showed genuine care.

  Drayen gazed at the man. He didn’t have a single hair on his body, not even eyebrows. He was skinny and looked extremely weak. His grey eyes seemed experienced. He wore a formal rock-skin leather outfit. But his back was straight like a sword of justice. The respect the people gave him was more than just for his rank. It looked like the respect that came from their hearts.

  He opened his mouth with a smile. “I apologize for the inadequate arrangements this year. We had too many candidates, and I was quite sick to watch over everything.” He bowed a little, showing his sincerity.

  Drayen clearly understood why this man was given so much respect.

  He straightened his back and solemnly introduced himself. “Now let me formally introduce myself. I am Claude Hopper, who will be overseeing this grand competition of Rock Apple Town.”

  “Please listen to the rules carefully. This year’s rules have changed significantly due to the overwhelming number of competitors, but the rules will be fair and just. Everyone who is able will get a chance.”

  He coughed, clearing his throat. “Now, the prelim round will be a free battle between ten participants. Only the two who are still standing will qualify for the competition.”

  The crowd began to murmur. “Isn't it too harsh? Every time usually five would qualify.”

  The youths had disappointment on their faces.

  Drayen had expected this, seeing the number of competitors. It was just a vague guess since he didn’t know about the previous competitions, but it looked like he had hit the bullseye.

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  Mr. Hopper clapped, gaining attention. “I know it's unfair, but the candidates this time are truly too many. But don't worry, lads. Those who will be disqualified, I will take classes for them for a week in batches. So there is a chance for you to improve.”

  The crowd became cheerful again.

  Ara sighed. “Now I truly don’t regret it even if I get eliminated in the prelims.” She laughed.

  Drayen also agreed with her. “A former Rank 4 training you isn't a bad idea at all.”

  Mr. Hopper raised his hand again, signaling for silence.

  “Quiet down. Let me finish, lads.”

  The murmuring gradually faded.

  “One final reminder. A competitor will be considered eliminated if they are knocked unconscious or voluntarily surrender.”

  His expression became serious.

  “Although the rules allow for accidental deaths, or situations where someone refuses to surrender…”

  His voice slowed.

  “I hope you will respect this old man and refrain from killing.”

  He looked across the gathered youths.

  “And to those who find themselves on the brink of death, I advise you to surrender. Do not force the winner’s hand.”

  “The future is still bright.”

  “All the best to you all, lads. Do your best.”

  The competition began as the ten selected candidates entered the arena.

  ---

  In the Green Frog Well Village, the streets were bustling.

  Fedric, Lara, Leo, and his sisters were returning with their instructor to Tellus. This village had been hosting a competition like the one in Rock Apple Town, and they had gone there to watch it. Now they were returning from it.

  Their instructor was an old man with white hair and a wrinkled face. He was wearing a casual T-shirt and sweatpants. He was their new instructor and was guiding them back. Suddenly his phone rang.

  “Young master…”

  He talked for a moment before putting his phone back into his pocket.

  His smile widened as he turned to the gang. “Young Master Zuko has come. Let’s welcome them and then go back.”

  Lara had a happy smile on her face. Drayen and Kael hadn’t told anyone that they weren’t coming. Even Fedric and the triplets were happy.

  Soon the Valtor brothers arrived, waving their hands. Zuko was in front, waving excitedly at Lara. She was also jumping around and waving back.

  Fedric and the triplets were searching for Drayen, but there was no sign of him. Zuko stood in front of Lara, his face tight with emotion. He was thinking about the Houndswell night, when he couldn’t do anything to protect her. Lara hugged him.

  “Finally, you’re here.” She laughed happily.

  Thorin smiled faintly as he watched his younger brother so happy.

  Morven, however, was inwardly cursing.

  He had originally thought that once Zuko entered the Nightmare Realm, he would finally have the opportunity to deal with him. But Thorin had been constantly nearby, leaving him no chance to act.

  Morven glanced at Thorin.

  A flash of hidden hatred passed through his eyes before he quickly concealed it behind a polite smile.

  Leo cleared his throat.

  “I don’t want to disturb the occasion,” he said, “but where is our gang leader?”

  Thorin raised an eyebrow.

  “Are you talking about Drayen or Kael?”

  He shrugged casually.

  “Both of them refused to come.”

  “What?”

  The triplets, Fedric, and even Lara looked shocked.

  Fedric frowned. “Was there some kind of problem?”

  Thorin answered with a calm smile.

  “You should call your friends and ask them yourselves.”

  Just then—

  Ring. Ring.

  Thorin’s phone began to ring.

  “Oh, excuse me.”

  He stepped aside and answered it.

  The call lasted less than a minute.

  But when he returned, his expression had changed. His face looked troubled… even confused.

  “Everyone,” he said seriously, “there’s a problem.”

  “We can’t go back.”

  “We’ll have to stay in the Nightmare Realm for a few days.”

  Zuko, who had already been homesick, immediately looked depressed.

  Lara gently patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry,” she said reassuringly. “I’ll visit every day.”

  Thorin hesitated before saying in a solemn manner, “I’m afraid even you can’t return. We have to move to a neighboring village for a few days, including all of you.”

  He explained the reason before anyone asked. “Etherion has reported that we are illegally immigrating.”

  Among the people there, some had confused expressions, some were angry. But Morven, although he showed an indignant expression on the outside, was the happiest person inside because of this unexpected incident.

  In Etherion, Mysterious School, Dean’s Office.

  There was a young man who looked like a brute, with a muscular build, calm red eyes, and red hair. He had a tired expression on his face. The constant work after the Houndswell incident had left him very stressed.

  In front of him, Mr. Dordo was standing. “Dean Rowan, I have dealt with the Houndswell issue. The final batch of requested goods has been delivered.”

  The red-haired man, who was usually composed, had no composure on his face now. Stress and anger were clearly visible. “Hmm.” He nodded.

  “I heard some of the students during the incident fled to the Valtors,” Rowan asked.

  Mr. Dordo answered after hesitating, “Yes, it’s the Valtor family. They interfered. We couldn’t do anything but let the students go.”

  The young man’s eyes flared with anger. “How many of them are gone?”

  Mr. Dordo replied, “Many were missing, including Kael, Drayen, and also that new instructor Kira. But the news is that they are safe. Lara, Fedric and the triplets have all gone to Valtors School.”

  “Kira… well, she was never permanent staff. Leave it. The others… the Valtors are becoming arrogant, taking so many kids.” He clenched his fists.

  Mr. Dordo looked like he wanted to say something, but he hesitated before asking instead, “What should we do about it?”

  Rowan waved his hand. “Answer some of my questions.”

  Mr. Dordo gave a detailed report about the situation as Rowan questioned.

  When he finished, silence filled the office.

  Then—

  A cunning smile slowly spread across Rowan’s brutish face.

  “Hahaha…”

  “Make a report stating that they are immigrants from the Nightmare Realm seeking residence in Tellus.”