Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
With the semi-finals drawing near, Aslan was bustling with excitement. The traffic department of Aslan was also on high alert in anticipation of these big matches. At the same time, they had to prevent any emergencies. So far, from the press releases regarding the preparations for the battle, it was enough to handle even more bustling venues. Of course, this was not merely for the live matches itself, the major military colleges would also be providing more venues for the live broadcasts. After all, those who could be at the arena to watch the live matches were still a minority. Aslan also needed such results recently, especially in the military colleges groups. Since they had made this such a big event, Aslan did not want a defeat that happened at IG, allowing the Arbiters to win the trophy at their own backyard. All the students’ enthusiasm was also very high. Every tactic was analysed. The tactical department practically turned the eight teams inside out.
Of course, this was not of much use. The eight teams had been hiding their strength, reserving their killer moves for the later games. Furthermore, a powerful team could make adjustments accordingly to their opponents.
Lear was very busy. He was making a complete investigation of his opponents. Besides, he also knew that the captain of the Heaven’s Arrow battle team, Tang Zheng, was probably doing the same thing. A Holy Son candidate. He was from an ancient family, belonging to the core family of the Sacred Religion. This meant that there was an eighty to ninety percent chance that the Heaven’s Arrow Federation was under the control of the Sacred Religion.
This was sufficient proof of the terrifying power of the Sacred Religion. It was amazing that an organization could do this. At the same time, this made Lear want this power even more. But for now, he could not be distracted by his opponents, he needed to get into the semi-finals first.
Going up against Aslan was another matter, and so was winning or losing. But getting into the semi-finals was the most important link in this competition. Once he was in the semi-finals, he would be in an unbeatable position.
Lear had also put in quite some effort on Ai Zhengyang of the Zero Degrees battle team. The Zero Degrees battle team were all Water element wielders. A single attribute could be very powerful, but at the same time, if it was targeted correctly, the result could be equally effective.
Lear had no intentions of hiding anything. Weighing the circumstances, if they won this battle, the rest would be easy. Therefore, this was a battle that they needed to put all their effort into.
The Sword Shield Rose battle team’s opponent was clearly not to be trifled with. The power that the Mayans had shown was equally problematic. So, no one said anything about home glory for the Sword Shield Rose battle team. The Aslan people had to resolve the problem of restraining the mecha of the Mayans; otherwise, they would lose the first match of the semi-finals, and this would be totally humiliating for Aslan.
Simply said, to imply that the Sword Shield Rose battle team’s chance of winning was higher was illogical. Both opponents appeared to be cautious. The Mayans knew that this was their opportunity. They had been inhibited for a long time and they did not want to be inhibited again. The power of the entire team was also stronger than ever had before. Through this battle, they wanted to announce to the world that the Mayans would be returning to the major leagues.
Needless to say, the battle between the Saruman Snake battle team and the Soulless battle team was similar to Mars crashing into Earth. Already on the verge of elimination, the Asura battle team also survived. It was difficult for Marzu and Olivios to endure, but they had to. With most of the teams staying behind, if they were to leave or dared not step out of their doors, it would be a sign of weakness. So, no matter how unwilling they were, they had to deal with it.
However, the Asura battle team would not profess to give the Soulless battle team any suggestions. Even if they had, Aragon would not have accepted them. Although everyone believed that it was a fifty-fifty percent chance, the Soulless battle team had 100 percent confidence. Aragon was 100 percent confident in eliminating Saruman Snake. The Atlanteans were the same too. As long as there was an element of surprise, and with preparations, the Atlanteans were not invincible, especially in actual combat. The Arbiters were best in actual combat.
The battle between the Sea Queen battle team and the Pioneer battle team was, in fact, the most relaxed battle. The strength and fame of the two teams had the most disparities. For the Pioneer battle team, all they had to do was demonstrate their strengths.
Tang Zheng was rather unable to reconcile with the situation. He had already come this far, yet he had to face the Sea Queen battle team. His chances of being selected as the Holy Son were very high, and he had the support of one of the elders. After all, he was from the most orthodox branch of yesteryears. However, the Atlantis hurdle was really difficult to overcome.
Although the eight teams could hardly be deemed to have triumph over adversities, they had indeed been busy honing their skills behind closed doors. Even the Aslan people would not be pretentious.
In the midst of busy preparations, the first battle of the semi-finals began. The opening big battle was between Aslan’s Sword Shield Rose Battle and Child of Light.
The Light of the Knight Arena ushered in its first non-combat battle. The arena was sold out. Yan Xiaosu, Jasper, Gabre, Ye Zisu, Laurel, and Zhao Elin were already there. Ye Zisu was the first one to arrive. But they did not look for Wang Zheng, because they knew that the situation now was rather unique and it would be best not to distract him.
The contestants who had taken part in the SIG, regardless of whether they had won or lost, had their designated area to watch the competition, and they were the best seats. This was also the first time that the losers were gathered together.
The Light of the Knight Arena was rather well-equipped. They had taken into consideration the audience in the back rows and the upper levels. There were huge holographic 5D images, equipped with specialised technical analysis and energy meters. The various equipment was still being adjusted. The entire arena was under the energy shield, including thirty meters underground and beyond. It would provide protection from the heavy weapons.
The most important thing was, of course, the medical organisations. Treatment rooms were already setup within the arena, and the medical teams were made up of the best doctors and nurses from the Capital Hospital from Aslan. Those who lost their spirits to fight, or admitted defeat, would be considered to have been defeated. Any intentional causation of injuries or death were strictly prohibited. The final results would be judged by the jury.
The conditions of actual combat and virtual warfare were two very different concepts. More emphasis was placed on defense and caution. Unlike the condition in virtual warfare, it was rare that the vital points were attacked, there was greater emphasis on caution. This best reflected actual combat, and, of course, the risks were also higher.
Nonetheless, the risk was also equal.
All the political dignitaries of the countries taking part in this SIG were on the premier’s rostrum. Kashawen and Aina were there too. Kashawen officiated the opening. But Aina had the right to be seated here too. Although Huiyin was the second princess, she could not attend such official events. Aslan was very strict with this regulation. It was comparable to Kashawen being the true ruler of Aslan, and Aina’s father was more like the spiritual symbol. He would not interfere with the empire’s actual affairs.
This also had very strict regulations within Aslan. This was to prevent power struggles from occurring. The Aslan royal family and the main forces of the country had a set of validation methods. These regulations were the basis of Aslan’s foundation. No one could and would dare to undermine it. Although there was competition in Aslan, but there were no ugly political struggles in like the those in the Solar system.
The noise in entire arena peaked while waiting for the competition to start. For most of the people, this was the first time that they were watching an actual battle of this level. Excitement was inevitable.
Both the Aslan and Mayan warriors were in the waiting rooms, ready to stand before the audience.
