The Sixth Trial- a bonus one- lasted for approximately two and a half hours, which was more than Arthur had expected. Since there was no time limit, the remaining twelve participants were able to pass, fortunately for them. The number of blobs of light was equivalent to the number of participants so there really was no reason for the teams to fight and wear themselves out.
Arthur’s declaration was heard by every one of them so they knew that, with John gones, their chances of completing the Sixth Trial is no less than a hundred percent.
Apart from the fights that broke out at the beginning, nothing of importance happened later. The only reason it took over two hours for the Trial to finish was because the Dark Maze was incredibly huge, rendering it the navigation particularly hard, especially since the blobs of light- the participant’s target- was relatively small and hard to see amidst the wriggling thick black vines surging from the ground and aimlessly moving around. Sometimes a blocked path would open and another would close, making it hard to backtrack or try to memorize the safe routes.
“Will the next Trial be the last?”
Isadore was brimming with visible curiosity as he turned his head and looked at the parasite. He was faintly smiling and tapping his chair, a bad habit of his that indicated he’s excited and restless.
“I’ve prepared a total of nine Trials but the last two are not for the participants.”
“For whom is it, then?”
This time, Arthur maintained silence and Lucy was the one who answered. She glanced at Rasnod, the Patriarch of the Dark Blaze Sect, then at Cardinal Patrick.
“For the brave ones wanting to challenge the MoonStar Sect, of course.” She displayed a mesmerizing smile, her luscious pink lips arching upwards, giving Isadore chilling goosebumps.
“I can decline, right?” Hesitantly asked Isadore as he looked at Dan. The straw-hat wearing Overgod was as nonchalant as ever, his mind seemingly wondering about something irrelevant.
“It’s a friendly competition, no need to panic, Your Majesty. Only the guardians of the teams can participate and since you’re a mortal, you’re exempt.”
“And will you be participating?”
“Lucy will. I’m a spectator… very much like you.”
…
“Ladies and gentlemen! We’ve reached the final trial! The most exciting of them all! Five teams remain and only one will emerge victorious! Individual contribution and the ranking you see on the board up above will be the determining factor! Please, enjoy!”
Gutcha did a clumsy bow then stepped off the stage, leaving the twelve youngsters bathe in the spotlight and hear the loud cheering of the crowd.
Unlike earlier, the participating teams were given only half an hour to recuperate before the beginning of the Seventh and last Trial.
“We made it!” Bora, as always, laughing and beaming with joy of triumph as he hugged the reluctant Ho Qing and Ardor, though when he approached Rosea, she gave him a piercing glare that stopped him dead in his tracks. He scratched his head and awkwardly laughed then, with more force than he intended, patted the princess’ back, causing her to scowl at him.
“Good job.”
Arthur, along with Lucy and Cristina, appeared right behind the youth, startling him. Ho Qing and Ardor bowed at the same time, Rosea did the same albeit a second later. Bora was the last, smiling widely and performing an exaggerated bow.
“Although not all of you reached the end, you still did it. So far, your performance- though not flawless- is nevertheless commendable. You’ve made us proud.”
Arthur softly smiled at the four of them, he lifted his hand and released a white light that enveloped them all. Ho Qing’s injuries were instantly healed and a minuscule amount of his Nether Energy was restored.
“I know you guys could do it!”
Cristina walked to her friends and happily congratulated them, seeming genuinely relieved that the MoonStar team, despite losing two of its members, was able to achieve success and reach the final.
Although Rosea and Cristina would constantly bicker, the former didn’t shy away from voicing her thoughts and inquiring about the latter’s arm injury, which had long since been fully healed, fortunately. In addition, Cristina’s mood became much better after speaking her heart to Lucy.
“I trust that you’ll not betray our expectations and win the competition.” Added Arthur as he thoroughly scrutinized each of them.
“Teacher, I’d like to withdraw from the competition.”
Out of nowhere, Ho Qing spoke those words, surprising not only his teammates but also Arthur and Lucy.
“What’s the reason?” With one eyebrow raised, Lucy meaningfully looked at the red-haired youth, who was stoof straight and didn’t avoid her eyes.
“I believe I’ve achieved what I wanted from this tournament. I need some time alone to think about my mistakes and to cultivate. Please excuse my presumptuous request and I beg you to accept it.”
After saying that, he turned toward Bora, Rosea, and Ardor, and added,
“Even without me, I know that you’ll win. Please do not be angry with me, however, I’m doing what I think is best for me.”
“Don’t you think it’s a bit selfish?!” Rosea was not at all happy with Ho Qing, she walked to him and angrily glared at his face as if she’s going to slap him at any given second.
Rosea was about to continue lashing at him but was stopped by Arthur, who raised his hand and gestured for her to step back.
“If that is what you want then so be it. You’ll be disqualified.”
“Thank you, teacher.” Ho Qing respectfully bowed two times, one for Arthur and one for Lucy.
The youth didn’t stay there for any longer, he politely excused himself and returned to the tower.
“Teacher, how could you let him go? We need him!”
Rosea was firmly objecting to Ho Qing’s withdrawal. Having one less member significantly decreases their chance of winning.
“I’m not obligating anyone to participate. This competition aims for the participants’ improvements above all. Ho Qing achieved what he wanted and if he says it’s enough then I won’t object to his decision. After all, he knows himself best.”
“But-”
“Stop complaining. We’ll just have to do it without him.”
Ardor interrupted her with a serious and sharp tone, leaving her no room to argue back. The princess bit her lips and balled her fists but didn’t dare to cause a ruckus after Arthur declared his intentions. She looked at Lucy, seeking for another positive answer but the female White Specter was completely expressionless and eerily silent.
“What you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! The Seventh Trial will begin shortly.” Gutcha declared with his croaky deafening voice, not forgetting to showcase his hideously ugly grin, fangs bared and eyes half-opened.
“The final Trial is individual fights between the remaining teams. Each victory counts for 50 points so…” The Pigolo directed his gaze to the team with the lowest points, the Dark Blaze Team.
Holand was quietly standing a distance away, seemingly not interested in hearing the rules or anything about the last Trial.
“Even a team with one participant can rise to the top. Furthermore, in the case of being defeated in an individual battle, the loser will also earn points depending on his performance. The fights between the participants will be assigned randomly and three defeats will lead to disqualification!”
“Isn’t it too basic?”
“It certainly is.” Arthur, now back to the VIP box, let out a long sigh as he replied to the young King.
“But it’s what the crowd wants and , ultimately, one-on-one fights are what really matters. Those who qualify are the true winners.”
“Indeed. I wish my team wasn’t disqualified…” Isadore shook his head in disappointment, which made Arthur chuckle and jokingly say,
“So they can use the overpowered artefacts you provided them? Your Majesty, your vast wealth is not a secret, you know.”
“So what? It’s not like it’s against the rules. Look! Even the duo from the Holy Dominion have high-graded accessories and gear.”
