Jack looked up to the sky. His opponents’ names were all greyed out, including Disco Rain, which proved falling completely into the sand whirlpool was considered instant death. Pallas’ voice boomed from the sky announcing the Human team’s victory.
“By the way, what’s that Titan Strength you mentioned? You sound pretty surprised by it,” Jack asked Peniel. Four Winds’ aura did increase exponentially when he became giant size, but Jack didn’t clash directly with him so Jack didn’t know how impressive that transformation was.
“It’s the first active skill from a unique-grade bloodline, the Titan bloodline,” Peniel explained.
“Unique grade? Ain’t that the same grade as my Gold Dragon bloodline?” Jack asked, impressed.
As he was speaking, he saw his environment transformed. He found himself back outside in the arena again. Red Death, Four Winds, and the others had been revived.
Jack turned to his five opponents, who were also looking back at him.
“Congratulations on winning,” Four Winds said to him. His tone didn’t carry any bitterness. Jack’s impression of this guild leader became even better.
“We win?” Giant Steve asked in confusion. He thought for sure they had lost already.
Red Death and the others were similarly confused by the result. Red Death noticed that Four Winds only congratulated Jack. She asked Jack, “You didn’t die in that sand whirlpool?”
“You people didn’t check the names on the sky?” Jack asked back. He then turned back to Four Winds, “If you people have chosen to run around and avoid me, you will be the victor instead.”
“If we do such cowardly acts, we don’t deserve to be the victors,” Four Winds uttered.
“You have my admiration,” Jack said with a salute.
The audience clapped. They were also impressed by the orc team’s unyielding spirit. One team was pouting, though.
“Damn those young show-offs, did he just call me a coward then?” Jett uttered.
“Haha,” Domon laughed. Jet was still sitting beside him. “People said that there is a fine line between smart and cowardice, bravery and stupidity. If you prefer, you can just pretend that you have acted smart while they acted with stupidity.”
“Why do you say pretend? It is indeed the smart play to hide. It’s just too bad the result didn’t turn out as I intended,” Jet protested.
One group among the natives did think the orc team had been extremely stupid. It was Abdu and Abasi. They were gritting their teeth. It was difficult for them to conceal their feelings. The two stood up. The aide that followed them asked, “where will you be going, my chief?”
“Back to Verremor,” Abdu replied. “Now that the human team has won, many works will need to be done to influence the council. You stayed here as our representative until the ceremony is over. I won’t waste any more time here.”
The orc chief then gave the orc team in the arena one more disgusted glance before he left with Abasi.
<br/>Prince Alonzo saw the orc chief and warlord left. He didn’t give them much thought. He was grinning widely at the moment. Although the team was composed more of Rhemos supporters, they had all been wiped out. The sole reason for the victory was his champion. The merit of winning this team tournament was all his.
While many might have had the same thought and considered the orc team’s decision as stupid, Callan and Pallas didn’t think so. The two came to the teams who were still standing in the arena, but instead of coming to congratulate the winning team, they came first to the orc team instead.
“You and your team have displayed exceptional bravery,” Callan said to Four Winds and his team. “You have our respect.”
“Good resolve!” Pallas uttered.
After talking for a bit with the orc team, Callan and Pallas then came to congratulate the human team. Callan then announced that the prize-giving ceremony would be carried out after lunch. The void shield around the Roman Theater dissolved and revealed several arranged tables and chairs in a garden not far away.
Callan invited everyone to head over to enjoy a meal.
Four Winds came to Jack when everyone started leaving. He said, “You are very strong. Are you interested in joining Cipher Flight?”
“I’m flattered,” Jack said. “However, I’m already in a guild. Thanks for your offer anyway.”
“I see. Too bad. What is your guild’s name? I can’t use Inspect on you.”
“My guild is called Everlasting Heavenly Legends.”
“The number one guild in Themisphere? With you as its member, it’s no wonder.”
“You know about our guild?”
“You have some members in Verremor as well. Naturally, we collect as much information about the existing guilds. I hope our two guilds can build a good relationship.”
“I would like that,” Jack said. He then looked around, saw the person he was looking for, and called out, “Jeanny! Jeanny! Come here!”
Jack then introduced Jeanny as the guild leader and said that for any formal discussion about guild matters, Four Winds could discuss them with her. Jeanny rolled her eyes at Jack. ‘Isn’t you one of the leaders as well?’ She thought.
Jack sent Four Winds a friend request which the orc accepted. He then left the orc with Jeanny.
He looked around again, searching for someone else. He found the person. He went and asked the person for a talk. The person refused at first, but Jack insisted. Jack had to practically drag her to a secluded corner for a talk. They talked for a long time.
After quite some time, Jack and Red Death returned to the tables that catered the lunch. They didn’t notice two pairs of eyes were staring at them as they returned. One was from Yellow Death, the other was from Grace.
During lunch, Prince Alonzo and the others came by and congratulated Jack for winning the tournament. Prince Alonzo repeatedly expressed his gratitude while Jack was having his lunch, making him unable to fully enjoy it.
When everyone had finished their meals, the council priests invited everyone to the courtyard in front of the Temple of Courage. At that place, a stage with a podium had been arranged. Callan was behind the podium.
After he saw everyone arrive, he started giving a speech. Thanking the participants as well as congratulating the winners. He then went into another lengthy prayer. By now, everyone was used to it. They had even expected it to happen before the ceremony started.
When the ceremony did start, it was those with the lowest rankings that were called, which were those who lost their first matches. Each of these individuals received 30 gold coins and a level 50 super rare chest armor corresponding to their classes.
Super rare grade equipment was still very rare. Even for top players, many still had only one or two such equipment. Only Jack, who had the transformation prism, could afford to give away such equipment to his friends. Additionally, the given super rare armor was at level 50, which was higher than the current player’s average level. At this stage, one needed a high-level blacksmith and lots of rare materials to get their equipment to that level. So, for these players who lost their first matches to receive such a prize had already made their day.
They at first thought they would only get a complimentary reward like a healing potion or a useless medal or something like that. They were clearly gleeful at such a surprise. After they received the chest armor, they even found out that this armor could be considered top class among other super rare armor. This Council of Virtus truly showed that it was a top faction in this world.
The next ones being called were those who had won one time. They were given 50 gold coins and the chance to select a level 50 super rare grade weapon of their choice. The selection was made from a holographic interface that appeared from a golden orb held by Callan. The chest armor prizes that were given were also pulled out from this golden orb. Jack figured this golden orb functioned much like players’ inventory bags.
After that were the ones who had won two times. They were given 70 gold coins and a full set of seven pieces of level 50 super rare equipment, from headgear to boots.
Those who had taken their prices before were jealous of them. They had also realized that the ones that had been granted free wins before, might not have been lucky. Because they could only either win one time or become the champion. Two-time winnings were only available for those who had to fight three matches to become the champions.
When it came to the orc team, they received an extra reward compared to the other individuals that had won two times. They received a super rare grade ring called Mark of Valor. Callan declared that it was a reward for showing valor instead of taking the safe path. Several people disagreed, but none dared to show objection.
After the two-time winning players received their prizes, it was time for the champions. The first one being called was the champion of the Knight section.
“Arthur Bagrat of the Draconian race, Please come forward!” Callan called.
Arthur came up to the stage. Callan presented him with the rewards. It was 100 gold coins and level 50 super rare grade seven-piece set equipment for Avenger. Set equipment was inherently more powerful than standard equipment. It provided additional bonuses based on how many pieces of the set were being equipped. And seven-piece set equipment was the best there was. The one Arthur received was even one that catered especially to the Avenger class.
Additionally, Arthur could also choose one level 50 super rare grade weapon of his choice. His choice was, unsurprisingly, a katana.
Arthur equipped the set equipment on the spot. Since they were set equipment, their visuals matched one another. His appearance now resembled that of an ancient samurai.
“I think this tournament is rigged. How can they prepare a prize that so suited that old swordsman,” Jack joked.
Paytowin gave him a side-eye. “You know. Even if you are a champion, you can still be thrown out of this mountain for saying things that dishonor this faction.”
After Arthur walked down the stage, Callan called the next champion, “Champion of the Warrior section. Domon Fei of the Human race, come forward!”
