Suddenly, Cruise Main pivoted and unleashed a powerful Shadow Magic Circle. An overwhelming surge of shadow energy erupted, ensnaring all of them within its confines. Trapped and motionless, they could only watch Cruise Main with disbelief.

Cruise Main regarded them coldly, declaring, “Did you truly believe I couldn’t escape? I was merely luring you into my trap.”

With that, he raced toward the villa, intent on safeguarding the prodigious youth. However, just as he neared the villa, he was startled by the sounds of a fierce struggle emanating from within.

Could there be more accomplices? He hastened his pace and dashed into the villa, only to find the young prodigy engaged in a fierce battle against several cloaked figures.

Though the boy was powerful, he found himself outnumbered. Without hesitation, Cruise Main joined the fray, fighting alongside the youth against the shadowy assailants.

After a fierce battle, they finally triumphed over the black-clad foes. Cruise Main gazed at the young prodigy, his heart swelling with admiration. This boy was not only exceptionally skilled but also remarkably brave, confronting danger without the slightest hint of fear.

Looking at Cruise Main, the gifted youth said,”Thank you, I am Charcot.”

With a smile, Cruise Main replied, “No need for thanks. I am Cruise Main. I came to Betta Planet on a mission, and I never expected to encounter you.”

Charcot continued,”I hail from Omar Planet. But I inadvertently revealed myself and nearly met my end here. I propose that we join forces. What do you say?”

Cruise Main affirmed, “Certainly. But first, I must contact Alfa Planet.”

He then used a crystal communicator to reach out to Enzo.

At that moment, Enzo was preparing to assemble a rescue team for Cruise Main, but Cruise Main declined. “Master, if you send someone over, it might escalate into a war between our two planets. Rest assured, I have a teammate now, and I will be cautious while ensuring we gather the necessary intelligence.”

Enzo nodded approvingly, “Excellent, Cruise. You’re doing well.”

Cruise Main said,”Master. Since we have the means to gather intelligence, the people of Betta Planet must be thinking the same. We should remain vigilant.”

Enzo replied, “I have already made arrangements. I will provide some intelligence that we wish for their spies to obtain. Take care, Cruise.”

“Understood, Master. I will get to work now.”

Cruise Main ended the call and turned to Charcot, “Charcot, what intelligence have you gathered? Shall we exchange information?”

Charcot nodded, producing a small notebook from his pocket and began to leaf through its pages.

“Upon my observations, among the five prodigies dispatched from Betta, aside from myself, there exists a girl named Sinifer, who excels in a defensive spell known as ‘Shield of Light,’ reputed to withstand most assaults.”

Cruise Main furrowed his brow, “Shield of Light? That sounds troublesome.”

Charcot continued, “Indeed, Sinifer’s Shield of Light is formidable. I have witnessed its prowess during training—few attacks can breach her defenses. Furthermore, there is a warrior named Dormammu, whose strength is unmatched in close combat, rendering him nearly invincible.”

A flicker of concern crossed Cruise Main’s eyes, “A warrior of such immense strength is certainly a formidable adversary.”

Charcot closed his notebook and regarded Cruise Main, “However, we possess our own advantages. Your shadow magic, in conjunction with my swordsmanship, should suffice to meet their challenges.”

Cruise Main nodded, “Indeed, we must leverage our strengths and devise a sound strategy.”

The two commenced strategizing, deciding upon a collaborative approach. Cruise Main would employ his shadow magic to disrupt and weaken their opponents, while Charcot would unleash his exceptional swordplay to mount the offense.

Once their strategy was solidified, Cruise Main reestablished contact with Enzo, relaying their tactical plan and the intelligence gathered thus far.

Enzo responded with satisfaction, “Excellent work, Cruise and Charcot. Your efforts are invaluable. The forthcoming matches rest upon your shoulders.”

After concluding the communication, Cruise Main and Charcot remained on Betta, diligently gathering further intelligence, meticulously observing the training of Betta’s prodigies, and refining their strategy with each revelation.

Yet, just as they believed everything was under control, an unforeseen incident unfolded.

One night, while Cruise Main and Charcot lay in wait near the opulent villa, they were suddenly alerted by a flurry of hurried footsteps. Instinctively, they took cover in the shadows to observe.

A cadre of dark-clad figures stealthily approached the villa, their presence cloaked in secrecy. Nonetheless, Cruise Main and Charcot’s keen senses detected their advance.

Cruise Main murmured,”It seems trouble is brewing.”

Charcot tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, prepared for combat. “This time, we cannot afford to let them succeed.”

The two stealthily trailed the cloaked figures, discovering they were heading toward the villa’s basement. Exchanging a knowing glance, Cruise Main and Charcot resolved to follow them inside.

As they cautiously descended into the basement, they found it ablaze with light, revealing a gathering of prodigies from Betta planet engaged in clandestine training. The black-clad figures served as their protectors, tasked with ensuring the training proceeded without interruption.

Concealed in the shadows, Cruise Main and Charcot scrutinized the progression of the training. They noted the formidable strength of these young talents, whose abilities were evidently on the rise.

Cruise Main whispered,”We must tread more carefully.”

Charcot nodded in agreement. “Indeed, we need to report this situation to Lord Enzo at once, so they can prepare a response.”

Determined to exit the basement and return to their hideout, they made their move. However, just as they were about to depart, one of the black-clad figures suddenly caught a glimpse of their presence.

The figure bellowed,”Who goes there? Halt!”

Realizing their cover had been blown, Cruise Main and Charcot immediately sprang into action, engaging in a fierce battle with the black-clad assailants, leveraging their respective strengths to fend off the attackers.

However, the strength of these cloaked figures was formidable. Their numbers quickly encircled Cruise Main and Charcot.

Cruise Main gasped,”It seems we are in quite a predicament.”

Charcot, gripping the hilt of his sword with unwavering resolve, replied, “Fear not, Cruise. We shall break through.”

With renewed determination, the two engaged in a fierce struggle against the assailants. After an intense battle, they finally discovered a breach and successfully escaped.

Yet, they were acutely aware that this ordeal would not conclude so simply. The inhabitants of Betta would undoubtedly persist in tracking their movements, necessitating heightened caution on their part.

Upon returning to their hiding place, Cruise Main promptly contacted Enzo, briefing him on the situation in the basement and their confrontation with the cloaked figures.

Enzo was taken aback by the revelation, “I never anticipated that the people of Betta could be so cunning, secretly training prodigies to enhance their prowess.”

Cruise Main nodded in agreement. “Indeed, Lord Enzo, we must swiftly prepare ourselves. Otherwise, we risk being at a disadvantage in the competition.”

After a moment of contemplation, Enzo responded, “Very well. I will immediately inform the other leaders of the temple so they may also ready themselves. Cruise, Charcot, you are to remain on Betta to gather intelligence, but be exceedingly cautious not to reveal your whereabouts.”

“Understood, Lord Enzo. We will proceed with utmost care.” Replied Cruise Main and Charcot in unison.

Once the communication ended, Cruise Main and Charcot embarked once more on their quest for intelligence.

Meanwhile…

After receiving the information, Enzo, along with Patricia, Matilda, and others, conferred for a while before deciding to initiate the selection process.

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At that moment, Kosor had also recovered his health.

He sought out Enzo and proposed, “Enzo, if we are indeed to hold a selection, I believe I could contribute. As you know, I am a traveling merchant, and I possess ample resources. Allow me to sponsor this selection, what do you think?”

Enzo regarded Kosor with a surge of gratitude.

Though Kosor was a traveling merchant, he consistently rose to the occasion during critical moments, providing them with substantial assistance.

“Kosor, your suggestion is commendable. This selection indeed requires financial backing.” Enzo nodded, “Then I shall entrust you with the responsibility of managing the funds for this selection.”

Kosor patted his chest confidently and declared, “Rest assured, Enzo, I will ensure that this selection is executed splendidly.”

Yet, as he spoke, Kosor contemplated how to establish the rules while ostensibly sponsoring the event, all the while secretly accruing significant funds for himself.

After five hours of intense deliberation, he finally devised a plan.

He promptly approached Enzo and said, “Enzo, I have formulated an approach. We could segment the selection into several phases, each with a designated registration and participation fee. This would guarantee the fairness of the selection while simultaneously enabling us to amass additional funds.” A shrewd glimmer sparkled in Kosor’s eyes.

Enzo furrowed his brow, hesitatingly responding, “But won’t this prevent some individuals from participating due to financial constraints?”

Kosor waved his hand dismissively, smiling, “Fear not, Enzo. We can establish various tiers of fees—lower fees for the preliminary rounds to invite greater participation, while incrementally increasing them for the semifinals and finals. This way, we can filter for more capable contenders and ensure our financial returns.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep