Chapter 366 Unprecedented Selection
"Isn\'t that a bit excessive?" Enzo queried, glancing at Kosor. "Many talented individuals cannot afford such amounts. Kosor, I suggest you strive to include more gifted youths who are financially challenged. This way, we can secure victory in the upcoming contest between the Starry Skies."
Kosor replied with a shrug,"Enzo, I am a traveling merchant. Surely, you wouldn\'t expect me to incur losses?"
Upon hearing Enzo\'s concerns, Kosor smiled slightly and stated, "Rest assured, Enzo, I will not allow this selection to devolve into a game for the wealthy. We can establish scholarships and grants to assist talented participants who are financially disadvantaged. Additionally, we can invite affluent merchants and nobles to sponsor the event, which would not only alleviate the financial burden on the competitors but also enable us to raise more funds."
Enzo nodded again, appreciating the refinement of the idea. "Very well, let us proceed as you suggest. Kosor, I entrust this selection process to you, as I believe in your capability to manage it splendidly."
Kosor patted his chest confidently, proclaiming, "Fear not, Enzo. I will ensure that this selection is executed flawlessly. However, we must act swiftly, as time is of the essence."
With that, Kosor immediately set about preparing the necessary arrangements for the selection.He first issued the selection announcement, meticulously detailing the rules and fees associated with the competition, while also declaring the establishment of scholarships and subsidies to assist talented contestants from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Simultaneously, he began reaching out to affluent merchants and nobles, inviting them to sponsor this prestigious selection event.
Once the announcement was made, it sparked a sensation. Numerous gifted youths eagerly registered to participate, all aspiring to distinguish themselves in this selection and represent the planet Alfa in the Star League\'s contest of genius. At the same time, several wealthy patrons and nobles were captivated by Kosor\'s invitation and expressed their willingness to support the event.
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The day of the selection finally arrived, enveloping the entire planet Alfa in an atmosphere of tension and excitement. In the square of the Temple of the Seven Gods, throngs of aspiring young talents gathered from every corner, ready to embrace this unprecedented selection.
Enzo, Patricia, Matilda, and Kosor stood upon a high platform, surveying the eager crowd below. Kosor cleared his throat and proclaimed the rules and procedures of the selection with clarity.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the genius selection of planet Alfa. Today\'s event will unfold in three stages: the preliminary round, the semi-finals, and the finals. The preliminary round will assess your fundamental abilities and potential, the semi-finals will focus more on practical skills, and the finals will serve as a grand stage to showcase your talents. Remember, only the five most exceptional individuals will have the honor of representing our planet Alfa in the Star League\'s contest of genius."
With Kosor\'s announcement, the preliminary round commenced. Contestants were divided into several groups, each engaging in a series of tests and competitions. They were required to complete various challenges in magic, martial skills, and intellect within a limited time frame to demonstrate their prowess and promise.
Meanwhile, Enzo, Patricia, and Matilda moved among the groups, keenly observing the performance of each contestant.They intermittently exchanged opinions, assessing the competitors\' strengths and potentials.
After a morning filled with intense competition, the preliminary round finally came to a close.
Ultimately, thirty young contestants emerged victorious, advancing to the elimination round.
Among them, Jordan Miller and Clement Irving distinguished themselves most notably. Their formidable skills and seamless teamwork during the preliminaries garnered the admiration of all present.
The rules of the elimination round were significantly stricter. Competitors would not only face more formidable adversaries but also contend with a more intricate environment. The competition venue was set within a vast labyrinth, replete with traps and monsters, challenging the contestants to evade hazards while vanquishing foes in pursuit of the exit to the next stage.
Enzo, Patricia, and Matilda stood at the labyrinth\'s entrance, observing the contestants about to embark on their journey. Meanwhile, Kosor busied himself recording data, preparing for subsequent sponsorships and promotional activities.
Enzo called out loudly,"Are you all ready?"
The contestants nodded in unison, their eyes shimmering with determination. They understood that only by surviving this ruthless elimination round could they aspire to represent Alfa planet in the genius contest of the Star League.
Enzo proclaimed,"Very well, let the competition begin!" Then the contestants surged into the labyrinth.
Inside, the maze was a tangled web, compelling the contestants to tread carefully as they explored each path. As the standout performers of the preliminaries, Jordan Miller and Clement Irving naturally became the focal point of attention. Their synergy allowed them to tackle the myriad challenges presented by the labyrinth.
"Clement, look over there—a trap!" Jordan warned, pointing to a concealed hazard nearby.
Clement swiftly reacted, conjuring a magical shield to block their path. "Be cautious as you pass. I\'ll guard you."
The two individuals cautiously navigated around the traps, delving deeper into the labyrinth. However, they soon realized that the challenges within the maze extended far beyond their initial expectations. Monsters surged from all directions, intent on thwarting their progress.
"Prepare for battle!" Jordan unsheathed his longsword, bracing himself for the impending confrontation.
Clement, wielding his staff, unleashed a formidable magical assault, repelling the approaching creatures one by one. Their coordination was seamless, and they swiftly cleared a safe zone.
Just as they were poised to advance, a familiar voice echoed ominously.
"Hmph, it seems we meet again." A cold voice emerged from the shadows—none other than the cloaked figure they had encountered on Betta, who had previously faced off against Cruise Main.
The figure, flanked by several accomplices, emerged from the gloom, encircling them menacingly. "This time, escape will not come so easily."
Jordan and Clement exchanged a resolute glance, determination shining in their eyes. "We will not yield!" Jordan gripped his sword tightly, ready to engage.
The cloaked figure scoffed, "Then let us see if you possess the mettle for this."
With a swift gesture, the figure signaled his comrades to charge at Jordan and Clement. An intense battle erupted within the labyrinth.
Meanwhile, in other corners of the maze, similar confrontations unfolded. The contestants fought valiantly, each grappling with the myriad challenges the maze presented. Some faced their foes with ease, while others found themselves ensnared in fierce struggles.
Enzo, Patricia, and Matilda anxiously awaited at the maze\'s entrance, monitoring the unfolding events through the communication crystal.
Patricia remarked,"It seems everyone is giving their all." Patricia observed the images transmitted from the crystal.
Matilda nodded in agreement. "Let us hope they all emerge unscathed."
Kosor scribbled notes on data, occasionally glancing up at the entrance, his eyes alight with anticipation.
After a fierce battle, Jordan and Clement finally repelled the dark-clad assailants and their accomplices. Although battered and bruised, their eyes remained steadfast.
Jordan said,"We must move on. We cannot afford to waste any more time here." Jordan wiped the sweat from his brow as he addressed Clement.
Clement nodded, "Agreed. Let us press onward."
Thus, the duo resumed their journey through the labyrinth. Armed with cunning and valor, they deftly evaded traps and vanquished monsters time and again. Their teamwork grew increasingly harmonious, as if they had become an inseparable entity.
As time passed, more and more contestants were eliminated. Only a select few, possessing formidable strength, successfully navigated the maze and advanced to the semifinals.
The rules of the semifinals were notably more brutal, with contestants facing one-on-one duels. Only the victors would proceed to the finals.
Jordan and Clement, having distinguished themselves in both the preliminary and elimination rounds, naturally became the focal point of attention. Their impending clash captivated a multitude of spectators.
"It appears we are on the brink of a formidable confrontation." Jordan remarked, casting a glance at Clement.
Clement smiled faintly, "Indeed, but I have faith that we shall both perform to the best of our abilities."
With a signal from the referee, the duel commenced. Jordan wielded his longsword, launching a ferocious assault against Clement, who agilely evaded the strikes while seeking opportunities to counterattack.
The confrontation between them was nothing short of intense, as the glimmering blades and spells intertwined, creating a magnificent tableau. The audience held their breath, captivated by the spectacle, fervently cheering for both contenders.
After a grueling exchange, Jordan finally discerned a weakness in Clement\'s defense, landing a decisive blow that sent him sprawling to the ground. Yet Clement refused to concede. He quickly regained his footing and continued the fight.
Ultimately, after an arduous struggle, Jordan emerged victorious, his formidable strength and exceptional tactics securing him triumph in this fierce contest.He successfully advanced to the finals, while Clement regrettably fell short at this juncture.
Jordan remarked, "You performed admirably, Clement." Jordan gazed at Clement who lay on the ground.
Clement offered a faint smile, "You too, Jordan. Until we meet again."
...
Meanwhile, on the planet Betta, Cruise Main and Charcot found themselves in the gravest of predicaments in their intelligence search.
They were discovered by the enforcers of Betta, who nearly mobilized the entire military force to hunt them down.
Though they remained vigilant, they found themselves cornered atop a small hill.
The wind howled at the summit as Cruise Main and Charcot stood back to back, warily watching the approaching soldiers of Betta.
Though his gaze betrayed no sense of retreat, Charcot said with a wry smile, "It seems we are indeed cornered this time."