Chapter 387 -: 386 Explosion.

Chapter 387: Chapter: 386 Explosion.

The Zlycons were naturally beautiful. On average, they were not only more attractive than humans but also physically superior, with even an ordinary Zlycon possessing a physique that would be considered exceptional among humans.

A Zlycon woman’s physical capabilities, in particular, were comparable to those of an ordinary human man, making the difference between the two races even more apparent.

This was not merely the result of their environment or their way of life. The Zlycons were descendants of a goddess, and not just any goddess, but one who was said to be the most beautiful being to ever exist.

Most of her qualities had been inherited by her descendants, passed down through countless generations and becoming an intrinsic part of their race.

Yet, for the first time, that natural advantage seemed to have been overturned.

The Zlycons were practically shocked out of their wits as Uriel descended the carriage’s steps. Conversations that had filled the coliseum only moments ago gradually died away as countless pairs of eyes turned toward him.

Even the Zlycons, who were accustomed to seeing people of extraordinary beauty among their own kind, stared at him in disbelief. Neither humans nor Zlycons had ever seen someone who possessed such an otherworldly appearance.

For a moment, it almost seemed as though the goddess who had blessed the Zlycons with their beauty had personally descended into the arena, only for them to realize that the person standing before them was a man.

Julius, however, watched calmly from his seat.

It had been a long time since he had seen his avatar in person, and Uriel had changed considerably since their last encounter.

The teenage appearance Julius remembered was gone, replaced by that of a fully matured young man. His features had sharpened considerably, with prominent cheekbones accentuating his defined jaw and giving his already beautiful face a more mature appearance.

His long hair was no longer tied up and instead fell freely behind him like a curtain, while a simple blindfold covered his eyes. Despite having his vision concealed, Uriel walked with an effortless confidence that made it seem as though he could see everything around him.

’Wasn’t the guest supposed to be someone who can see the tournament?’

Julius couldn’t help but feel slightly strange seeing him again.

Chakravartin, who remained completely unfazed by Uriel’s appearance, stepped forward to greet him. He exchanged a few formal words with the Saint before personally escorting him toward the VIP area where the most important figures gathered.

The holy knights who had accompanied Uriel did not follow them inside. Instead, they remained outside the VIP area, standing guard around the carriage and entrance.

Julius quietly observed the arrangement, his eyes narrowing slightly.

It seems they’re taking a risk.

The humans had clearly sent Uriel as a gesture of sincerity. He was not merely an important figure within the Holy Empire; he was one of humanity’s greatest assets in the war against the Zlycons.

More importantly, he possessed almost no combat power in his current state. Sending someone like him into the heart of Zlycon territory without allowing his guards to accompany him was practically an open declaration that the humans were willing to place their most precious asset in their hands to prove that they genuinely wanted negotiations.

It was a bold move.

And Julius couldn’t help but wonder what had prompted the Holy Empire to go this far.

Before he could dwell on the matter any further, the host of the coliseum stepped forward once again, drawing everyone’s attention back toward the arena.

"Now that we have our distinguished friend with us, let us delay no further."

The host’s voice spread throughout the coliseum, amplified by magic so that even those sitting in the highest sections could hear him clearly.

"Like every other Grand Tournament, this competition will be a battle royale. The last participant standing shall earn the right to enter the 101st Treasure Tower. I know most of you are already aware of the participants, so I will not waste your time repeating information you already know."

He raised one hand toward the enormous arena below.

"Now, please witness the making of a legend."

With those words, the host stepped away from the center of the platform as the Zlycon spell casters responsible for organizing the tournament began moving toward the arena. One after another, the selected participants entered the massive battlefield, each carrying themselves differently. Some looked confident, others cautious, while a few appeared almost completely indifferent to the crowd surrounding them.

Julius watched them enter one by one.

There wasn’t a single face among them that he recognized.

Well, almost none.

His gaze eventually settled on one particular figure standing toward the edge of the arena.

Masamune.

The man entered without any unnecessary display, maintaining a calm expression as he walked toward his assigned position before stopping in one corner of the enormous battlefield. He didn’t appear particularly nervous, nor did he seem interested in drawing attention to himself.

Julius stared at him for a moment before quietly sighing.

If he and Rosalina hadn’t been caught, they would have been the ones standing down there.

Things had certainly changed.

However, there was little reason to dwell on what could have happened. Everything that had occurred since their arrival on the Stationary Continents had ultimately worked in their favor.

They had discovered the existence of Destiny, awakened the third ability of their eyes, encountered Alfred, and learned more about the mysteries surrounding the original timeline. At this point, Julius had no reason to regret missing the tournament.

He only needed to reach the treasure tower.

According to Destiny, he and Rosalina didn’t even need to participate in the Grand Tournament to enter. They simply needed to reach the tower, place their hands against its wall, and will themselves inside.

That was all.

With that thought in mind, Julius slowly rose from his seat.

Rosalina immediately stood alongside him.

Seeing them get up, Alfred also rose from his seat, his expression becoming slightly cautious.

"Are you going somewhere, Young Master?"

"Yeah. You don’t need to accompany us." Julius adjusted his hood slightly before continuing casually, "Oh, and your job here is done. You can return to the Three Floating Continents now. We’ll be right back."

Alfred frowned.

"I’m afraid I cannot."

His voice was firm enough that Julius immediately looked toward him.

"My job has always been to protect you, Young Master. There is no reason for me to abandon you now, especially after everything that has happened."

Alfred’s expression was unusually stern. It seemed that he had finally grown tired of Julius’s antics, particularly his habit of wandering off without properly explaining where he was going.

Julius stared at him for a moment before smiling beneath his hood.

"Well, there is nothing for you to do, Alfred. We’re perfectly safe here, and—"

A deafening explosion suddenly erupted from the VIP area.