Way of the Knights

Chapter 831: First Phase: Done

—

One year has passed since the first phase of the Grand Youth Meet started. 

This year had been packed with action and excitement. Everyone who were watching how the event unfolded were greatly entertained.

The meet became a craze all over Divine Realm. Witnessing such a large scale event unfold with their very eyes broadened their horizons. Many people were glad to be alive to see it but some people still felt conflicted- mainly the people who couldn't participate. 

It was a damn shame really. They were either too old, too young or too weak to be counted amongst the roster. They felt envious of the chance that the others have, seeing how many free resources they were able to hoard just by staying alive in there. 

A year of ransacking was enough to cover a participants' needs for resources for the next few breakthroughs. Added the fact that there are inheritances scattered practically everywhere, how could they not be envious of this chance? 

As time passed by, the true stars of the event rose. This wasn't all of them but a few were already making a name for themselves. There's a monthly update of the current rankings and so far, the top ten are as follows:

1st Place: Gabriella Stone of the Moon Prism Empyrean Palace.

2nd Place: Kyle of the Lower Plane.

3rd Place: Tori of the Lower Plane.

4th Place: Nina of the Lower Plane.

5th Place: Noel Brightshore of the Vanguard Stone Divine Palace.

6th Place: Clarisse Welsh of the Aqua Marine Great World.

7th Place: Chris Boulder of the Sun Stone Empyrean Palace.

8th Place: Dennis Greaves of the Black Quill Great World.

9th Place: Oliver Stark of the Broken Dime Empyrean Palace. 

And finally at the 10th Place: Diana Springs of the Majestic Ocean Great World. 

These are just the top ten of the current rankings. In truth, more people already passed the first phase of the event. Them and rest are now taking their time in leisure within the Dawn Council either resting of cultivating. 

Amongst the top ten, three names came from anonymous worlds – well, Lower Plane. They didn't give their full name just an alias. It was clear that they were close since these formed a team ever since the beginning of the event. They were separated at first but they found each other and now they're working as a solid unit. 

These three come from Raven's home. Kyle is his disciple, Nina and Tori are his twin sisters. 

They could've revealed their identities though, at this point no one would dare to lay finger on them if this was revealed since Raven was practically untouchable. Nevertheless, these three decided to keep a low-profile to no avail. 

Raven didn't really know the reason why they did since he never got the chance to ask them. Additionally, their 'low-profile' isn't working since they're literally on the top five and bringing too much attention to themselves.

Not that Raven was complaining though. He's aware of what his sisters and disciples could do. He made sure to drill their instincts sharply before he parted ways with them temporarily, and from what he can observe from their performance so face, he can tell that they've matured well. 

See, the three were amongst the rare people who discovered the true intentions behind Raven's wordplay. In additions, they're not afraid of confrontation, 

They left a trail or Abomination Corpses on their wake. They slaughtered them easily like it was a walk in the park. Of course they had ample rests in between but they were practically unstoppable. 

It also didn't help that they were too eye-catching. They never scoured for resources, they just took something that happens to be in their way. They rejected any kind of inheritance that reacted to them, focusing only on their goal and their goal alone. 

The only reason why Kyle didn't sit at the first place currently is because the lass – Gabriella got lucky. When she got inside the seal, she's somewhere near the Dawn Council Headquarters so she just made a run for it and claimed the first place. 

Still, these rankings doesn't truly matter for now. If anything, it's just a chronological order of people who arrived at the headquarters, nothing more. The rankings will matter by the final phase so for now, it is useless. 

—

Time passed again, and now only a dew days are left before the two year mark ends. 

The amount of participants who managed to arrive at the Headquarters were more than a hundred already. Those who arrive early were already starting to get bored while those who arrived pretty recently were still tending to their weary bodies. 

It hadn't been easy at all. The first phase was already challenging. The endless waves of Abominations really did a number on them. They 'killed' many participants at the process and they don't show any signs of letting up. 

Thankfully, of the Abominations stepped foot within the Dawn Council's headquarters. It'll be hell if that happened. 

The Abominations just formed a tight barricade around the Dawn Council, the final defense line for the challengers to face if they want to pass. Many people failed here and felt dismayed yet they couldn't blame themselves. 

The participants and the audience were already expectant. 

Only a few days are left and the first phase would be over. They have no idea what would the second phase be but they could only wait until its revealed to them. 

Meanwhile, at the real world. Raven knew that he had to make preparations for the second phase therefore he excused himself real quick to give himself some privacy. 

'Ahaha, this is a bit embarrassing but I'm actually scared for the kids.' Raven muttered to himself. 

He looked at the seal and saw the area where the second phase will take place. Honestly, he feels a bit apprehensive. 

'…I have faith at least. These kids are strong. There's no way they'll easily fold on the second phase. If they do, that'd be tragic. This can either make them or break them. I just hope that those who fail can bounce back when this is over.'

As he thought of that, Raven proceeded to prepare the venue for the second phase of the meet. 

—

"Congratulations, kids. You made it." 

Everyone within the fake-Dawn Council headquarters were startled by Raven's face and voice suddenly appearing out of nowhere. 

"The first phase of the Grand Youth Meet is now over. I've counted a total of 237 participants left which honestly surprised me, but in a pleasant manner."

"You kids did well…but that's not the end of it of course." 

The remaining participants could already feel the dread sinking in to their stomachs but they remained steady. They stilled and listened silently. 

"For the second phase, well…we don't really need to change the venue." Raven shrugged, "You guys can stay where you are actually. It won't make a difference anyway." 

"The Second Phase is what I would like to call: a Test of Spirit." 

For some god forsaken reason, the participants felt a child running down their spine when they heard that. 

"Your goal is to…well, live and make it to the Third Phase." Raven went silent for a bit before chuckling to himself and saying: "I should probably explain, huh?" 

"Well, long story short, you will all sleep." Raven stated. "Find a comfortable place in there and just…lie down I guess. Whatever rows your boat, really. I don't care." 

"The second phase will officially begin three days later." Raven added, "Whether you like or not, you will fall asleep and you'll be submerged into a long, long dream." 

"Again, your goal is to live. Preferably, wake yourself up from the dream you will face."

"There will be no time limit. Instead, we will only accept the first 50 participants who manage to live through the dream and/or wake themselves up for the final phase." 

Hearing the contents of the second phase did nothing to calm them down. If anything, it just made them even more nervous. 

Only 50 will remain. That's a very small number compared to how many participants there were before this all began. Indeed, the competition is really tight and strict. 

"Well, I've said all that I have to say." Raven stated, but then he paused and added: "Actually no. I forgot to tell you that those who manage to get to the final 50 will be receiving offers from the experts that are watching here."

"If I were you, I'll work really hard for this chance. I mean, who knows right? Maybe you can move me as well? I don't know."

"Well then. That's all I have for you. Go find a spot to take a nap, you've got three days to do that. Don't blame us if you kids wake-up with a twisted spine. I warned you." Raven winked and his silhouette disappeared. 

The kids were stunned with his abrupt leave however it didn't take long before they started moving. 

There's a strange atmosphere around though. It was tense yet subtle at the same time. 

One could only wonder what happens within the span of three days under this atmosphere.