Chapter 609: Get ready, everyone!
At the same time, inside the Gladiator Arena, Old Hal and the individuals in robes were observing the final round of battles happening within the towering walls.
After enduring three long months, the top five thousand participants would at last be chosen to venture into the Lost Treasure Tomb from the numerous contenders.
Old Hal watched the final battles with a serene smile, much like everyone seated behind him. Blissfully unaware, a group of individuals was plotting to enter the Lost Treasure Tomb right under their noses.
The crowd roared in support of the victors, their thunderous cheers echoing through the grand arena, containing the thrill within its colossal walls. Numerous onlookers felt envious as they were unable to claim a spot for themselves, yet that didn't deter them from cheering on the winners.
A grand projection descended from the sky, expanding in size to display the final scores of the five thousand winners, guaranteeing the precision of the final result.
However, as soon as the audience's eyes fell on the floating projection, their smiles vanished. The individuals in robes floating around Old Hal also lost their smiles.
The joyous atmosphere was somewhat dampened by the name that claimed the top spot on the projection. It belonged to the very human who had only cleared the first two rounds of battles in the arena, yet he stayed securely at the top throughout, all thanks to the generous amount of extra points the Arena awarded him after the second round ended in his absence.
Old Hal simply sighed; he lacked the strength to alter the results of the Gladiator Arena. The arena was designed that way. It autonomously assigned points to each participant based on their skills and demonstrated powers.
Kyle received a massive 100 extra points, boosting his initial score of 10 to a total of 110 by the end of the first round. As the second round concluded, his total skyrocketed to 220.
In each round, only 10 points were awarded to all winners, with an extra 10 points given to the top hundred contestants who showed outstanding skills.
Even with the bonus points granted during the nine rounds of battles in the arena, the person in second place only accumulated a total of 180 points overall.
Old Hal signaled to Vexana and a few others to take down the floating projection showing the names, then proceeded to declare the top five thousand participants, except for the top name, naturally.
The individuals in robes swiftly called out the names and started gathering the five thousand winners in one spot. The impending opening of the Lost Treasure Tomb didn't leave any room for delays.
It didn't take long for the five thousand winners to gather and stand proudly in the heart of the arena atop a massive platform that ascended from the ground once the numerous floating stages separated. Old Hal emerged before them with a gentle gaze and a subtle smile.
The individuals in robes swiftly called out the names and started gathering the five thousand winners in one spot. The impending opening of the Lost Treasure Tomb didn't leave any room for delays.
It didn't take long for the five thousand winners to gather and stand proudly in the heart of the arena atop a massive platform that ascended from the ground once the numerous floating stages separated. Old Hal emerged before them with a gentle gaze and a subtle smile.
"I wholeheartedly congratulate all of you gathered here. It's an honor for this elder to witness such a multitude of talents... and I genuinely wish none of you encounter harm in the treacherous realm that lies ahead."
He ended his speech with a parting advice, asking the five thousand winners to stay safe and make it back alive before shifting his focus to the sky above the Arena.
The onlookers hushed as they beheld a subtle aura of spiritual energy materialize above the Gladiator Arena, slowly blending and intensifying until it intertwined, forming a grand floating gate in the sky pulsating with profound divinity and spirituality. The colossal gate gleamed, radiating a feeling of power and enigma that saturated the atmosphere with a tangible energy.
Whispers of awe spread among the spectators, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation, each heartbeat resonating the deep importance of the unfolding event. The most thrilled were the five thousand victors standing on the platform before Old Hal, who announced upon seeing the gate.
"Get ready, everyone! The moment has finally arrived. The gate will open shortly and will close once the maximum capacity of entrants is reached. Vexana, prepare for the platform to move towards the gate. Ned, disperse the arena's power to prevent unauthorized access from those nearby. Only the winners are permitted to enter."
Vexana and Ned nodded and, along with a few others, began their designated tasks. They were aware that certain individuals in the crowd below might try their luck and attempt to enter the tomb forcibly.
Right away, the arena's power surged, emitting a brilliant light that momentarily subdued the strength of all those watching from below, ensuring they wouldn't cause any trouble. Old Hal nodded and watched as the platform, carrying the many winners, ascended towards the sky to position them in front of the Lost Treasure Tomb gate, which began to open from the center.
The old man wasn't concerned about outsiders forcing their way into the Tomb as the arena walls acted as an impenetrable barrier, preventing any unauthorized entry. He smiled as a loud creak echoed through the air, and the two halves of the gate swung outward, gradually unveiling an entrance.
At that very moment, a figure of a silver-haired man briefly appeared among the audience seated in the numerous seats within the towering walls. But he vanished instantly after observing the scene in the sky at such a rapid pace that no one was able to witness his arrival.
Kyle reappeared outside the arena where everyone was eagerly waiting for him. They all stood before different teleportation portals, filling the space around him, a blend of excitement and thrill evident in their expressions, ready to utilize their utmost agility for a single leap.
With the tomb gate's exact location already in his mind, Kyle skillfully traced a series of symbols in the air to connect the unfinished teleportation portals in front of everyone to a point just an inch from the gate. He glanced at everyone before directing his gaze at Bia, sitting on Jian's shoulder.
"Jump right after getting the signal I will send to Bia through our bond! Old man, the portals are ready. I trust you got this!"
Susan, the only one in the group who had some knowledge about symbols and arrays, nodded. He was the one assigned to activate the other end of the teleportation portals. Kyle disappeared once again, and the anticipation in the group grew.