Arena battles aren't just popular on Azure Wave Star.
They are one of the most exciting and attention-grabbing events for citizens throughout the entire Universal Human Alliance.
After all, those who can take part are all Evolvers, typically young ones under a hundred years old, who represent the future of the Alliance.
Naturally, they have a certain star quality.
In this interstellar era, the general populace no longer idolizes those who couldn't even "stand up to a chicken."
Instead, it's the Evolvers, wielders of immense power, who capture their interest.
In the virtual world of Azure Wave Star, in the arena district, lies a massive arena resembling an ancient Roman coliseum.
It is surrounded by tiered seating, from low to high, filled with tens of thousands of seats.
At the top of the arena, on a high platform, the figures of President Liao, Lin Yuan, and others appeared.
"This is the arena of Eastern Peace City. The upcoming arena battle will take place here if they challenge East Ning City," President Liao said, mainly addressing Lin Yuan.
Zhong Bai, Cao Rong, and others had already participated in several arena battles and understood this part well.
"Got it," Lin Yuan nodded, looking over at the bottom of the arena.
"Don't worry too much. Just do your best. No need for unnecessary pressure," President Liao comforted.
As the arena battle approached, adding pressure would only have adverse effects.
A few words of reassurance might be better to help everyone relax.
"President Liao, do we know which city we're up against? Has anyone looked into it?" Lv Xiguang asked quietly.
Upon hearing this, Cao Rong and Zhong Bai's eyes lit up.
Knowing their opponent in advance would give a significant advantage.
Most Evolution Paths have their strengths and weaknesses, and if they could know ahead, they could prepare and gain the upper hand by focusing on their opponents.
"In the East Continent with so many cities, how do you expect us to predict?" President Liao rolled his eyes.
Although, in the later stages of the arena battles, when the number of participating cities has decreased, one can predict based on past patterns, but at the beginning, with nearly ten thousand cities, predictions are impossible.
Of course, while predicting the exact opponent is impossible, the rough range can be estimated.
The initial opponents in the arena battles are selected based on past performances.
Simply put, East Ning City's opponent won’t be vastly stronger than East Ning City.
"Alright, go and prepare. The arena battle will start in two hours, and the opponents will be announced then," President Liao said.
The commencement of the arena battles is a grand event across Azure Wave Star.
Although most citizens cannot enter the virtual world, they can view the event in real-time through broadcasts.
"Wow, Mom, Dad, come quickly, the arena battle is starting," Lin Yi hollered from the sofa as she sat surrounded by four virtual screens displaying the arena scene.
"Coming, coming," Lin Shoucheng and Lu Qiong replied, smiling brightly as they walked over.
They are Evolvers themselves, with the power to enter the virtual world.
However, since Lin Yi couldn't, they refrained from going without her, fearing Lin Yi would feel left out as the only one in the family not yet an Evolver.
"Where’s brother?" Lin Yi glanced around searchingly.
Lin Yuan, participating as a representative of East Ning City, made the family aware of his involvement.
"He'll show up when it starts," Lu Qiong smiled, "Let's hope brother does well," Lin Yi stated confidently.
"This time, I must prove myself to my father, show him I'm not much weaker than Lin Yuan," Lin Yan, appearing in the virtual world’s arena district, made a resolute decision.
A year ago, during the Lin family banquet, when his father Lin Hao intended to give the study opportunity to Lin Yuan, Lin Yan's objections created an unpleasant atmosphere.
With major figures attending to meet Lin Yuan, his father Lin Hao felt slighted.
Afterward, Lin Hao sternly lectured, even physically disciplining Lin Yan for not being diligent enough, which prevented him from becoming an Evolver until now.
But after that encounter, Lin Yan finally broke into the ranks of Evolvers a few months later, and though he still hasn't advanced in rank, he's at least qualified to participate in the arena battles.
Lin Hao, even though he knew his prowess was nowhere near Lin Yuan’s, especially with President Liao personally attending their banquet for Lin Yuan, Lin Hao still hoped to someday surpass him.
If one can look up, one can surpass in time.
"Has the arena battle commenced?" "Let's hurry and watch."
"I wonder what our East Ning City will achieve this year."
"Ha ha ha, just don’t come in last like last time."
Residents of East Ning City focused intently on the live broadcast.
In the virtual world, arena district of Azure Wave Star, "Oh no, our East Ning City’s opponent this time is Purple Thorn City," Cao Rong said, panic setting in upon hearing the news as the battle commenced.
Next to him, Lv Xiguang shared the same sentiment.
Purple Thorn City was the last opponent they wanted to face--it ranked significantly higher, occupying the 7,652nd place last year versus East Ning City’s 9,985th.
Rumors spoke of Purple Thorn City's strongest Evolver following the 'Giant' Evolution Path.
Deploying full strength, their size could swell to five meters, though their level was a mere stage one, level twelve.
Their actual combat capability came close to the second stage.
Even ordinary second-stage Evolvers struggled to defeat this 'Giant.'
Facing such an Evolver, Cao Rong and Lv Xiguang felt a sense of confidence only if the encounter was outside, where they could flee if overpowered--the Giant Evolution Path Evolvers were notoriously slow.
But where could they flee to on a confined arena battlefield? The virtual world's officials reduced the arena's size after a certain period to prevent time-wasting tactics.
Purple Thorn City clinched a top 7,000 spot last year, thanks to this ‘Giant’ Evolver.
“Giant…” Lv Xiguang sighed.
This Evolution Path required innate strength and a constitution stronger than an average Evolver.
“It’s tricky, for sure,” Zhong Bai, silent until now, furrowed his brows, finding the situation challenging.
Yet, remembering something, his expression softened slightly.
"But don't panic, we still have Mr. Lin."
"Appreciation to the book friend 'Buxiangnianzenghuinian' for the 100 book coins reward."
"Thanks to the book friend '543545135' for the 100 book coins reward."
"Thanks to the book friend 'YaoxiangxinshishangmeiyouAoteman' for the 1500 book coins reward."
"Thank you everyone for your monthly votes. Requesting another wave of votes~~ Really about to expire now."
(End of Chapter)