Yellow Tassel stood on his tail and assumed what must’ve been a ‘wise man’ pose.

“If there is ever a constant in the nature of combat is that it’s completely unpredictable and all plans will have to be scrapped in time.”

“How would you grade #7 Petro’s performance Director?”

“Good reaction in the midst of an unknown situation.”

A replay of what happened earlier appeared for the viewers. Petro who had just moved away bamboo shoots to make way amongst the thick vegetation suddenly found a volleyball sized creature.

It sucked in air and exploded. Two-inch-thick nails whistled through the air and the vampire who was thankfully transformed at the time, jumped back and used his hand to cover his face. With the reactionary dodge only some of the projectiles hit him.

The few that did hit, push through his muscles and blood started to fall.

“If the intruding matter doesn’t have poison, it would be wiser to leave them there.”

Petro however made the choice to pull them out one by one. The opened wounds closed off in seconds.

He shouted warnings to his teammates and they spread out.

“Director, would you say that some of the candidates’ intention of speeding through the arena good?”

“How can one be a hero in the future if they don’t take theatrical risk! A reasonable danger is a hero’s romance.”

“Viewers, remember that the Awards Board had been released at the start of the Contrived Levels.”

[ Awards Board

First to clear 1000 arena challenges (10000 points) First to 20000 points (Mk. 8 Life Booster)

…

First to clear 10 arena challenges (500 points) ]

“It is very unfortunate however for #7 Petro that his first arena is a ‘search’ challenge. #10 Nabih however,”

The view changed to the Atlantean using his spear to channel his electricity and stab a goblin in the throat. Its trachea was parted into two then it began convulsing. Even when Nabih pulled out the spear, its body didn’t bounce up and down like a fish.

“Viewers, it’s naturally “kill” challenges that can be completed fastest but they also tend to be more dangerous.”

The other Atlanteans followed through with their own spears and they cleared the midget green monsters systematically. They weren’t allowed to get close at all and could only die with their combat lust unsatisfied.

The viewership rose to 50 billion as each person were allowed to visit their own preferred candidate’s arena. Most of them populated the top 30 but a good amount of people also liked watching the dark horses.

Izo of course should be part of this group. Only, he got shouted out by one of the hosts so to the dark horse viewers he wasn’t a true underdog. To those who want to watch the best, he also couldn’t be part so Izo’s team had less views than expected.

“Viewers, we just got an opportunity to ask the opinion of one of our prime combat experts from the Coalition. Let’s welcome Magus Kaupa.”

The blonde Greek Paris blessed by the genetics and the Gods appeared in the room.

“Talcum.”

“Magus Kaupa! Why d-didn’t you tell me you would come.”

“No. I will not star in one of your plays or movies. You don’t have to repeat it every time you see me.”

The golem who changed color to red and blue shifted to a stormy ocean blue.

[ -Shut down the turn loudmouth!

-Ah. He’s so handsome.

-This asshole again. I’m convinced he sexed his way to his position. Have we even seen him use spirituality? ]

“Magus Kaupa, who would you say is your most favored amongst them?”

“It can only be Jae of course. Precognition is too devious and shameless that if she grew even more, she would be very difficult to kill. If you’ve seen her introduction videos, not only can Jae sense people who are great of destiny but also sense evil intent on her. How could anyone compare to her?”

Yellow Tassel, Kaupa and Talcum commentated the show. Only as a B rank mage Talcum could multitask with his brain, enough so that he was watching Izo’s every choice while in a call with the footage department.

He was making the calls on who to show.

“Director, Project Hero has lower views than expected. What should we do?”

“Do nothing for now.”

[ Incoming call from Young Zarina ]

“Do you know about Izo’s low viewership.”

“Yes, Young Zarina.”

“Umm. Is this?”

“Intended. Intended.”

*

Milyaa watched at the edge of her seat as her candidates battle in the arenas. She trusted them of course and she gave them sufficient advice but she felt feverish for them. She felt cold in her sweat fueled worry.

Izo’s team was doing well but Talcum’s opinion piece at the start made his performance underwhelming instead. Just like if a product was called cheap vs affordable, sublte choice could easily direct public opinion.

She asked the director to clarify if Izo’s situation was fine.

“Young Zarina, believe. If you could see his future glory, he would be beloved. A household name.”

*

“Phew. Third one clear!”

Izo exited the dark gate with Sung Soo and Sun Hee. They had just finished a “hold” and another “kill” arena. Three consecutive was already pushing it for Izo.

The father daughter pair was even slightly winded, breathing heavily but obviously ready for more.

‘Fuck. I need to work out more. I’m becoming a burden.’

“Young man, don’t worry. We’re progressing well. Puhaah. I’m also tired.”

The old man massaged his lower back.

Izo never really questioned if Sung Soo had any health issues. How could he not?

‘No matter how fit and active a person, age will affect one just the same.’

Sun Hee too was still feeling ill yet holding up well.

[ Jane: Did you see the Awards Board? Check No.2. ]

The message appeared abruptly. Confused, Izo followed the instruction still.

[ Izo: Should I pay attention to the reward Mk. 8 Life Booster?

Jane: That thing is a prototype biological lifespan increaser that no one in the Nexus has yet. All souls burn up in time but it’s multiple times longer than your biological timer. However, these Life Boosters have diminishing effects that require a user to use newer more powerful versions of it. Since you can barter in the shop, this thing is more valuable than the 20,000 points.

Izo: I’ll keep it in mind.

Jane: Good luck and keep safe

They bought protein rich and energy filled food that could be digested easily. After a 10-minute rest, the trio stretched and warmed for 5 minutes.

All around them was a buzz of activity like a wet market while the fish arrived on trucks. Except the shouting of sales and haggling were replaced by sounds of arguing and grunts of pain.

Every once in a while, injured candidates would arrive from the dark gates. A man approached them and offered prompt treatment for a few points. Some of the candidates were even sharing soup and water and since most of the returnees were tired and battered, they paid points for the convenience.

Already, demand bred supply. It was the birth of the internal point exchange in the camp.

Watching this scene, Izo had a faint idea.

‘Earning 20000 points through arenas will probably be very slow. If I can support it with a business like these people.’

He thought of what would be a good product to sell. Izo parsed through various ideas, not convinced with any of them.

‘What’s the biggest source of demand?’

It was the arena. Arena fighting would take most of the candidates’ time so if he could figure out what would most need, he could greatly profit.

He shelved the idea for now since they had to progress for now. The well-rested three reentered the dark gate.

The view changed to a waist deep grass meadow. In the distance was a giant knight on a giant steed on full steel armor. Chain jangled from the horse neck area while hot steam escaped through its nostrils.

“You guys are here?”

Svana and Nabih with three others were there.

Before Izo could respond, the horseman bolted from its position. The large frame deceptively made it look slower but the cloud of dirt thrown back from it mighty stride couldn’t be hid.