Chapter 206 - 188.7

The clock ticked 'til dawn. 

At the same time, the teams in the doubles segment were finished in the first round matches.

It was a definite result and next would be the elimination round. A round that the coordinators prepared for the eliminated teams to challenge a team that they wanted to take over their position.

The Three Kings; Rose, Blues and Alliance. No one wanted to challenge them in this round. It was reasonable to avoid storms and floods.

Eliza and Berry were on their own box, resting there.The strawberry haired sleeper wasn't in the mood to get a wink. He noticed that the high ceiling of the enclosed colliseum-like place did not change.

They were aware that the high-ceiling were enchanted with illusion charm which reflected the outside sky. Even though it was just an illusion to make the atmosphere in the venue at ease but the reality it showed wasn't fake.

"Captain, the sky is still dark," Berry said while he glanced at the dark starless sky.

Moreover, the match did not start yet as the coodinators stated that they could have a thirty minutes break but while they were in the box, they still could see what was happening outside. Even the other teams noticed as well.

Eliza looked up and silently gazed at the dim dark sky. Her expression was unreadable, no one knew what she was thinking.

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The place that Chun ended up was another setting that wasn't there earlier. Xiao Fen directed his master to the concentrated energy he sensed and he did not expected that it was a trap to transport them to another location. Fortunately, the snobbish system suddenly volunteered himself to shield them for a safe transfer which it made them well as they had arrived in the cave-like place.

Maybe, it was really a cave? 

Chun saw that the place they were at was alighted with torches, she took a torch from the wall. The place had only a one way, behind her was just a dead end which meant that she needed to go forward to get out of this place.

'Master, this is not good.'

Even without the warning of the black furball, Chun already sensed the danger as they proceeded forward. 

Xiao wasn't scared at the danger before them but what he was anxious was that he wouldn't able to protect the silver haired youngman with his current form.

As a 'bug' in this mission world, he was just only limited to moving and some small basic attacks but if he would use his real power then this form of his would collapse and he would be immediately ejected.

He didn't wish to leave his master in this place but if there was no other option then he would just wait for her once she got back. He was confident with his tracking skills.

Xuan was silently following the silver haired young man when he suddenly blocked her path. 

The black furball stood in all fours while he looked vigilantly at the brunette youth. 

'What is he planning?' The Thundra thought.

Xuan finally decided to give an ȧssistance. He had been bored to be an observer, why not join the fun? Also, the administrator couldn't interfere. Xuan knew that Sixth Seat (Ryder) was busy and only the kid was left to watch the main system so it could be said that Blu did not bother if the issue wasn't that big.

The silver haired young man frowned at his action but she stopped her tracks. She could pass through Xuan if she wanted yet she wanted to see his scheme.

"I'll offer you an escape rune."

It was surprising to hear that from this unrelenting person but in fact, Chun didn't need it. She doesn't need that his help but what was offered, shouldn't be declined.

"Are you helping me as a system or as a fellow performer, Senior?" 

Xuan smiled at the question of the latter, he then replied, "It's free. Just do your mission quick."

"No other purposes?" She wanted to make sure. What if?

'This guy is truly cunning.' Xuan with his profound thought.

"None." 

"Then I'll take up that offer next time," she then continued her journey.

The snobbish system was left unsuspecting. He did not expect that response. But he wasn't a pushy person so he didn't pursue the topic. If this youth blamed him for 'his' overconfidence then 'he' should blame 'himself' for it.

Xuan lazily shrugged while he tailed his host, amused for the other's reaction. He would just see if what Chun would do. 

Yes. Surprise him.

Chun was oblivious to the dark scheming thoughts that her system had been thinking while she trudged the only patch. She did not encounter any difficuties on the way nor any turning paths as the way that she was taking was straight ahead.

Meanwhile, a covered in black woman with shadowy stature smiled. Her black pupils were bottomless while she gazed through the dark, waiting for her 'soul'.

-------

The teams was shocked when they heard the declaration of the Constellar. This was a newbie team, they were just established last Intercompetition which they went out as a dark horse during that time. 

Their total team points was astonishing as it was truly a rare feat for a newbie team to have that kind of total score. They even surpassed the record of the Alliance during their newbie year which made this team confident. 

Now, they were the best example of climbing a rocky mountain with bȧrė feet. 

One of the reasons why Eliza's parents died was due to that which Nathalion did not want to partake, knowing that his precious granddaughter would also suffer.

And one of the rumors was Eliza was supposed to be bethroted to Armanis if Nathalion didn't escape with his granddaughter.

Long stroy short, the Larow's Household resented Nathalion for it. 

Even Armanis hated Eliza. She was so powerful now that it would be good if she didn't escape. They were a great match. 

He snorted while he stood in a lofty manner and said, "I challenge the Alliance!"

Armanis didn't expect that their overwhelming streak would resulted to this after they were matched up with the Blues but it was really a blessing in disguise. As in this round, they could choose a team to fight with.

Currently, the one who was administering the elimination match was the unruly Dexer. He flipped his bangs while raising his brows in amusement. 

It was a good timing that Feron and Gai was busy due to the unforeseen situation on the other side. He was happy to witness a good show.

With his smiling satire, "Oh. Then do you have anything to say?" he urged.

Armanis sneered but he didn't forget his condition.

"If we win, Eliza! I dare you to come back in Cross Household." 

Going back means that she will be marry him. 

Even though they ran away, her grandfather didn't change their last names. It was laughable in her side as she didn't want to be recognized as one of those scums but despite that, Nathalion had been that kind of grandfather. Protecting her while at the same time, protecting the memory of her parents. 

The Cross wasn't just a surname but it was also her only connection to her parents. If they changed their last name, it was a show of severing their ties and as well as severing their bloodline. 

This was one of the norms in Terapika. The family bloodline, it was the most important here. When Chun had read that in one of the books in the Snow Palace, she was amazed by the mysticity of the bloodlines in this world. It was one of the reason why, although the ninth prince was initially a waste, the Supreme Ruler just put him in that cold haven and let circumstances took care of him.

They could never kill or harm their own kin explicitly and dirrectly as divine retribution in this world was real. But that wasn't the real reason of Magnus, it was just that, this was his perfecrt heir. He never had mistaken it.

The expressionless long black haired captain was not moved by this. She just glanced at the arrogant face of the handsome youth. 

Berry didn't want to have this situation prolonged so he responded, "Then if the Alliance win, you shouldn't bother Captain."

Eliza immediately turned at the strawberry haired young man. She was surprised by the other's statement but she still maintained her poker face meanwhile Berry just yawned while waiting for the opponent's agreement.

Armanis frowned. He didn't like what he was seeing but he controlled his irritation and arrogantly raised his chin.

"Deal."