Chapter 176: The Goddess's Fury

Yate himself didn't have a token.

In the last Netherworld Contribution Ranking, apart from "David" who held a distant first place, the other top contributors hadn't originally intended to rack up points. They ended up there because the players ahead of them had all died off.

So, the four players with tokens only had slightly more contribution points than Yate.

But they were all third class... Nature, not to be trifled with.

Yate silently signaled to a player he'd befriended after leaving the Netherworld. The player suddenly spoke up.

"Wait a minute, why is the token given to a second class? What use does he have for it?"

In an instant, Sterl became the center of a storm.

The numerous third-class players present all directed their gazes towards him, eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions.

"A second class, worthy of such a treasure bestowed by the goddess?" someone scoffed from the shadows, stirring up a hornet's nest.

"Who knows how he even got those contribution points in the first place?"

"I think, for the sake of everyone passing the Hall of Valor's trial, the token should be held by someone stronger."

...

The players started voicing their opinions, some playing the good cop, some the bad cop, all while various third-class players focused their energy on Sterl.None of these players were fools. They knew that anyone who managed to top the Netherworld contribution ranking had some tricks up their sleeve.

But the problem was, David had performed terribly against the world boss and in the later stages of the Netherworld, appearing extremely ordinary.

It led people to suspect he might have found a loophole to quickly rack up contribution points.

For instance, he might have picked up some goddess-required materials when the Netherworld was on the brink of collapse. Or perhaps David had a natural talent for detecting resources.

But the most crucial point was, most of the players present had already advanced to third class, while David seemed to be only a second class in the sixties or seventies level-wise.

Just as the players were saying...

A second class really wasn't worthy of such a precious item!

Unless... you were that "Faye." double S-level, and had already proven your strength in the battle against the world boss!

Most players were aware that even if they advanced to third class, they would still be easily defeated by that second class level 99 girl.

But you, "David." were nothing!

In fact, the last time you left the Netherworld, when players were networking and forming alliances, you chose to leave. Not a single person spoke up for you.

What right do you have to hold the token??

Some of the stronger third class players present had a glint of coldness in their eyes. A heaven-sent opportunity not taken would become a punishment!

Sterl, on hearing this, couldn't help but laugh!

He had been feeling frustrated ever since advancing to second class yielded minimal benefits. Now, someone had come along to give him a chance to vent his anger.

"How long do I have to hold back? Until someone attacks me, and then I kill them all, or..."

Sterl was still hesitating.

A third-class player, unable to contain himself, charged forward.

"Hand over the token!" he roared.

This third-class player had just recently broken through and was only level 101. His eyes didn't show much greed, only the desire to snatch the token from David and offer it to stronger players in exchange for protection during the trials.

However...

Swoosh!!

Before this third-class player could react, he suddenly felt...

"Why waste time talking? Just take action."

"Kid, if you had handed over the token immediately, we might have spared you. Now, it's too late."

At this moment, the "extremely strong" third class players fully unleashed their auras, drawing their weapons. Meanwhile, the ordinary third class players they had previously roped in were also casting their gazes over, as if ready to follow their masters into battle.

As for the others...

There really weren't any "others." Everyone present understood the importance of the token and couldn't fathom why "David", a mere second class, deserved to hold it.

Even Felicia couldn't help but lament, "Maybe you should try to convince David to hand over the token?"

"Let's not worry about the heartbreak that might come later. Let's just get through this wave first."

The demigod's soul was exasperated. She thought the current situation was perfectly normal. If she weren't already familiar with "David." she might have advised Faye to seize the token as well.

However, Faye stayed silent...

She didn't even know what to say at this point.

"Anyone who comes forward dies!"

Faye stood in front of "David." thinking that with "David's" strength, the two of them could probably counterattack and take out a good number of enemies together. Worst case scenario, they'd have their mentor help them escape later...

Faye was aware of "David's" combat capabilities.

But the other players were not.

From their perspective, although Faye was strong, the sheer number of opponents could easily overwhelm her.

Not to mention, Faye was a second class fighting against third classes! One person against hundreds!

Without hesitation, the players surged forward, shouting, "Hand over the token! Spare your life!"

As they roared, Faye's expression changed slightly.

At this point, Yate and the other leading players felt much more at ease.

They weren't afraid of Faye's strength; they were only worried that she might have some hidden trump card.

Now it seemed that Faye was just strong but not invincible against such overwhelming numbers!

"Foolish disciple." Felicia sighed in the consciousness space.

She felt that she might have to burn her soul power to get them out of this mess.

Felicia also looked at David, her eyes filled with deep resentment.

She had hoped to leverage this talented individual to expedite her resurrection. Now it seemed like a losing investment!

She would even have to damage her soul to save "David."

Gathering her strength, Faye thought, "I should be able to hold out for a little while."

She was pondering this...

Just as the players were about to reach Faye...

Sterl couldn't help but smile slightly; this was a perfect moment to show off!

He had already planned it out: following the classic novel trope, he would wait until the very instant all the attacks were about to hit, then heroically strike back, showcasing his strength...

Wait, what?

His expression froze as he suddenly felt a terrifying presence descend upon them!

Then, a figure appeared, full of rage.

No, that wasn't just a figure!

It was Gloria!