Chapter 72 (1/2)

Episode 5: Citizens.h.i.+p / Chapter 72: Advancement Evaluation (6)

TL: emptycube

Editor: Obelisk

As the rumbling continued, the metallic walls gradually became transparent. Once the walls became transparent, they could see the silhouettes of the people beyond the walls.

As if they had entered a mirror room, the dimensional wedges were lined up endlessly. They were in the process of connecting every dimensional wedge. Due to the transparent walls, the people, who had been scattered throughout the dimensional wedges, were able to identify each other’s faces.

“You were alive!”

The ones who saw people they knew shouted happily. However-

Bang!

When they tried to get closer, a faintly s.h.i.+ning wall blocked their paths.

“Huh?”

The walls between the dimensional wedges had disappeared, but walls between people had appeared instead. Everyone was split up into independent s.p.a.ces and were rearranged. The s.p.a.ce given to one person was only 1m x 1m x 2.5m. People were placed into these semi-transparent boxes and were arranged into rows beside, below, or above each other.

Then, once the arrangement was complete, the floor became transparent. They saw empty s.p.a.ce below the floor, and below that, they saw a purplish grid. It was a familiar shape – The dimensional wasps’ nest. However, it was more enormous than what they had seen until now, and the purplish walls had turned semi-transparent, giving off a dangerous vibe. They could clearly see the wasps hovering inside their nest.

If they took an overall view, they were arranged in a circle. It felt like seeing a stage from the top of an amphitheater.

Just then, the rumblings stopped.

An announcement appeared in front of their eyes.

______

{Dimensional Wasps’ Lair 3rd Stage Inner Nest Region}

Attack progression rate: None. The attack is complete the moment the queen is killed.

Current situation: Obtained a route to track down the location of the queen’s room.

The dimensional wasps’ nest has been drastically reduced. The dimensional wasps have become much stronger.

As there isn’t a significant difference in density between levels in the inner nest region, warriors are able to pa.s.s through different rooms with their own power. However, your speed will decline. On the other hand, wasps are able to pa.s.s through rooms without any restrictions.

Because you need to deduce the queen’s room while following the route and exploring, you will be divided into teams and will infiltrate one by one.

Return to Earth

Food Supply

Infiltrate

*Warning. As the dimensional wasps’ nest has become stronger, it is impossible for dimensional wedges to intervene. If you choose to infiltrate, you will be unable to return to the dimensional wedges until the attack has completely ended.

*Warning. The wasps, that felt threatened, are preparing for a large-scale counterattack. The first team to infiltrate will face the most danger.

_______

There was still an option to return. However, because everyone was separated into individual, transparent boxes, there was no longer a way to force their decision. If it was like this, there was a high chance that many would choose to return.

Yet, Choi Hyuk smiled. That didn’t matter anymore.

When he read the announcement information, the progression rate was ‘none’.

It meant that this was different from the 1st and 2nd stages where they needed to attack in numbers to deteriorate the grow

ing dimensional wasp’s nest. Now was the time to directly deduce the location of the queen’s room and kill her. They didn’t know where the queen was or when she would appear, and if they failed to kill her, even though she was right in front of them, they would fail the mission. This was the reason why the concept of a ‘progression rate’ didn’t work anymore.

Also, the meaning behind this fact was clear to Choi Hyuk.

‘I’ll finally get to warm up.’

He could simply fight without caring about others. That moment had finally arrived.

However, there was a procedure which allowed them to influence those still remaining.

{First, form teams. The 38 sovereigns currently partic.i.p.ating will each command a team. Free warriors, who are not affiliated with any sovereign, are able to choose whichever team they want. There is a chance for sovereigns, who wish to gather team members, to speak. No one is able to return to Earth until the sovereigns are done.}

A new announcement had appeared.

The moment that announcement appeared, before people could finish reading it, a sovereign requested to speak.

A blond, handsome middle-aged man appeared in front of them.

{Nice to meet you. I am Richard. I am known as the Sovereign of Balance amongst colonizers.}

He possessed gentle eyes and a confident voice. He felt trustworthy simply through his expression and voice.

{There is one thing I want to say. Everyone, please do not think there will be another chance. Please think that there isn’t another chance. Do you remember the announcement that appeared before we came here? Exactly. It said ‘First Advancement Evaluation’. If there is a ‘first’, it means there will also be a ‘second’. The next test may dig into our selfishness and distrust even more skillfully. That is why we must win. We must win and set an example. We need to know what it means to be victorious. We need proof that we can trust each other. We had a hard time coming to this point. If we can’t win here, we will undoubtedly lose next time. You think the deaths of non-awakenees will be the end of it? That won’t be the case. It seems many have forgotten, but please remember. We, humans, are still Consumables. Please fight alongside me. To those who fight under my team, I will definitely repay you on behalf of my clan. I will even take care of your families.}

His speech followed a proper rhythm, the content was reasonable, and the rewards he promised were enticing, such was why the people’s expressions were as friendly as ever. As expected of the ‘Sovereign of Balance’ who was judged to have the most outstanding leaders.h.i.+p skills amongst the sovereigns.

In fact, his method of guiding beginner warriors to partic.i.p.ate in the 2nd stage was the same. He had approached them friendlily, patted their backs, promised his personal support, and persuaded them with reasons why they must fight. Also, people trusted his words because of how he had lived until now. He was a completely different style of sovereign compared to Choi Hyuk.