Chapter 704 - 648: The Bridge (1/2)
In total, there were 51 participants composed of 6 races; Humans, Demons, Mermaids, Dwarves, Elves, and Imoogis. (Imoogi are dragons that resemble snakes (No wings))
The grand opening ceremony was prepared by King Isadore, who spent a lot of effort into inviting famous dancers and renowned bards. The cheering of the cloud was getting louder and the atmosphere was reaching its climax, which warranted the beginning of the first stage.
The main host and the supervisor for the tournament won't be Arthur or Lucy but, surprisingly, Gutcha. The ugly pigolo looked as hideous as ever but after being granted a part of the parasite's Dark Magic, which was highly compatible with him, his cultivation increased by leaps and bounds.
Currently, the pigolo is a 4-star God Monarch and has enough power to contend against peak Overgods. Although at first, Arthur didn't fully trust him, such feelings changed with the passing of time.
The pigolo, albeit slick, was a loyal person deserving of the couple's trust. Not only did he save Saly, he also hid the two intact bodies of Arthur and Lucy in very secretive places, which granted them a second chance even if they died, which they did, by the way.
Gutcha wore a unique robe of the MoonStar Sect. He wasn't officially integrated into the sect, nevertheless, his position is higher than elders. It's equivalent to Sonia's position of Vice-Master.
”You will be teleported to a small dimension where the first stage will take place. Each stage has its rules and anyone who tries to break them or wreak havoc will be immediately disqualified.”
As he said that, Gutcha pointed his massive open palm at the participants, and released a mass of Dark Magic.
”Do not resist! This is a precaution.”
The Dark Magic invaded all of their bodies, without exception. Some were unhappy while others didn't care at all.
”Let us begin.”
Gutcha retrieved a specially-crafted spatial stone in the form of a hexagon. It was embedded with three formations, two of them were meant to transport the participants from here to other dimensions.
…
It didn't take long for the preparations to be completed and the 51 participants to appear in the first stage.
They stood at the edge of a large cliff with a strong, whistling gale and an unsteady and creaking bridge which stretched for two to three hundred meters. The bridge connected two cliffs but it was in very bad condition and continuously shaking, almost about to fall.
”In the first stage, you need to individually cross the bridge. Each one of you has a maximum of three minutes and the less time it takes you, the more points you will get.”
Gutcha also appeared beside them and briefly explained things before clapping his hands and displaying a disgusting grin on his frightening face.
”First one; Cosima of the Demonic Team.”
The pigolo waved his hand, pulling the girl closer to the bridge, then stepping back and motioning for her to begin.
****
”Isn't it too simple?”
Isadore looked at the unsteady bridge then asked the silent Arthur.
”Is it?”
”Of course! They can just fly and-”
Before he could finish talking, the king saw Cosima try to fly over the bridge only for her body to plummet and crash into the ground. Fortunately for her, she safely landed back on her feet but the increasing gravity made her softly groan.
”Did you really think I would go easy and create an easy first stage? I poured my heart and soul into all the stages and not everyone can pass the bridge.”
Isadore wryly laughed then glanced at the sheathed black blade.
”Those gales… are they?”
”You have keen eyes, your majesty.”
”Isn't that a bit of an overkill?!”
”I only used a bit, don't worry.”
****
”Isn't this a bit shallow? I expected something grand.”