Chapter 541: Battleground (1/2)
Chapter 541: Battleground
Translator: EndlessFantasy TranslationEditor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Prince Desnio's mansion was located in the metropolis of Su City, where every inch of land was priceless. Even with his wealth and power, it was impossible to have a battleground here in the capital. The Prince had a battleground about 30 kilometers from the capital, however. The distance was not an issue for the excited nobles.
As the guests all head towards the battleground, Ye Chong naturally went in the King's vehicle, accompanied also by three important figures of the government. This honour given to him was a chilling statement to the other nobles.
”I regret to inform that the battleground was only last used when His Majesty was young and staying with me. It had been neglected since. However, not to worry, everyone, the facilities in this place are definitely the best available in Eastern Cloud. Of course, the available terrain options are not as advanced as in professional battle rings. Your understanding is much appreciated,” Prince Desnio introduced his place, relaxed in his role.
It was a huge battleground, with an area of about five or size square kilometres. Desnio and his guests were now entering the audience chamber. Here was a huge screen that showed the actual battleground. If Ye Chong were here, he would have been greatly surprised. The feed lacked the resolution offered by 3D holographic imaging, but it was still impressive. The audience chamber was luxuriously decorated. There were plush sofas for everyone, and the servants had already prepared finger food and drinks for the guests. The live feed on the screen was only 2D, but it was still very clear. Besides, they had used more cameras to provide the audience with more viewing angles of the match.
The nobles took their places, leaving the front seat for His Majesty. The King was present at this duel hosted by Prince Desnio, accompanied by both Duke Warren and Sir Ming Xiao. The nobles quickly realized that this was probably the grandest match ever organized in the history of Eastern Cloud. Many of them looked very excited, for they had chanced to be present in this occasion too by pure good luck.
As the host of this match, Prince Desnio stepped up to the speaking podium. He sat down and drank some water, preparing himself.
”The battleground is now set for Option One of the available terrains, in what we know as the Hills. I believe that you're all very familiar with this one. However, ours is not the standard Option One, but a slightly modified version of it. Ah, I believe you know why. This is a terrain that many people are familiar with. To ramp up the suspense, we have made some alterations to the terrain. If anyone thought that being familiar with the terrain would serve as an advantage, they would be seriously mistaken.”
Sun Sieha studied the familiar battleground on the screen, his expression softening as he felt nostalgia creeping into him. He had loved to play here when he was younger. As he grew older, it became an important place for him to train himself in combat. This was a place full of memories.
Prince Desnio continued chattily, ”This is a medium sized battleground that can accommodate up to 40 shooters. Since the lands are hilly, it serves as a test for not only a shooter's aiming and parapsychic skills, but also their ability to assess their environment and strategize accordingly.
”Hah, I believe you can't wait for it to begin now!
”I'll be brief. To make things interesting, Master Ye Chong and the 12 shooters will draw lots and enter the terrain from two different entrances. This means that they won't know where the other side is. Each side must try to locate and defeat the other in this complicated terrain.
”The 12 shooters are all armed with professional V shaped fluorescent guns used for matches. The shots will leave a fluorescent mark on the target, which will only fade away after three days. To date, no one has been able to remove this fluorescence, so there will be no issues on fairness. Alright, our mod team has already made some minor modifications to the guns of the 12 shooters. The shooters have checked their weapons, and there are no issues to report.
”A gun is like an extended limb of a shooter. Hence, every shooter must be very familiar with their weapon, as every qualified shooter would be. Old Ming once told me that his soldiers must all be very familiar with their guns, even if it means being less familiar with their wives. But if you want to do that, hehe, you have to sleep with your gun instead of your wife for three years. All of you here who work under Old Ming, better watch it, don't just huddle close with your wife and forget about your gun, or else, hehe …”
A few snickers came from the guests. Ming Xiao was Legate of the 1st Legion in name, but as the second most important figure in the government next to the King, he also had many nobles backing him. Ming Xiao was not offended, but grinned widely at the tease. Beside him, Duke Warren only humped coldly, unimpressed with the joke.
Sun Sieha looked at the two rivals and smiled without comment.
”Alright, back to the match. Well, our Master Ye is a man of character. Hmm, of strong character, I suppose! I don't know about his weapon building skills, but seeing Master Ye's moves earlier, I think no one doubts his combat abilities. Master Ye Chong was able to throw a butter knife made of silvercore wood and pin the fast moving snowhound on the ground. My servant reported to me nervously that the butter knife had embedded itself five centimeters into the ground after it went through the snowhound. You can imagine how much strength it takes to do that. An accurate and powerful shot. We look forward to Master Ye's performance.”
Pince Desnio looked up at his guests and continued slowly but confidently, ”Master Ye Chong has demonstrated to us another form of combat – close range combat. There are no parapsychic waves, no guns involved. Master Ye Chong has overhauled everything we've come to understand about battle. If Master Ye Chong can win against these 12 Level 6 shooters, then …” Prince Desnio paused and looked around at his guests solemnly, ”A new form of combat will be presented to us. It does not rely on parapsychic sense or guns, but only on physical strength and techniques. This is what I think I believe Master Ye can break the dominance that shooters have in our world.”
The people listening from below, especially the military men like Ming Xiao, began to feel the gravity of the situation. Their expression turned serious. Despite the incredulity of it, what would happen if Ye Chong really won this match?
Anyone who could win against a dozen Level 6 shooters would be strong enough to be called a master in his trade. Even in Eastern Cloud, such a person was not easy to find.
They must consider the possibility of Ye Chong's form of combat and its implications in their line of expertise.
”Fortunately, we will witness this importance match live on screen. Moreover, Master Ye is of Eastern Cloud, and our Chief Weaponsmith. No matter what happens due to Master Ye's demonstration in combat, we, Eastern Cloud country, will be the first to realize it, and the first to respond to it. Once we succeed, we will be leading the world into this new age!”
Prince Desnio's speech had invigorating. Moreover, it managed to intrigue even the nobles who were not interested in shooters or the like. Even Sun Sieha's eyes were gleaming with anticipation. Making Eastern Cloud stronger was an ambition that he thought about day and night.
”Master Ye does not have any weapons with him. I'm curious, how will he fight against the shooters? However, Master Ye does not look nervous at all. He'd not worried about himself, but we'll see about that. I think that this is going to be a very memorable battle.