Pre-Match

The Arena of Hercules

The highest-level arena was also built using architectural blueprints provided by the Whisper Knight Order.

Located on the Third Floor of the Holy City, it is usually used for the trials of high-ranking knights, and even the assessment of newly promoted captains.

Previous Knight Tournament were not held in such an arena.

It is clear that the top leadership is fully aware that the quality of this year's graduates is far superior to any previous cohort.

Parliament even drafted a ten-year plan that, if these graduates can develop successfully, will achieve a major project within ten years.

The arena has a total of twelve entrances.

The reliefs painted on the walls of each entrance correspond to the twelve Epic Grade tasks performed by Hercules.

The arena as a whole can bring a huge sense of oppression to those standing outside, as if there are difficult challenges inside that are comparable to the trials of the gods. Only true warriors are allowed to set foot in such a place and accept the test of the gods.

"Let's go in."

Han Dong's team of five had arranged to meet in advance and waited in front of the "Bull Gate".

Clockwork Device worn on the wrist needs to be embedded in a groove in the doorway for identification.

"Mysticism Department graduate, Valen Nicholas, has been granted entry permission."

The arena is currently closed. Please wait in the rest area for further notice.

Just as Han Dong officially stepped into the inner passage of the arena.

Suddenly, a powerful suction force came from the seemingly ordinary stone ground.

Han Dong's body swayed suddenly, and he quickly constructed a Yellow Sand Staff to support his body.

"Gravity field?"

The load increased threefold.

This sudden weight was enough to knock an ordinary person to the ground instantly... Han Dong wasn't a physically fit student either, and he almost embarrassed himself in front of everyone.

Just then, a white shadow flashed by.

Abel immediately stepped forward and helped Han Dong up.

Abel, being physically strong, was completely unaffected.

Because of Commander Kaimon, Abel had already undergone various high-intensity training in the gravity training field, so the current three times gravity environment was nothing to Abel.

Are you alright?

"No... I'm just not used to it yet, it should be fine in a few minutes."

Han Dong had manipulated the yellow sand to aid him and resist some of the effects of gravity... However, when he came into contact with Abel's body, he could feel two sensations that were completely different from before.

"Hard"

"Powerful"

Abel's flesh was more than three times harder than before.

The internal 'power' is exceptionally strong... The enhancement brought about by absorbing the hybrid beasts and demons is obvious.

Demps followed, using an invisible 'magical domain' to counteract the effects of gravity, and whispered:

"I didn't expect that the gravity field unique to the Grand Arena would be activated at three times the intensity before the election even started... Today's competition is much more intense than usual."

Abel, who was leading, pointed to the front.

"I've come here secretly with my grandfather a few times. Follow me... there should be a five-person lounge up ahead."

If we choose to hold the election here, some of our equipment may be restricted.

The rules in the Grand Arena are much more numerous than in ordinary arenas.

Mia and Winry followed suit.

The Wenli the Blacksmith's situation was somewhat special; her appearance did not change at all before and after she was deflowered.

Even at today's Knight Selection, Winry maintained her previous image - carrying a large bag, wearing a black vest and loose blacksmith pants.

Of course, Winry's body was comparable to high-grade armor, so there was no need to add any extra weight to herself.

Guided by Abel, they arrived at a relatively spacious resting place.

Surprisingly, there was also a staff member from the arena on site.

"The inner area is expected to open in One Hour. Please take out all the Destiny Gear and Chaos Gear equipment you are carrying and hand them over to me for inspection."

Due to the rules of the competition, equipment is limited; each person is allowed a maximum of two pieces of equipment to participate in the election competition.

Mia immediately adopted a guarded look, and after a long mental preparation, she handed over the demon sword in her hand.

In addition, Mia also secretly kept a cursed piece of equipment.

Winry quickly handed over her Blacksmith's Hammer to the staff member, who looked troubled... He had almost failed to lift such a hammer, requiring him to use all his strength.

Demps removed the single bronze mirror and took off a soft armor made of an unknown material from his body.

Abel removed the Beast Bone Ring and took off a soft garment Beast Skin.

The staff member in charge of checking the equipment was quite surprised, looking at the group of graduates in front of him several times... The equipment they handed in was of a luxurious level, even better than that of Formal Knight.

However.

Han Dong then retrieved the "Crow Caller" staff from his body.

The staff member completely lost his composure, his shocked expression revealing his shock.

A flawless, Epic Grade Magic Staff, a blend of chaos and destiny.

The moment Han Dong grabbed it, the cawing of crows immediately filled the rest room... Due to the aura effect, everyone felt a sense of lightness sweep over their bodies, and their speed increased.

"Epic Grade..."

This staff member was also a member of the Knight Order, but suffered irreparable trauma from an event outside the city, and could only stay in the city to work.

He knew very well what this level of equipment meant.

"Although the attributes of this equipment are not restricted by the rules, its quality is relatively high. I need to report this to my superiors... Please wait a moment."

"OK."

After the staff left.

When Mia and Winry first saw this staff, they stared wide-eyed, unable to comprehend how it was constructed.

Moreover, Mia didn't even use the staff during her sparring session with Han Dong... He subdued Mia with his bare hands.

Mia suddenly fell into a state of depression again, and the demon sword she was holding suddenly lost its appeal.

A short while later, the staff returned and said, "It is permitted to use it... Being able to wield such a powerful staff is itself a demonstration of strength."

There are no major problems with your equipment.

If you are found to have used extra equipment during the competition, you will be disqualified immediately.

All medical supplies are prohibited, but there are no restrictions on 'self-made' medicines.

If there are no problems, please rest here for a while... I will take you inside once the inner area opens.

The staff member, who had been calm, underwent a complete 180-degree change in expression as soon as he left the break room.

While asking his superiors about the epic staff, he unexpectedly learned about the special identities of the five students under his care.

He couldn't help but mutter to himself:

My God!

Among this group was the eldest grandson of Commander Kaimon, rumored to be the strongest student in this year's class, Abel Raine of the Beasts.

Winry Austen, the adopted daughter of the great blacksmith Heidrig.

The library's most famous little magician this year - Demps Martin.

Mia Seminovich, the chief witch under the command of the Kailonya the Witch.

And Valen Nicholas, a student of the Crow Prophet, who is rumored to be a key figure in the "Great Betrayer Incident"... If I have time today, I must go to the casino.