"Oh? You agreed?"
The many contestants awaiting advancement were all stunned, looking at Hercules in disbelief. Even Dias seemed somewhat surprised. "You're really willing to give up a spot that was already yours?"
Facing Dias's doubts, Hercules held his head high and declared loudly, "Compared to some so-called divine position, I care more about everyone receiving fair treatment!"
"Very good. Then I'll give you the chance to uphold that fairness!" Dias chuckled and waved a hand. Hercules vanished from the Advancement Zone. At the same time, Ling Yao and the many monsters on the field disappeared as well, replaced by an enormous Holographic Projection.
Within the projection, Hercules and Ling Yao stood in a boundless wilderness, their eyes meeting as they sized up their opponent. "Since this is a contest between competitors, there's no need for any complicated challenge." Dias's voice resounded throughout the venue. "The rules are a deathmatch. Only one person can return here alive. The time limit is one hour. If no winner is decided after one hour, both of them will lose their qualifications." As he spoke, Dias turned to the substitute contestants who had yet to advance. "Happy now? If both of them lose their qualifications, that leaves one more vacant spot in the end!"
As soon as he said this, everyone exchanged looks. Quite a few of them actually showed a hint of anticipation in their eyes.
"Hmph!" Dias sneered, then turned toward the Holographic Projection and announced the start of the match to the two in the Different Space. "Sorry, I'm not targeting you." Rather than attacking, Hercules gave Ling Yao a slight nod. "I simply want to uphold the most basic fairness."
"I understand." Ling Yao nodded. "I've long heard of Hercules's great reputation. You're willing to stand up for the interests