Joy and despair erupted simultaneously in cities across the world.
Night Abyss had received his qualification, and without the slightest hesitation, he decisively tore open the packaging of the high-performance Nutrient Can he had prepared beside him. With some effort, he lifted it and connected it to the power supply port of his gaming pod.
Then, with practiced movements, he lay down inside.
The pod lid closed, and cold nutrient fluid quickly filled the chamber.
His vision abruptly darkened.
Before long, a magnificent CG sequence unfolded in his consciousness, depicting the regions of the Monster World players had explored and its major factions.
When the CG reached the Azure Star Sea Area, complicated emotions welled up inside Night Abyss.
In the previous round's opening CG, shared by players on the forums,
the first scene had featured the Ancient God Arena, located in the Sea of Death, with the Champion Fighter in the background, muscles bulging as he roared at the heavens.
Next had come his own heroic figure, commanding the legion on Mist Abyss Island, appearing and disappearing amid the surging sea of mist.
Then came the golden orb, representing Book Words' will, within the Book Words Domain.
Finally, on the lava throne of Ascension Island, Chi Yan's figure appeared, surrounded by elemental radiance.
The four great powers stood side by side, their positions clearly defined.
But in the new CG now unfolding before him, the sea remained magnificent, while the content had changed.
The opening scene still featured the Ancient God Arena, represented by the Champion Fighter.
Next, it shifted to the Book Words Domain, where the orb of will hung high in the sky.
Indifferently, it looked down upon the former lands of the Misty Abyss Clan, now under new ownership, and the ruins of Ascension Clan buildings