Encore: New Generation

Starting from the Nine Realms, our next destination is a trading city in northern Ethiopia.

It is called Adulis, located about 6,000 meters underground in Eritrea. In 1984, a French archaeological team began excavating the Adulis site on the surface. Sixty years later, another Germany archaeological team dug through a crypt 300 meters below the surface and found the deep cave leading to the underground city.

"From then on, this city, as the settlement of the Greenstone People, also became one of the venues for the annual Moon God Cup."

"This land, bordering the Red Sea, is fertile and bountiful, serving as the granary for Districts 15, 16, and 17. Not only is it rich in resources, but three Lords of Cinder have dedicated themselves to this land, giving everything for its riches."

"Adulis is arguably the most prosperous and most suitable place for Homo sapiens to live in the entire underground world. It has golden coastlines, sunny beaches, and hybrids of monsters from all over the world."

"The cities built around the three main stations— Nine Realms, Sky Dome, and Giant Mountain—are far inferior to Adulis —so, children."

The BOSS stood in front of the Galahad Magic Academy's main hall and addressed thousands of teachers and students on a specific topic.

"This year's Best Moon God Cup will be held in Adulis."

"This is your graduation season, and also a game for the brave. The young people who win the highest honor in the Moon God Cup and ultimately claim the crown will be the rising stars of the underworld."

"I think you've all heard of this grand event to some extent. We have to go through layers of selection, starting from the county and town level competitions, and fight our way out to become regional representatives. Finally, forty-eight teams from forty-eight regions will go to Adulis to compete for the title."

"No matter where you come from, whether you are born into poverty or have been adorned with gold and jade since childhood, the Moon God Cup only favors the brave."

"You can team up with three or five friends, find a senior alumnus with coaching qualifications, gather six people and start fighting immediately. You can also take the graduation certificate issued by the Galahad Magic Academy and go to various cities in the underworld to find clubs."

"We have international giants like Rhine Metal as sponsors, and reliable Laiyang Steel Pipe as well."

"We have weapons companies like Mitsubishi Military Industry getting involved to rake in bonuses, and we also have practical workshops in Yiwu."

"You've all heard my name, and I have many nicknames. Many historians consider me to be Bastet, the Egypt moon goddess."

The Little Kitty switched to a gentle and friendly female voice--

"--Is it the image of a black-haired, green-eyed catgirl with a distinctive voice?"

The teachers and students in the audience, who had been sitting upright, began to cough and laugh awkwardly.

The boss then continued—

"--I don't understand, but I accept this title because the cat god and moon god in Egypt mythology were originally war gods. Later, they became family gods."

"The nameless War King brought us a precious era of peace, but peace is never the theme of this world. After World War II, the mortal world ushered in a long period of peace through nuclear deterrence."

"However, even without large-scale hot wars, localized armed conflicts and friction and bloodshed have always existed."

"Just as fear and violence would still exist even without the Madness Butterfly, we must confront our own hearts."

"Human beings rely on two skills to survive, which have supported you to this day, and almost all of your Soul Power is related to them."

"It's the same thing as making and using tools, but I call it intellect—you all love it and have sanctified it more than once."

"The other is using tools to destroy life, which I call bestiality—you are terrified of it and have demonized it more than once."

"Both of these characteristics objectively exist within you, and will never change according to individual will. They are immortal and indestructible; one determines how we arrived at the modern era, and the other determines how we travel to the future."

"They are equally important; there is absolutely no question of choosing one over the other or cutting them off."

"Without intellect, science and technology will disappear forever."

"Without animalistic instincts, romance and art cease to exist."

"We've gotten a bit off-topic. Let's get back to the topic of the Moon God Cup."

Ming De and ambition.

"Unleash your violence and passion, rack your brains to defeat your opponent, control your inner killing urges, and awaken your fighting talent."

"The Best Moon God Cup has a simple and clear format; the rules are all written in the brochure. As long as you achieve a decent result, your hometown will receive a large development fund, and your name will be used to build schools, hospitals, and amusement parks."

"You can become a hero in the eyes of your fellow villagers. I'll be waiting for you in Adulis, and I'll personally crown you with the laurel of a hero."

"Through television broadcasts, online streaming platforms, live streaming, and radio, 430 million people worldwide, from Dadu to small towns, are watching this duel."

"You are an athlete, and you are also a warrior."

"The club needs you, advertisers need you, fair-skinned and beautiful cheerleaders need you, and muscular male models for brand collaborations also need you."

"Go find love, go find friendship, go find the crucial moments of victory and defeat in life!"

"Guangling Zhixi needs you, the Lapis Lazuli Guards need you, your big boss is watching you, in the Emerald Stadium of Adulis, the center of a stadium that can hold 60,000 people, in this city that is always in the heat of summer, they are all calling for you."

"And another thing!"

The good cat paused for a moment, then raised its little paw.

It waited a few seconds, carefully observing all the teachers and students on and off the field.

"Get out of the school! You can throw your hats away now!"

Graduation season arrived, and the students erupted in thunderous cheers, throwing their books and graduation caps high into the air.

The amiable BOSS stretched out his arms, Hunter King lifted it off the stage. When they returned backstage, some unexpected little stories unfolded.

In the dressing room, the Hunter King sat next to the BOSS, watching the BOSS tidy up his formal attire and change back into casual clothes.

The Hunter King asked, "You seem quite happy?"

The boss casually replied, "The Moon God Cup is very important; for people, it's like the Chinese New Year—of course I'm happy it's almost New Year's."

Hunter King: "We held this competition a few years ago, but you weren't this happy then."

BOSS: "Times have changed, my waiter."

When this matter was brought up, the BOSS deliberately turned his head away and patiently explained in a serious manner.

"We defeated the Madness Butterfly Sect, albeit temporarily—but it was a crushing defeat, an overwhelming victory, and a brand new beginning."

"The economic base determines the superstructure. For a sporting event like the Moon God Cup, if a region can't even afford to eat, and can harbor man-eating monsters that roam the city year-round, grinding their teeth and sucking blood from people's bodies..."

"The same goes for young people from this place. They can't even guarantee their survival, so how can they talk about competitive sports?"

"In the past, corruption was rampant in various regions. A government official in the think tank told me frankly—when a natural disaster struck a region, the people were crying and wailing, but the officials were all smiles. Because they could embezzle funds, deceive their superiors, and cover up the truth. They would take as much as they could from disaster relief funds, donations, labor conscription, and reconstruction funds, their mouths greasy with lard."

"Things are different now. I can see the spirit of young people in the Moon God Cup every year. The poorest and richest counties and cities, the young men and women who come from these places, whether they are crying or laughing, whether their bodies and spirits are thin or strong—none of this lies."

"Of course," the boss immediately changed his tune, "Except for Chinese football."

"The cherry blossoms are blooming again in my hometown." The Hunter King switched to Japanese and said, "They beat Germany in the World Cup. That's great!"

The boss's fists clenched, but he couldn't say anything.

Just then, the Hunter King's eyes shifted rapidly, scanning from the full-length mirror in the dressing room down to the floor, and following the rustling sounds, he arrived at the fireplace.

After changing his clothes, the boss asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"

The Hunter King became alert and took out a cane from his storage bag.

"A little mouse has sneaked in. I don't know if it's an assassin. Don't worry, I'll protect you."

She shielded the BOSS behind her, summoning her soul power.

"Cat People: Leopard Print Hot Girls!"

A humanoid phantom with eye-shaped markings emerged from the Hunter King's body. It floated beside the main body, its densely packed, complex patterns emitting an orange-yellow glow, maintaining its battle stance.

Within seconds, a clumsy young man tumbled out of the fireplace, covered in soot and charcoal dust.

The young Black man seemed exhausted; he collapsed onto the carpet, Barry up thick dust and ash. When he opened his eyes, his round, brown pupils indicated that he was Asian, an East Asian.

"BOSS! BOSS! I see the BOSS!"

Ming De: "Did I just activate invisibility mode in the auditorium? You couldn't see me?"

"No, no, no!" The young man, who had been looking at the cat upside down, turned over and became full of energy. His mouth opened and closed, revealing his white teeth. His hair was still messy, and after a few haphazard pats, the sofa next to the fireplace was covered in dust.

Upon seeing this, the Hunter King was relieved—this was Galahad's student who, for some unknown reason, had dug a tunnel leading directly to the dressing room.

"Boss!" The young man stood up casually, not caring at all. He grabbed the carpet and wiped his face clean, finally looking presentable. "My name is Shao Jinghao! I just want to meet you! Let's meet face-to-face and have a good look!"

This stumped the BOSS, who said, "You can become a passenger and come to the Cabinet every day to bother me to death."

Hao Bro is already twenty years old. At this moment, he has grown into a tall man of 188 centimeters, with broad shoulders, bulging muscles, and a strong and muscular build.

"I don't graduate until next year! I'll be bothering you every day then!"

The cat's mouth opened slightly; it hadn't expected the kid to take that joke seriously.

It seemed to have seen another Bu Liuxing, so it asked.

Who are your teachers?

Without hesitation, Shao Jinghao replied, "Gunsmith Teacher! And Meteor Teacher!"

This kid's voice was as loud as thunder, making the BOSS's teeth itch with rage. He finally understood where Shao Jinghao's master was—probably a hot-blooded idiot obsessed with knightly combat techniques.

"Boss, I've come to see you today! And not just to see you!" Xiao Hao turned around and kept fiddling with the fireplace, finally "pulling" his partner out.

He brought a neatly dressed, clean-cut, calm young man to the BOSS; it was Daniel.

Compared to the clumsy Hao Bro, Daniel has become much more withdrawn in the past six years. He was just hiding in the fireplace, too afraid to move, and his expression didn't change much when he saw Ming De.

"Boss, I've been following this idiot around the whole time, just in case he's talked back and offended you."

"Hahahaha!" Hao Bro didn't mind at all, gently patting Daniel's back, leaving a dark handprint on his clean school uniform. "Don't rush! There's more! There's more!"

He turned around and pulled Liu Xiaomin and Kaycee out of the fireplace.

The two girls had grown up, and when Kaycee came before the Hunter King, she began to explain in a flustered manner.

"Cat Tree Lady! We didn't do it on purpose! This guy was digging a tunnel without permission. Isn't he breaking school rules? We just followed him here."

Kaycee's voice grew softer and softer until it was completely inaudible.

"I just came with him. I heard I'd get to see you."

"Huh?!" Hao Bro exclaimed in surprise, "So the school doesn't allow people to dig tunnels?"

The boss, expressionless, muttered under his breath, "Looks like this kid hasn't studied the school rules at all in the past six years."

It then looked at Daniel: "If he doesn't read the school rules, you won't either, right?"

Daniel's expression was icy as he replied seriously, "I only criticize him; I never correct him."

Boss: "That makes sense, you're not his father."

Daniel: "You're right, I can't be his father."

When the Hunter King saw a familiar face, it was a relative of Red Sister, the housekeeper of the nameless man. So he ran to Xiao Min's Xiao Min and brushed the coal dust off her.

The boss asked Hao Bro, "So, what is it that made you go to so much trouble and spend so much money?"

"Twenty-five days!" Hao Bro exclaimed with immense pride, gesturing wildly, "I spent twenty-five days digging myself from my dorm to get here! Just to see you!"

"Good lad!" BOSS was surprised. Hao Bro's thinking seemed different from ordinary people. Before BOSS could even finish speaking, this guy had already started to answer.

Shao Jinghao squatted down in front of the BOSS and said with great interest.

"Boss! Do you think we can participate in the Moon God Cup?! Even though we won't graduate until next year, we already want to participate now!"

Daniel whispered an explanation from the side, "It's you who wants to go, only you want to go. Not all of us."

"But wasn't it the same when I was digging the tunnel?!" Hao Bro laughed and retorted, "At first you all said no, it wouldn't be good, but later your bodies behaved very well, and you all followed along! Especially the two girls!"

Xiao Min whistled and looked at the scenery, while Kaycee hid in front of the mirror to touch up her makeup; neither of them answered the question directly.

Hao Bro pressed on, asking, "You! And you! I live in the boys' dormitory! You two climbed over the wall and ran under my bed, wanting to come with me to see the BOSS?!"

Ming De clutched his stomach and burst into laughter, unsure of what to say.

It loves children, loves these young people, and loves every moment of their vibrant life.

Daniel: "I'm responsible for giving you a harsh critique before you get yelled at. As your roommate and the dorm leader, it's my duty."

"Hahahaha!" The BOSS finally couldn't hold back anymore. "These two kids are a perfect match."

"Then! Boss! I need your help!" Shao Jinghao steered the conversation back on track. "Can we participate in the Moon God Cup? Let's start fighting from the area where the Nine Realms Station is located! We'll fight our way up!"

Ming De thought for a moment, then shook his head.

It's best not to.

Shao Jinghao grabbed his hair in frustration. "Why?!"

Ming De offered his well-intentioned advice.

"If you start from Zone 1, your opponents in the qualifiers will be the Azure Wolf, and all sorts of monsters and demons—you'll likely drown in the hellish zone teeming with experts."

Daniel: "I can't even be bothered to explain such a basic error. Shao Jinghao, deduct one point."

Hao Bro then added, "Only strong opponents are worth defeating! We must rise to the challenge! Shao Jinghao! Add one point!"

"Don't rush, kids, don't rush." Ming De looked up at the children. They had all grown up. Even the shortest one, Xiao Min, was 168 centimeters tall. He had to look up to see the young people's physiques. "You are still missing two people. To make up the full five teams for the main competition, we also need a coach with a knightly combat qualification certificate."

"Oh! That's right!" Hao Bro slapped his forehead, suddenly snapping out of his daze. "Boss! I have someone in mind! I have someone in mind!"

He took out his phone from his pocket and told Ming De the details.

"This guy! This guy isn't Galahad's student, can he be our comrade-in-arms!?"

Ming De couldn't understand it; it didn't recognize the people in the photo and had never seen them before.

However, the Best Moon God Cup has no entry requirements; all inhabitants of the underworld, even ordinary people, can participate—because of the Homo sapiens' high attack and low health, ordinary people also have a chance to defeat the Morpho Butterfly.

Hao Bro shouted--

"--This guy plays games with me! He's from an online friend! I think he's really good! Although he doesn't talk much, I think that's how good players are—they don't like to talk, they just quietly show off."

"His name is Qi Ji! He's in Forty-One District! I want to bring him here! Is that possible?"

Ming De: "Are you sure you want to choose someone you've never met as an ally of the Moon God Cup?"

"He's definitely reliable!" Hao Bro pulled Daniel over, pointing at Daniel's chin. "Qi Ji won't criticize me! He'll even give me guidance!"

Another dark mark appeared on Daniel's delicate face, but he wasn't angry. He just continued coldly, "I think it's feasible because the opponents in the Forty-One District qualifiers are weak. I've done my homework—it'll be easy to become a Forty-One District representative."

The boss then asked—

"--So what about the coach? You need to find a reliable coach."

"Is it okay if I'm a teacher like Meteor?" Hao Bro asked.

The boss shook his head. "No, he's not qualified. Although the exam is very simple, this guy has never thought about becoming a coach. Besides, he's on his honeymoon and doesn't have the opportunity to guide you."

Hao Bro: "Where's the gunsmith teacher?"

BOSS: "This kid has a ton of credentials, you can go ask him about them, but don't expect him to be of much use. Remember, the coach is the one sitting in the audience, he won't make you stronger."

Hao Bro immediately grabbed Daniel and ran out the door.

"I'm off! I'm off! Thanks, Boss!"

Daniel had Hao Bro grab his collar and say goodbye to the BOSS.

"Don't worry! I will definitely continue to criticize him properly! I won't let him cause any bigger trouble, Boss!"

After the group of little ones skipped and hopped away from the dressing room--

"—The Hunter King asked curiously."

Is it really appropriate to let them mess around like this?

Ming De: "That's a good thing. Young people should go out and explore. At their age, the Nameless Warriors are already beating up the Skull and Skull and Bones Society. Besides..."

"The Moon God Cup is not as simple as they think; the journey itself is a priceless treasure."