Chapter 234 Professional substitute player online.
"The next battleground we're aiming for is Hudson University!" Kyle roughly understood why even a demigod would vie for control of Hudson University's territory.
The resurgence of energy originated in New York,she must've discovered something.
To Kyle's knowledge, his companion Nelson still works at the Cozy Book Haven.
His younger fellow disciple, who can be considered one of the current top Soulmancers, chose to hide in that place and not return. If someone said there's nothing amiss about Hudson University, he'd definitely not believe it.
Kyle even suspects that Alice's sword was found near Hudson University.
Could it be that the area used to be some ancient ruins?
In fact, many Soulmancers have realized this.
Mount San Juan Teotihuaca is also located in Mexico. The nearest mysterious realm appeared in New York, which showed the most intense energy fluctuations and was the initial site of energy anomalies. The artifacts on Mount San Juan Teotihuaca overturned modern civilization's understanding and revealed many magical relics. Therefore, the mysterious realm around Hudson University is undoubtedly more sought after than Arcane Village.
As soon as he announced his intention to seize Hudson University, about half of the Soulmancers present in the trial area leaped down into the battleground.
They had previously registered to compete for other mysterious realms, but for this particular one, they all chose to directly participate without registering.
The scene left Kyle somewhat flustered.
A brawl involving over two hundred people?!
All Soulmancers, in such a confined space—this was a true melee!
"What are you doing? You didn't sign up earlier, but now you're all entering the field to compete. This isn't according to the rules; how can this fight proceed?" Kyle couldn't help but shout. Was there going to be an end to this brawl?
"Old mage Kyle," someone retorted, "you did say anyone could participate if they entered the battleground before the fight started. We all know the mysterious realm in New York is special. There must be a treasure there; how could anyone pass up the chance?"
"Exactly! Even if we followed the rules and finished the competition on the field, we'd still challenge the winner. Instead of endless fighting, why not let everyone compete together? This doesn't break the intention behind organizing this contest for the mysterious realm."
"It's better to fight now. Imagine if, in the future, everyone started fighting at Hudson University. The consequences would be unimaginable."
Someone bluntly spelled it out.
For other mysterious realms, one would compete if the opportunity presented itself. But when it came to the Cozy Book Haven, many were determined to claim it.
Alice hadn't anticipated that things would escalate to this extent. She originally thought only Sofia and Bryant were after her bookstore. Yet she realized that more than half of the people present had designs on the Cozy Book Haven near Hudson University.
"Hmph! You from the 13th Bureau have already obtained the Arcane Village. You're not thinking of competing with me for the secret realm of Hudson University too, are you?" Among this group, Lucien's strength is arguably the strongest. The only one he truly fears is that freakishly powerful individual, Zoey. As long as Zoey doesn't step in, he believes he can definitely secure the secret realm of Hudson University for himself.
Steven stood beside Zoey and said, "Zoey, you shouldn't step in."
The 13th Bureau is originally a state-affiliated unit. Although Zoey is incredibly powerful, she shouldn't monopolize all the benefits. Constantly relying on Zoey to suppress these Soulmancers with her might could potentially lead to widespread dissatisfaction among everyone.
Zoey hadn't planned to get involved anyway. And since Steven advised it, she decided to follow his words.
Upon learning that Zoey wouldn't be participating, Lucien's confidence surged.
He jumped in, surrounded by a blue magic circle: the Ninefold Stellar Sanctuary.
The arena was just the right size for his magic circle. Unless he faced someone with abnormal strength like Zoey, the others in the circle were within his reach, rendering any swarm tactics meaningless against him.
"Those who know me, back off! Or risk getting caught in the crossfire!" Lucien's Ninefold Stellar Sanctuary was designed for group attacks. With everyone clustered together, they were essentially sitting ducks.
With Lucien's entrance, those who had just jumped in turned pale with fear.
They couldn't believe this guy was here too. It felt like there was no room to breathe.
Some of the weaker ones, who went down initially, were so frightened that they immediately fled.
They had witnessed Lucien's strength before. Those with weaker abilities, upon stepping into Lucien's magic circle, would find themselves defenseless, mercilessly dominated. Why would they willingly face such humiliation?
Some, considering themselves relatively strong, decided to give it a try.
Soon, however, they came to understand the true terror of Lucien's strength.
Lucien's power was truly fearsome. The moment the Ninefold Stellar Sanctuary's magic circle was activated, some were burned by raging fires, others were instantly frozen into ice statues, and some were trapped in marshland. In just an instant, screams filled the air, with half of the remaining fighters losing their ability to fight.
Kyle was forced to intervene, rescuing all the injured participants. If he hadn't, many would have surely perished.
Seeing the dire situation, other less powerful individuals decided to forfeit, fleeing the scene.
Within just ten seconds of Lucien's entrance, only a handful remained in the arena.
Bryant, a middle-tier Soulmancer, had previously been toyed with and beaten by Zoey. However, this time, he managed to procure an ancient, somewhat worn bell. Covered in a faint golden glow, he stood unscathed amidst blazing flames.
Sofia...
Or rather, Seraphina stood at the Venus position of her magic circle. Wild winds howled around her, yet she remained in the eye of the storm, untouched.
As for Alice, she seemed the most poised of them all. Holding the Sword of Soulbreaker, she stood with the blade slanted, her long hair flowing. Positioned at the Uranus spot of her magic circle, lightning wrapped around her. However, the imposing aura of her sword skill managed to block about 95% of the damage. She dared not move an inch, fearful that her still-imperfect sword aura might falter, leaving her roasted like a suckling pig by the electric currents.
Regarding the other Soulmancers, even those who managed to stay were in a pitiful state, utterly powerless.
It couldn't be helped; Lucien's strength was just too dominant. An average Soulmancer didn't stand a chance within his magic circle.
Those who had descended with such bravado moments earlier were now nearly all defeated.
Lucien scanned the surroundings and took note of the three individuals unaffected by his magic circle, growing wary.
Had there been only one person unharmed, he wouldn't have been too concerned. But with three individuals standing unscathed, his Ninefold Stellar Sanctuary might end up being their joint target.
These three would undoubtedly prioritize taking him down first!
After regaining his composure, Lucien simply deactivated the Ninefold Stellar Sanctuary, standing off to the side, eyeing them coldly.
With his retreat, Alice visibly relaxed. The overwhelming aura of her sword skill dissipated, and she was drenched in sweat.
Yet, Seraphina showed no sign of stopping. She drew a flute from her waist and slowly brought it to her lips.
Before Alice could react, the flute sounded, with its enchanting tune piercing the ears. She stood there, dazed, her eyes vacant, now devoid of any combat capability.
William watched and genuinely felt that his disciple was truly foolish. She had let her guard down so quickly; if she didn't fall into the trap, who would?
However, they certainly couldn't let go of that bookstore. He didn't feel like dilly-dallying with Seraphina and her group any longer. Therefore, Alice must win!
William closed his eyes briefly, and simply performed a possession, temporarily taking over Alice's body.
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