Chapter 314: Chapter 314 - Strategic Surrender
Her unique physical makeup would inevitably attract notice.
"I’m aware of your history with Sister Mabel, and I know about your agreement with Vance Johansson," Watson spoke unprompted.
"Before, I didn’t think you deserved Mabel, but now, I believe you’re the only one suitable for her, so you must succeed."
"If I truly can enhance your powers...I... I believe I should assist."
By the end of her words, Watson’s voice had dropped to barely a whisper.
"Don’t act rashly, and you’re banned from entertaining such ideas," I scolded harshly.
"I don’t require your assistance, I can defeat Vance Johansson. As for you... I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe." I crouched down to meet her gaze.
Seeing this, Watson quickly responded, "You have to promise. If something happens to me, you’ll take responsibility."
"Fine, fine. I’ll take responsibility," I answered with a touch of exasperation.
"Go practice your meditation, don’t squander more time."
Watson agreed, returning to her previous spot.
I glanced at Conrad Schroeder, and we both moved beneath the ghostly apparition.
Staring up at the phantom figure forming in the sky, I couldn’t help but wonder.
What lay buried below that could create such a frightening phenomenon?
"Mr. Raymond, what do you want me to do?" Conrad inquired.
I pointed at the earth under our feet and said, "Start digging here. Go as deep as possible, until you discover something."
Conrad agreed; without question, Conrad’s strength made him perfect for excavation.
With our combined efforts, a massive pit appeared in the ground.
The cavity grew deeper and deeper, extending over ten meters in moments.
Unfortunately, there was nothing below.
"Might I have chosen the wrong spot?" I wondered, my brow furrowed.
"Mr. Raymond, should we continue digging?" Conrad questioned.
I nodded: "Keep going!"
So, we resumed our work, digging deeper.
Another ten meters down and we still found nothing.
By now, darkness was approaching, and Conrad and I were soaked in perspiration.
"Did I truly pick the wrong location? Or... was my assumption incorrect? Maybe the item isn’t buried at all?" I began to question myself.
I attempted to detect the surrounding dark energy, but realized that the dark energy wasn’t coming from below but seemed to flow from everywhere.
"Should we continue digging?" Conrad asked, breathing hard.
I spoke gruffly: "Forget it. Let’s climb back up first."
Conrad agreed, and we both emerged from the pit we’d created.
"Mr. Raymond, what’s our next move?" Conrad asked.
I thought for a moment before saying: "Let’s head back first."
"Head back? Just abandon it like this?" Conrad gasped in shock.
I gave a bitter smile, "My guesswork might have been wrong from the start. If I truly can’t locate it, then it means this isn’t meant for me."
Seeing this, Conrad remained silent.
Afterward, the three of us departed from that location.
Over the next few days, I prepared the pills for the Dragon Tiger team ahead of time and had Victor Green transport them to the combat zone.
I then brought Watson Thompson to the training grounds daily for private practice sessions.
Time passed swiftly, and before I knew it, over twenty days had gone by.
Only three days remained until the official tournament.
On this particular morning, I arrived at the Chuzzle Battle Zone early.
On the training field, Bennett Maxwayne was pushing the team members through intense drills.
When they spotted me, the members started cheering: "Coach Mason’s here!"
Hearing this, Bennett Maxwayne turned to face me.
"Coach Mason." Bennett Maxwayne acknowledged me.
I nodded and asked, "Commander Bennett, how’s the preparation going?"
Bennett Maxwayne gave me a thumbs up and said, "Your methods are incredible! In just one month, our members’ abilities have improved tremendously!"
The other members joined in, "Mr. Raymond, we’re grateful to you, your strategy was fantastic!"
"Absolutely, and after using the pills you provided, I reached the Grandmaster Stage!"
Seeing everyone’s enthusiastic response, I simply nodded in acknowledgment.
"Alright, everyone, continue your individual training!" Bennett Maxwayne called out.
After issuing the command, Bennett Maxwayne smiled at me, "Coach Mason, let’s head to the office. Commander Wood wants to see you."
"Sure." I agreed. I walked with Bennett Maxwayne toward the office.
In the office, Commander Wood was enjoying his tea, his face showing contentment.
"Commander Wood, Coach Mason has arrived." Just then, the door opened.
When Commander Wood saw me, he immediately rose to welcome me.
With a cheerful grin, he said, "Mason, I need to talk with you about something. Please, have a seat."
I sat across from Commander Wood, and Bennett Maxwayne quickly served me tea.
"Frankly, your strategy far surpassed what I expected." Commander Wood gave me a thumbs up.
I chuckled, "As long as it’s effective. Now, what did you want to talk about, Commander Wood?"
Commander Wood paused briefly, then said: "Even though your strategy is truly outstanding... I don’t want us to win first place."
I frowned and questioned, "What do you mean?"
Commander Wood sighed, "Second place would be sufficient for us."
"Commander Wood, don’t you trust the Dragon Tiger team?" I asked, rather confused.
"No." Commander Wood shook his head.
"What I’m saying is that whether we can win or not, we shouldn’t aim for first place."
This puzzled me. I couldn’t help but say, "Commander Wood, if we have the ability to win first place, why should we accept second?"
"Ah... Mason, you’re still inexperienced. This tournament isn’t just about skill; sometimes, you need to consider politics."
"After all, the Capital City Battle Zone is Ignacio Richard’s squad. They’ve been champions for years. If they lose, do you think Ignacio will be pleased?"
"Think about it. This could benefit you too—the nail that sticks out gets hammered down."
After hearing Commander Wood’s words, I scoffed, "Commander Wood, I believe Ignacio Richard isn’t that small-minded. If he really acts that way, he wouldn’t be the hero all these warriors look up to."
"While that may be true, you never know how things might unfold. Anyway, just follow my instructions," Commander Wood waved dismissively.
I stayed quiet for a moment, then nodded, "Alright, I’ll respect your wishes."
Commander Wood nodded approvingly, smiling, "Good, go get ready now. The morning after tomorrow, we depart for the Capital City!"
At the mention of the Capital City, I felt a wave of anticipation wash over me.
I agreed and then left the battle zone.
Standing at the battle zone’s entrance, I gazed toward the north, whispering quietly, "Capital City, here I come."
