Chapter 165: The Smith’s Family
Inside a high human VIP box, the atmosphere was completely different from the clamor outside.
A middle aged man sat in the main seat.
His features were sharp, his gaze cold, and his attire luxurious but not ostentatious. On his finger, he wore a ring engraved with the Smith family crest. Seated beside him was a woman with a similarly cold expression; her eyes were even keener than the man’s, as if no subtle change in expression could escape her observation.
Behind the two stood an elderly butler.
His hair was graying, his back ramrod straight, and both hands were clad in white gloves. The man was so quiet that he resembled a shadow within the room.
At this moment, the box door was gently pushed open.
Arnold walked in.
As the Shelter Lord of the First Shelter, Arnold was considered a figure standing at the pinnacle in the eyes of many players. However, upon entering, he slightly bowed his head and offered a salute to the man and woman.
"I did not expect the Smith Family Head and Madam to personally come to watch this match."
The man raised his eyes to look at him.
There was not much warmth in that gaze.
"I am merely here to witness my son’s victory with my own eyes." His tone was calm, yet carried an almost undisguised confidence, as if Jayden entering the finals and achieving a good result were a matter of course.
Arnold did not refute him, nor did he remind him how many monster level candidates were gathered in this competition.
He merely paused for a moment before saying, "Young Master Jayden is indeed very outstanding."
The woman spoke softly then.
"I’ve heard that lately, he hasn’t been on good terms with another young man in the First Shelter."
Arnold’s expression did not change, but if someone had been paying close attention, they would have noticed that his eyes widened ever so slightly at the mention of that.
As the Shelter Lord overseeing the tournament, he had done his research, and although he wasn’t completely certain, he knew that Rael Smith’s death was somehow connected to Zich.
Realizing that if he remained silent for too long, he would arouse suspicion, he quickly replied in a neutral tone.
"There are always frictions between young people. I’m certain it’s nothing serious."
"Friction?" The woman looked down toward the arena below, her gaze quickly settling on Zich’s figure. "That white haired child, is that Zich Grave?"
"Yes."
The man also looked over.
A bit more scrutiny entered his eyes, but still not much interest.
"The son of the Grave Keeper."
"Yes."
"I heard he’s quite the character."
Arnold said in a low voice, "Yes, he’s promising but still has a long way to go."
Scratch that. Among those from the First Shelter, Zich was probably the strongest. Arnold knew this, but right now, to keep him from attracting the attention of an elite family like the Smiths, he deliberately downplayed him and made him seem like any other ordinary player in the First Layer.
The man, who was the current leader of the Smith family and one of the strongest human players, Michael Smith, gave a faint smile.
"The First Layer never lacks people who suddenly pop up. Only those who live to the end are worth remembering. I wonder if this no name will soar through, or if his feathers will be cut short."
Arnold did not continue to explain. He could feel the arrogance in the other’s words and the confidence accumulated from belonging to a long standing top tier family.
However, he still showed no displeasure because the Smith family was indeed powerful.
Whether in the real world or within Ascension Mountain, this family possessed considerably deep roots. They were people whom not even the Player Association treated lightly, hence the reason someone like Arnold had personally come to receive them.
He simply bowed his head slightly once more.
"I will be waiting outside. If the two of you have any needs, please command me at any time."
The man did not look at him again, as if the latter was not worth his attention.
The woman nodded lightly.
Arnold turned and withdrew from the box.
After the door closed, the old butler asked in a low voice, "Family Head, do we need to pay attention to that Zich?"
The man watched the arena below, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.
"No need to do so too early."
The woman, Miranda Smith, however, said, "Jayden’s recent mood is related to him. He even mentioned that Rael’s death might be connected to him."
Michael was silent for a moment. Then he looked toward Zich’s direction, and his gaze finally turned a bit colder.
"If that’s the case, let’s watch him for now. If he is merely a pebble distracting Jayden, then simply crush him underfoot. The growth of the Smith family always comes first."
"But if he truly has value..."
Michael did not continue, but his wife understood his meaning. Something of value did not necessarily have to be destroyed.
It could also be taken.
...
After each contestant received the crystal, the entire Central City Arena fell into an eerie silence for a brief moment. The thunderous cheers that had been surging like endless waves were no more as every spectator locked their eyes onto the enormous screen floating high above the arena.
No one was willing to miss what was about to unfold because everyone understood that, from this very moment onward, the elimination stage of the tournament was truly beginning.
The thirty two white crystals floating beside each contestant trembled simultaneously.
Gentle white light flowed endlessly within them, as though countless stars were drifting through their interiors. Then, under the watchful gaze of everyone present, two of the crystals suddenly erupted without warning, releasing dazzling pillars of pure white light that shot straight into the heavens like two holy swords piercing the sky, instantly drawing the attention of the entire arena.
At the same time, Arthur’s voice rang out.
"The first elimination match has been determined. The following two contestants, please enter the battle arena."
The next moment, two names slowly appeared across the massive screen.
...
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