Chapter 362: So It Really Was a Misunderstanding

Li An released Kamijou Touma's wrist, took a small electronic device from his pocket displaying some information, and said, "Look, these are the details I investigated: someone deliberately spread rumors about me with the purpose of sabotaging my participation in the tournament."

Kamijou Touma took the device, examined the information on it carefully, and his face gradually darkened: "How could this happen..." Regret filled his heart; he had been so easily manipulated.

The people around, seeing this scene, began to murmur among themselves.

"So it really was a misunderstanding."

"This Li An is quite clever; he managed to resolve the crisis so quickly."

"Yes, 907, it seems he truly is not simple."

Li An looked at the crowd, sighed slightly, and said, "I hope everyone will not believe rumors so easily in the future." A trace of exhaustion showed in his eyes, but more than that was determination.

Kamijou Touma walked up to Li An, lowered his head, and said, "I'm sorry; I misunderstood you." His voice was filled with apology.

Li An patted Kamijou Touma's shoulder and said, "It's fine, as long as you understand now." A faint smile appeared on his face.

However, just as everyone thought the matter had settled, suddenly a sharp whistling sound came from the sky. A massive beam of energy descended from above, shooting straight at Li An.

Li An's face changed drastically; he quickly pulled Kamijou Touma and the surrounding people to dodge. The beam struck the ground, instantly triggering a violent explosion; dust flew everywhere, and flames shot toward the sky.

"What is going on?" Li An looked alertly around, his heart filled with confusion.

At that moment, a cold voice came from the sky: "If you want to participate in the tournament, you must first pass my test." Everyone looked up and saw a mysterious figure hovering in the air, his body radiating a powerful energy fluctuation.

"It seems this is the real challenge." A hint of excitement showed in Li An's eyes; he stretched his muscles and bones, preparing to welcome the new battle.

"The next match: Li An versus..." The voice from the broadcast echoed through the huge competition arena of Academy City, drawing the gaze of the entire audience to focus on the center of the field.

Li An stood in the competitors' preparation area, wearing a lightweight combat suit, the hem of which fluttered gently with the breeze inside the arena. He squinted slightly, appearing carefree, while in reality his mind was already racing at high speed. Beside him, Guo Yao gripped the hem of her clothes tightly, her eyes full of worry, and whispered, "Li An, I heard the opponent they arranged for you this time is very strong; he was specially selected by the high-level officials of Academy City."

The corner of Li An's mouth rose slightly, revealing a confident smile; he reached out and gently patted Guo Yao's head, saying comfortingly, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." But in the instant he turned his head, a hint of imperceptible coldness flashed in his eyes; he knew clearly that this competition would probably not be that simple.

In the arena, the atmosphere was as tense as a fully drawn bowstring, as if even a needle dropping on the ground could be heard clearly. The audience's gaze, like spotlights, followed Li An's figure tightly. He took a deep breath, walked onto the arena slowly, every step steady and powerful, his eyes filled with fighting spirit.

At the same time, his opponent—a tall and burly esper—was striding toward him from the other end of the arena. This person wore a slightly contemptuous cold smile on his face, as if he had already secured victory. Looking at Li An, he laughed loudly and mocked, "Just you? You want to win this match? You are nothing but a prop arranged by the high-level officials."