Chapter 129: Set Up?

Under Xu Wenchang's guidance, the group arrived at the adjacent high-level arena.

It was a massive open-air structure.

Twelve enormous stone pillars encircled it, and the floor was paved with solid blocks of extremely hard black iron rock.

"Whoa—"

As soon as Han Mengqing stepped onto the field, she gasped: "This is way too big! Much more impressive than that little cage we just left!"

Lin Mo stood at the edge of the arena, his gaze sweeping across the open space.

It was indeed large.

Roughly estimated, its area was at least a full circle larger than a standard soccer field—and possibly more.

Here,

whether it was large-scale skill bombardment or high-speed mobile combat, there was more than enough room to maneuver.

"Now this is more like it."

Han Mengyao glanced around and nodded in satisfaction:

"That beginner arena was only good enough for Ye Kong to jump around in. If Lin Mo really went all out, one skill would've blown the roof off."

Chu Lingxuan deeply agreed:

"True, Lin Mo's skills have enormous ranges."

"If the space were too small, it'd be easy to accidentally injure spectators. This arena size is perfect for Lin Mo to perform at his best."

At that moment,

the 'Fireball Spell,' which had stayed up all night, finally woke up.

【'Fireball Spell' yawned: What a great nap~ Huh? Where am I? What's going on?】

【'Fireball Spell' frowned: Huh? Where's my little brother? Bold! Big bro's awake—why aren't you coming to greet me?】

Lin Mo heard this and glanced at his panel.

【Your skill 'Earth Shield Spell' is currently in deep seclusion, refining a new skill…】

"My little brother's developing a new skill. Don't disturb him."

【'Fireball Spell' wrinkled his brow, skeptical: Developing a new skill? Him?】

Lin Mo ignored 'Fireball Spell.'

He turned his gaze toward Ye Kong far away and thought:

"Forget that for now. See that guy in the white suit over there? We're fighting him soon."

"He's a space-type—he'll rely on his mobility to close in instantly."

"Remember the combo we used against the Shadow Wing Lord in the Trial Tower during our final exam?"

【'Fireball Spell' thought for a moment, then perked up excitedly: Of course I remember! That was one of my greatest moments!】

"Good. Remember it."

Lin Mo stared at Ye Kong from afar, his expression calm:

"The moment he gets close, we hit him with that combo—send him flying."

【'Fireball Spell' sneered: Hmph. What trash dares provoke us? I'll show him why flowers are red!】

…

On the other side,

Director Su frowned at the massive arena before him:

"Xu Wenchang, is it really necessary to come here?"

"Two twenty-something-level kids sparring—wouldn't the beginner arena be enough? You're overestimating that student Lin Mo."

Xu Wenchang merely smiled mysteriously and waved his hand:

"Director Su, just watch."

After saying that,

Xu Wenchang offered no further explanation.

He turned to Lin Mo and Ye Kong and said:

"Alright, before the match begins, Director Su will cast a 【Soul Protection】 on each of you."

"You both experienced this during your final exam—it preserves your last breath and locks in your final bit of HP."

Xu Wenchang's tone grew slightly more serious:

"And with Director Su here, as long as you still have one breath left, she can bring you back."

"So!"

"You have no need for hesitation in this battle!"

"No holding back! No stopping at a touch! Show me everything you've got!"

"The class monitor of Long Xu Class isn't chosen by words—it's won by fists! Everyone in the class must be truly convinced!"

"Understood?"

Xu Wenchang sized up the two.

"Understood!"

Ye Kong shouted back, his eyes burning with fierce battle intent.

Lin Mo lazily gave a thumbs-up.

"Got it."

…

Meanwhile,

the other students from Long Xu Class who had come along were now gathered on the stands.

Though there were only a dozen or so, the atmosphere was electric.

"Hey, who do you think will win?"

"Obviously Ye Kong! Space-type vs. mage? It's like father beating son—total counter!"

"Exactly! Space walkers are called 'mage killers.' One space jump to close in, and a mage's fragile body is gone in one combo."

"Lin Mo may be rank one, but he's still a mage. Once closed in, he's done."

"I bet all my money on Ye Kong! Ten million! If this wins, I'll make a hundred million!"

"Me too! I bet everything!"

The crowd's chatter overwhelmingly favored Ye Kong.

Even though Lin Mo was rank one.

But in this world, class advantages were common knowledge.

Fragile damage dealers feared being closed in—especially when the opponent was a top-tier class with space-jump ability.

In a corner of the crowd,

the boy who had originally wanted to bet on Lin Mo but was tricked into betting on Ye Kong now stared at the distance, troubled.

There, Han Mengqing was hugging her little ledger, grinning foolishly.

"Hehehe… so much money… so much money…"

Watching Han Mengqing's greedy grin, the boy felt something was off.

Why was Han Mengqing smiling so happily?

Could it be… that I've been set up?

But how could Ye Kong lose?

Whatever. At least I've got a guaranteed payout.

…

"Alright, Lin Mo, Ye Kong, take your positions on either side."

Xu Wenchang glanced at the two and said calmly.

Immediately,

Lin Mo and Ye Kong walked toward the center of the arena, standing at opposite ends, a hundred meters apart.

Director Su, seeing they were ready, gently raised her hand.

A white light shot from her fingertip, split into two, and instantly sank into each of their bodies.

【Soul Protection】 status applied successfully!

A faint white membrane shimmered over both of them, then vanished.

"Since you're both ready…"

Xu Wenchang took a deep breath and sharply waved his hand:

"Then… begin!"

The moment his words ended,

Ye Kong's eyes instantly sharpened.

No wasted words.

He clenched his right hand in midair—a Tang blade materialized instantly in his grip.

Shhh—!

His figure vanished from the spot.

A hundred meters meant nothing to a space-type—it was but a thought away.

The next moment.

Space rippled like water.

Ye Kong's figure appeared before Lin Mo.

This is the terror of a Space Walker!

Ignore distance!

Ignore obstacles!

Instantly cut through the backline!

"Lin Mo, it's over!"

Ye Kong's eyes were icy as his Tang blade slashed at Lin Mo without mercy.