Chapter 125: Competition Among the Candidates

A magnificent hall, a familiar starry sky, and below, the candidates who were anything but calm.

Li En had expected that, after confirming the truth, everyone would quietly study through the night—but that didn't happen.

More accurately, everyone's primary concern now seemed no longer their own studies or legacies.

"Among you, there must be an ambassador from Huicheng dispatched to Morsodilka—return immediately. The city's situation has changed; we have confirmed the Beast Cult as a mortal enemy. Return without delay for negotiations."

【Candidate #2, Poison Blade: Compatibility: 11%, Satisfaction: 5%】

When the usually reserved dark elf lady spoke urgently, those involved were stunned.

It's only been one day—has the situation changed already?

Did we sleep for a week—or even a month? Can your city's foreign policy shift so abruptly?

But no one responded to her words; events unfolded exactly opposite to her hopes.

At this moment, Sali Man and Li En were seriously considering whether to return to Morsodilka.

"Could it be an ambush?"

"What conspiracy is this?"

The dark elf's reputation and notoriety were simply too notorious.

Even if "Luo Si" died, the subsequent deities and clans wouldn't fare much better—perhaps shifting from "everyone shouts to kill on sight" to "consider their status first, then decide whether to avoid or strike."

Facing continued silence after speaking, Aleknei Talarbar froze.

As a noblewoman, she had always been protected by her younger sister and treated like a decorative ornament within her family—she truly didn't know how her race was perceived by others.

After all, nobles still cared about appearances, and her social circle was unusually insulated.

"I heard the divine oracle was delivered last night. The city's ruler personally announced it: she said the city will be destroyed by the 'White Deer,' hence the sudden shift."

Victoria V. Uniel, unable to watch further, added.

Though she had no affection for her own race, if the city truly collapsed, it wouldn't be good for her either.

【Candidate #3, Hand of the Sage: Compatibility: 26%, Satisfaction: 19%.】

Looking at the satisfaction and compatibility scores, it was clear that despite Kuku's silence, he still favored his fellow alchemist.

As the most outstanding alchemist among the candidates, "Hand of the Sage" had already won Kuku's strong favor.

And "Hand of the Sage" wasn't flattery—it referred to one of the alchemist's ultimate dreams: the Philosopher's Stone.

But naming herself thus was indeed a plus point for Kuku.

The dark elf's shift due to an oracle? That made sense now.

In a theocratic society, no matter how absurd the behavior or law, once it involved divine will or oracle, it became perfectly understandable.

Dark elves would dare utter any lie—but when it came to deities, they tread carefully, for their gods were each more petty than the last, and truly would send divine punishment.

"If you return, the city's ruler will likely offer a highly favorable alliance treaty—at least no war for the short term."

In truth, many families within the dark elf city had already lost faith in the envoy's return.

By analogy, most believed the core members of the envoy had fled, leaving only unlucky fools behind to wait pointlessly.

Some had even planned to send their own envoy in just a few days.

"The city ruler's close relative will likely appear to negotiate and sign the alliance with your city. But if you're still in the Underworld, settle this quickly—it benefits both sides." Aleknei Talarbar added. As for who the ruler's relative was, it hardly needed saying.

Aleknei herself wasn't certain it would happen, but she would strive to make it so.

Close relative? More like a hostage.

"Ambassador" Sali Man glanced at the Princess, saw the joy on her face and a slight nod in her direction—and understood.

"We will return within two days; we're still handling some matters in the Underworld." Returning too quickly wouldn't be wise—Sali Man's reply effectively confirmed the candidate was among the envoy.

【Candidate #1, Blue Sapphire: Compatibility: 51%, Satisfaction: 0%】

By the way, no one had expected Sali Man and Kuku's compatibility to be so high—their affinity was clearly the highest.

Purple Rose's judgment was correct; in a certain sense, Sali Man's talent was extraordinary—but not along the conventional path.

The candidates weren't guessing or concealing much from each other because Kuku had said the inheritance trial would last only four or five days—there was no point in excessive probing.

In fact, Kuku had hinted he hoped they would quickly decide whether to accept his inheritance (with its considerable side effects).

Originally, everyone assumed the next phase would be ordinary lessons—but someone had already broken the mold.

"Master Kuku. Thank you for your rescue. If possible, I wish to become your heir."

The first to speak was the newly awakened automaton.

Ophelia, in far better condition than yesterday, revealed the reason for her transformation with her first words.

【Candidate #7, Ophelia (self-named): Compatibility: 45%, Satisfaction: 21%】

Yesterday her compatibility was under 10%—it seemed this repair had fully connected her to a lich's soul, meaning her future potential might truly be incalculable.

And her unorthodox move was like throwing a boulder into a lake just beginning to calm.

"Master Kuku, I also wish to." The deer alchemist on the ground, Stephen Fielranch, hurried to speak.

He had already reached an agreement with the Princess—how could he possibly give this up now?

A mere possibility of mental fragmentation? Compared to poverty and mediocrity, it meant nothing.

【Candidate #4, Star Archmage: Compatibility: 16%, Satisfaction: 10%】

Though he'd chosen a grand self-title, as one of the candidate alchemists, he performed averagely in every aspect.

"I'm willing too. No—it's my honor!" Instantly, the dark elf Victoria also declared.

Who does alchemy without going mad? A little mental fragmentation? Just a minor flaw.

"If I may inherit, it will be an honor for both myself and my family." Another dark elf sister also stepped forward without hesitation.

To seize one's own fate, one must pay some price.

One by one, the candidates declared their intent—only then did everyone realize their earlier hesitation had been a joke; the opportunity lay before them, and none would hesitate too long.

"These side effects aren't a problem for us."

Even the mushroom man Gugu showed rare eagerness to compete.

【Candidate #5, Our Family: Compatibility: 40%, Satisfaction: 15%.】

As long as they were alchemists, Kuku had granted them all high starting compatibility and satisfaction scores.

The situation had become strangely delicate—unlike with Su Er, this time all candidates expressed strong desire.

It seemed only the sixth candidate, the deer girl, remained silent, saying nothing.

【Candidate #6, Bai: Compatibility: 22%, Satisfaction: 7%.】

Now, only Sali Man and this sixth candidate had not expressed willingness to inherit.

Li En had expected Kuku to gloat—but he remained calm.

His gaze swept over each candidate, as if assessing their will, yet also observing their abilities and potential.

Then he shook his head and sighed.

"Not enough. Not enough."

Li En, watching, was startled—then suddenly understood.

Unlike Su Er's inheritance, which tested willpower, Kuku's tested ability. These candidates had fine talent—but truly, they were not enough to bear the weight of Kuku's lifetime of research and knowledge.

"You're too young. Not enough."

Kuku's follow-up words made Li En fully comprehend.

These "kids," compared to Kuku's life, were still shallow—they couldn't bear the burden of this inheritance.

They had no idea what they were about to face; in their eyes, they still saw only themselves. So indeed—they were not enough. Unqualified!

"I'll show you."

Suddenly, the deep dream opened and spread through the Hall of Heroes.

The knight candidates wore expressions of recognition—they had experienced this dream trial before.

But the alchemist candidates, bewildered, were dragged into it.

They would endure much.

They would endure the Age of Blood Rage, the terror of their own kin turning into mad beasts.

They would endure prolonged torment, the crushing blow of mediocrity on mortal potential, and the inevitable separation from loved ones and friends.

They would endure hell, war after war.

Does killing you have anything to do with you?

Merely because of your race, your skin, your position—you deserve to die.

This was but a corner of the Demon Tide, the past Kuku had tried to flee—and believed he'd narrowly escaped.

Death after death, failure after failure—compared to Su Er's demonic trial, this true hell was far more agonizing.

In the process of dying and reviving, they came to understand what a Hero's Soul was, what war truly meant.

"So this… is the Demon Tide."

That night held no expected lessons—only one hell after another.

When all fell silent, and the candidates—having died and been reborn many times—returned to the hall and looked again at their mentor, their gazes had changed.

Yet Kuku still seemed unsatisfied, his face grim.

Outside, dawn was breaking; one by one, the candidates were dismissed, helpless.

Perhaps, from the Hero's intent, this inheritance would go unclaimed.

When only Li En and Kuku remained, Kuku suddenly chuckled.

"Gaga. Scared them, right? Impressive, huh?"

"Impressive. Very impressive." Li En vaguely realized—this was a common trick of his master's.

I have an opportunity here—but I don't have to give it to you. See how you perform.

Perhaps you think you've already secured the inheritance, or that it was destined for you—only revealing your true nature allows for a real choice. This trick Li En had used before; it wasn't unusual.

And performing this trick confirmed another of Li En's suspicions.

"You've already decided who to pass the inheritance to?" Li En was surprised. These candidates were truly inadequate—could Ku Ku really be this easygoing?

"Gaga. Guess."

"Just let me know—you've already decided. After all, we're the same person." At this moment, Li En remembered they were the same person.

"No, you'll be exposed." Ku Ku flatly rejected the idea.

"How could I be? I keep my mouth shut—how could anyone find out?" Li En was confident; he never revealed his secrets.

(End of Chapter)