Chapter 249: Awakening

Among the twelve candidates, at least nine were highly skilled swordsmen.

They had either willingly or reluctantly been drawn into this slaughter, and Rex showed just how absurd a former apex being could be.

In an instant, he discerned the opponent's sword system and effortlessly defeated them by mimicking a superior combat style.

At first, the candidates still thought of fighting, of winning.

But soon, it became a true training ground.

The young ones faced opponents they could never defeat, yet through repeated deaths, they somehow felt clear growth.

"What kind of monster is this?"

"This is the Hero who bears the name 'Enzo Continent'? Is this strength even normal?"

"Progress—I actually feel progress."

"He seems harsh, but his sword is gentle—too gentle. Too sentimental, too weak. Is this really the Hero who nearly became emperor?"

"Dumb dad!"

At least Rex, in his own way, left a deep impression on the young ones.

He knew well that in this world, everything was false—only the power to seize one's own fate and future was real.

"Their strength is quite impressive; several are even Great Warriors."

The candidates were generally young, but their level was far from low, for they were not backwater geniuses from kingdoms or remote villages.

Many "foreign nationals" wielded powerful weapons and gear; several dressed in lavish attire, clearly not ordinary people.

Some were even "non-human."

One suspected Infernal-type barbarian, when enraged, unleashed terrifying lightning from his battle-axe.

Li En even sensed a feeling similar to that of the Goddess Sisters—this might be a rare divine being or divine artifact.

And that giant—apparently an ancient creature—killed a Daomei candidate who blocked his path with a single squeeze, turning him into a pile of pulp.

That little fairy even tore open space with her bare hands.

"Those few Great Warriors aren't the most dangerous; actually, they're barely holding on. This batch of candidates is incredibly strong."

Danyia finally ran over—perhaps she had already decided how to face Li En.

The truth was, when Rex appeared before her, she could better distinguish between the two.

Even if their faces were identical, even if their souls were one, even if both treated her kindly—in short, they were two completely different people.

And if she truly recalled the past, she owed this man far more than she realized.

Not to mention that ring with its self-resurrection ability—Danyia had already sensed its hidden power; it might even be a high-tier divine artifact beyond even the top archmages' comprehension.

"These items, please take care of them. Find some experts to examine them."

But she had barely arrived when, as promised, he gave her a task instead of a private talk.

They were sketches—mostly various "badges," "marks," and "overly obvious facial descriptions."

Li En intended to approach the authorities to help open the candidates' sealed boxes.

"You really can see them," Danyia pouted, recalling the masked ball when she first became a candidate—her group must have been watched like a spectacle by this man.

"Heh, sorry—I just couldn't explain it clearly back then."

Danyia sighed. The moment she confirmed Li En was a reincarnated spirit hero, his identity had become too extraordinary—she didn't even know if she had the right to be angry at him.

Taking the sketches, she planned to hand them to professionals.

Identifying these candidates would help prepare for the coming changes—there was no reason to refuse.

But after glancing at them briefly, she froze in shock.

"I recognize this one—and this one. The 'Eagle-Dragon' emblem of the Silong Empire—worn only by royal family members. This 'Flying Leaf Arrow' is even more outrageous—it's the badge of the 'Revenge Spirits,' meaning this elf belongs to an extremely rare branch: an internal assassin of their clan, typically an elf noble."

Danyia's knowledge of heraldry was mediocre; she recognized these two only because they were too famous.

The Silong Empire was not far from the Kingdom, separated by three or four mid-sized nations. That royal member would not miss this opportunity.

Likely, many of the candidates were of noble status—and if they truly joined, they wouldn't come alone.

In truth, the Hero Selection involved exploring underground ruins; coming alone held little meaning.

At minimum, one needed a team—or even a faction's support—and months, even years, of preparation.

If they participated, more factions would inevitably be drawn in. It was foreseeable: soon, Huicheng would be overrun by demons and monsters.

Danyia was stunned. This idea was hers—but she hadn't realized she'd played too big. Rumors had already spread among the people: the Hero Selection was the Princess's marriage hunt.