Chapter 249: Awakening

Among the twelve candidates, at least nine are quite exceptional swordsmen.

Whether directly or forced into this slaughter, Lex demonstrated just how absurd a former apex creature can be.

In an instant, he saw through the opponent's swordsmanship system and, by mimicking a higher-level tactical style, easily defeated them.

Initially, the candidates still thought of slaughter and of winning.

But soon, it turned into a true teaching session.

The young people encountered opponents they could not possibly defeat, yet amidst repeated deaths, they could actually feel obvious growth.

"What kind of monster is this?"

"This is the continent hero who can lend his name to the Enzo Continent; isn't this strength a bit off?"

"Progress; I actually feel progress."

"He looks very stern, but his sword is very gentle, too gentle. A bit sentimental, a bit weak; is this really the hero who almost became an emperor?"

"Idiot father!"

At least Lex, in his own way, left a deep impression on the young people.

He knew very well that in this world everything is fake, and only the power to grasp one's own destiny and future is real.

"Your strength is quite good; among you there are even several Great Warriors."

The candidates are generally quite young, but their level is not low; after all, they are not country geniuses from a kingdom like this backwater.

Many "people of great nations" brought out quite powerful weapons and equipment; among them, several wore clothing and ornaments so splendid they did not look like ordinary people.

There were even a few "non-humans."

One of them, a suspected Purgatory-type irritable barbarian, unleashed quite terrifying Lei Ting on his battle axe when he flew into a rage.

Li En even felt a sensation similar to that of the Goddess Sisters; this was probably also a rare divine creature or divine artifact.

And that giant, seemingly an ancient creature, had a unlucky candidate blocked by him, who was simply pinched lightly by the giant and turned directly into a lump of minced meat.

That little fairy even tore space apart with both hands.

"Those few Great Warriors are not the most dangerous; actually, they are struggling hard. The level of this batch of candidates is very high."

Dai Niya finally ran over; perhaps she had already thought about how to face Li En.

The fact is, when Lex appeared before her, she could better distinguish the two.

Even though their appearances were identical, even though their souls were one, even though they were both quite good to her—in short, they were two completely different people.

And if one truly looked back on the past, she probably owed this man quite a lot.

Setting aside other things, Dai Niya had already vaguely sensed the wonderful utility of that self-resurrecting ring; this might even be a high-level divine artifact that even top archmages could not analyze.

"These things, trouble you. Find some experts to investigate them."

But she had just arrived; they had agreed on a one-on-one private talk, yet Li En immediately gave her a task.

Those were some drawn sketches, mainly various "badges," "marks," and "overly obvious appearance descriptions."

Li En planned to find the official authorities to help open the boxes on the candidates.

"You can indeed see it..." Dai Niya puffed out her cheeks; she remembered the masquerade ball when she first became a candidate, and her group must have been watched by this person for fun.

"Heh, sorry; it was really hard to explain clearly at that time."

Dai Niya sighed; the moment she confirmed Li En was the reincarnation of a Heroic Soul, his identity had become too special; she didn't even know if she had the qualification to be angry with him.

And taking these sketches, she intended to hand them over to professionals.

Finding out exactly who these candidates were could prepare them for the changes to come; there was absolutely no reason to refuse.

But after glancing at them for a moment, she showed a look of shock.

"This one and this one, I know both. The 'Eagle Dragon' badge of the Xilun Empire; wearing it on one's person means at least a royal family member... This 'Leaf Flying Arrow' is even more absurd; this is the 'Revenge Elf' medal, meaning this elf is an extremely rare branch, an internal slasher within their clan; they are also basically elf nobles."

Dai Niya's heraldry was quite average; being able to easily recognize these two was only because they were too famous.

The distance between the Xilun Empire and the Kingdom was not too far; there were three or four medium-small states in between... That royal family member should not miss this opportunity.

Probably, among the candidates, many were of noble status; and if they really got involved, they certainly would not have come alone.

Actually, the hero selection involves exploring underground ruins; coming alone basically has no meaning.

At least, support from a team or even a faction is needed, requiring months or even years of effort.

And if they participate, naturally more factions can be drawn in; predictably, the Radiant City will soon be a chaotic mess of demons.

Dai Niya was numb; this idea was hers, but it seemed she had unknowingly played it too big; rumors were already circulating among the common people that the "hero selection" was the Princess recruiting a husband.