Chapter 1668 The Path of Glory <TOC> Chapter 1670 Stone Pillar
Translator: SumTLMan
In the competition backstage of the Boundless Arena.
This is probably the most peaceful backstage in the history of the Novastar Competition so far. Almost a hundred participants were either sitting or standing in this immense space; some leaned against walls with their eyes downcast, while others floated mid-air in silence.
Even the most contentious individuals dared not make a move at this moment. This was because the captains of four law enforcement teams were stationed at each corner. Although they did not exert any overt pressure, their sinister gazes that swept over everyone gave people chills down their spines.
“If anyone dares to cause trouble at this moment, regardless of how justifiable your reasons may be, I will directly revoke your eligibility for the prize,” declared one of the four law enforcement captains, a hunchbacked wizard leaning on his magic wand. His skin sagged as if embracing the pull of gravity, but the eyes hidden behind that aged skin still radiated an eerie coldness.
The primary goal for their participation in the Novastar Competition was to earn a spot in the Endless Corridor. Losing that opportunity would surely be a lifelong regret.
Therefore, under such a threat, no one dared to stir the pot.
While the backstage exhibited a rare moment of peace, it wasn’t exactly silent. The law enforcement captains only demanded order and did not prohibit communication. So, taking advantage of this rare opportunity, interactions amongst participants were in full swing.
For instance, in the southeast corner, two individuals were engaged in a quiet conversation.
“You seem to have been distracted these days. If there’s something on your mind, why not share it?” Shalem, hugging a black tome, squatted in a corner, looking at Nausica, who was enveloped in a mist.
A hint of hesitation flashed across Nausica’s face. It seemed she wanted to say something, but eventually, she just shook her head. “It’s nothing. As for you, I thought you’d be lost in your own emotions. Surprising that you’re attentive enough to notice others. Have you moved past your grief already?”
Shalem’s eyes dimmed slightly, his grip tightening on the dark tome. “If Black Canon told Angel that he would return, then I… believe him.”
Nausica gripped her smoking pipe, exhaling a plume of rose-scented smoke. “He will return, and he will be stronger, becoming your staunchest support.”
“I hope so.” Shalem paused. “Rather than my affairs, I’m more curious about you now. Don’t change the subject; I don’t believe you’re without concerns.”
“… Is it because of Reynolds?”
After a brief silence, Nausica admitted, “Indeed, it’s related to him. He… invited me for a task, and I’m contemplating whether or not to accept.”
“Is it dangerous?”
“Every endeavor has its risks. It’s just a matter of what one can endure,” Nausica replied, her gaze slightly hazy, whether from the smoke or inner turmoil, it was unclear.
“Can you endure it? Or rather, if you pay the price, what do you stand to gain?” asked Shalem.
“I’m uncertain. That place is a forbidden zone filled with unknowns. It could be extremely risky, or perhaps not at all. Reynolds escaped from there, his aim is to destroy it, but my objective is something inside.” Nausica concluded, her gaze meeting Shalem’s before she broke into a sudden chuckle.
She realized that she didn’t quite match up to Shalem’s bravery.
Nausica brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. Shalem dared to integrate with the Deep Blue Bloodline, despite the near-certain demise. And here she was, wavering between two choices.
With that thought, any hesitation Nausica previously felt began to lean towards a decision.
Unaware of Nausica’s reflections, Shalem continued with her line of thought, “What is this thing you’re after?”
Nausica hesitated for a moment, then finally voiced her thoughts, “What lies within that laboratory is something I desire….”
Before Nausica could finish her sentence, she was interrupted by a sudden commotion nearby. Turning their gaze, they noticed that right in the center of the backstage area for the participants, a massive door had mysteriously appeared out of thin air.
This door, at that very moment, began to slowly open.
As the gap widened, a blinding white light radiated from within.
As everyone pondered the significance of this mysterious portal, a deep and graceful female voice resonated, “Contestants, please enter.”
At the same time, the hunchbacked old wizard who was present earlier chimed in, “Don’t just stand there gawking; proceed inside. The final ceremony, the Path of Glory, lies beyond this gate.”
Path of Glory? As Nausica was still ruminating on the implication of those words, the gate was already fully ajar.
Swept up in the tide of the crowd, both Nausica and Shalem were promptly ushered through the door. Their prior conversation was thus abruptly halted.
Once Nausica managed to extricate herself from the throng, she took the opportunity to survey her surroundings.
The sky was a pristine blue, devoid of any clouds. With no cloud cover, the sun’s rays shone directly down, bathing the land in a brilliant golden hue.
Their current location was a somewhat dilapidated plaza. Although the ground showed signs of cracking, it remained smooth, adorned with intricate man-made designs.
Every contestant was equally engrossed in taking in their surroundings. Eventually, everyone’s attention was drawn towards the very front of the plaza.
A path lined with towering stone pillars.
This path led directly to a mountain peak in the distance, flanked by stone pillars soaring over ten meters tall, extending all the way to the mountain’s summit.
At the pinnacle of a mountain stood a majestic palace. The palace, which seemed to be constructed of metal, gleamed and reflected light when viewed from a distance.
At the main entrance of the palace, shadows of figures could faintly be seen, their identities unknown.
“Is this the Path of Glory?” Nausica murmured softly to herself when, suddenly, a gust of wind swept past her.
The direct sunlight warmed her skin slightly. The unexpected breeze brought with it an unusual sense of refreshing coolness.
Nausica looked towards the origin of the wind and saw, hovering high above in the sky, a luminous screen that had materialized in the middle of the plaza. The appearance of the screen was accompanied by this refreshing gust, seemingly signaling for everyone’s attention.
By the time everyone’s gaze was drawn to it, a line of text appeared on the screen.
——Welcome to the Path of Glory.
The text clearly identified their location. However, apart from that, there was no additional information provided.
Everyone was left wondering about their next move. Were they supposed to just stand there, exchanging glances? Or should they embark on this Path of Glory, leading to the mountain’s summit?
As the crowd stood in confusion, the characters on the screen began to slowly change.
“Novastar Competition, Rank 100: Shadow of the Void.”
With the appearance of these words, the center of the screen rippled like the surface of water, and a card, emanating a soft glow, emerged from it.
Caressed by the cool breezes, the card fluttered down, spinning a few times in mid-air before eventually landing in the hands of a young man dressed in blue, who stood at one corner.
Someone nearby recognized the young man and whispered in discussion, “I’ve faced him before; he’s the ‘Shadow of the Void’.”
This card had clearly, as if by design, fluttered into the hands of the Shadow of the Void. Could this, perhaps, be a reward destined for the Shadow of the Void?
Those acquainted with the Shadow of the Void wanted to approach and inquire. However, the Shadow of the Void offered no response. Holding the card, he pondered for a moment, seemingly receiving some sort of message.
Before long, the Shadow of the Void suddenly sprang into action.
He made his way to the edge of the plaza.
Previously, this plaza was sealed by a peculiar force; one could observe the outside, but could not venture forth.
Yet, the Shadow of the Void shattered this confinement. Unrestricted by the plaza’s protective barrier, he effortlessly stepped out.
Moreover, it seemed he had a destination in mind.
Without hesitation, he dashed toward the path leading to the mountain’s peak.
Chapter 1668 The Path of Glory <TOC> Chapter 1670 Stone Pillar