“Chapter 88”

"Chapter 88"

"In the opening battle, Qiuque triumphed gloriously, contributing a spectacular match."

"However, opinions on the Star Web about the match's outcome were divided, with each holding their own views."

"The first to praise Qiuque were some Omegas, who, despite not agreeing with his choice to join the Combat class, fully supported him as long as he could make Alphas and Betas look bad."

"There were also Alphas and Betas who genuinely admired Qiuque, like the faculty and students of Dark Star Military Academy, who often posted his Combat class achievements at Dark Star Military School in discussions about him, proving how formidable their top student really was."

"However, a significant number of people still believed that Qiuque's victory was just a fluke, considering his opponent was only a B-grade Alpha."

"After leaving the arena, Qin Fei faced a barrage of reporters with cameras, bombarding him with sharp questions."

"'Before the match, when you saw your opponent was an Omega, were you very confident?'"

"'As someone involved, how would you rate Qiuque’s strength? Could you share your thoughts with us?'"

"'Many people find it hard to believe that an Omega could actually defeat a Combat class Alpha. What's your opinion on this viewpoint?'"

"'How far do you think Qiuque can go in the competition after defeating you?'"

"'Player Qin Fei, do you feel as Qiuque said, that losing to an Omega is embarrassing?'"

"Each question from the reporters was like a gleaming knife, stabbing straight into Qin Fei’s heart. He trembled with anger, cursing these reporters for hitting him where it hurt."

"Before the match, Qin Fei had fantasized about being lucky, drawing the opening match, and facing an apparently frail Omega. He imagined a certain victory where the spotlight and reporters' mics would be all on him, and he could become famous in one fell swoop."

"But who could have imagined that all this would turn out to be a foolish dream? The delicate-looking Omega had eliminated him with just one kick."

"Losing was one thing, but the manner of his defeat was utterly humiliating!"

"Even as Qin Fei's teammates came to shield him from the press, the reporters clung to him like glue, making it impossible for him to move."

"Swept along by the crowd, Qin Fei uneasily turned his head, catching a glimpse of Qiuque also surrounded by a mass of reporters. But the crowd around Qiuque was several times larger than his own, pushing his already irritable mood to its peak."

"Qin Fei grabbed a microphone that was almost thrust into his eye and spoke fiercely into the camera, 'I only lost because I underestimated my opponent and hesitated to strike hard against an Omega, giving him the chance to counterattack. His next opponent won’t be as merciful as I was!'"

"'I have only one thing to say to Qiuque,' Qin Fei sneered, 'Good luck to him.'"

"Meanwhile, Qiuque was also facing a barrage of questions from reporters."

"Before the start of the Military Academy League, who would have thought that an Omega from Dark Star would become the most watched player in the entire Empire?"

"'Qin Fei said he lost the match because he underestimated you. What do you think about such comments?'"

"'First of all, congratulations to player Qiuque on winning the opening match. What are your thoughts on the upcoming matches?'"

"'You performed exceptionally well. If a higher-tier military school wanted to recruit you, would you leave Dark Star Military School?'"

"Qiuque, not interested in engaging in pointless talk with reporters, kept walking forward, ignoring everyone."

"But clearly, the reporters were not going to let go of such a high-profile figure so easily."

"'Why did you join the Combat class? Do you encourage other Omegas to choose the Combat class as well?'"

"'As the only Omega participant in the individual competition of this year’s Military Academy League, how far do you think you can go?'"

"'Your defeated opponent is challenging you; do you have no response to that?'"

"Qiuque stopped and frowned slightly."

"Catching the subtle change in his expression, the reporters quickly extended their microphones, pressing, 'Qin Fei said he lost because he underestimated you, but now the entire Empire knows you can defeat a B-grade Alpha. Your next opponent won’t take you lightly, how will you face them?'"

"'Have you considered using your Omega status to intimidate your opponents into surrendering without a fight?'"

"Bombarded with such questions, Qiuque knew if he didn’t respond, these people would probably keep following him, so he reluctantly chose to answer a few of them."

"It's every Omega's free choice to decide their interests and career, and I wouldn't interfere with anyone."

"I joined the Combat class because I don't like being protected, and I believe I have the strength to protect others."

"I don't look back at those who lose to me; I only aim for victory."

"With that, he strode away."

"This statement, 'I don't look back at those who lose to me; I only aim for victory,' unexpectedly became a viral sensation overnight, trending all over the Star Web."

"Whether on or off the arena, Qiuque’s confidence was blinding, shining like a sun that never hides its light."

"This openly strong attitude, in stark contrast to Qin Fei’s sore loser demeanor, drew many fans who admire strength to Qiuque."

"Nobody dislikes a person who simply sparkles by standing there, and Qiuque was exactly that kind of person."

"After the first round of group matches, all the participating teams took a day off to allow the advancing players to recuperate and adjust."

"Among the six participants from Dark Star Military School, He Mingri, the only B-grade Alpha, predictably didn’t make it past the first round. His disappointment was inevitable, but learning that the rest had advanced to the second round brought a smile back to the disheartened Hippo Alpha."

"He genuinely rejoiced for his friends: 'Isn’t this the best performance our school has ever had?'"

"Dole nodded: 'Last time, only two of us advanced. This time, we have five, and who knows, maybe all of us will make it to the knockout stages!'"

"Anwei's eyes gleamed with pride: 'You all did well.'"

"He glanced at Qiuque, thinking to himself: 'And you, you’re the best.'"

"The second round of group matches started soon, with all five players from the Dark Star Military School competing on the same day."

"This round would prove whether Qiuque's victory over Qin Fei was due to luck or skill."

"His match was prominently featured by the League's Organizing Committee in their channel's main recommended spot, even overshadowing the students from the Empire's First Military Academy, making it the most popular and highly anticipated match of the second round."

"The Sun Arena of Group A was packed, with many spectators drawn by Qiuque’s extraordinary reputation, eager to witness the Omega’s exceptional grace."

"As the platform carrying Qiuque rose slowly from beneath the arena, the audience erupted into thunderous applause, countless cameras focusing on him. More than his skills, it was Qiuque's flawless face that now captivated the crowd."

"'Good afternoon to our friends here and watching the live broadcast. Welcome to the second round of group matches of the Imperial Military School Interstellar Tournament. The contestants you see are Qiuque from Siku Star Military School, an Omega of the Combat class, and Bufeng from the Military Academy of Glara Planet, an Alpha of the Rattlesnake Combat class. They will soon bring you a thrilling match in this round. Please look forward to their excellent performance.'"

"As the Super Star Brain introduced them, the holographic screens behind the contestants displayed their information – Qiuque's symbol was golden yellow, while Bufeng's was black."

"When the dazzling gold and Qiuque’s photo magnified dozens of times appeared on the big screen, the crowd chanted his name, their enthusiasm making Rattlesnake Alpha Bufeng feel the pressure."

"'Are both contestants ready?'"

"Qiuque and Bufeng both nodded."

"The Super Star Brain announced in its emotionless voice, 'Then, the second round of the Imperial Military School Interstellar Tournament individual matches begins now!'"

"As soon as the announcement finished, Bufeng, unlike Qin Fei, didn’t waste time in words and directly lunged at Qiuque."

"With such a tragic precedent set by Qin Fei, how could he dare to underestimate his opponent?"

"'Sorry, I won’t hold back.'"

"Saying this, Bufeng launched a swift right roundhouse kick, its speed generating a fierce wind."

"The audience tensed up."

"From Bufeng’s launch to closing in on Qiuque, the whole process took less than five seconds – such speed, how would Qiuque respond?"

"Some in the audience couldn’t bear to watch, covering their eyes, exclaiming, 'It’s over, it’s over! Qin Fei lost due to underestimating the opponent, but this Alpha must be an A-grade! How can he fight this?'"

"Many speculated whether this match would end like Qiuque's opening battle against Qin Fei, with the loser kicked out."

"Qin Fei, being an Alpha, could withstand a kick without much harm; but Qiuque, an Omega, how could he bear such a blow?"

"Almost everyone thought Qiuque couldn't escape Bufeng’s kick, even Bufeng himself. But reality often defies expectations. As his leg was about to sweep across Qiuque's chest, a reflective, mirror-like metallic wall suddenly appeared in front of Qiuque, successfully blocking Bufeng’s attack."

"What is this—?" Bufeng's eyes widened in disbelief as he kicked at empty air. When the metallic wall dissipated, Qiuque had already vanished.

He frantically searched for Qiuque's figure.

"I'm right here."

The Omega's voice, clear yet slightly soft, came from behind. Bufeng's eyes stretched to their widest, goosebumps covering his skin. He hadn't even turned to look when Qiuque, who had somehow appeared behind him, delivered a flying kick, nearly sending Bufeng out of the arena.

The lively audience fell silent for a moment, just like Bufeng, they hadn't seen how Qiuque had suddenly appeared behind him.

Bufeng was fast, but clearly, in front of Qiuque, his speed was like a snail's crawl.

Cheers erupted throughout the venue.

"Qiuque! Qiuque!"

"So fast!"

"Go for it!!"

Qiuque landed smoothly, soaking in the applause from all directions.

Bufeng, his morale high, slowly picked himself up, clenching his fists, unwilling to admit defeat.

After that brief encounter, Bufeng knew competing with Qiuque in hand-to-hand combat was futile; Qiuque was far faster.

"In that case, I'll have to..."

Bufeng's eyes darkened, snake-like patterns on his cheeks faintly visible, and a menacing intent started to pool in his green eyes.

He summoned his full psychic energy, unleashing his ability: Terrifying Snake Venom.

At first, no one noticed anything unusual, and the battle in the arena continued fiercely. Gradually, a misty green fog began to form in the Sun Arena, accompanied by a subtle rustling sound.

The audience was momentarily puzzled, speculating about the origin of the green mist.

Watching Qiuque, who seemed unaware, Bufeng's lips curled into a sly grin: his Terrifying Snake Venom was silent and undetectable. By the time the young Omega realized what was happening, it would already be too late.

The audience, realizing what was happening, watched as Qiuque's movements noticeably slowed, anxiously gripping their seats.

Meanwhile, the live commentary forum buzzed with discussions about the match.

User 987078l: "Is this... poisoning?"

User 987079l: "Even if he wins... it seems a bit underhanded."

User 987080l: "Well, clearly this is Bufeng's own ability. Why is it okay for Qiuque to have an ability and not others?"

User 987081l: "Not saying it's not allowed, just feels a bit sneaky. Can't we even say that?"

……

User 1034521l: "It's over, it looks like Qiuque is starting to lose ground!"

User 1034522l: "Seems like Qin Fei was right. He only lost to Qiuque because he underestimated him. Normally, an Alpha shouldn't lose to an Omega."

User 1034523l: "No, please, don't let anything happen to him! I just started liking my new crush!"

User 1034524l: "This Alpha must be A-grade, right? His ability seems powerful. Not just Omegas, even Alphas and Betas would likely be affected."

……

User 1124324l: "Instead of worrying about who wins or loses, shouldn't we be more concerned about whether Qiuque is alright?"

User 1124325l: "Rattlesnake Alpha's venom... I hope the Omega doesn't get seriously hurt?!"

User 1124326l: "Isn't this a bit too harsh... It's just a match, after all."

……

User 1325678l: "Qiuque's movements seem to have slowed down a lot... Is the match about to end?"

User 1325679l: "This is the true strength of an Alpha, nothing surprising there."

User 1325680l: "Looks like Qiuque is going to lose."

Seeing Qiuque fall to the ground like a fallen leaf, Bufeng let out a victorious smirk.

He twisted his neck and walked towards Qiuque: "Let's end this. Don’t think that winning one match means you’ve beaten all the Alphas."

"Today, you’ll see the true power of an Alpha."

Despite his bold words, Bufeng, mindful of Qin Fei’s lesson, remained cautious in his approach, fearing a single misstep could ruin everything.

As Bufeng approached the unconscious Qiuque, the audience, both on-site and online, held their breath, his heavy footsteps sounding like a countdown to the match's end.

Tense and anxious, the spectators on-site forgot to cheer, silently praying that even if Qiuque were to lose, at least he wouldn’t be seriously injured.

Eliminated contestant He Mingri and non-participant Li Congyan, sitting in the contestant seating area, watched anxiously as Bufeng neared Qiuque, their hearts flipping as if being roasted over a fire.

"What to do, what to do? Our Prince can’t just be eliminated like this," He Mingri fretted, stamping his foot in frustration, wishing he could jump in and help.

Li Congyan sighed, "Bufeng's ability is too unpredictable. Who would have thought he could poison the air? Now, I'm more worried about the impact of his snake venom on Qiuque, especially since he's a Rattlesnake Alpha of no low genetic grade."

An Wei Ran crossed his arms, his expression unreadable, but deep down, he was also anxious for Qiuque.

He was comforting both the students and himself, "Don't worry, there might still be a turnaround."

"It's about to end," Bufeng, standing just a few centimeters away from Qiuque, was sure of his imminent victory, seeing no reaction from his opponent.

He planned to give Qiuque the antidote right after the match.

However, in the next moment, the situation changed dramatically!

Qiuque, who should have been immobilized by the snake venom, suddenly opened his eyes. His dazzling golden gaze startled Bufeng, who before he could react, found himself locked in a grip and then thrown near the edge of the arena.

Bufeng, in pain, was baffled by the sudden turn of events, failing to understand how Qiuque remained unaffected by his ability.

"Impossible! My snake venom is invincible among A-grades!"

Although Bufeng's combat skills were not extraordinary, his superior animal genes and unpredictable ability had led the Grala Military Academy to pin high hopes on him, aiming for at least the top 100.

But now, not only the top 100 seemed unreachable, but he might not even survive the second round of the group matches!

Qiuque summoned his magic machinery, with metal shards dispersing and reassembling into a silver whip in his hand.

He flicked his wrist, and the silver whip, like a fierce and agile silver snake, ripped through the air towards Bufeng's face.

"I am immune to all poisons. Your snake venom is ineffective against me."

As he finished speaking, the silver whip cracked against Bufeng, silver glinting as it drew a splash of crimson blood.

Bufeng, clutching his arm whipped by the silver lash, attempted a final struggle, but Qiuque gave him no chance.

"It's over," Qiuque stated coldly.

Omega swung the long whip high, coiling it around Bufeng's waist and hurling him out of the arena.

As Bufeng hit the ground, the supercomputer immediately announced, "Congratulations to Dark Star Military Academy's combat Omega, Qiuque, for winning the match and advancing to the next round of the group stage."

Bufeng pounded the ground in frustration, while his teammates from Grala Military Academy shifted from nervous to excited, then to disappointment, ultimately sighing in resignation.

The audience was stunned, unable to comprehend how the tide turned so quickly in a situation that seemed favorable for Bufeng.

It was only after the system's announcement that they belatedly realized Qiuque had once again won the match.

And this time, it was a genuine victory without any ambiguity.

Bufeng had given his all without any slackness, yet he was no match for Qiuque. Post-match interviews wouldn't allow him the excuses Qin Fei made about underestimating his opponent.

Thunderous applause erupted in the arena, wave after wave of acclaim washing over Qiuque as the audience shouted his name in praise of the victor.

Qiuque, standing at the center of the arena under everyone's gaze, nodded in thanks to the audience before exiting the battleground.

He was greeted by He Mingri and Li Congyan, who ran up to him from afar with joyous smiles on their faces.

He Mingri patted Qiuque's shoulder, lavishing praise, "Well done! I knew you would win!"

An Wei Ran followed behind, more concerned about Qiuque's well-being than the victory.

"Are you alright?"

Qiuque shook his head, "I'm fine. Bufeng's snake venom is potent, but I can neutralize it."

"How could a canary who has cultivated for thousands of years be easily subdued by an A-level Alpha's snake venom?"

"Right from the start, when Bufeng began to unleash his ability, Qiuque keenly sensed something amiss in the air. With a swift thought, he guessed it must be the Rattlesnake Alpha's ability. He let Bufeng lower his guard, then struck decisively."

"Bufeng indeed was very cautious, but he could never have imagined that the Omega standing before him was not just any ordinary Omega, but a canary flower demon from another world."

"From the moment he was matched against Qiuque, his defeat was destined."

"The outcome of this match set the Star Network abuzz."

"In the final moments, nearly everyone thought Qiuque was certainly going to be eliminated. Yet, to everyone's surprise, not only did he counterattack, he won effortlessly!"

"The Imperial citizens gradually realized that this seemingly delicate and fragile Omega might actually be serious."

"It seemed that he was truly aiming for the championship, not just using his Omega identity to participate in individual matches for garnering attention."

"More and more people started to acknowledge Qiuque's strength, curious to see how far this exceedingly proud Omega could go."

"Author's Note:"