Chapter 95

Chapter 95

Since arriving in this world, Queqiu had never seen such a scene. Even though he knew it was artificial, a technologically simulated battlefield, it felt incredibly real, like seeing every blade of grass breathe and smelling the fresh scent of earth and grass.

So, Queqiu couldn’t help but deeply inhale, quietly savoring the scenery for a long time.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Queqiu, startled, turned around and upon seeing Youbuwei standing behind him, blurted out, “Why haven’t you left yet?”

Youbuwei, pointing at the electronic chip on his arm, replied with a tinge of grievance, “It’s not that I didn’t leave, we were matched against each other in the first round.”

“Look, see for yourself, we are opponents for this match,” he said, stretching out his arm as if to convince Queqiu.

Queqiu: “.”

The audience at the venue: ……

The live stream’s chat: 6

After the initial shock, Queqiu stepped back to maintain some distance and assumed a combat stance, “Well then, let’s make this quick. You losing means you can match with the next contestant sooner and regain your points.”

“That makes sense,” nodded Youbuwei, then raised his hands, “so I surrender.”

Queqiu: “.”

The audience at the venue: …………

The live stream’s chat: 9

The super star-brain announced, [Congratulations to Queqiu from Dark Star for defeating Youbuwei, also from Dark Star. Score updated 0→1.]

The holographic projection screen flickered, and immediately the score next to Queqiu’s name was updated in real-time from 0 to 1.

Meanwhile, other contestants deployed in the simulated battlefield were just beginning to match with their opponents.

? What happened between Queqiu and Youbuwei?

The rest of the competitors were utterly confused.

The audience displayed a look of being utterly stumped.

Well… regardless, Queqiu’s next opponent wouldn’t just surrender like Youbuwei, right?

This tactic of preserving top-seeded players was something they understood.

It's a strategy, after all, nothing to be ashamed of.

But… while other players had to make sacrifices for their school’s honor, Youbuwei seemed unusually cheerful, almost as if he benefitted from Queqiu's supposed sacrifice. What was going on here???

Not just the audience, even Queqiu himself was perplexed.

“You know my strength; I don’t need you to let me win.”

Youbuwei nodded, matter-of-factly: “Yes, I know your strength. It’s incredibly strong, overwhelmingly so!”

Queqiu was even more baffled: “Then why did you still…”

Youbuwei leaned in closer, speaking in a hushed, cheerful tone: “You’re so strong that I’d eventually lose to you anyway. So, it’s better to lose early, so I can quickly match with another opponent and earn points for advancement. This way, you can swiftly achieve ten consecutive victories.”

A response with no logical flaws, leaving no room for argument.

But something still felt odd to Queqiu.

Before he could ponder further, You Buwei had already distanced himself, smiling, "I'll protect you up to here in the elimination round. For the next nine matches, you'll have to fend for yourself, princess~"

With that, he tapped his electronic chip with his index and middle finger, "My next opponent has been refreshed. Your knight is off to slay monsters~"

The Falcon Alpha spread his strong and agile wings from his back, a few feathers drifting down in the evening sun's orange halo as they opened.

With a light flap of his wings, he easily soared into the sky.

You Buwei, fluttering his wings, quickly flew away. His shrinking silhouette was tinted with the orange hues of the sunset, gradually blending into the surroundings.

Queqiu couldn't help but look up, gazing at the freely soaring falcon.

Not until You Buwei vanished from his sight did he slowly withdraw his gaze.

He bent down, picking up the feathers You Buwei had shed, planning to return them later.

As Queqiu was about to leave in search of his next opponent, the opponent proactively approached him.

He slightly curved his palm, holding it before his eyes, watching the approaching figure from afar.

It was a familiar Alpha, imposing even from a distance with his mountain-like stature.

Upon approaching and realizing his opponent was Queqiu, Taylor, without a word, immediately chose to forfeit the match.

“I concede.”

Queqiu, ready for battle, was puzzled: “?”

Audience at the scene: "What's happening?"

Live stream comments: "What's going on?"

Super Star Brain: [Congratulations to the contestant from Dark Star, Queqiu, for defeating the contestant from Titan Star, Tyler. Points changed from 1 to 2.]

Other contestants competing in the first round: "What?"

Are you kidding?

"Is this not a blatant rigging?!" Felix slammed his hand heavily on his opponent's chest, roaring in anger.

He's still at -3 points, and Queqiu is already at +2???

What's the point of competing? Just give the top spot to him already!!

After a brief silence, the audience regained their senses, unable to hold back their criticism: "What kind of absurd competition is this? We came to see intense action, not a charity show where Alpha yields to Omega!!"

"It makes me suspect that the league officials are bribed by Dark Star, colluding with other contestants to fix the match."

"The crazy thing is, Dark Star doesn't have the money for this! Even more outrageous!"

"I haven't slept in two days, waited in line all night just for this match, and this is what you show me?!"

"Seriously, what's this nonsense? I understand if Queqiu's teammate conceded to save the seed player's energy, but what's with this Alpha playing around like this?!"

"I always knew Alphas were fools who lose their senses around Omegas!"

Boos filled the main venue, though not directed at Queqiu, but rather at You Buwei and Tyler for not taking the Military School League seriously.

However, Tyler in the simulated battlefield was unaware of this. He excitedly watched Queqiu but didn't dare to get too close, fearing being seen as unreasonable, even his gaze was filled with caution.

"I, I wasn't impolite this time."

Queqiu was momentarily stunned, then recalled the instance when he had feigned anger, which had been directed at the clumsy, somewhat comical-looking black chimpanzee Alpha before him.

He placed himself in a humble position and softly said, "You told me that to earn your affection, I need to be polite and show quality."

"Look, I have been very polite now, so could you, little Omega, not dislike me, maybe even like me a little?"

Queqiu hadn't expected that the words he casually uttered just to vent for An's comfort would be remembered so long by the other, who had been actively following them, causing him to feel a bittersweet sentiment.

Feeling a bit guilty, he glanced at a small daisy blooming nearby and gently plucked it, offering it to the burly Tyler.

Tyler instantly stiffened, daring not to move an inch.

But the beautiful little Omega once again pushed the daisy towards him, even standing on tiptoes due to the height difference.

He was so small, so fair, so soft, like a cloud on the horizon, or like the daisy before him, delicate and fragile as if a mere touch might break it.

Therefore, Tyler very solemnly and carefully extended his large, dark, and thick hand to receive the daisy in his palm.

He leaned in slowly towards the small flower, hardly daring to breathe, fearing he might accidentally lose or damage the flower given by the little Omega.

"Such a beautiful little flower."

They both knew it was not real, but that didn’t stop Tyler from wanting to take it with him, turn it into a bookmark, and place it in his student ID to preserve this beautiful memory forever.

"If I have the chance, I might give you even prettier flowers," Queqiu hinted at the canary rose representing himself, "and those will be real flowers."

Tyler blinked, his brain seemingly slow to process Queqiu's words. After a long moment, his pupils suddenly dilated with surprise, and he nodded emphatically.

The electronic chip beeped, reminding Queqiu that his third opponent was nearby. He waved to Tyler and said warmly, "See you next time."

"Goodbye, see you."

Tyler, still in a daze, waved back, but mid-gesture remembered the small daisy from the little Omega in his palm. In a flustered haste, he caught it just before it almost fell into the sea of grass.

The daisy was indistinguishable from the millions around, but being a gift from the little Omega, it became the only one of its kind in the world, a flower belonging solely to him.

Just like this unique daisy, Queqiu, to Tyler, was the one and only Omega in the entire universe.

This heartwarming scene, captured by a hidden camera, was live-streamed, soothing the previously cursing audience, who suddenly felt a sense of peace.

Even many started saying, "If giving up the competition means receiving a flower from a little Omega like the black chimpanzee Alpha, then I'd be the first to quit."

"The love of a little Omega is more important than battling..."

"I'd give up too... it's just a match after all..."

"Ah, when will an Omega give me a flower like Queqiu did?"

The Betas sitting beside these Alphas couldn't help but remark, "Alphas really are romantics at heart, but..."

But even Betas seem utterly unable to resist such an Omega, right?

They thought to themselves, too embarrassed to voice it out loud.

Whether Alpha or Beta, there's an innate longing for warmth and love. Tired of endless fighting and suffering, if given another option, they'd eagerly press the agree button.

More and more people chose to view the live stream from Queqiu's perspective. Beyond their curiosity for his charisma and combat skills, the sight of a beautiful Omega walking in the picturesque meadow perfectly encapsulated their ideals of happiness and beauty.

At that moment, Queqiu also found his third opponent.

The opponent, an A-grade Beta, grimaced upon realizing his adversary was Queqiu, feeling utterly unlucky.

"Why did I have to draw you as my opponent? Now I'm sure to lose."

But before he finished speaking, the Beta's expression shifted, launching a surprise attack on Queqiu.

A barrage of silver arrows rained down on Queqiu from all directions, a dense volley leaving seemingly no escape.

Queqiu was well-prepared, summoning his magical machinery the instant he noticed the change in Beta's gaze.

Metal molecules disassembled and reassembled, forming a long silver whip in his palm.

The whip, like a nimble silver snake, moved in seemingly chaotic trajectories, yet each flick precisely intercepted the incoming arrows, creating dazzling sparks as metal clashed against metal.

As Queqiu struggled against the meteor-like silver arrows, Beta seized the opportunity, gathering his strength and quickly closing in to deliver a powerful punch.

The silver whip instantly transformed into a spear, spinning rapidly between Queqiu's palms, whipping up a fierce wind that whistled through the air.

Beta's forceful punch landed on the gust, not only failing to break through Queqiu's defense but also causing him pain in his fist.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he clutched his hand, now reddened and slightly torn at the knuckles.

Queqiu's focus remained unswayed by Beta's poor performance. The spear once again morphed, this time into a lifelike bud that enveloped Queqiu, shielding him from arrows from all directions.

The collision of metal produced a crisp "ding-dong" sound, with countless dazzling sparks at the point of impact. Such clashing sounds echoed thousands of times.

After the arrow shower ceased, the bud slowly opened, revealing the unscathed person within.

Beta watched in despair. He wanted to continue, but lacked the mental energy for another assault of such magnitude.

Moreover, even if he could launch one, two, or even three or four more rounds, with Queqiu's seemingly cheat-like ability, would it not all be in vain?

The weapon created by that power was formidable in both offense and defense, leaving ordinary people no chance against him.

And with many more matches ahead, if he kept this up, he would surely lose everything for the sake of one battle.

After quickly weighing his options and seeing Queqiu ready to counterattack, Beta hurriedly conceded.

"I give up, I give up, okay? I can't beat you!"

Queqiu's sweeping leg stopped mere centimeters from Beta's chest, halting abruptly upon hearing these words.

Super Star Brain: [Congratulations to the contestant from Dark Star, Queqiu, for defeating the contestant from Macondo Star, Alikido. Points changed from 2 to 3.]

And on the holographic projection screen, the number following Queqiu's name also updated to "3".

The audience, initially seated, rose in waves upon hearing the system announcement, standing row by row, calling out Queqiu's name loudly.

Other contestants seemed accustomed to this scene, showing no excitement upon hearing the announcement and wearing an indifferent expression of "do whatever, I'm not bothered."

With the match's outcome settled, a dejected Beta complained, "I told you, there was no way I could win."

Queqiu had no time for pleasantries; he was intent on advancing as quickly as possible. As soon as a match ended, not even sparing a second, he immediately began the next round of pairing.

Meanwhile, most contestants were just finishing their first match.

Having witnessed the entire process, Beta was dumbfounded, "Do you, do you not need to rest for a bit?"

"Rest?" Queqiu looked at him quizzically, "Wasn't my match with you already a form of rest?"

Even while waiting for his next match, he did a few on-the-spot running and jumping exercises, resembling a warm-up. This made Beta feel deeply humiliated.

"Are you really an Omega?" Beta asked suspiciously.

He couldn't help but doubt Queqiu, and along with him, the entire world.

"Why do I feel like you're an indefatigable monster?"

"Uh..." To some extent, Queqiu felt he was close to the truth.

He was indeed a monster, albeit a more attractive kind.

After a brief chat, the system quickly paired Queqiu with his fourth match opponent. Before Beta could utter another word, he saw Queqiu disappearing swiftly from his sight.

StarNet>>>Hot Topics>>>All Star Domain>>>

[Military School League Knockout Stage Live Broadcast Thread]

Main Post: A dedicated thread for the knockout stage. Please be rational and civil in your discussions.

……

34523l: Looking at this situation... it seems like Queqiu is really going to make it...

34524l: He's clearly in the lead, yet for some reason, he's working harder than those who are about to be eliminated.

34525l: There's a kind of beauty in his disregard for the fate of other contestants...

34256l: The Autumn Emperor is coming, he's really coming.

……

69011l: Lucky me for being a die-hard fan of my wife. My lifelong dream has been to worship her feet. I bet on her to win ten in a row and advance to the top 100. Wuhu~ now we're soaring~

69012l: Honestly, for the combat final exam, should we consider worshipping Queqiu? His strength is just overwhelmingly unreasonable.

69013l: To the above, it's said that students from Dark Star Military School are already doing that. Many testify that it's very effective, and a lot have gone to fulfill their vows.

69014l: As of now, counting the group stage, Queqiu has actually already achieved ten consecutive wins.

……

102890l: Update: Queqiu just instantly defeated another A-grade Alpha. He's now on a four-win streak in the knockout stage.

102891l: Meanwhile, Felix has just cleared his -3 points. (The Fiery Rose)

102892l: Someone should tell Felix not to bother competing, Queqiu is already at 4 points.

102893l: Actually, I think Felix is quite formidable. If he hadn't been docked three points, he'd also be at three points now, just one point behind Queqiu. Without Queqiu as this dark horse, Felix would undoubtedly be the top contender of the younger generation.

102894l: Uh, aren't we overpraising Felix a bit? He's just an S-grade Alpha. While S-grade healing Omegas are rare, S-grade Alphas are as common as two-legged creatures. Don't forget, the MVP of the last individual tournament was Xiaoyue, and the one before that was General Duan Chensen. Felix, although their junior, doesn’t even come close to their level of performance in matches. On the contrary, Queqiu, whom everyone thought unlikely to win, seems to have more of a champion's quality and leadership in my eyes.

102895l: You all are debating here about who between Felix and Queqiu is more likely to win, but in the live stream, Queqiu has already scored 5 points...

……

Super Star Brain: [Congratulations to the contestant from Dark Star, Queqiu, for defeating the contestant from Geduo Star, Mi Weiao. Points changed from 4 to 5.]

Queqiu ended another match swiftly, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. His defeated opponent, seeing this, couldn't help but ask, "You're not just feeling the heat now, are you…"

What level of boss is he competing against!

Is this really a player competition and not some sort of monster-slaying dungeon?!

Queqiu, not in the mood for small talk, immediately clicked to proceed to the next match.

The system responded quickly, pairing him with his sixth opponent, an A-grade Pufferfish Alpha from the Imperial First Military Academy, Daniel.

The map coordinates showed Daniel currently less than a kilometer away, by the riverside.

Just from his animal gene, it was clear that the opponent's ability was related to "water". Probably since the start, this Pufferfish Alpha hadn't strayed from that body of water, waiting for his opponents to come to him.

If it were any other contestant with such a significant advantage, 100% of them would choose to wait it out, betting on the Pufferfish Alpha losing patience and leaving the area that augmented his abilities, to secure a safe victory.

But Queqiu was the one who always took the road less traveled.

He knew the river was Daniel's hunting ground and also knew what the best solution to this challenge was, yet he chose not to follow it.

He deliberately avoided the best solution, opting instead for the quickest.

Without even a hint of hesitation, Queqiu turned and headed straight for the river.

There were four contestants from the Imperial First Military Academy in the upper bracket. If luck favored him, he could match with each of them in the upcoming five matches.

Then, he would make each of these four taste what true despair was.

Author's note:

Society's Queqiu, single-handedly taking on four!