Chapter 98

Chapter 98

The rules for the top 100 individual chase race remain the same, with the advanced contestants divided into upper and lower halves, each vying for the final two semi-final spots. After the first round, each half will leave ten winners from a group battle of five, and by the end of the second round, only two winners remain.

The champion of the individual race will then emerge from the four victors of the upper and lower halves.

The line-up for the first round of the five-person melee was allocated at the time of announcing the complete information of the top 100. Initially, Queqiu felt a bit regretful for not having any Imperial First Military Academy students in his group to eliminate them in the first round. But, realizing something was off with his body just before taking the stage, he felt relieved that he didn't encounter them, or he would surely have been the first target of a joint attack.

Like the group stage, the venue for the chase race was arranged in different sub-arenas, each able to accommodate only a few tens of thousands of spectators. While it seemed less impressive than the main venue with hundreds of thousands, the enthusiasm of the audience for Queqiu only increased.

This was Queqiu's first appearance after being revealed as an S-grade combat Omega, and nearly all of the tens of thousands of spectators were his fans. Many had even traveled from neighboring planets to the Capital Star just to witness an S-grade combat Omega's match.

When Queqiu made his final entrance, the cheers he received were significantly warmer than those for the previous four contestants. The audience waved their hands and chanted slogans; no one could remain seated in such a heated atmosphere, all standing and excitedly cheering for the small Omega in the arena.

"Go Queqiu! Queqiu for the win!"

"Queqiu, you're the best Omega!"

"Wife! Look at me, wife!!!"

"Miracle Queqiu, go for it, you can do it!"

"Show them the dominance and pressure of an S-grade combat Omega!"

"Queqiu! Guaranteed victory!"

Even though the match hadn't officially started, Queqiu's fans had already driven the atmosphere to its peak. Hearing the crazy shouts and applause, and seeing the S-grade combat Omega known as a miracle, Queqiu's opponents inevitably became nervous, their Adam's apples bobbing as they continuously swallowed.

The pressure was immense.

The Alphas were so nervous their hands were trembling.

Everyone knew what an S-grade combat Omega meant for the Empire. It was only because the competition was ongoing that no significant actions had been taken yet. Once the match was over, Queqiu would undoubtedly be immediately placed under royal protection, becoming the Empire's most sought-after individual.

Such honor and praise, woven into a halo of glory, cannot be overshadowed by merely being an MVP of the Military Academy League. Even if Queqiu doesn’t win the championship, those competing alongside him now will no longer be able to stand at the same place, at the same level, and converse with him as they are now.

The distance between them had been infinitely stretched since the league officially announced the gene grades.

If they accidentally hurt Queqiu during the match...

The Alphas exchanged glances and unsurprisingly, saw worry and fear in each other's eyes.

No matter if Queqiu is healing or combat type, facing the absolute supremacy of his gene grade, none dared to bear the responsibility of harming an S-grade Omega. Not to mention the Empire's laws, even the audience here would likely tear them apart.

So... should they concede the victory to Queqiu right away?

However, with the Military Academy League held only once every four years and being a grand event that the entire Empire pays attention to, many participants from remote and underdeveloped planets pin their hopes on changing their destinies through this competition. Many more, despite their strength and dreams, are unable to participate due to eligibility restrictions, perhaps missing out on the League throughout their academy life. Many of them have endured untold hardships to stand here at the Lati Gymnasium's arena, seen by so many.

If they were to give up now...

None of them could bear to.

The desire for victory is etched in every Alpha’s genes, their battle instinct, their life's honor; yet the accommodation and protection for Omegas are also deeply ingrained in every Alpha through societal learning, a responsibility they must uphold.

The choice between fighting honorably for glory or ending the battle constrained by responsibility is what these four Alphas now face.

Torn by this extreme contradiction, some Alphas are even on the verge of mental collapse, considering forfeiting the match.

Queqiu noticed something was off with his opponents.

Unlike Alphas and Betas in previous matches, who possessed firm will to fight regardless of the disparity in strength, these Alphas seemed completely disinterested in competing.

Queqiu slightly furrowed his brow, pondering for a moment before understanding why.

They were wary of him—

Not wary of his strength, but of his status.

Since his gene grade was made public, Queqiu could clearly sense the change in how people treated him.

Of course, his teammates from Dark Star Military Academy didn’t change much, but others he encountered treated him with extreme caution and respect, as if handling something fragile. Even a simple greeting was executed with utmost care, fearful of offending him.

Overnight, Queqiu's environment seemed to have undergone a drastic transformation. Duan Chenlin, representing the royal family, personally came to extend goodwill and even offered to move their current dormitory to the best room in the royal palace. If Queqiu hadn’t declined, citing discomfort, they probably would have agreed even if he wanted to sleep in Duan Chenlin's room.

After the dormitory offer was declined, efforts were made in their diet. The standard meal provided by the League Committee to competing teams is two bottles of premium nutrition liquid, two bottles of premium comfort agents, and a limited amount of post-meal fruits per person per meal. But after Queqiu’s gene grade was publicized, the meal provision for Dark Star Military Academy suddenly differed from other teams, matching the standards of noble daily diets, even more special than that of the Imperial First Military Academy contestants.

The medical pods, once accessible only with Duan Chenlin's help, were now directly allocated by the tournament committee to the Dark Star Military School team's dormitory area, allowing Queqiu and his teammates to enjoy post-match therapy without leaving their quarters.

Travel was no longer in a rundown hovercar; they were upgraded to a splendidly decorated official spacecraft.

No longer did Anran and the students need to queue and endure cold treatment for any procedure; staff members now came to them with courteous and amiable service.

The mockery and sarcasm once directed at Dark Star were now unheard of, and even Figo and his teammates rose in status, albeit a bit unaccustomed to the sudden change from being used to differential treatment.

"The contrast in attitudes was stark and numerous; Que Qiu lost count. Initially, the league's staff approached with a business-like demeanor to collect comprehensive participant information. But upon learning Que Qiu was an S-rank combat Omega, they were first stunned, then swiftly shifted to an enthusiastic approach, gazing at the diminutive Omega with a fervent, almost devout admiration."

"In just a few days, everything had changed dramatically. Apart from refusing to change dormitories, Que Qiu didn't reject other special privileges, yet never accepted them either, simply observing coldly, as if punishing those who had once harbored malice towards Alphas and Betas of Dark Star."

"But this didn't mean Que Qiu sought unfair advantages in what should be a fair and equal competition. He didn't want to be a winner who relied on 'noble status' instead of genuine skill."

"So, after witnessing the Alphas' dilemma and anguish, Que Qiu didn't hesitate to tell them, 'As students of the combat class, you need only follow your innate desire for victory and fight relentlessly. Be it combat Alphas, Betas, or Omegas, when you strip away these labels, I am no different from you – just a student of the combat class. On the field, there's no distinction between us.'"

"The Alphas, previously tormented by indecision, paused at these words. Then Que Qiu continued, 'The respect I seek isn't unconditional compliance in all situations. Off the field, it means not discriminating against anyone of a lower rank; on the field, it means giving your all in the match and against me, your opponent.'"

"This statement was like a wrench turning a faulty tap, suddenly enlightening the long-troubled Alphas, brightening their spirits."

"Any prior reservations vanished in that moment. Relieved, the Alphas took a deep breath, their desire for a vigorous fight and victory once again dominating their thoughts. No longer hesitant or restrained, they stood tall and proud in the arena, under thousands of watchful eyes."

"Even if those gazes weren't for them, even if the spotlights and cameras weren't focused on them, even if the cheers and applause were for someone else, even if their genetic ranks weren't high, as Que Qiu had said—"

"They were born warriors, and relentless combat was all they needed."

"Protecting Omegas was a duty outside the arena. On the field, they weren't delicate princesses needing protection but formidable opponents deserving full effort and respect."

"The Alphas had never imagined such a lesson would come from an Omega, usually the recipient of special treatment."

"Their renewed gaze on Que Qiu held, besides admiration for his beauty and genetic status, something different from before."

"For instance, a genuine, heartfelt admiration."

"The super-brain announcer timely broadcasted: 'Welcome to the top 100 pursuit race at the Empire Military School's Interstellar Event. Our live and online audience, soon you will witness an extraordinary match featuring five contestants—'"

“From Mula Military Academy, combat class, A-class Falcon Alpha, Ming Feiyun!”

“From Mula Military Academy, combat class, A-class Bald Eagle Alpha, Yunxiao!”

“From Aike Star's First Military Academy, combat class, A-class Leopard Alpha, Mudela!”

“From Haido Military School, combat class, A-class Starfish Alpha, Sela!”

Five spotlights of different colors shone down according to the position of the five contestants. The holographic screens behind each player displayed their corresponding colored background profile cards, helping the audience easily recognize each contestant.

When the last beam of golden light enveloped the petite Omega, both the live and streaming audiences went wild!

Even the usually impassive electronic voice of the super neural network seemed excited, “Finally, from Sikuxing Military Academy, combat class, S-class Omega, Queqiu!”

As the announcement ended, the circular stands erupted with Queqiu's name, the wave of cheers coming from all directions nearly drowning the small arena and the small figure of Queqiu.

If love and admiration could materialize and take shape, then the love of the tens of thousands of fans present for Queqiu could have drowned him in an infinitely deep sea, a million times over.

After the introduction of all five contestants, the Sunlight Arena slowly activated, with rising energy fields forming a brilliant sphere to contain the energy released during the match.

Super Neural Network: “The match—begins!”

As the announcement ended, the previously hesitant Alphas quickly got into the zone, adopting defensive stances and warily eyeing every potential threat on the field.

Among them, two contestants, Ming Feiyun and Yunxiao from the same military school, had fought side by side for years, sharing a deep bond and understanding. With just a glance exchanged, they determined their first target.

When both focused their attention on Queqiu, the other two Alphas also swiftly locked their sights on the same target: Queqiu.

The major difference in the chase match from all previous matches was that it wasn't 1v1. The rules allowed teaming up against opponents. Therefore, in a five-person free-for-all where only one can advance, the weakest or the strongest contestant is often the first to be targeted.

Undoubtedly, Queqiu is the primary target the Alphas must tackle in this match, a testament to his formidable strength. Merely his presence poses a significant threat.

The four Alphas exchange looks, quickly uniting in spirit. But Queqiu, the source of their morale, is not in the best condition.

He tries to activate his magic machinery for a preemptive strike, but suddenly feels dizzy and weak, a sensation he's not used to.

Seizing this moment of distraction, the four Alphas launch a coordinated attack on Queqiu.

Trouble—

Queqiu mentally braces himself.

Ming Feiyun, the Hawk Alpha, and Yunxiao, the White-headed Eagle Alpha, use their innate genetic advantage to soar above the arena, dominating the airspace over Queqiu. Meanwhile, Mudela, the Leopard Alpha, attacks from the front, and the stealthy Starfish Alpha, Selar, sneaks behind for a surprise attack.

In an instant, all four rain down blows on Queqiu.

The temporary weakness passes, and Queqiu abandons the magic machinery, opting for bare-handed combat.

He targets Selar, the least determined and weakest Alpha, as the breakthrough point, to easily dismantle their encirclement.

These thoughts flash through Queqiu's mind, quickly forming a plan. As Ming Feiyun swoops down, Queqiu counters with a swift move, forcing Yunxiao to retreat to avoid collision.

He then dodges Mudela's kick and uses him as a springboard to deliver a powerful spinning kick to Selar, who staggers back in pain.

"How can your legs be stronger than my arms?!" Selar, in disbelief and panic, dodges Queqiu's relentless assault.

Struggling against the Omega's rapid strikes, Selar cries out for help, realizing he's about to be overwhelmed.

Yunxiao scratches his head, naively or cunningly voicing his thoughts, "If you're out, there's one less competitor, so..."

Why should they help, indeed?

Selar: "？"

"You're serious? Betraying an ally so soon?"

He frantically looked at Ming Feiyun in the sky and Mudela on the ground, seeing that neither objected to Yunxiao’s decision, he felt disaster looming!

“That’s not fair! Why are marine creatures the first to be abandoned in this air, land, and sea battle?”

Sela, steadily losing ground and nearly pushed out of the arena by Queqiu, shouted in protest.

Ming Feiyun coldly retorted, “You’re the weakest. Who else should we eliminate first if not you?”

As Queqiu pressed him harder and seeing no help from his so-called allies, Sela, not willing to be eliminated so soon, decisively activated his ability: “Gravitational Tide!”

Everyone in the arena felt their knees buckle as the sudden increase in gravity almost brought them to their knees towards Sela. Queqiu, in mid-attack, nearly stumbled and fell.

Fortunately, he quickly regained his balance and withdrew his attack, avoiding such a basic mistake.

However, with his smooth offensive rhythm disrupted, Queqiu inevitably exposed a vulnerability, which Sela seized, launching a kick at him.

Deprived of his spiritual power, Queqiu was no different from an ordinary Alpha, but his reaction was far sharper, and his movements quicker. He deftly rolled on the ground, narrowly evading Sela’s assault.

Seeing Queqiu at a disadvantage, the other contestants quickly sought to eliminate him while they had the chance.

Mudela was the first to unleash his ability, creating several indistinguishable illusions of himself, attacking Queqiu from all directions.

Queqiu tried to muster his spiritual power, but couldn’t feel its presence, as if it had suddenly left his body, severing the close connection he once felt.

With four Alphas about to swarm him, not only was Queqiu anxious, but the audience was also confused: What was happening?

Where was Queqiu’s ability? What about those bizarre weapons?

Why hadn't he displayed any of his abilities since the match began, despite so much time having passed?

Could it be that Queqiu, as an S-class combat Omega, felt he could defeat four A-class combat Alphas without using his abilities?

The Dark Star Military School team, seated in the contestant viewing area, were extremely anxious, especially Anran, who had sharp eyes and immediately sensed something wrong with Queqiu.

“He seems not to be using his ability, but rather…”

Anran furrowed his brow, reluctant to voice his conclusion, fearful it might become reality.

But Anweiran couldn't help but think that Queqiu's situation didn't seem like he was arrogantly choosing not to use his abilities, but rather...

It seemed like he couldn't use his abilities at all.

Why is this happening?

Anxiously, he could do nothing but silently pray for Queqiu's safety.

Even the spectators could sense something was off with Queqiu, let alone the Alphas competing on the field.

"What's wrong with you?" Ming Feiyun furrowed his brow.

Mudela, closest to Queqiu, halted his attack, looking worriedly at the pale-faced Omega.

Yunxiao and Selar also hesitated, uncertain whether to continue their assault.

They desired victory, yes, and outnumbering was within the rules, but taking advantage of an opponent who seemed physically unwell, unable to continue, went against their principles, regardless of whether the opponent was an Omega or not.

Thus, they needed to confirm if Queqiu could continue the match before proceeding.

Trying to forcibly harness his energy, Queqiu had just experienced another bout of weakness in his limbs, leaving him dizzy and with an unusually hot nape.

Shaking his head to clear it, he struggled to stay more alert, but even responding to the Alphas was challenging.

"I'm... fine..."

Queqiu bit his lips, trying to stimulate himself with pain, leaving a fleeting bluish imprint on his soft lips.

He took a moment and said, “Of course, I can continue the match.”

Meanwhile, utilizing this hard-earned respite, Queqiu still hadn't given up on trying to harness his energy.

Seeing the poor condition of the little Omega before them, the eldest among them, Ming Feiyun, disapproved, “You're clearly not fit to continue. Why push yourself? Persisting might cause irreversible damage to your body.”

“So, what do you suggest, that I surrender?” Queqiu lifted his head, fixing his gaze on the Alphas before him.

Although seated and looking up at them, his presence seemed more commanding, as if he were the one looking down.

Seeing the Alphas silent, Queqiu smiled lightly, not in mockery but stating a fact, “Surrender? In the battles I’ve fought, it has always been my opponents who surrender.”

Selar murmured in a low voice, “Your mouth is tougher than your legs.”

Queqiu touched his earlobe, his fingers grazing the cool earring, and said with a half-smile, “I told you, I don’t surrender. The only way to defeat me—”

“Is to beat me.”

The author's note:

Queqiu's appearance, coupled with his omega status, normally evokes a soft, endearing aura, but he's actually quite stubborn and has a temper. He rarely initiates conversation unless approached (after all, he's a beautiful plant-like creature who's stayed in one place for thousands of years).

However, if someone appears pitiful or distressed in front of him, then 'Mother Queqiu' emerges. Otherwise, why would his opponent always feign tears and insecurity? (Pointing at self)