Chapter 34:

The Tournament Of Champions! (Part 1)

World Quest: Escape To Reality


(With a count of 8 days passing by, it is now officially Preliminary Season for the Tournament of Champions, which will only last for one week as all assigned warriors will be given their own preliminary matches to determine which will be their seed ranking in the tournament for the following weeks that pass. During the Preliminary Season, Yinlong has cleared his preliminary match against a Goblin player, ranking him to an S+ as he was now placed as a top seed, a capable individual. Meanwhile, Yinlong was resting back in his dorm as he arrived in time before his final Monday class after his massive multi-hour break.)

"Yinlong: ...I actually passed the Preliminaries without a sweat. What the hell did I get myself into...?"
"Nerata: Well, you did say you have to do anything you can to protect Asmedai from his bounty. So as long as Burleigh's in this tournament, you can't really miss your chance here."
"Yinlong: Unfortunately you're right.. And speaking of which, Saya Kuraiko reached out to me. She wants to meet on campus so I can provide her the Origin Cores in person."

(Opening the door out of the bathroom was Thalassa whom was still yawning despite being awake for so long in 98 years and was dressed as a regular academy student.)

"Thalassa: Do you want us to go with you..?"
"Yinlong: Nah, things should be okay for me. Attacks on campus are impossible ready for outsiders, even Saya so this academy is a huge safe zone."
"Nerata: Well, whatever happens, we'll be there for you."
"Yinlong: I appreciate it you two. According to Saya, she wants to meet twenty minutes early before my final class in the cafe."

(As Yinlong then carries with him the briefcase carrying the Seven Origin Cores, moments would pass as he'd arrive into the cafe, seeing Saya Kuraiko with her coat resting on her shoulders, her exposed skin revealing multiple tattoos around her body, her normal sized arms revealing hints of muscle and her eyes both brown as she was drinking a canned beer while Yinlong then sits in front of her at the same table.)

"Yinlong: Kuraiko."
"Saya: Yinlong. I take it these are the Origin Cores?"
"Yinlong: They are. But I want to request something."
"Saya: ...And that is...?"
"Yinlong: I want the list of every participant that will be fighting in the Tournament of Champions."
"Saya: Done."
"Yinlong: ...That's it?"
"Saya: Its a simple list. After all, you did promise Burleigh's head in return for shutting down Asmedai's bounty. But the Origin Cores were given for free, I expected you'd want something in return for these cores."
"Yinlong: ..I see."

(As Yinlong would then open the briefcase and reveal the exact count of 7 Origin Cores, which only one key is able to start the Animatronic Raid, Saya then examined all seven cores before sighing in relief.)

"Saya: They're the real deal..."
"Yinlong: When it comes to trades, I don't lie. I deliver high quality or no deal."
"Saya: You're a bold man. As promised, here you go."

(Saya would immediately enter classified files about the Tournament of Champions on her dashboard, copying the list and fast delivers the list to Yinlong's message system.)

"Saya: Keep an eye on that list, it will change over time due to the preliminaries."

(As Yinlong then prepared to walk out the cafe, he was then halted by his name once more.)

"Saya: One more thing, Yinlong."
"Yinlong: ...?"
"Saya: Haiwei, how is she?"
"Yinlong: ..She's alright. She's been recovering with the Angels in the Spawn Realm. And dare I say, Heishe's powerful. Keep an eye on that woman, because with the way she's battled during Burleigh and those corrupt Militia, she's proved how well she's Admiral material. And this is coming from your most wanted criminal."

(As Yinlong then walks out of the cafe, Saya would then ponder what Yinlong has said and begins to think about it. With only 4 minutes remaining, Yinlong arrives in time to the class, seeing his two friends call out to him as the entire class were then curious on Yinlong and him entering the Tournament of Champions. With the four minutes being spent on such, the door was then slammed open as a group of seniors stormed into the classroom. A group of one female Water Folk, one male Animatronic, two female Buddhas and two male Beasts, the leader of the seniors being lead by a male Dragon.)

"???: HEY! If you're name is Yinlong in this room, stand up right now!"
"Yinlong: ..Any clue on who these people are?"
"Sanyei: They're an academy faction called "The Freshman Hunters." They really hate Freshman, but what pisses them off more is someone who's just joined the academy and is a top name in Worldly Conquest."
"Yinlong: So I check all boxes."
"???: YINLONG, I'm not gonna ask you again! Either you stand up or this entire classroom suffers!"
"Yinlong: Kind of bold of you to assume this classroom will suffer by the time you lose your tail."

(With the group staring down Yinlong, they all were then less intimidated about his appearance and began to believe they were all stronger than him.)

"???: So you're the "Talk of The Town", Yinlong?"
"Yinlong: Who wants to know?"
"Brezos (Race: Dragon | Worldly Conquest Academy Senior | Academy's 2nd Strongest): The name's Brezos and I've heard that you're that terrorist the Militia's been looking for and you've signed up for the Tournament of Champions."
"Yinlong: So?"
"Aurelia (Whispering): Terrorist..? Yinlong's not a terrorist...!"
"Sanyei (Whispering): Of course he isn't, he's doing what is necessary for himself and his mission!"
"Brezos: So as the Academy's 2nd Strongest, I don't find you in any way fit for such a grotesque tournament. Either do yourself a favor and drop out or we'll force you."

(As Brezos's group then drew weapons in the classroom, Yinlong's left eye would suddenly turn bloodshot red out of pure instinct, shocking only a few in the class as the entire academy was trembling from Yinlong's skill, "Presence Of The Demon King", a powerful intimidation skill he's had locked away ever since stepping away from the "Sinner" name. With the tremors in the class being the strongest, all sitting down in their seats were unaffected except Brezos and his group, kneeling on all fours with their eyes staring at the ground.)

"Yinlong: You barge into the classroom, confront and threaten my classmates, call me a terrorist and believe I'll drop out of this tournament? Please. You have no clue who the hell I am or how powerful I can become. Be grateful I am allowing you to kneel at my feet and not have you stare at your headless bodies. This class is late for it's lecture and you've held us up long enough, LEAVE!"

(As the skill then ended and Yinlong's eye returned to normal, the class was then in shock at what has happened as Yinlong then turned his back and returned to the seat as suddenly, the professor walked in the class as he was running late.)

"Professor Luger: I apologize for my tardiness everyone, I was running late..- Oh? Mr. Gulahan? What brings you to the class?"
"Brezos: ..We were just leaving... Come on, everyone."

(As the group then leaves, Brezos would stare at Yinlong as he refused to care but Aurelia was flustered deeply despite being shy at how Yinlong acted against Brezos and his crew as she grew closer to actually liking Yinlong entirely. After an hour and thirty minutes of lecture, the class was dismissed as Yinlong then exited the classroom and walked back to the dorms with Sanyei and Aurelia.)

"Aurelia: ..U-Um.. Y-Yin-"
"Sanyei: -Hey Yinlong, you know you were very cool back there."
"Yinlong: Huh? What do you mean?"
"Sanyei: You know! When Brezos and his annoying Senior friends barged into the classroom, we haven't seen that side of you at all!"
"Yinlong: I wouldn't say I was that cool, I was trying to protect all of you."
"Sanyei: D'awww, you're such a softie!"
"Yinlong: Hey come on now!"
"???: Excuse me, Mr. Yinlong, sir!"

(Turning around to the sound of an approaching male voice was an out of breath male classmate who has appeared to be a Beast but has yet to awaken.)

"Laumoi (Race: Beast | Worldly Conquest Academy Sophomore): So sorry to bother you sir, but would it trouble you if I ask for your autograph?!"
"Yinlong: An autograph? What for?"
"Laumoi: There are many reasons, sir... I actually admire you as my hero! You speak for us who have yet to reach our peak yet doesn't hesitate to do the impossible! You even took down a Militia Admiral!"
"Yinlong: Well, I'm grateful for you looking up to me... But I shouldn't be that guy to call a hero."
"Laumoi: If that was the case, what would your fan club think?!"
"Yinlong: My fan club?"

(Surprising Yinlong as he turned to the side was a count of 120 students who joined the Yinlong Fan Club and were all praising him from compliments to questions and some wishing him luck at the Tournament of Champions.)

"Laumoi: We all have been great fans of you ever since many of your big fights!"
"Yinlong: Big fights?"

(As Yinlong was continued to be adored by his fan club, time passes as Yinlong returned to his dorm for the night while he was examining through the list of participants for the Tournament of Champions and whom were most dangerous combatants in the entire tournament. Surprising Yinlong with dark blue arms sliding down onto his body, Thalassa was curious on what Yinlong was doing as he was staying up late.)

"Thalassa: Hi Yinlong.. What are you up to?"
"Yinlong: Oh, Thalassa.. Well, the Tournament of Champions is coming up and I'm going through every single participant here that is considered the most dangerous and I must prepare countermeasures against if I do battle them."
"Thalassa: Oh..?"

(With a quick yawn, Thalassa would be a bit more awake before eyeing the entire list, noticing very few names that she recognizes while also staring directly at his countermeasure for Burleigh.)

"Thalassa: Burleigh's strongest weakness is the Shining Sun Combat Style."
"Yinlong: A-...? How did you know that?"
"Thalassa: I may have hibernated for many years, but I was able to catch myself up on everything I've missed. So now, I'm actually able to anticipate and list any weaknesses or strengths."
"Yinlong: R-Really? Then what about Ruked? I had a one on one with him in the Tower of Combat. If I do end up fighting him, I'd rather be fair."
"Thalassa: His greatest weakness is any elemental ability related to Blizzards or Snow. Ice will do no damage whatsoever to him. Ruked is of the Beast Race but his Subclass is Hellhound, allowing him to manipulate flame to his own will. He'll actually showcase immunity to certain abilities as well."
"Yinlong: Wow- Normally, you'd yawn alot during the sentence, did you drink coffee or something?"
"Thalassa: No, I normally yawn everyday whenever I'm bored or tired. And you don't bore me and I'd rather assist you with the participants here so you don't have any downsides."
"Yinlong: Well, what about the-"

(Yinlong's phone would suddenly receive a call from Nerata whom was out on a stroll.)

"Yinlong: Hello?"
"Nerata: Yinlong, it's Nerata. Something big just got found out to me about the Tournament of Champions."
"Yinlong: What could that be?"
"Nerata: Trirae and Rose are joining the Tournament."
"Yinlong: ...What?! But the list I was given-"
"Nerata: It was kept under wraps by the Militia until Preliminary Season. Actually, it gets a little worst, your ex-clan members are involved too."
"Yinlong: ...?"
"Nerata: I managed to catch one of their spies, they revealed that Hellaux joined the tournament."

(As Yinlong's heart sunk at the feeling of that very piece of information, his face was then clouded by darkness as he was brought face to face with one of his strongest ex-clan members.. and alongside Qi Sheng, one of the most brutal.)

"Thalassa: Isn't he the current Ruler of the Tartarus Realm?"
"Yinlong: Not only that, he's one of the most versatile men I have ever recruited. The dangerous thing is, I'm nowhere close to powerful enough to actually defeat him yet, he would be one of my final enemies I kill..."
"Nerata: Actually, that's not the worst part. The worst part is, Rakuzora and Deuliox are entering the tournament too, along with another enemy of yours. I'm certain you remember Aquor, The Seventh King of The Seven Seas?"

(Yinlong would then angerly clench his hands into a fist as he forcefully raises his power level from 1,000 to 5,000. Unlocking multiple abilities he's locked away under level restrictions as Nerata was concerned for him.)

"Nerata: Yinlong?! Yinlong are you there?!"
"Yinlong: ...I'm fine. I promised to bring back Burleigh's head. But now, it seems I'm gonna have to take this entire tournament seriously from now on."
"Thalassa: These are some of the most powerful beings out there today, Yinlong. If you face them in your bracket, it won't be easy..."
"Yinlong: I know. That's why I'm going to have to pick the best sets possible for every single fight I'm in going forward."
"Thalassa: I'm worried for you too, Yinlong. But I'm rooting for you."
"Nerata: I am too, but don't worry. We won't leave your side, ever."
"Yinlong: Thanks you two.. I'm gonna need you two to train with me, I refuse to ever fall during this tournament."

(As Yinlong then dedicates his final days of freedom to school and training, he would occasionally hangout with Aurelia and Sanyei while making new friends, train with Thalassa and Nerata and check time and time again on Asmedai and Haiwei. As the final days passes and Preliminary Season has officially ended, the Tournament of Champions were selecting it's count of 120 participants, making it 30 participants each of the four brackets as powerful names were welcomed into the tournament. Meanwhile as multiple news networks were covering the Tournament of Champions, royals were arriving for the event as VIPs, CEO's of numerous companies across the Realmverse, every possible big name you could imagine arrived at the 200th Realm, an event safe zone Realm known as Champion City, the most prestigious area where the fame of numerous champions of either the Tower of Combat, the Tournament of Champions and many other events such as raids, game completion or even greatest feats all resides here. With spectators from across the entire realm verse watching such an event, many vendors were bustling with customers from food, merchandise and souvenirs to even bets being placed.)

"Female Food Vendor #1: Fresh Sushi here! Now being sold at a 20% discount!"
"Male Souvenir Vendor #1: Will that be everything for today, sir?"

(Meanwhile at the betting windows, all five windows were packed with a large crowd outside the main outdoor arena where the tournament will hold.)

"Male Bettor #1: Put it all on Deuliox!"
"Male Bettor #2: Sixty grand says Rakuzora flattens Ruked in the first round!"
"Female Bettor #1: I want twenty grand on Rosemary slaughtering the Buddha!"

(With fans in high expectation for this tournament, multiple big Militia names were surrounding the arena as security with Saya Kuraiko given her own booth as she was treated as a VIP as well.)

"Saya: Over eighty nine thousand are in attendance for this tournament and this arena hasn't even filled to the ceiling yet."
"Heishe: Its actually thrilling to me to see such fans out here. Hopefully the first patch of tournament matches goes well."
"Saya: Things will. If any attempts are made in hijacking this event, the Militia Admirals are everywhere surrounding the arena."
"Heishe: Mm.. Also, did the trade with Yinlong go well?"
"Saya: He wasn't lying, the Origin Cores were real. To think he's had such quality on him too."
"Heishe: What did he ask for in return?"
"Saya: A copy of the tournament participants."
"Heishe: T-That's it? He didn't ask for his bounty to be taken down? No Militia Immunity? Nothing?"
"Saya: Surprisingly, no. I had half a mind to ask him why the tournament participants, but he has his own reasons. As long as he was true to his word, that's what really mattered to me."
"Heishe: Hm..."

(Meanwhile outside the arena, VIP fans were then cheering for the arrival of multiple tournament participants. Flying out of the sky and landing on her feet with a bolt of lightning striking down exactly where she stands was the War Crazed Animatronic, Rosemary herself staring at the fans and being cheered at.)

"Rosemary: Another tournament to win.. The aroma of a future bloody battle has me ready to slaughter my inferior enemies!"

(With Rosemary being joined by other arrivals, the next would be Ruked, The Cerberus of Tartarus as fans of his would cheer for him as he made his way to the back of the arena as Rosemary did the same. The third arrival for the tournament would be Aquor, the Seventh King of The Seven Seas, arriving to the battle with Water Folk security as appointed from his palace.)

"Aquor (Race: Water Folk (AWK) | 7th King Of The Seven Seas | Bounty: $57,000,000): The air on the surface is quiet unsettling for me, but it'll do for I have the chance to slaughter that little cub..."

(The fourth arrival would have specifically fans screaming for his name as a loud stomp on the ground followed by a hearty laugh would become audible for others to realize the six armed powerhouse has arrived, Rakuzora and his crew famously known as the Beastly Kings.)

"Rakuzora (Race: Beast (AWK) | Clan Leader & Militia Most Wanted | Bounty: $760,000,000): RAAAAA-HAHAHAHAAA!! MY GLORIOUS FANS! LET US REJOICE FOR ANOTHER WONDEROUS TIME, THE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS IS HERE!"

(With Rakuzora's three arms each delivering high fives, fist bumps and signing autographs with the Beastly Kings, the 5th Arrival was followed by an evil laugh which halts Rakuzora from moving as the sound of jingling jewels and the hearty laugh of a pirate is then followed by boo's as Burleigh has arrived for the fight.)

"Burleigh 'Conqueror' Thor (Race: Human (AWK) | Pirate Crew Captain | Militia's Most Wanted): KEEEEHAHAHAHAAAA! Rakuzora, you and yer' Beastly Kings are a cute little crew, but just stay out of me way and I'll spare ye of a brutal death that awaits you!"
"Rakuzora: ...I refuse to show a smile to a pirate who beats woman. If I do see you in this tournament, you will be killed."
"???: My my, the notorious Rakuzora refuses to smile? How quite the juicy rivalry you two have."

(Arriving next would be Rosemary's biggest enemy and her war rival, Trirae, The Conqueror of Realms.)

"Trirae (Race: Beast (AWK) | Nickname: Realm Conqueror | Stray | Sinner Rating: 8 Stars): Oh don't mind me of course, just calculating how many beams it would take to kill you both... Especially a certain out-of-shape monkey."
"Burleigh: Are you talking to me?! KEEEHAHAHAHA! Realm Conqueror or not, nobody out-conquerors, THE KING OF THE PIRATES!"
"Burleigh's Crew: HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH TO CAPTAIN THOR, HUZZAH!"

(With Burleigh confidently walking past the two, his laugh would then be halted as two big names were then arriving simultaneously and cheers were heard as the Number #1 Strongest in Worldly Conquest, Deuliox has arrived and standing afar but next to Deuliox was Yinlong who's power has increasingly gained the interest of stronger adversaries entirely.)

"Yinlong: ..."
"Burleigh: Grr..."
"Trirae: Well well well, it appears we share a similar interest, monkey. Hating such a weakling little tyrant."
"Rakuzora: HAHAHAAAA! YINLONG, MY FRIEND!"
"Yinlong: ...Rakuzora, it's been a long time."
"Rakuzora: It definitely has been! I do hope we have the chance to fight in this tournament so I can truly see your strength! You clearly seem to have gotten a lot stronger since the Tower of Combat!"
"Yinlong: I can assure you, my strength will not go unignored during this tournament. But if we do fight Rakuzora, I will ensure I defeat you with everything I have."
"Rakuzora: HAHAHAAAA!! I LOOK FORWARD TO A GREAT MATCH, MY FRIEND!"

(With Rakuzora openly showing his respect toward Yinlong, he'd confidently laugh and walk off with the Beastly Kings as Deuliox stares down Yinlong, Trirae and Burleigh thinking twice before interfering due to Deuliox's strength.)

"Yinlong: ..."
"Deuliox: ..."

(With only their eyes speaking for themselves, Deuliox walks past Yinlong with his crew as the two refused to break eye contact until Deuliox was far from him now. As all 120 contestants were eventually arriving, over eighty thousand fans were live for the Tournament of Champions, a ring announcer enters the massive marble ring and was given a microphone.)

"Male Ring Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen from Realms all over, while we appreciate your patience into the final touches necessary for the Tournament of Champions, allow us to relay to you the rules and regulations for each Tournament Match going onward!"

(With a levitating screen being carried from multiple drones, the rules and regulations were then shown as all could see clearly even from their nosebleed seats.)

"Male Ring Announcer: As you all know, The Tournament of Champions consists of non-stop fighting for a count of thirty two weeks, leading into the final Championship battles of the season in January! There will be four tournament brackets, thirty participants per bracket. The tournament matches will be randomized as only one champion can remain in each bracket! However, there will be a one time only match swap which can only be accepted upon by our overseers of this tournament! When a match begins, the match will continue until the opponent concedes, is killed or by referee stoppage! And if you are a newcomer to the Tournament of Champions, do not worry about being given damage! The walls surrounding the seating are powered by the Counsel of Origin's power, making them absolutely impenetrable so you will be safe and be able to experience an all out war in each bracket match!"

(With Yinlong as familiar with the rules as ever, he would meditate while levitating as he awaited the match brackets as he presence was interrupted by a leering shadow. With Yinlong then opening his eyes to see Rosemary staring him down, he'd refuse to break eye contact for a moment as he halted his meditation.)

"Rosemary: ...So you're Yinlong."
"Yinlong: Took you long enough to figure that out, huh?"
"Rosemary: Lets get one thing clear, you may have helped me a long time ago during that Otherworldly Narwhal, but this isn't the Tower of Combat. This is a playground where we fight until we become a corpse. You should've backed out when you had the chance, you killing an Admiral and destroying a Militia base is a neat little feat but when compared to me, it's child's play."
"Yinlong: ...Child's play? You're talking as if I'm here for you, Rosemary. This is the second time we've met so I'll actually be honest. I don't give a single fuck about you."

(Nearby participants would overhear Yinlong's statement as they were in shock at what he said.)

"Yinlong: You have your reasons why you're here and I have my reasons why I am here. You're an Animatronic, I'm a Human. The fact you even have the time to even focus on a Human right now is comical knowing you declared war on Trirae. How's that war of yours going by the way? Didn't start it yet? Because it's been a few months since then."

(Rosemary's face would cloud in darkness as she'd smirk devilishly, releasing a chuckle as her glowing components around her entire body glowed from violet to dark red, indicating she was pissed off while laughing abruptly as red circuits of lightning danced in her long hair, forcing each single thread in her hair to stand upward.)

"Rosemary: ...We'll see if you can talk a big game when I take separate your neck from your head!"

(With the bells ringing toward the packed stadium, the tournament brackets was at last ready to be set.)

"Male Ring Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is finally time! The bracket for the Tournament of Champions is now revealed!"

(With the four brackets officially released, it was revealed that Rosemary, Burleigh and Rakuzora were in the same bracket as Yinlong which would be the third bracket. With the four brackets now revealed, the first matchup would be Ruked of the Tartarus Realm, battling against an Awakened Dragon player.)

"Male Ring Announcer: AND NOW, LET US BEGIN OUR MATCHES OF THE FIRST BRACKET!"

(With a firestorm entering the ring, Ruked would draw a 6 star polearm, "Satan's Bident". This polearm would increase elemental damage by 15% for only 3 seconds. However, the damage increases to 25% if the player's elemental power is Fire.)

"Male Ring Announcer: Introducing first, fighting out of the Tartarus Realm, he is the Hellspawn of Satan! The Cerberus From Hell, a consecutive two time swordsman champion and is a Hellhound Beast, RUKED!"

(With his name being chanted throughout the arena and multiple fans barking as if they were dogs, his male battle experienced opponent would arrive in a sphere of Mercury, indicating they've mastered the Mercury element for Mercury Creation was a powerful ability.)

"Azaki Yotsu (Race: Guardian | Ability: Mercury Creation | Sinner Rating: 6 Stars): It's gonna be an honor to kick the ass of Cerberus himself!"
"Ruked: Hmph."

(With the powerful barrier then being set around the ring by the Counsel of Origin along with vents for fresh air, the referee would protect itself inside a immunity shield.)

"Female Referee #1: Are both fighters ready?!"

(With Ruked spinning his Bident and Azaki crafting a sword out of Mercury, the two would then prepare for their battle.)

"Female Referee #1: LET THE MATCH BEGIN!"

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