novelInside Scoop on the King
| ← Ch.1074 | Ch.1076 → |
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
In the vast meeting hall, the first row was empty. Many strong teams had come, and those from the major superpowers were basically all present. But everyone knew that the first row was reserved for the seeded teams. It was fine to be confident, but without having first proven yourself, that would be not knowing your own strength.
Everyone stared at the Saruman Snake battle team. They were the most talked-about team after Elite Academy X's Greatest King battle, but the inside scoop on them was indeed sparse.
One-off success did not convince everybody. Instead, it only made even more people unconvinced, because succeeding once depended heavily on the element of luck. This was also why Arbiter was generally regarded as stronger than Aslan, because they had been through countless victories to prove themselves and get to where they were today.
Saruman Snake was a classic case of shallow roots. This was not the Saruman Snake battle team's fault. The tree that grew above the forest must face the harrying of the wind.
If their foundations were solid, they could withstand the wind and rain. If they were not, then they would fall in an instant.
Regardless of how you looked at it, Saruman Snake belonged to the latter. Many reckoned that Asura and Imperial Glory could go further than Saruman Snake. Their approach was more holistic and stable, whereas the Saruman Snake battle team was a classic rollercoaster of emotions that depended on risks. It was not that they were not capable, but it seemed unlikely they would withstand the rigors of the competition procedure.
The cruelest thing was that the SIG organisers purposely put Saruman Snake in the first place position. This was the ultimate revenge.
As a new team, and with the team members not being the traditional elites, the only reference score was the Greatest King Competition, and that was a self-given title within Elite Academy X. Teams like Aslan and Arbiter had won many championships in international competitions, although none were as fancy as Elite Academy X's.
At this time, if Saruman Snake had been placed seventh or eighth, no one would bat an eyelid. That would have been a good thing for Saruman Snake as well. At least they would have some peace. They were indeed qualified to be a seeded team, just not the first seed.
This was a rather overboard form of vengeance.
But whatever SIG thought, this had been decided, and Saruman Snake's best bet was to lie low.
Lying low could reduce some stress, and also conserve their energy. At least, many thought this way, and even Ai Xiaolu and the rest concurred. Besides, Wang Zheng had said that they were now going to be the biggest target. They just had to prove it on the battlefield, and lie low in all other aspects. That would be easiest.
This was undoubtedly the mark of the prudent.
F*cking as if.
Wang Zheng casually walked to the first row and sat in the middle seat.
Immediately, the whole place broke out in murmurs. At such a venue, every little action was magnified and analyzed.
"No wonder everyone says this guy is bold. I didn't believe it, but it seems like the truth."
"That's why it's going to be interesting. I want to see how Aslan, Arbiter, Manalasuo will react.
.... .
Wang Zheng was sitting easy. It felt good, and the position was great. There was no one in front of him, and it was all refreshing.
Zhang Shan was cocky. He loved this feeling. As for what others said, Student Zhang Shan couldn't care less. He was a smart guy. Whether you sat at the front or back, there would always be haters. In that case, why not be comfortable while their balls ached?
Snow Li's cold manner did not really mind what others said. Even if she felt that it was brave to sit here, she would support Wang Zheng's decision.
Lie Xin did not care. The Lie family were "barbarians" who did not care anyway. Perhaps only Achilles felt that this was not too prudent. It was too challenging.
The murmurs behind grew, but was moderated at an intelligent level. After all, they occupied first place, and were qualified to sit there. They had the right to modestly decline or take it. As for their ability, that was decided in competition, not by themselves.
The first row already had five tall and handsome youngsters. They had sharp ears and their long robes were patterned with runes, signifying their status. They were the Sea Queen team from Atlantis. Leading them was their captain, Dina Atlas. True royalty from Atlantis. This was the first time that the rarely seen royalty would be battling.
In Atlantis, the monarchy meant intellect and fighting ability. This was different from humans, whose monarchy was an elaborate figure.
Dina was not the first royalty that Wang Zheng had met. Dina was looking at Wang Zheng as well. The handsome Atlanteans smiled, and Wang Zheng replied with his own.
Because he had not detected any hostility from them. When he thought about it, he had clashed with Atlantis quite a few times, beginning with IG. But Wang Zheng admired the character of the Atlanteans, and also respected their civilization. It was a strange sense of kinship. But he had met them more as opponents.
He had thought they were just greeting him, but Dina stood up and walked towards Wang Zheng. At such an occasion, showing off was very important. Unless they were extremely close, no one would proactively greet this way, unless they were inviting or challenging them. Otherwise, it might be regarded as a sign of weakness.
That was why all the big teams sat tight after they had found spaces. They were holding their ground for now.
Seeing the other walk over, Wang Zheng stood up as well. One person walked over, while the rest of Saruman Snake's members were unmoving.
"Captain Wang Zheng, greetings. I am Sea Queen battle team's Dina. Our prince, His Highness, has commanded me to convey his greetings to you. He wanted to come personally to watch your competition, but was delayed by some matters. He will definitely be here for the finals." Dina's words quietened the hall.
This Wang Zheng? Wasn't he a loser from Earth?
When had he gotten to know the prince of Atlantis? And become so familiar?
This... seemed off somehow.
"It has been a while since I saw Prince Hao Lin. Captain Dina is also a prince, right? The Sea Queen battle team must be gunning for the championship. The pressure is tremendous, " Wang Zheng said lightly.
Dina also smiled. Both clasped hands. There was not much testing going on. Those of a lower level had many tricks and ways about them, but at this level, they were rather open. The Sea Queen battle team's foundations went without saying.
"Atlantis has nine major tribes. Only his Highness Hao Lin is a true prince. I am at best a tribal prince. If we meet this time, we will be looking for revenge, " Dina said.
"Memory of that battle stands afresh in my mind. To be able to battle with the Sea Queen battle team would be our honor. We will give it our best."
Wang Zheng said. He could feel the respect of his opponent. He would not think any less of his opponent for it. Royalty leading a team. How fearsome would an unsealed Atlantean be? In truth, Wang Zheng had not thought of any good plan. Any weakness would have to be discovered in future battles. Weaknesses would be found. There was no perfect team.
| ← Ch. 1074 | Ch. 1076 → |