As more and more people were eliminated, the area of action for the underwater continent continued to shrink.
By the time they entered the finals and checked the rankings, it could be seen that there were fewer than 50 combinations left on the list.
Many strong partnerships, including Deep Well Ice Player and Gentleman Fan, were unfortunately eliminated.
And in this situation with very few remaining, the ID at the bottom of the scoreboard undoubtedly stood out—not just because it was the only member left on the list but also due to the incongruent points compared to other combinations.
[Scavenger]
One couldn’t deny its uniqueness.
Obviously, the partner who had signed up with this sister had already been eliminated, leaving her alone with the meager points accumulated along the way. It could be said that she completely relied on surviving until the end to squeeze onto the rankings.
Survival of the fittest, indeed.
As for how Scavenger managed to survive alone in this blood-soaked storm, perhaps only she knew the hardships behind it.
In terms of a sneaky and strategic evolution, it was quite remarkable.
Jiang Shi sighed inwardly, expressing with a tone full of emotion, “It must be said that Old Player and Gentleman are indeed truly elusive. They didn’t even meet until elimination. Looking at it from the aspect of luck alone, Scavenger seems much stronger.”
As he spoke, he continued to maintain a rapid pace, moving towards the final safe zone.
Not far behind was the continually shrinking protective barrier.
This time, the shrinking of the circle was evidently different from before, offering no buffer zone.
The external ocean persistently engulfed the underwater continent bit by bit, showing no sign of stopping its convergence.
Within the enclosing barriers, large schools of giant fish swam back and forth.
Players inside the barrier had no choice but to move towards a designated direction, seemingly pulled by an irresistible, intangible force, appearing extremely passive and insignificant.
While Jiang Shi was on the move, he encountered several waves of battles, eliminating several teams continuously.
Evidently, simultaneous clashes were happening elsewhere. In a short time, more than ten pairs entering the finals were instantly eliminated.
Jiang Shi observed that his and Han Yuze’s ranking had already risen to the fifth position. In a seemingly calm tone, there was a hint of excitement, “Regardless of why this circle is shrinking, the frequency of encounters has indeed increased significantly. At this rate, it should be over completely in less than an hour.”
By this time, it was nearly 5 o’clock.
If they hurried, they might still make it in time for a regular dinner.
Han Yuze seemed to have something on his mind and suddenly glanced at Jiang Shi, as if trying to gauge his mood, then blurted out, “Let’s try to finish this quickly.”
Jiang Shi wasn’t sure if Han Yuze had real-life commitments, but there was no reason to refuse the suggestion of swift action.
Sensing two figures pass by in his peripheral vision, he smiled and said, “Bring it on,” swiftly closing the distance by performing a side flip, effectively using his rune skills to trap the unlucky ones.
Han Yuze wasted no time. With his supportive skills, he directly unleashed explosive output, eliminating the opponents.
As the battle ended, just as Jiang Shi was about to praise their teamwork, a mechanical voice resonated from above, and the entire underwater landscape was enveloped in a faint, red light.
[Ding Dong—!]
[Dear adventurers, the trial will officially end in 10 minutes.]
[Who will be the ones to successfully pass this challenge? It’s truly something to look forward to.]
[Please seize the last chance and continue to strive, hehe…]
The voice seemed to hover directly in the air around them, completely surrounding them, carrying an inexplicable eerie feeling.
Han Yuze couldn’t help but comment, “Hehe… still trying to be cute? Is this an official attempt at cuteness?”
“Is your focus only on cuteness…” Jiang Shi glanced at the protective barrier, now visible just above them. At this moment, he remembered the words of the Serious Young Man before the activity started, “From what was said earlier, it seems that only the top-ranked teams will remain here in the end. Judging by that, my disciple’s earlier analysis was unexpectedly correct. Could there really be a hidden boss ahead?”
“Oh, in that case, we really need to speed up a bit. Our current ranking is fifth,” Han Yuze glanced at the team currently occupying the top position on the leaderboard, “And if there are indeed hidden adversaries to face, I’d rather not get involved with our former allies.”
Jiang Shi nodded in agreement, “I don’t want to either.”
At present, the combination of Akdas and the Champs from the Crusaders is precisely in the first position.
From the looks of it, it seems that just now, the Medieval Decorators and Automation from the Firepower Guild were eliminated, leading to the rise of Akdas and the Champs .
From the leaderboard, it’s evident that beyond Jiang Shi and Han Yuze’s fifth position, the total points have significantly widened. To rise by at least two ranks, the most reliable way would naturally be to eliminate any team from the top four.
Jiang Shi, through his actions, expressed rejection towards the Crusaders’ alliance, actively seeking their next target more than before: “If we’re lucky enough to encounter someone from the Crusaders now, I’d surely thank the heavens for their favor.”
Han Yuze caught sight of a few figures dashing from the side, his tone slightly teasing, “Looks like we might have the opportunity to thank them now.”
Jiang Shi, noticing the same, couldn’t help but smile, “I told you, their luck isn’t as good as the young lady’s.”
The scavenger, who was being chased, clearly saw Jiang Shi and Han Yuze.
In this intense tugging and pulling, she almost without hesitation changed direction, swiftly flying towards them with the two in tow.
This behavior, usually seen as deliberately redirecting animosity, was on the contrary met with an inviting hug from Jiang Shi to this charming thief sister—chasing them were none other than Akdas and the Champs from the Crusaders.
No wonder the scavenger, alone, managed to survive for so long in the underwater continent. Just this kite-flying technique alone displayed exceptional skill.
The two trailing behind were already feeling the pressure, too occupied to pay attention elsewhere. It wasn’t until they got closer that they noticed Jiang Shi and Han Yuze’s presence.
However, by then, the distance had been completely narrowed.
The scavenger passed by the former allies without a glance back, leaving behind a casual remark, “Here’s your prey, no thanks needed.”
In a moment, numerous rune domains were erected, stopping the Mechanic who had just realized the intention to retreat. This forced the Priest, as their partner, to stay as well.
Jiang Shi captured the “prey” twice, looking somewhat amused, “Leaving so soon? Doing good deeds without recognition?”
Meanwhile, Akdas, who was now unable to retreat, clearly couldn’t find the humor in the situation.
Compared to the arrogance he had while chasing the scavenger moments ago, now, his face showed nothing but vigilance, “What’s the meaning of this?”
Jiang Shi smiled at him, “Weren’t you worried earlier about not having enough points to advance? Now that we’ve coincidentally met, what does that mean?”
Though displeased with this brazen attitude, Akdas had witnessed Pojun Baba suffering earlier and didn’t dare underestimate this bright Elven Rune Master.
Controlling his expression, he glanced at Han Yuze, choosing his words reasonably, “The disputes between the Silver Coins and the Crusaders had just settled down. If we engage now, especially if seen by outsiders, it might not be good, right?”
Han Yuze knew this person too well, not falling for it, “What’s wrong with that? Whether it settles or not is something the guild leader considers. We’re just ordinary members of the Silver Coins. Besides, Akdas, do you really think the alliance guild’s superficial tactics are unknown? Isn’t that a bit naive?”
Champs added, “Indeed, activities are activities, relationships are relationships, let’s just get on with it.”
Akdas: “…”
D*mn, trying to incite conflict here?
Relationships? Everyone here knows there’s no such thing between them!
Are they afraid they won’t fight and are waiting for him to make a move?
Among the professional players participating in the league from the Crusaders, perhaps only Champs has a decent relationship with Han Yuze.
If Han Yuze hadn’t left the guild before, this activity would undoubtedly be their duo’s affair, and Akdas wouldn’t have had the chance to occupy the top-tier support position within the guild.
However, this time, Akdas, taking advantage of Han Yuze’s withdrawal, had managed to secure this combo treatment, but he didn’t expect Champs to backstab him at the final moment.
Clearly, they belonged to the same team. What would she gain if they were eliminated at this last stage?!
Gritting his teeth, Akdas refrained from showing anger towards Champs on the spot.
To avoid losing face in front of Han Yuze, he forced a cold, arrogant laugh, “Alright, let’s have a spar.”
Before the response from the other side, he took the initiative.
The principle of striking first and being the strongest is always timeless.
At this moment in the central square’s water curtain, as the activity circle gradually shrank, all attention was concentrated on these few scenes.
As these two groups faced off, they instantly drew widespread attention, causing a stir at the scene.
As widely known, Akdas rose to prominence as a mechanical genius starting from the second season. Ever since stepping into the limelight, his performances have been consistently outstanding, shining brightly on the Century Cup stage.
However, unfortunate for him, he belonged to the Crusaders guild, where the position of a mechanic was already occupied by another prodigy, Yu Weize.
Despite rumors suggesting Akdas as Yu Weize’s potential successor, the words “future” and “successor” were inherently tainted with a subordinate connotation. Even Akdas’ fans were well aware that as long as Yu Weize was part of the Crusaders, this rising mechanical star would inevitably remain overshadowed.
But this scenario drastically changed with Yu Weize’s recent resignation and departure from the guild.
Externally, Akdas always appeared remarkably humble and respectful. Only he knew the immense patience and restraint he had exercised to reach this day.
His allegiance to Pojun Baba’s side had been solely to secure the Guild Master’s support. Now, finally achieving everything he desired, despite the initial moment of hesitation upon their encounter, a careful thought suggested that an official event garnering such attention was indeed the perfect stage to prove his superiority.
Moreover, irrespective of the strength possessed by the Elven Rune Master on the opposite side, standing by his side in this 2v2 scenario was Champs. Against an ordinary player, the advantage was clearly in their favor, no matter how one analyzed the situation.
Determined to assert himself, Akdas steeled himself. Taking advantage of the opponent’s distraction, a ruthless resolve gradually surfaced in his eyes.
Since the departure had been made, it was time to officially step down from the pedestal!
Your era has passed, Yu Weize!
In a brief moment, the mechanical army under Akdas’s control had grown to more than ten.
Through strategic placements from all directions, they converged tightly, erupting in an instant.
From a god’s-eye view, such maneuvering speed was nearly at its peak.
Unfortunately, his opponent’s response was even faster than anticipated.