The Conglomerates were not only a lot more talented, but they had a lot more resources to build from compared to even the 'fortunate' ones here in the Lower Queens region.

Sure, the conglomerates probably weren't going to send the most talented geniuses of their company, but even the normal employees among them could be considered as paragons here in New Sparta.

Because of that, many were immediately dismayed thinking that they were not going to have any chance of competing for the Promotion after all.

But there were others who thought differently. People like Alaric, Aerith, Bobby, and all the other 'elites' of this generation were more excited rather than worried.

After all, this was the only chance they were going to get to 'practice' against someone of that level. This would be a good gauge to test how they were compared to the conglomerates, allowing them to know how much more they needed to improve if they wanted to compete at that level.

Not only that, but this was a chance for them to sharpen their swords.

Alaric specifically, was considered to be at the very top of the geniuses here in New Sparta. Although a prestigious title, this meant that he had completely outgrown this place. He found that because there wasn't that much competition around him, he wasn't able to improve at a pace that he was comfortable with.

If he stayed stagnant, he estimated that it would take him a century before he was able to compete against the conglomerates. But with new competition, new blood challenging him for the top spot, he'd be galvanized to finally improve!

Just then, his thoughts flashed back to a certain golden-haired kid.

Michael. He was the only one who could properly challenge him. The memory of his Nascent Armor being stopped by someone at the 4th stage of Body Formation was still fresh in his mind.

And somehow, that kid was able to transcend the stages of cultivation and show a strength that rivaled his. He went beyond even his own age, his face and body transforming into someone more mature and adult-like.

Just the thought of that moment made Alaric's heart beat with excitement. He could feel his mind aching for improvement.

Michael would have been a perfect partner for practice. A whetstone to sharpen his power.

However, Michael was far too young. It had been a few months since that eventful auction, so Alaric guessed that Michael had probably advanced to the 5th stage.

But knowing his penchant for surpassing people's expectations, Alaric guessed that Michael probably reached the 6th stage.

Still, it would take Michael a decade until he reached the Nascent Spirit realm if he wanted to truly build a good foundation for his Diva.

So, he wasn't a good opponent for Alaric yet.

Gabriel, on the other hand, was someone that would become the perfect stepping stone. The man was at the peak of the 9th stage, just a half-step away from the Nascent Spirit realm.

But Alaric knew. Their effective strength was actually in the Nascent Spirit realm. These geniuses from the conglomerates always had something up their sleeves, something that gave them an extreme advantage despite their lower cultivation.

If he were to rank everyone in the room, the five conglomerates stood at the top, while he was just right below them.

The only one here who he wasn't sure about was this enigmatic figure called 'Keo'.

…

…

…

"The first competition that we will be joining is the Archery competition set by the Purveiyor Tribe. Of course, to make it fair, me and the other four before you won't participate in the competitions that are below our levels.

Our companies will be sending representatives to participate on our behalf," Gabriel continued.

The competitions in New Sparta were always divided into different groups. For example, this Archery Bout was separated into two; the Lower and the Higher Division.

The Lower Division consisted of Maugnetics who were in the 1st to 5th stage of the Body Formation cultivation. Usually, this was where companies pitted their younger generations against each other.

The Higher Division, on the other hand, consisted of 6th to 9th stage Maugnetics.

This was to showcase the current and future potential of a company. Championships for both divisions were very sought after.

"That will be all," Gabriel said, bowing to everyone in the ballroom. "I wish you all goodluck. We await your ascension to the upper echelon."

Once he was done with his speech, Gabriel went back down the steps and rejoined the other conglomerate youths.

The Werewolf presenter, on the other hand, instructed everyone to have a pleasant evening before walking back to the dark wall behind him. Then, the curtains descended down from the ceiling as he left.

Of course, the rest of the Soiree was no mere pleasant evening. It was very eventful, to say the least.

Gabriel's announcement was a catalyst for everyone in the ballroom to start networking with each other.

There were all sorts of alliances being made at the same time in the hopes that they could empower themselves before the eventual Archery Competition commenced.

They didn't have much time though. After all, tomorrow was the official start of the competition. The only thing that they could do today was to make some trades about equipment, armors, and weapons.

Michael had no need for any of those, so he just kept to his seat, entertaining Yuna.

She was quite…tender, today. The entire time that Michael was engrossed in the announcements, he would see Yuna staring at him from the corner of his eyes.

She had her elbow on the table, her hand supporting her tilted head.

Then, she would just look at him.

Michael wasn't used to this at all, making him feel awkward.

"Ummm… is there something wrong with my face?" he asked her.

She shook her head, chuckling as she did so. "Yep. You're wearing a mask, dummy."

"Oh…"

She sighed, keeping her gaze staring right at his eyes beyond the mask. Then, she laid her head on her arm on the table. "I wish I could see your face right now."

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