Time passed second by second.

He glanced at the clock; it was 6:41 PM.

There were less than twenty minutes left until the opening of the Continental Martial Arts Competition's final night, which meant that within the Imperial Arena, the aristocrats, royal relatives, and that man from Aran were starting to enter successively.

The exclusive train of the Eternal Sect forged ahead relentlessly. With less than 400 kilometers remaining to the final stop, the Imperial Capital West District Inspection Station, the sound of the engine and wheels echoed like incessant magical ringing in his head.

The giant celestial bodies in the sky were crystal clear, even though it was not fully night, the splendid starry river was already taking shape. Around this time every year, at around nine o'clock, there would be a spectacular astronomical scene, with constellations moving rapidly across the sky from unfathomable distances.

The tracks extending toward the First World Royal Capital gradually levelled the surrounding hilly areas, with the terrain growing ever flatter. Lush vegetation and clear rivers converged, and the towns along the way enjoyed the industrial benefits brought about by the Empire's demand for food and goods. The undulating red-tiled buildings lit up with lights.

Mika's body swayed gently with the carriage, and he was mentally tense. Being an Aran, he had spent the first half of his life in Chenxi Port without moving. Watching the increasingly prosperous surroundings made him anxious.

He even regretted accepting Shadi's outrageous proposal; as the time drew nearer, he felt a true sense of gut-wrenching anxiety.

Who am I to play this game with the Emperor, switching from carrot to stick?

Tonight, Alicia's authenticity would be determined. Would Liszt become an Aran hero, celebrated and forgiven, or would his past actions lead to an uprising reminiscent of the Northern Prison, unable to quell public outrage?

No one could say yet; it was truly terrifying.

As the train controlled its speed, considering the distance from the inspection station to the arena, Mika aimed to arrive precisely at the time of the final showdown of the semifinals.

The fathomless anxiety and darkness twisted around Mika's neck like a serpent, yet there were still two hours until he could meet his ultimate dream lover. By then, the performance would end, and he would meet her in the backstage resting area.

This could be called the ultimate breath-holding gameplay of the Continental Martial Arts Competition's ultimate busting showdown! The fear was real, yet the anticipation was exhilarating, leaving Mika's emotions incredibly conflicted.

"Where are you now?"

The Sound Transmission Crystal transmitted a message from the Aran Imperial City Great Church; the task tonight involved making a crucial move on the Emperor, and the process needed to be flawless.

Differing from cheap radio, this ancient Magic Energy Industry creation cost a Golden Dragon per transmission. Of course, the wealthy sect paid no heed to such expenses.

Mika used this to convey his request to meet Qili. Truly, the T0 religion of the Western Continent handled it without concern.

As a believer who survived a dragon-slaying blood battle and returned with spoils, he had free reign to do as he pleased; the Evgeny Consortium dared not utter a word, and their top broker could only be an impotent husband in the eyes of the sect.

"Currently positioned at Kingsley Town, with approximately two hours to reach the Royal Capital, encountered no danger on the way. I understand the urgency of time, but I guarantee to deliver the items before the champion is crowned."

Mika looked at the wax-sealed coffin, fearing a mid-journey inspection, hence sealed it, claiming that the dragon corpse was special and needed containment to prevent losing its essence.

Marcus at the previous station had also dealt with the Enchanting Demon; he merely came to prevent the sect from leaking news of the Demon Clan within, lest a world war breaks out tonight.

As for the rest, it mattered little to Marcus, who seemed to carry a mission beyond normal understanding.

Mika dared only to deliver at the very last minute; otherwise, getting caught by the sect could mean his end.

"Alright, when you cross the border, the garrison has reported the intelligence to the Military Department. They've noticed we are transporting something against their interests. However, the Pope's personal decree already arranged for a squad of Great Church Holy Knights to respond at the West District Inspection Station. Ensure the mission's success, over."

The crystal dimmed, ending the transmission.

Mika took a deep breath to calm himself; the Holy Knights were being mobilized, and as the key figure in this deceitful mission, he wondered how he'd be dealt with if exposed.

But there was no turning back now; perhaps elope with Qili directly.

After Zote's death, he left some valuable gear; the Nameless Great Saber and Ten Directions Great Destruction were shattered, yet still had research value, collected by Fen.

This time, General Fen finally handled something not quite specialized, though he was indeed knowledgeable. He could construct armor, but was far from a master builder.

These builders were heavily protected and restricted in their activities to prevent being targeted and killed by enemy spies.

However, Zote left something complete: a Bone Flute. Before departing, Fen gave it to Mika as a last resort for escape.

The value of this Bone Flute was incredibly terrifying; Fen estimated its black market price at no less than ten thousand. It could summon Bone-winged Flying Bats, a Summoning Magic Prop remaining from the Ancient Era.

Due to the extreme rarity, or near extinction, of such creatures, the summoned bats were not living but undead creations, sealed within the flute.

Liszt understood manipulation, repeatedly cautioning Mika to find opportunity mid-journey if things go wrong, tossing Zote's coffin anywhere, and reminding him that Qili was just a woman.

The second quarter's financial report still showed a loss, but by the third quarter, at the end of December, Mika, as one of the founding shareholders, would become a god of wealth, with great chaos in the Narrow Sea.

No need to hang himself on one tree.

Mika tightly grasped the Bone Flute; Qili held a special meaning for him. Since becoming a pirate, he hadn't recorded until a few years ago when Qili became a huge star.

Seeing those promotional papers and the adventurer's guild intelligence manual, he unusually recorded one.

This was the light of salvation in the abyss! The ultimate goddess that dimmed all dream lovers! He had to proceed!

Mika checked the time on the clock; it was 6:45. With 15 minutes left until the final began, the Imperial Arena's backstage was likely very lively already.

Competitors, performers, and various activities were unfolding intensely.

Due to the initial application of wireless technology in Aran's prosperous cities, on the final night, some media news outlets kept pace.

The official channel hadn't started yet; it would broadcast the live site at exactly 7 PM.

Other news channels had already begun warming up, airing interviews with top sixteen competitors during the day, and various news highlights.

And analysis of all contestants, popular champion picks.

To ease his anxious mood, Mika had no choice but to listen to these channels to relieve the pressure.

Damn, damn, damn...

Could it really succeed?

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